Newcastle 0 – 2 MAN CITY – MY THOUGHTS
31 Oct
Soporific but successful. It may have been one of the most dire and instantly forgettable games of football in a long time, but that’s all secondary to the result and while City’s progression to the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup wasn’t exactly the most pulsating of encounters, the objective was achieved.
This competition is the lowest of our priorities this season and that was reflected, not just in the team selection, but also in the lethargic and insipid display, but two goals secured our place in the next round. Leicester await and while they’re flying high domestically in the Championship, the tie offers a very real chance of advancing to the semi-finals and that’s nothing to be sniffed at.
Up until David Silva’s introduction midway through the second half, last night’s fixture was drained of quality and control. The Spanish magician transformed what had been a painfully boring battle into a slightly more intriguing one, and it was no surprise that he was heavily involved in both goals. Whereas others were rusty and laboured, he was a class or two above, comfortable with the ball, orchestrating attacks and teasing Newcastle’s backline with his touch and vision.
At the back, Dedryck Boyata and Joleon Lescott both produced solid displays, coping well with the home side’s aerial bombardment. Their performances, those of natural defenders with natural defensive instincts, again begs the question as to why Manuel Pellegrini has opted to deploy Javi Garcia at centre-back this season. Boyata may have been forgotten a touch after a couple of poor loan moves, and Lescott may be left-footed and uncomfortable in possession, but they anticipate danger, are physically imposing and the overlooking of them remains confusing.
Behind them was the intimidating frame of Costel Pantilimon and with much attention focused on him, his was a reassuring and authoritative display. We’ll have to wait until Saturday to find out who the manager selects to face Norwich, but the Romanian couldn’t have done much more last night to enhance his claims. He saved well from Papiss Cissé in extra-time when the scores were level, his handling was safe throughout and he was a commanding presence in net. Joe Hart is clearly the better goalkeeper but at the moment, Pantilimon would seem to be the safer bet. It’s a tricky decision for Pellegrini.
As for our oft-criticised away form, last night’s triumph makes it three wins and a (self-inflicted) defeat from the past four matches, all on the road. It may not always be pretty but we’re just about getting the job done. And that’s a promising sign for when we do click.
First 70 mins atrocious. Worst I’ve seen for a while. Duller than dishwater.
Silva comes on and hey presto. Apart from a good spell when HBA and Cabaye came on he ran the show.
Dzeko – woeful. Awful touch and sulked. Then he produces a skilful assist and caps off a great move by scoring. Enigma.
Milner – evidence that CM is his position. A real driving force and a great shot. Can stick his foot in too. Should be in the side ahead of Garcia.
Pantilimon – couldn’t have had a better audition. My MOM for the calmness he excludes; domination of the box; handling of crosses and, importantly in the modern game, distribution with both hans and feet. Should start next game please.
Navas – so one footed it’s unreal. Not sure what we’ve signed.
Boyata – great stuff. Dominant in the air towards the end.
Jovetic – have we signed another Rodwell?!?!
Totally agree with you Crispy that James Milner should be in CM to partner Yaya. Far better than Fernandinho and works his F’ing socks off! He was brilliant last night. Yet we all know Pelle will put Ferni or the woeful Garcia ahead of him. That, for me, is poor management. JM will give us the bite in the middle that we’ve so lacked since we got rid of De Jong.
Whole I agree that Garcia can be hugely frustrating in midfield, Fernandinho has been outstanding recently. The fact that you see Milner huffing and puffing more and making more sliding tackles does not make him a better player.
Fernandinho’s ability to read the game and skilfully, quickly move the Ball forward has been a huge influence on our recent improvements!
Agree with Crispy and Gary. Fortunately Garcia is out for the Norwich game – a blessing in disguise. The guy is not just frustrating he is woeful! Little wonder both Real and Benfica got rid of him. Not sure what improvements you are talking about Kev – do you mean Chelsea game or Villa? However, I think Fern. is improving (not outstanding) as his fitness improves and I would like to see him play alongside Milner. Milner linked up really well with Navas and Silva when he came on and combined well with Silva to set up the last goal. Boyata and Lescott both grew in confidence as the game went on and Lescott looked a much better defender than Nasty this season.
Nothing to do with Milner “huffing and puffing” – he is good on the ball; very good technically; strong shot from either foot; can spot a pass and covers so much ground. Essentially all the things that Garcia isn’t. I find it a shame he gets stuck on the flanks (when he plays) and feel he would be better off at another club.