MAN CITY 4 – 1 Tottenham – MY THOUGHTS
19 Oct
This was football as it should be played. There was plenty of drama, action and excitement. Above all, it was entertaining. For the neutral, I imagine it must have been a pulsating game to watch: five goals, four penalties, a red card and two teams whose only intention was to pour forward and create chances. Fortunately for City, they had one of the world’s best strikers in his most aggressive and hungry moods to decide the outcome.
On days like yesterday, Sergio Aguero is irresistible. It is possible, generally speaking, to tell from the opening moments of a match whether the Argentine is going to have a special day. There are often games when he doesn’t play particularly well, but because of his composure in front of goal he finds himself on the scoresheet, yet there are also matches when he stars, not just with his finishing but with his desire and determination. Saturday was one of those occasions.
We all know about his turn of pace, dribbling skills and ability to burst over the top and stretch games, but when he combines all of those elements, and adds in a tireless work ethic and insatiable appetite for goals, he is simply magnificent to watch. A nightmare for defenders as he swarms all over them, he must be a treat to play alongside as he always provides an option, either dropping short to link play or racing down the channels to isolate himself against an opponent. He can, occasionally, appear a subdued figure when things don’t go his way, but as demonstrated against Tottenham, when he is in the mood, he can win games single-handedly.
Well, not quite single-handedly. It might seem odd to say this, but in a game in which City scored four, should have added more and the scoreline suggests a comfortable thumping, the Blues’ second best player was Joe Hart. Aguero, understandably, has grabbed the headlines, but Hart’s save early on to deny Ryan Mason, quickly off his line and then spreading himself well, was vital. Then came his penalty stop to prevent Roberto Soldado from leveling. And then he thwarted the Spaniard again just afterwards. This was Hart back to his authoritative, commanding best and, strange though it may appear, it was needed.
As alluded to, this was a somewhat odd encounter. City included an extra midfielder and played Fernando is his holding midfield role, yet looked vulnerable every time Tottenham picked up the ball. Aguero scored four, but missed a penalty and another simple chance. Jesus Navas was a constant menace until he had to deliver into the box. Bacary Sagna was excellent at the back, but contributed nothing going forward. City were dynamic in the final third, but then culpable of wanting too much time on the ball at the back. It was both a brilliant and error-strewn game.
And yet, perhaps the most positive aspect is that despite not being at their best and despite City’s most influential player, David Silva, having an off-day and despite making changes to the side with Tuesday’s Champions League encounter in mind, this was a resounding victory over a very capable outfit. City have yet to properly click this season, but when they can look as dangerous as they did yesterday when still searching for fluency, the prospect of a fully-firing City it is a tantalising one indeed.
An excellent report.
I’d pick Hart as MOTM. Had the Spurs levelled, the final outcome may not have been the same. In any case, Aguero was simply class! Wonderful
Hart’s performance was great, but I’m concerned about how much better he is at getting down to his right than he is his left
I think i get ur point. Given the goal he let in vs Stoke and this against Spurs, it does appear he is weaker on the left. Well, let us wish it is not the case.
Hey guys, I was wondering if you can comment on Tottenhams performance yesterday from your point of view? I am a Tottenham fan and I thought the game was much closer than the scoreline displays.
) Cheers
A lot of individual mistakes from both teams. City deserved the win but Chelsea would have beaten both teams yesterday. Fernando was rusty but looks a promising player
Fair enough comments. A thoroughly entertaining game featuring a world class finisher and packed full of incident. An excellent advertisement for our game. However, as a City supporter I have to be honest and say that I have never seen our defence so nervous for a long time, panicking and diving in unnecessarily. The midfield, once Lampard had departed resembled headless chickens and Navas, yes, the delivery was poor and he is beginning to look like some one trick pony. Glichy too got into many crossing positions but hit high balls into the box when there was only Sergio there. Totally pointless. Hart, Milner and of course Aguero were all superb.
Spot on. I do agree with every single word.
Not spot on for me. You agree the midfield were like headless chickens? Cliche played several high balls with only Aguero in the box?
We need to work harder in the middle very sloppy in there..against “passing teams” we get run over way to easy, we must work as a unit’ a really good read in the guardian by jamie Jackson, the comments are worth a look. Be good all.✌