Blackburn 0 – 4 MAN CITY – MY THOUGHTS
2 Oct
After the travails of the past few days, it was the result we needed. For the next couple of weeks, as internationals take over from domestic matters, this game may take away some focus from the Carlos Tévez debacle. It was a completely deserved three points, secured by a quartet of second half goals and despite being frustrated for almost an hour, it was a performance that highlighted the character and belief in our squad.
Heading into an international break, it was important to regain confidence and, with all due respect to Blackburn, this was the perfect game. The home side offered so little offensively it was a matter of how long they could resist our advances and as it happened, they held out for quite some time.
That in itself, I felt, was down to our inability to move the ball quickly rather than their defensive organisation, and although we won easily in the end, we shouldn’t gloss over the first half. It’s a common criticism that we play at too slow a tempo on occasions and unfortunately, that was the case again yesterday. With Blackburn content to leave Yakubu on his own upfront and pack the midfield, we needed to show intent and urgency. Only James Milner and Mario Balotelli offered that in the initial stages.
We weren’t helped, of course, by an injury to Sergio Aguero but, perversely, that possibly aided us as it allowed Balotelli to move into a more central position and enabled Samir Nasri, Aguero’s replacement, to operate from the left. Those two were our best performers as we upped the tempo and started to play as we have done previously this season.
Balotelli’s display was especially pleasing, showing as he did his natural goalscorer’s instinct, combined with an improved work ethic and more mature approach. He came close on a couple of occasions with long range efforts and hit the post before his poacher’s finish, nipping ahead of a Blackburn defender at the front post to extend the advantage Adam Johnson had given us. If Balotelli can maintain this level of performance, he will be a huge asset. That, however, is a big ‘if’!
One player who disappointed me, and I know it may seem harsh given he scored such a wonderful goal, was Adam Johnson. Yes, it was a crucial strike, but his overall display was, as per usual when he starts, underwhelming. I’m struggling to think of a single occasion he successfully took on his fullback and although I want him to do well, over the past eighteen months or so, he hasn’t kicked on and remains better used from the bench. If he knuckles down and cuts out his big-time attitude, he may well become a top player. At the moment, he’s nowhere near that level.
Opposition View: Blackburn, every bit as unambitious as Everton last weekend, were desperately poor. They offered nothing in attack and only Junior Hoilett had any purpose about him, causing Pablo Zabaleta a few problems down our right. With the majority of fans having turned against manager Steve Kean, it promises to be a tough season for them.
As for City, we head into the international break having regained some of our momentum. The next week or so will be dominated by talk of Carlos Tévez, but hopefully this result will highlight how the players have moved on.
Couldn’t agree more that Blackburn were desperately poor, and that Balotelli’s performance was pleasing. We did well to get such an emphatic result away from home, but we mustn’t get carried away – we have very tough opponents yet to play.
I was actually thinking the same about Johnson and then he pops up and scores a wonderful goal but if City want to push on to the next level they can ill afford any passengers, Johnson needs to up his game.
Adam Johnson will grow no more than an impact sub player. Mancini has been rightly after Alessio Cerci to have a decent winger. Except the goal, Johnson was not part of the play.
Mario is stepping up considering Tevez ‘s end at the club is very near. His touch and movement are really good and if he continues like this, we have a world class player at our disposal
You are absolutely spot on that our team starts in low tempo and apply no pressure to the opposition which is going to cause problems when faced against Chelsea/United.
Let’s hope we can carry this all the way to the end of season.
I personally think if we were to go after a winger hoillet would be a good bet, he’s young, can operate on both wings and im sure he wouldnt be too expensive.
Hey View From A Blue, just wondering if A.J completed a pass in this game? He loves himself too
I agree with the comments regarding AJ’s play, but I’m interested as to why people attribute it to arrogance. I had always assumed he wasn’t confident enough. What are the signs that he has an elevated self worth?
love this blog and totally agree with your points of view