Džeko ‘8 , Negredo 95’
Manchester City conquer an aggressive Newcastle
United
Manchester City managed to continue their good run against Newcastle
United on Sunday afternoon. Goals from Edin Džeko and Alvaro Negredo ensured a
0-2 victory which helped the blues to the top of the table.
Four changes were made to the side that thrashed West Ham United in
midweek with Hart, Kolarov, Demichelis and Fernandinho all returning.
In the first few minutes it quickly became apparent that both teams did not
want to lose. But the Blues were the better side in the opening stages and it
only took 8 minutes for the Citizens to take the lead. Silva turned away from
his opponent and gave a good pass to Aleksander Kolarov who took a good run at
the left side. Kolarov crosses with his left-foot to Džeko who shot the ball
from close range behind Tim Krul.
The goal means Džeko's fifth league goal of the season and the 93rd(!) City have scored in all competitions this
season, equalling last season’s entire total with more than
four months still to go.
 |
( Edin Džeko
celebrates his goal with Aleksander Kolarov)
|
After the 0-1 Manchester City remained the better side. They were looking for the 2nd goal. There were a couple of opportunities for Negredo, but they were all denied by the Newcastle defenders.
The Magpies fight their way back into the match and after 34 minutes they levelled the score, from a corner the ball feel to the feet of Cheick Tiote who shot through the crowded penalty area into the right corner. But when Tiote was already celebrate his goal, Micheal Jones disallowed the goal for offside. Replays proved that Yoan Gouffran was interfering with play.
After that moment both teams became more and more aggressive which resulted in yellow cards for Newcastle's Sissoko and Cabaye & Manchester City's Fernandinho and Zabaleta.
Right before half-time Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, who was already furious since the rejected goal, exchanged words with Pellegrini. When the two teams headed for the changing rooms Pardew wanted again show his displeasure. With the words: ''You're wrong!'' he announced what he thought about Micheal Jones' decisions.
After the break the game became a battle in midfield, but as the second half wore on the game went from left to right as there were chances for Negredo who headed from close range on Krul's body. Cabaye and Rémy were close for the equaliser but Joe Hart saves Manchester City two times with some perfect goalkeeping.
15 minutes before the end of the match City lost Samir Nasri to a nasty challenge from Yanga-Mbiwa. The Newcastle defender placed an awful tackle on Nasri who screamed in pain and he had to leave the pitch on a stretcher. Yanga-Mbiwa only received a yellow card, which should have been a straight red.
(Samir Nasri leaves the field on a stretcher)
The final part of the game became a fight between a team who didn't wanted to lose and a team who were looking for a second goal. Fernandinho was close to the second for the Citizens with his header on the bar and Negredo got a free opportunity for City's second but his shot was cleared of the line by a Newcastle defender.
In the fifth minute of the seven minutes of injury time (after the long-term treatment of Nasri) it was Alvaro Negredo who went 1 on 1 to the keeper, after a good pass from James Milner, and got City's second into the net.
(Alvaro Negredo celebrates his goal)
It wasn't great from both sides but Manchester City got the three points and:
WE'RE TOP OF THE LEAGUE.
Player Ratings
Joe Hart 7 - Had some fine saves to prevent a Newcastle United equaliser
Pablo Zabaleta 5.5 - Did not play well, made some mistakes and a misunderstanding with Kompany almost caused the 1-1
Vincent Kompany 7 - a couple of good tackles, also played a offensive role with some heading chances.
Martin Demichelis 7 - won his duels, solid play from the Argentinian, formed a good couple with Kompany.
Aleksandar Kolarov 9 - Man of the match, both defensively and offensively very good, assisted Džeko's goal and gave some good passes.
David Silva 7 - Was involved with almost every attack, played his own game and did that well
Fernandinho 7 - played the entire game offensively and defensively well
Yaya Touré 6.5 - Played a strong first half, especially defensively, had to be substituted after 50 minutes because of a injury.
Samir Nasri 7.5 - played very well, with a couple of great plays, had to be subtituted because of a nasty knee injury.
Edin Džeko 8 - scored the first goal, played a good game, not many mistakes, he's in shape. 
Álvaro Negredo 7.5 - Often dangerous by the goal, had many chances before he scored the goal.Substitutes
Jesús Navas 7 - Came for Džeko, often dangerous with his speed.
Garcia 5.5 - Was almost non-existent in the game.
Milner 6 - Played a descent 20 minutes, assisted Negredo's goal.
Match Stats:
Possession: Newcastle United 54% - 46% Manchester City
Shots: Newcastle United 13 - 14 Manchester City
Shots on Target: Newcastle United 5 - 6 Manchester City
Corners:Newcastle United 5 - 6 Manchester City
Fouls: Newcastle United 18 - 15 Manchester City
