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Archive for January, 2010

Fans looking forward to see former Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira in action were disappointed as the Manchester City midfielder was declared not fit enough to start the Monday night tie against Blackburn at the City of Manchester Stadium. Nigel de Jong and Gareth Barry played in the centre of the park for City. City chose to start with Bellamy and Petrov on the wings while Tevez partnered Benjani up front. An injury during the warm up for South African striker Benni McCarthy ensured that Blackburn started the game with di Santo up front with David Dunn playing in the hole just behind him.

City started very strongly and took the lead in the 7th minute when Tevez poached a goal after Benjani had scuffed his shot following a Petrov corner. The game meandered till the 40th minute with City having most of the possession. Then, Micah Richards made a Jarziniho-like run from the heart of City’s defence and beat five opponents before squaring the ball to Benjani. His shot rebounded off the woodwork and was tapped in by Micah who had continued his run. City
went into the lemon break two goals to the good.

At the break, Big Sam replaced di Santo with Kalinic and Andrews with Hoilett. But it was to no avail as City scored a third within four minutes of the restart – Tevez scoring with a controlled hit from outside the box. City then grew a bit complacent and allowed Blackburn to come back. Sloppy defending by Shay Given and Vincent Kompany allowed Morten Gamst Pedersen to score with a curling shot City held on against a spell of sustained pressure from Blackburn and killed of the game in the 88th minute when Carlos Tevez scored his third goal of the game and the fourth for City. The game ended Manchester City 4 -1 Blackburn.

Earlier on Saturday, both Arsenal and Manchester United were held to draws by Everton and Birmingham City respectively. Arsenal needed a 93rd minute goal by Tomas Rosicky to salvage a 2-2 draw at home against a spirited Everton side who led twice – with goals from Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar. Manchester United bombarded Birmingham City but were unable to breach their defence. Cameron Jerome scored for the Blues against the run of play but an own goal by Scott Dann earned United a vital point.