This is City

Sunderland 2 – 1 Man City

MANCHESTER City are top of the league. I know it’s only after three games and by the close of play tonight we could have been knocked off, but it’s good to be able to write it.

A 2 – 1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light last night saw our unbeaten run stretch to 11 games and confirmed it as out best run since 1977.

Birmingham City 1 - 2 Man City

A CRACKING half-volley cross shot from Andy Cole secured the Blues a valuable victory over Birmingham City.

Despite falling behind to an early goal from Birmingham’s Nicky Butt, Man City looked dangerous in attack and were soon back on level terms 20 minutes into the game.

Man City 0 – 0 West Brom

THE first game of the season turned into a stalemate between two teams who had their goalkeepers to thank for a share of the points.

West Brom’s Chris Kirkland pulled off a number of fine saves, including a one-on-one against Joey Barton.

But equally David James had to fling his leg out as Baggies’ striker Kevin Campbell bore down on goal to deflect his shot over the bar.

The opening twenty minutes saw City work there way down both wings with left sided midfielder Kiki Musampa looking busy and ever eager to take on the opposition’s fullback.

Despite all the talk that Richard Dunne had made a miraculous recovery from a broken toe he didn’t even make the squad so the City back four was an interesting mix.

Danny Mills played right-back, with Jordan and Sommeil in the middle, with Thatcher on the left – they never really looked composed throughout the game and I think if we had come up against a more potent attack we would have struggled.

As the first half wore on both teams failed to carve out any chances until with ten minutes to go West Brom midfielder Zolten Gera flashed a free header wide of the post.

The second half opened with the chance for Campbell but ultimately the Baggies seemed happy with their point, and despite a flashpoint when City thought the referee should have played an advantage, really only Barton’s break into the box threatened the goal.

In his after match comments Stuart Pearce said he believed City had to win these kind of games at home, but West Brom boss Bryan Robson was happy with his side’s defensive performance.

Teams:
Man City:
James (7, did his job when required)
Sommeil (6, still shaky have little confidence in him)
Thatcher (7, solid good battle with Gera)
Mills (6, too one paced and hot headed)
Jordan (7, settled into centre half)
Sinclair (7, another who did his job)
Barton (8, busy and covered plenty of ground)
Reyna (7, solid just wish he'd get hold of a game sometimes)
Musampa (8, handful in first half, but little in second as Thatcher sat back)
Cole (7, great touches and plays with his brain)
Vassell (7, him and Cole may just work)
Subs:
Wright-Phillips for Vassell 70min, (7, little against tight Baggies defence)
Croft for Sinclair 85min, (not enough time)
Sibierski 90min, (not enough time)
Subs Not Used:
Onuoha, Jihai.

West Brom: Kirkland, Albrechtsen, Gaardsoe, Clement, Robinson, Greening (Watson 80), Wallwork (Chaplow 90), Inamoto, Gera, Campbell, Kanu (Kamara 60).
Subs Not Used: Earnshaw, Kuszczak.

Att: 42,983. Ref: C Foy.