Manchester City have today continued their impressive start to the season by beating Newcastle 3-1 at Eastlands. Many people, including myself, taught this was a nailed on draw but an impressive Man City outfit convincingly saw off Sam Allardyce's men. The game began, with both sides creating early chances, first when City striker Emile Mpenza forced an error out of Newcastle keeper Shay Given, but unfortunately for Mpenza nothing came of it. Then Newcastle's Mark Viduka had a decent shot saved by City keeper Joe Hart who managed to parry out for a corner.City could of taken the lead soon after, when man of the match, Elano forced a magnificent save from Given after a terrific volley. Newcastle took the lead on 29 minutes when Newcastle captain Geremi, flighted a lovely ball towards Martins who Cooley controlled and finished past the on-rushing Hart. Hart was nearly embarrassed moments after when he took a terrible touch that almost went in over his own line, but a slightly red faced Hart managed to clear just in time.
City equalised on 39 minutes when Elano played a sumptuous ball over the Newcastle defence for Ireland and he ran towards the by-line a played a lovely ball to Petrov who Cooley finished. City nearly went into the break in front but Ireland failed to put the ball past international colleague Given and so the sides went in 1-1 at the break. Almost immediately after the interval City took the lead. This came after some sloppy play from Newcastle allowed Petrov to run down the left flank and he put in a terrific ball for Mpenza, who headed in well.
It was almost 3-1 soon after when City's two central defenders wen on mad runs but unfortunately for them, Richards feel at the vital moment. But City did wrap up the win with three minutes to go when Nicky Butt gave away a needless free-kick, about 25 yards out, and Elano simply unleashed a rocket that flew into Given's top corner. He was then taken off to a rapturous reception and City closed out a magnificent win.
Overall City were the better side and were full value for their 3-1 win although at 2-1 they were a little edgy at times. The performances of both Petrov and Elano were second to none. Sven Goran Eriksson may just of pulled off two of the deals of the season in Elano and Petrov. I wasn't at all surprised that Sven dropped Kasper Schmeichal today because he has looked a little inexperienced so far this season and I tought Hart did a good job in the City goal. It was very funny to hear the City fans chanting to Joey Barton (formally of City) , "Joey whats the score, Joey, Joey whats the score".
