man city v chelsea 12/09

A wonderful performance by City after going behind to an early own goal. With rain pouring down City really got to grips with Chelsea and gave as good as they got. The second half was like going back in time. The City defence were just magnificent today and Given even saved a penalty. Chelsea were lucky to go ahead when referee webb gave a corner when it should have been a goal kick. From the corner Given saved but the ball hit Adebayor and rolled over the line. Chelsea were then in control and we held our breathe for a while. Just before half time Adebayor equalized and honours were even at half time. Then City had a good spell and Chelsea began to get rattled - six of their players getting yellow cards. It was a wonderful team display with everybody doing their bit. It was probably the best display by City at the new stadium. If this form is kept up then a top four place is certainly a possibility. The win against Arsenal raised the confidence and now this win against leaders Chelsea will give both supporters and players a tremendous boost. On the negative side was the loss of both fullbacks to injury. Richards was having one of his best games for the club and Bridge too had improved a lot recently so I hope their injuries do not keep them out of the team too long. Overall a cracking open game with both teams playing to win. The Premiership at its best.

We had the 'blue moon experience ' again and as it is bringing us rewarding wins now doubt it should continue

City made 2 changes Robinho and De Jong coming in for the injured Bellamy and Ireland.

Tevez soon had the better of Terry and forced a corner which was cleared by the Chelsea captain

Robinho was next to attack down the left flank before he was upended by Ivanovic ( the first of many fouls by him). Tevez took the kick and pushed the ball aside for........

..... De Jong to have a go - but his shot went wide - City appealing for a corner

The ever dangerous Drogba was soon in action and Given made a good stop after just six minutes play

A minute later and referee Webb gave a corner when it should have been a goal kick. In came the corner which was cleared at first ..........

..... but back came the ball which shot backwards and forwards like a pin-ball machine before finally ......

... ending up in the City net off the back of Adebayor!
A bizarre lucky start for Chelsea

All eyes on the ball as Chelsea try to clear a corner

Robinho was troubling the Chelsea defence on the left wing whilst SWP was doing the same on the right flank

While Robinho explains to the ref the difference between a corner and a goal-kick - Ivanovic commits another foul and gets a talking too by the referee

A Barry cross fails to reach a colleague

A cross by Wright-Phillips is saved by Cech

Adebayor was having a better game today

The Chelsea goal under pressure again

A foul on De Jong fails to get agreement by Drogba who is eagerly discussing Tiger Woods' handicap with the referee!

Drogba is still unhappy - poor soul!

The Chelsea goal still under pressure

Richards again pressurizing Cech

Cech goes to punch clear but the header by Richards....

.....sails towards the empty goal but Carvalho manages to head the ball away for a corner

Minutes later justice was done. The ensuing corner was punched clear by Cech straight to SWP.......

...who banged the ball straight back into the penalty area.....

...where it was turned past the keeper by Adebayor for the equalizing goal. He had now scored at both ends!

So on 36 minutes it was 1-1 and how the stadium rocked in celebration.
A record crowd and record atmosphere at Eastlands

Just before half time a free kick by Drogba just went wide of the post

As the officials went off at half time both Cole and Terry had plenty to say

Oh dear Drogba is in trouble yet again!

Lescott who again was having a great match battles with Anelka

SWP and Lampard in a tussle

Chelsea Manager Ancelotti does not look a happy bunny

After 53 minutes City had a good chance. SWP had a great run down the right and he cut the ball back.....

.....only to see Ivanovic clear an Adebayor shot off the line.

Then Robinho had a chance.....

.......but his shot was saved by Cech

A vital moment came on 54 minutes. Carvalho was judged to have fouled Tevez ( foot in the back) and was booked

The referee took time in positioning the wall

..and I was glad to see City players in the wall as Tevez prepared to take the kick

Adebayor moved to the side and Tevez blasted it into the space......

.... and beyond the left hand of Cech to give City the lead . Great Stuff!

The rain sodden supporters showed their appreciation as the stadium rocked once more.
So no more of the super sub rubbish !!

City now had to defend well and here Lescott beats Anelka to the ball

A great tackle by Toure foils Cole

Terry complained that at this corner that he had been fouled by Lescott but City did suffer as Richards was injured and had to leave the field. He was replaced by Onuoha.

Man of the Match was Nigel De Jong who gave 110%. You only have to see the expression on his face to see his concentration and total commitment to realize what a tough competitor he has become

The apprehension is building on the Chelsea bench as City were in front

Onuoha was penalized for this clash with Cech

Goodness me surely the managers are not waving at each other!!

City lost their second fullback when Bridge was carried off and Barry moved to left back Kompany coming into midfield

With only 9 minutes to go Onuoha made a stupid tackle on Drogba who went into panto mode to emphasize the foul.

Alas it was an obvious penalty and we prayed for a miracle as Lampard ran up to take the kick

Given dived to his right and managed to block the shot which was soon cleared by City. Yes Given had come up trumps again. A brilliant stop

The City defence now had to hang on for the final minutes

Drogba had one last chance but put the ball wide!

City did have a final chance when Tevez broke away but he decided to shoot when SWP was a better option. Cech managed to save the shot from Tevez

Good late block by Toure and from the corner City stood firm.
From the first whistle til the final blast City had been quick to close down the Chelsea players so I hope they take this form into the matches to come and the string of draws will fade into the memory!