Man City v Wigan March 2010

This was a strange game. It was really the Tevez Show versus Wigan as he played 110 percent throughout the game and scored a hat trick. After the poor City showing against Everton I was expecting a positive reaction from the home team but the first 60 minutes could have ended with Wigan being a goal up! We made few chances and it wasn't until Caldwell was sent off for a foul on Tevez that City really came alive and Carlos scored three times in 12 minutes reaching his 25th this season in all games. I
think Mancini took a chance in bringing in Viera for a full game in place of Barry but the latter was badly in need of a rest. Viera is but a shadow of his former self and needs De Jong to do more covering as he is incapable of getting back quickly if he goes too far forward. I think Bellamy can only be used in short spells and we are going to need him in the latter part of the season. Zabaleta once more got a yellow card and will now be suspended for a couple of games missing the Burnley and Birmingham games - tactical - I wonder! We now move into 5th position and it looks like the final home fixture against Spurs is going to be the key game.

An early foul on Tevez gave City a free kick but it was cleared

We welcomed the return of Adebayor after suspension but both Barry and Bellamy were on the bench. Garrido came in at left back and Zabaleta moved to right back. Viera was in midfield.

Wigan only brought about 500 supporters so the lower section of the South Stand was filled with City supporters for once.

Considering the game was on TV there was quite a good turnout by City supporters

It was soon obvious who was going to be the danger man for City as Tevez made runs at the Wigan defence

An early chance for Adebayor was blocked

After 12 minutes City had a great chance when SWP dashed to the goal line and put back a centre for Tevez to shoot from close range but Stojkovic made a brilliant reaction save to foil the Argentinean

Stojkovic was deputizing for the absent Kirkland

The Wigan keeper was soon in action again when he had to punch clear the corner

Tevez was getting some stick and after one foul the referee spoke to the Wigan captain

City clear a Wigan attack

Rodallega had a shot saved by Given after 27 minutes

On 28 minutes Carlos Tevez shoots from the edge of the area.........

......but his effort goes just wide of the far post

Wigan manage to clear a City corner

A Wigan free kick after 33 minutes was deflected and Given had to make a good save

Yes it's Tevez down again and the referee has a word with City skipper Toure this time
- were City asking for a card perhaps?

Just before half time Tevez broke through and there were suspicions that Caldwell coming across from the right just clipped Tevez has he bore down on goal. There was no reaction from the referee

A City fails fails to get any reward and the half remains goalless

During half time supporters are introduced to award winning black labrador Treo. He had gained his award for his bomb uncovering exploits in Afghanistan

City supporters hearts rose early in the second half when a shot from Tevez rebounded off the Wigan keeper

...... but as Adebayor shoots the rebound into the goal hearts fell as we saw the linesman with his flag raised

A series showing the excellent close control of Adam Johnson near the touchline beating several Wigan players before crossing

Danger man Rodallega beats Toure before shooting wide

After 55 minutes Tevez changed direction and was fouled by Caldwell .......

Referee Attwell was nearby and immediately produced a red card for the Wigan defender. It was a big blow for Wigan

Though Wigan were now down to ten men they still put in the odd attack and Given saw a shot from Moreno just go wide

Carlos Tevez continued to run at the opposition and caused all sorts of problems.

Now it was Scharner's turn to get the Tevez treatment and he was lucky not to concede a penalty

A minute later and Tevez did a one two with Viera who put a teasing ball through and the onrushing Wigan keeper missed the ball......

..... for Tevez to walk the ball into the empty net and at last City scored!

Adebayor only played in short spells. He often wandered offside and he's someway to go to reach top form.

A cross from Garrido was touched on by Kompany and there was that man again Carlos Tevez stealing in at the far post to put City 2 up after 74 minutes. So what were we worried about!

Nine minutes later and Carlos Tevez went on a run .......

..... and finally crashed the ball past the Wigan keeper to get his hat trick. What a hero this man is!

He leaped into the crowd to celebrate with the crowd and he certainly is a Big Gun for City!
So City ended up winning 3-0 after a pretty average first half.