Manchester
City 3 Charlton Athletic 2
Feb 12th 2006 att. 41,347
City
had to make several enforced changes. With Jordan suspended and Sun failing a
test before the game Sommeil came in at left back and City gave 17 year old Micah
Richards his first home start in the Premiership at right back
City
had an early chance when Vessel's speed took him into a good position. His pass
from the line was hit by Cole but deflected by a defender for a corner
Musampa
now enjoying life in midfield tries to block a centre from Kishishev
Riera
tries to get on the score sheet but his shot is blocked and goes for a corner
James
just manages to keep the ball in the penalty area
Andy
Cole had several early attempts blocked
After
a poor display by City at Everton in their last game it was hopefully a return
to form for this Sunday evening fixture against Charlton Athletic and a chance
to complete the double over the London club after the Blues' impressive win at
Charlton 5-2 in early December. We were not be disappointed. Another good home
team performance in an open fast exciting game ensured three points and a jump
up the table into the top half. It was a poor turnout by Charlton fans ,only a
few hundred making the journey from London.
After
22 minutes City took the lead . A corner on the right taken by Joey Barton was
eventually returned to Barton and his cross was partially cleared to Dunne at
the edge of the area. He hit it first time and it zipped into the net with Myre
helpless
It
was Richard Dunne's first goal of the season and his 4th for City. The City supporters
in the stand - both standing and seated enjoyed that!
Musampa
and Sommeil, the latter playing his 50th game for the Blues tackle Smertin.
Vassell
tries to block the keepers clearance
The
Charlton goal had a narrow escape when a Musampa free-kick is pushed for a corner
by the keeper at the last moment
A
Marcus Bent shot goes wide
Young
Micah Richards was not looking out of place at right back and seemed very comfortable
on the ball
Riera
and Sommeil combine to deal with Luke Young
Particularly
in the first half Musampa was getting through a lot of work in defence and his
passing was good
A
Barton free-kick fails to add to the City score and at half time City lead 1-0
Some
youngsters try to get on the tele and are shooed away by a Sky type person!
Five
minutes into the second half Charlton scored . A great long pass inside Dunne
found Darren Bent and he lashed the ball past James to make it 1-1
City
were soon back in front. A good pass from Musampa found Vassell who passed to
Barton. Joey then made a great cross and a leaping Samaras headed his first goal
for City. He was so over joyed he didn't know which way to run-first one way ..........
.......then
the other before celebrating with his team mates. He had come on at half time
for the injured Sinclair.
Sorry about the blur - someone nearby was over enthusiastic.
After
62 minutes came the 'goal of the season'! - Musampa picked up a clearance , slipped
it to Barton who ran a few yards and from well over 30 yards out launched a missile
at the Charlton goal that flew into the net via the post and back out again ,
such was the force. What a blinder!
A
Musampa free-kick is tipped over by the keeper
Keep
on playing like that Joey and a new improved contract will be well earned. 3-1
to City.
Charlton
came back at City and reduced the arrears when a good cross was headed by Marcus
Bent past James. 3-2 for City
As
well as scoring the goal Samaras showed some nice touches but should have had
a second goal when he broke away but his final shot was very poor. He tried to
do a flashy finish instead of just placing the ball past the keeper and paid the
cost. He'll learn!
Charlton
were playing much better in the second half and City were kept busy defending
their slender lead ,Distin and Dunne having to be strong at the back.
A
Sibierski header nearly beat the Charlton keeper.
David
James makes a good save at the foot of the post in the last minute to prevent
Charlton from equalizing.
Ireland
was only on for the last ten minutes or so but showed some nice touches.
Samaras
battles it out to keep the ball near the corner flag in extra time.
Charlton
were throwing everything forward to save the game so the game was very open with
play flowing from end to end.
Joey
Barton was certainly earning his man of the match award with his goal and two
assists though Musampa too had an excellent game
It
was interesting to see Charlton leave their two fast strikers up field when defending
a corner. This meant City had to keep defenders back to mark. A tactic I have
mentioned before.
Samaras
was a constant threat and was always a threat
Team
James
7: Richards 6.5, Dunne 7.5, Distin 7.5, Sommeil 6.5: Sinclair 6 (Samaras 7) Barton
8.5 , Musampa 8, Riera 7: Cole 6.5 (Ireland 6.5) Vassell 7 (Sibierski 7)
Another
good home team performance with Barton and Musampa great in midfield. The emergence
of Micah Richards from the academy to join the others who have made the first
team is very promising for the future of the club. Just that little more Consistency
away from home could take us into the top group.
