Premier League summit chase: Manchester City thwarted by Everton
Manchester City had the chance to make the foray forward into territory that has been unchartered for them for a long long time; territory that is the top of the Barclays Premier League. Manchester City haven’t seen themselves as the league leaders for a
substantial amount of time, and they could’ve gone into the Christmas period as leaders for the first time in 81 years, if they had managed to win against Everton.
Manchester City and The City Of Manchester Stadium somehow managed to avoid the perils of the current blizzard plying its trade in Britain, and managed to stage their game even though seven games in the Premier league had been postponed over the past two
days. And this was a pretty beneficial situation for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mancini-c23323, as they could’ve capitalised on the other team's snowy misfortunes to leapfrog into top spot. But as fate would have it, their plan couldn’t come to fruition.
Mancini put out a strong side for this one, welcoming back Carlos Tevez as he dubiously retracted a transfer request. Tevez, also the captain, was paired in attack by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/James-Milner-c17706,
and the steely attributes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pablo-Zabaleta-c29022, and Aleksander Kolarov.
Everton started with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Leighton-Baines-c21987 started at the back.
The match couldn’t have gotten off to a better start for Everton. They found the back of the net just 3 minutes into the game. Seamus Coleman lobbed a cross in from the by-line into the box and only from six yards out, Cahill was never going to miss. He
continued his fine goal scoring record against City. Then in the 19th minute Baines combined with Anichebe on the wing before playing a clever one two with Cahill and providing a clinical finish into the far corner of the net. Precision and composure
isn’t something too often associated with Everton, but this goal had everything. Team build up play; follow up run and an emphatic end to it.
The break saw Everton go into the dressing room with a 2-0 lead. After the break, Manchester City put their foot down and took the game to the visitors. But the defending displayed by Everton was admirable to say the least. They looked solid throughout.
And Anichebe duly provided City with a glimmer of hope when he unnecessarily tackled Zabaleta to force the referee's hand and get himself sent off with his second yellow in five minutes. It was a blow to Everton who now had to hold onto the game with only
ten men against a full on City attack.
City did get one back when Yaya Toure’s powerful shot was deflected into the goal by Phil Jagielka. It was highly unfortunate for the defender who had a great game, and this provided the one blemish on his game analysis.
But that was all they could muster, and Kolo Toure got sent off for City in extra time. Toure received two yellow cards in the space of as many minutes in extra time to get his marching orders for two rash challenges. But the game had already gone for City.
Its premature to imply that City belong in the elite droop of Premier League teams even though this season, they have managed to stay up with the best, currently lying in third and ahead of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786. But this match highlighted the naivety the team has, and
the lack of genuine understanding between the players. Which further goes on to further the notion that only money can’t buy success?
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