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Manchester City 1-0 Rams - Full report
Manchester City 1-0 Rams - Full report
Thursday, 16th Aug 2007 13:39

Outside of the boot, a blue stripe spins, the ball curves beautifully, Bywater beaten, a perfect strike by Michael Johnson.

Man City’s first home goal for seven months, It’s a cracker as the Rams effort and perspiration is undone.

Eastlands, impressive, a curved roof rotates like the track of a roller coaster, it’s a dizzying sight.

Derby, all yellow, Adidas and Ram centrally mounted, get the game underway. A 4-5-1 formation outlines the intent. It’s intent that works as the Rams have the better of the early play Howard and Fagan failing to capitalise on half chances.

Sky blue shirts pass and move with mercurial precision but create little around the box. Derby defend well with Mears exceptional before Michael Johnson is given space and blasts over the bar, a warning.

A free kick on the edge of the home teams box is squandered likewise, the Rams lack inspiration and creativity.

Mears attempts a clearance in the penalty area, a diving header. But like a number eleven batsman the flight of the ball deceives, Tye leaps on the ball as it hits the grass. Shouts for a penalty ignored by ref L Mason and the ball is cleared.

Pearson ineffective on the left, moves infield switching places with Jones, a move which almost pays instant dividends, the ex-Celtic midfielder through on goal, a challenge, he stays upright but can’t squeeze the ball past Schmeichel.

It not a problem Johnson has, exchanging a pass with Elano, the youngster exploits space. Davis moves the wrong way and Griffin is marooned. Bywater, a massive goal behind him, crouches. Johnson, exquisite skill, powers the ball off the outside of his boot and the ball arches into the top corner of the net leaving the exposed keeper with no chance.

Two minutes to half time and the competition is over.

Jones lightweight is replaced at the turnround by Teale and Fagan moves to the left.

Earnshaw replaces Fagan but the Rams tire and as they tire the football becomes tattered and long ball clearances are the order of the day. Closing down is erratic and error prone and City have chances to increase their lead.

Derby still threaten from corners and the occasional getting to the by line. Last season we would have scored a late equaliser or even a winner, this year the standard is higher and we haven’t yet adjusted.

Last ditched defending sees Mears and Bywater crunch into each other, the full back clearly coming off the worse and limping through to the end of the game as the Rams had already used their third substitute when Todd was replaced by McEveley.

Final score: Manchester City 1-0 Derby County



Players:-

Bywater 7 - Did what was expected of him, no chance with the goal.
Mears 9 - Timed his tackles to perfection and got forward well. My Man Of the match.
Moore 7 - Spoken to for holding but a man mountain not yet exposed for pace.
Davis 7 - Became ragged in the second half, positioning will improve with a regular settled defence.
Griffin 5 - The weakest of the back four, but despite dodgy distribution kept trying to the end. To early to judge whether he is capable of performing consistently at this level.
Fagan 7 - A willingness to work, harry and chase evident.
Oakley 8 - Yet another good game in the centre of midfield, good distribution and work ethic.
Jones 5 - Despite hitting the post, the game largely passed Jones by. He needs to impose himself more.
Todd 6 - Caught out by the speed of thought of the home sides passing and left chasing shadows.
Pearson 6 - Better in the centre than wide left, struggling a little at present in the higher quality of the Premier League.
Howard 7 - Gave everything in the air. Often marked by two, needs better support.

Subs:-
Teale 6 - Created one chance, the feeling of being shortchanged though is one that refuses to go away.
Earnshaw 4 - On this performance if Howard needs service then Earnshaw needs “Silver Service” ‘nuff said.
McEveley 5 - Played out of position.

Referee:-
L Mason 8 - An excellent game, free flowing and sensibly was slow to dish out the cards, not helped by his flag happy assistants at times.

Attendance: 43,620.

View:-
Away fans seating enclosure row V directly next to the South Stand standing enclosure. Perfect view, good stewarding, and personable perishers serving refreshments, first match of the season I know but still a pleasure to visit.

Photo: Action Images



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