FEBRUARY/MARCH 2001
Manchester City v Spurs 0-1
February 10th 2001 att. 34,399
A very forgettable match in which the game was won in the last minute by a goal by Rebrov. Spurs, managed by George Graham, did little attacking and were fortunate to take the points. City once again failed at home but suffered from suspect refereeing- Huckerby being denied a goal just after half time following a corner from the right (below).
Manchester City v Southampton 0-1
March 3rd 2001 att. 33,990

Yet another miserable home defeat by a single goal.

Goater went near with this header from a Huckerby cross which Jones saved.

Though Howey and Dunne generally do well to keep the pressure off Weaver City badly need a skillful midfield general to create chances up front .

Ten minutes into the second half Wiekens failed to clear Oakley's long throw which went right into the path of Dan Petrescu who volleyed it past a helpless Weaver. (Below)

City still linger in the bottom three with yet another home defeat. There was a great welcome for ex City favourite Uwe Rosler who came on as sub for the Saints.
Manchester City v Aston Villa 1-3
March 31st 2001 att. 34,243
Little did we know what was to follow when Goater opened the scoring after eleven minutes following good work on the left by Tiatto and Whitely and poor Villa defending. It was one of the few times all season that a quick throw-out from Weaver to the unmarked Tiatto brought City a goal.

A minute later Weaver saved from Dion Dublin. The ball ricocheted up and eventually Charvet headed out straight to a Villa player.

 

 

A few passes between Hendrei and Stone later and there was Merson slotting home from close range.
Well, that lead didn't last long

 

A minute before half time and disaster struck. Under little pressure Prior turned the ball back to Weaver at the edge of the penalty area. Weaver , on being approached by Dublin lost control of the ball leaving the Villa player the easiest of chances. 1-2
Weavers form continues to deteriorate and with Royles stubborn refusal to drop him because of his past heroics its no wonder City are conceding needless goals.

After 65 minutes it was 3-1 to Villa. City's defence was caught flatfooted as Hendrie scored from the edge of the penalty area.

City's misery was complete when Tiatto was sent off for two yellow cards

Mr. Dunn did give us the odd free-kick like the one above but as you can see the Spurs players are breaking ranks already before the ball is kicked and guess what - its an indirect kick - its within the penalty area and the ref has his hand aloft - but what do the City players do - bang it directly at goal so if it had by some miracle gone in without the ball touching anything the goal would have been disallowed.
ignorance is bliss !! One wonders about match preparation !
The ball hit the wall and was not retaken !