Manchester
City 3 Newcastle U 0
Feb 1st 2006 att. 42,413
There
was only one topic of conversation before the game this evening. What sort of
reception would Joey Barton get after his last minute transfer request following
his refusal to accept the terms offered for a new contract. It certainly took
the limelight away from the new City signing Georgios Samaras who was in the squad
for the first time. Our visitors from Newcastle brought strong support from the
North East as one would have expected despite their teams poor form and their
thoughts regarding Graham Souness' position was soon in evidence. As it happened
a day or so after the game their wishes came true and their manager was sacked
following this comprehensive victory by City over the poorest Newcastle side I
have seen for many years. How Boumsong gets its the French side in preference
to Distin is beyond belief. Alan Shearer was virtually one his own upfront and
without Owen their attacking force did nothing to cause David James and his colleagues
any concern.
City
continued with Musampa (Ireland dropping to the bench) in midfield following his
20 minute spell against Wigan. New signing Samaras was on the bench.
Joey
Barton got some boos when the players came out for their warm-up and even more
when his name was announced at kick-off time.
After
an initial skirmish down the right wing with Trevor Sinclair in action City conceded
a free kick just outside the area but Emrie's effort sailed over the wall into
the safe hands of David James - his only save of the first half.
With
everything to prove, Joey Barton was soon in action and after a dreadful crossfield
ball from Vassell was wonderfully recovered by Sinclair - Sun and Barton interpassed
before Barton dashed down the right wing.....
.......his
cross was missed by Andy Cole but it ran through to Riera who lashed it with great
technique past Given to give City the lead after 14 minutes on the clock. It was
his first goal for the club.
It
was noticeable that several players ran to Barton who had been booed prior to
the cross to congratulate him but special thanks are due to Sinclair who rescued
a bad pass in the first place
Distin
who was at his best once more tackles Chopra
Skipper
Alan Shearer checks to see if the Newcastle injury list is going to be increased.
After
38 minutes City go further ahead. Good work by Musampa gave Vassell the chance
to chip it across to Andrew Cole who nodded it easily past Given
An
abject Scott Parker walks past the celebrating City players and the City supporters
are now pretty jubilant with a comfortable second goal.
After
a clash with Barton Boumsong has to get treatment........
.....
and Joey Barton ends up with a yellow card
While
a worried Graham Souness talks to the returning trainers.....
.....the
Newcastle supporters show their feeling about the manager and despite the freezing
temperature some them dispense with their shirts. Half time and City in the lead
two nil.
Shortly
after the interval a Barton centre or shot narrowly misses the far post with Andy
Cole desperately trying to reach the ball
A
fallen Shearer appeals for a foul -- how unusual!
City
got their third goal after 63 minutes. Cole passed to Vassell who outran and outfoxed
Boumsong before shooting past Given
The
game was now all over with Newcastle having little to offer. So we had out first
look at Samaras our new young striker who came on for Cole after 65 minutes
Would
he get a hat trick in his first outing ! Well he did in a way - his youthful exuberance
and eagerness to show what he is made of - leaving three Newcastle players wondering
what had hit them. Referee Foy using a lot of common sense had a quiet word with
him. No doubt Stuart P will be adding his.
His
height ( he's 6ft 4 in) will prove useful in set pieces
Jihai
Sun once more showed how useful he is going forward and his ability to play in
several positions helps City no end in the absence of Reyna and Mills
Joey
Barton played well both in defence and attack and was back to better form so left
the field when subbed by Richards after 78 minutes to generous applause considering
recent events
It
will take young Samaras several weeks to get used to the Premiership and unless
there are injuries I think the manager will use him as a sub for the time being.
Micah
Richards ( far right) making his first home appearance ,came on for the last 12
minutes or so and did not look too far out of place
As
extra time started David James had one last catch to make
Team
James
6.5: Sun 7, Dunne 8, Distin 7.5, Jordan 7: Sinclair 7.5, Barton 7.5, (Richards
6) Musampa 7, Riera 7.5, Cole 7.5 (Samaras 6.5), Vassell 7 (Sibierski 6)
Another
good team performance against a pretty poor Newcastle side. We should have scored
another couple of goals against this poor visiting defence and the City back four
were able to easily contain the Newcastle attack such as it was. Headline maker
(for the wrong reasons) Barton ended up with cheers rather than jeers and there
were home debuts for 17 year old Richards and new signing Samaras