Manchester
City v Liverpool 1-0
April 9th 2005 att 47,203
Such
was the time gap since the last home game it almost seemed like the first home
game of the season and for new manager Stuart Pearce it was his first game at
Eastlands. After two credible displays at Spurs and Charlton this game against
stiffer opposition in Liverpool would be a better indication of his potential
to continue as City manager next season. There can be no doubt as to his passion
and general attitude to the game. His experience over the years is second to none
but not all good ex England players necessarily make good managers ... an ex City
manager easily comes to mind. We were not be disappointed. After today's game
the board should have no doubt in their mind as to their decision . There will
be few in the crowd unwilling to give Stuart Pearce his chance. City at last are
playing as a TEAM in the Premiership. Sponsors Reebok and Thomas Cook will no
doubt be glad that there is now interest for the rest of the season.
Despite
the bitterly cold weather there was a full house for the visit of Liverpool who
had beaten Juventus in midweek.
There
was an extremely warm welcome for Stuart Pearce the new City manager on the occasion
of his first home game as the City boss
City
were unfortunate as early as the 4th minute when Sibierski was pulled back at
the edge of the area by Pellagrino but Old Mother Riley -yes it was him again
- would have none of it.
Stuart
Pearce was action man on the line - cajoling, motivating and occasionally castigating
his players with actions and words throughout the game. He must have been emotionally
drained at the end of the game.
Kiki
Musampa is pulled down by his dreadlocks and the ensuing freekick swung into the
area is headed down by Distin but young Liverpool keeper Scott Carson makes the
save.
David
James however makes a great double save -first blocking Biscan's shot and then
as the rebound was about to give Morrientes and LeTallec a chance to score, James
swung his foot to clear the ball to safety.
Distin
in action again this time defensively against Le Tallec who looks like losing
his shirt. Get it tucked in lad -you don't know who's watching!
Young
Stephen Jordan duels with Luis Garcia for the ball
Jamie
Carragher blocks another Sibierski effort while Mr Riley signals a six - Heh ..Freddie
Flintoff's not playing!
Reyna's
attempted cross is blocked by Warnock
After
20 minutes a Barton cross sails over Sibierski to the waiting Musampa but his
first time volley flies well wide much to the City players despair.
A
good tackle by Distin on Luis Garcia
With
Bosvelt slow to close him down Biscan prepares to shoot
Kiki
Musampa was causing some problems in the Liverpool defence with his dribbling
and was often multi-man marked.
I
cannot understand why players injured so close to the touchline have to receive
treatment on the field instead of being taken off.
Near
to half time and Fowler puts through Sibierski who is foiled by a last ditch tackle
by Warnock
A
heading duel ending in a corner for City
Just
on half time Barton - 'who was holding his own in midfield '- was cautioned for
a foul on Le Tallec who appears to be giving some sort of salute.
A
sight to behold... Richard Dunne darting down the right wing only to be foiled
by a linesman baffling decision to award a free kick against him.
A
lucky escape for Liverpool as Robbie Fowler is fouled at the edge of the area
but his fall moments later is perceived by Old Mother Riley as being a dive. As
if Robbie could ever be guilty of such a thing.
Another
lucky escape for Liverpool after 67 minutes when a cracking volley by Musampa
hits the post and goes clear
With
Liverpool on the back foot manager Benitez tries some Pearce gesticulating to
egg on his players
Gerrard
had a good chance with 8 minutes to go but his shot hits the side netting.
Kiki
Musampa is again fouled having been surrounded by six Liverpool players!
With
time ticking away Stuart Pearce calls for more action and by now he had brought
on Mills for Onuoha, Croft for Bosvelt and BWP for Sibby.
In
the final minute the goal came. Bradley Wright-Phillips passed to Croft who took
the ball down the line and put in a great cross that was met on the volley by
Kiki Musampa and the ball flew past the Liverpool keeper.
It
was a great goal and a fitting one to win the match. Kiki Musampa celebrated his
first goal for City in good style too.
I wonder whether his efforts have been
enough for Stuart Pearce to keep him on next season.
It
might have been two nil for in extra time Bradley Wright Phillips caught the Liverpool
defence napping and his shot beat Carson but also the far post to just go wide.
Not
an inspiring game but hard fought with City just about worthy winners. A good
team effort once again with a high work rate.
Team
James 7: Onuoha 6 (Mills 7), Dunne 8, Distin 8, Jordan7: Reyna 7 Barton 7,
Bosvelt 6 (Croft 7), Musampa 8: Sibierski 6 (Bradley Wright-Phillips 7), Fowler
7:
