Manchester
City v Birmingham 3-0
April 20th 2005 42,453
City
under Stuart Pearce have just an outside chance of reaching a 7th UEFA place as
long as they win all their remaining games and others in the running either draw
or lose. With Shaun Wright-Phillips back to fitness and a comfortable run to the
end of the season it is not beyond their present form and capability. I am sure
a more conservative Pearce will not agree in public but deep in his heart there
will be the desire to make it and it will not be for the lack of effort. Though
the players have not changed the way they are playing has dramatically improved
and the timing of Kevan Keegans departure was good in that it gave Stuart the
time to prove to the board his name should be on the door. We can look forward
to a good time in the Premiership next season despite the financial limitations.
City
welcomed back SWP for his first start since his injury. Otherwise City were unchanged,
youngsters Jordan and Onuoha continuing at fullback.
There
was an odd look to the City kick-off with a strong emphasis on the left wing.
City
should have scored in the very first minute. Kiki Musampa fed Robbie Fowler who
shot past Taylor.
The
ball hit the foot of the post and ran towards SWP who shot well over the bar from
the edge of the 6 yard box.
Jailbird
Pennant has his progress arrested by Jordan while the linesman acts as probation
officer
Sick
note Anderson blasts a free kick at the City wall
The
ball evaded the wall and James failed to hold the ball but fortunately for him
and City, Morrison put the rebound wide.
City
were gradually getting on top and were putting pressure on the visitors goal.
Sibierski
heads wide from a City corner
Birmingham
suffered a blow when Clapham was injured and had to be replaced by Lazzaridis
a few minutes before half time
The
Birmingham defence under more pressure from City at one of their 8 corners. It
was interesting to see a more varied approach at corners under Stuart Pearce.
The
City defence unit once again proved too good for the odd Birmingham City attack
Half
time came with City marginally on top but with no goals to show for it.
Birmingham
started the second half with a similar formation to City's start. Had Steve Bruce
nicked Stuart Pearce's notes at half time
SWP
puts the visitors defence under pressure early in the second half following a
short corner
After
54 minutes Pennant crossed for Morrison to score. Pennant who only served 30 days
of a 90 day jail sentence has only just finished a 2 week spell of electronic
tagging and night curfew.
The
Birmingham team and supporters had their jubilation halted when they saw the linesman's
flag raised. It was a near thing and a warning to City. Morrison was lucky not
to be booked for his protests to the man with the yellow flag.
Worse
was to follow for Birmingham City. A cross from Kiki Musampa found the head of
Robbie Fowler who found the post and the rebound went into the net via the keeper.
City were one up after 55 minutes.
Robbie
took the plaudits of the crowd and his colleagues and some might say it was an
own goal it was all Fowlers work with a little help from Musampa.
SWP
gave us some glimpses of his old form as he dashed down the wing to torment the
visitors defence.
Taylor
has a problem challenged by Sibierski
Robbie
Fowler attempts to turn Melchot at the edge of the area but fails to get a shot
in.
City
were now well on top and were looking to add to the score
Taylor
punches clear under pressure
Sibierski
is brought down by Cunningham
From
the free kick Dunne got goalside of his marker Heskey and headed low past Taylor
to give City a two goal lead after 80 minutes.
There
were great celebrations for Richard Dunne who had scored his first goal at the
new stadium
Five
minutes later City went further ahead. A corner taken by SWP bounced in the area
and Clinton Morrison (19).........
......
handled the ball as it rose. What a gift.
The
Birmingham players protested.....
... and Morrison got a yellow card for his trouble.
Having
waited patiently during the protestations Sibierski took the penalty....
.......and
ht the back of the net despite the dive of Taylor.
City
3-0 up with minutes to play and cue for the visiting supporters to leave in droves.
Birmingham
had a final token attack and shot which went just wide. At least it gave David
James some exercise!
With
moments to go SWP was subbed by Lee Croft
Yet
another good home display by City under the direction of Stuart Pearce who mixes
a nice mix of passion to keep his players on their toes with much more tactical
awareness. It was a good team performance , hard working, a high percentage of
accurate passing and we now look like a team capable of reaching a top 8 position.
I would be amazed if Pearce does not get the managers job
Team
James
6: Onuoha 7, Dunne 8, Distin 7, Jordan 7: Shaun Wright-Phillips 7, Reyna 7, Barton
7, Sibierski 6,Musampa 7, Fowler 7
