February 2006
Manchester City 3 Charlton Athletic 2
Feb 12th 2006 att. 41,347
City had to make several enforced changes. With Jordan suspended and Sun failing a test before the game Sommeil came in at left back and City gave 17 year old Micah Richards his first home start in the Premiership at right back
City had an early chance when Vessel's speed took him into a good position. His pass from the line was hit by Cole but deflected by a defender for a corner
Musampa now enjoying life in midfield tries to block a centre from Kishishev
Riera tries to get on the score sheet but his shot is blocked and goes for a corner
James just manages to keep the ball in the penalty area
Andy Cole had several early attempts blocked
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After a poor display by City at Everton in their last game it was hopefully a return to form for this Sunday evening fixture against Charlton Athletic and a chance to complete the double over the London club after the Blues' impressive win at Charlton 5-2 in early December. We were not be disappointed. Another good home team performance in an open fast exciting game ensured three points and a jump up the table into the top half. It was a poor turnout by Charlton fans ,only a few hundred making the journey from London.
After 22 minutes City took the lead . A corner on the right taken by Joey Barton was eventually returned to Barton and his cross was partially cleared to Dunne at the edge of the area. He hit it first time and it zipped into the net with Myre helpless
It was Richard Dunne's first goal of the season and his 4th for City. The City supporters in the stand - both standing and seated enjoyed that!
Musampa and Sommeil, the latter playing his 50th game for the Blues tackle Smertin.
Vassell tries to block the keepers clearance
The Charlton goal had a narrow escape when a Musampa free-kick is pushed for a corner by the keeper at the last moment
A Marcus Bent shot goes wide
Young Micah Richards was not looking out of place at right back and seemed very comfortable on the ball
Riera and Sommeil combine to deal with Luke Young
Particularly in the first half Musampa was getting through a lot of work in defence and his passing was good
A Barton free-kick fails to add to the City score and at half time City lead 1-0
Some youngsters try to get on the tele and are shooed away by a Sky type person!
IT'S BEHIND YOU ANDY!
Five minutes into the second half Charlton scored . A great long pass inside Dunne found Darren Bent and he lashed the ball past James to make it 1-1
City were soon back in front. A good pass from Musampa found Vassell who passed to Barton. Joey then made a great cross and a leaping Samaras headed his first goal for City. He was so over joyed he didn't know which way to run-first one way ..........
.......then the other before celebrating with his team mates. He had come on at half time for the injured Sinclair.
Sorry about the blur - someone nearby was over enthusiastic.
After 62 minutes came the 'goal of the season'! - Musampa picked up a clearance , slipped it to Barton who ran a few yards and from well over 30 yards out launched a missile at the Charlton goal that flew into the net via the post and back out again , such was the force. What a blinder!
A Musampa free-kick is tipped over by the keeper
Keep on playing like that Joey and a new improved contract will be well earned. 3-1 to City.
Charlton came back at City and reduced the arrears when a good cross was headed by Marcus Bent past James. 3-2 for City
As well as scoring the goal Samaras showed some nice touches but should have had a second goal when he broke away but his final shot was very poor. He tried to do a flashy finish instead of just placing the ball past the keeper and paid the cost. He'll learn!
Charlton were playing much better in the second half and City were kept busy defending their slender lead ,Distin and Dunne having to be strong at the back.
A Sibierski header nearly beat the Charlton keeper.
David James makes a good save at the foot of the post in the last minute to prevent Charlton from equalizing.
Ireland was only on for the last ten minutes or so but showed some nice touches.
Samaras battles it out to keep the ball near the corner flag in extra time.
Charlton were throwing everything forward to save the game so the game was very open with play flowing from end to end.
Joey Barton was certainly earning his man of the match award with his goal and two assists though Musampa too had an excellent game
It was interesting to see Charlton leave their two fast strikers up field when defending a corner. This meant City had to keep defenders back to mark. A tactic I have mentioned before.
Samaras was a constant threat and was always a threat
Team
James 7: Richards 6.5, Dunne 7.5, Distin 7.5, Sommeil 6.5: Sinclair 6 (Samaras 7) Barton 8.5 , Musampa 8, Riera 7: Cole 6.5 (Ireland 6.5) Vassell 7 (Sibierski 7)
Another good home team performance with Barton and Musampa great in midfield. The emergence of Micah Richards from the academy to join the others who have made the first team is very promising for the future of the club. Just that little more Consistency away from home could take us into the top group.