Manchester City 0 Everton 2 March 24th 2010
Barclays Premier League att 45,708
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City lost their chance to move into 4th in the league by failing to win their postponed game with Everton. We knew it was going to be difficult as Everton had been playing well but losing by two clear goals was not on the menu! Unlike recent games there were plenty of incidents culminating in both managers being sent off in the final minutes! This was the first time City had been beaten at home since last April so it was disappointing that this game-in-hand was lost. Some disappointing refereeing did not help and the lack of inspiration in the final third made it easier for the well organized Everton defence to counter any efforts City made. There were times when City had free kicks but many of these were either over hit or easily cleared. Often first touches were poor and City rarely won the second ball. Nothing really ran for City tonight which was a pity as there was a good crowd who gave their full support but too many of the players were below par. Only Tevez was on the ball while Bellamy spent too much time sparring with Neville. City often played with desperation rather than inspiration and the lack of a really creative attacking midfielder must be sorted in the summer whatever position we finish in. With 5 of our 8 remaining fixtures at COMS we can still get that 4th spot so it's all hands to the pump!
City made several changes - Richards in at right back, Zabaleta switching to left back. Ireland replaced Santa Cruz and De Jong came back for Viera.
It did not take long for voices to be raised. After just 9 minutes Tevez appeared to foul Jagielka and referee Walton booked the City player
However Craig Bellamy and Philip Neville had differing interpretations of events and a simmering confrontation continued during the game
Kompany heads clear from Cahill
A cross from Craig Bellamy is headed by Richards......
...... and is saved by the post by Howard but both Richards and Baines suffered head injuries and had to have treatment
The referee tries to organize a cease fire between Bellamy and Neville- no chance!
Adam Johnson rarely saw the ball down the right wing as City were using Bellamy more
A good pass from Ireland gave Carlos Tevez a chance after 23 minutes. but the ball was cleared by Jagielka
Neville fouls Tevez and escapes a yellow card much to the anger of the City players
Eventually the referee calls over skipper Toure to sort things out! From the free kick Bellamy's shot is easily saved by Howard
Barry tries to break though the Everton defence
Howard saves at the feet of Tevez
On 25 minutes Carlos Tevez again runs at the Everton defence and there were calls for a penalty as he just failed to connect at the end of his run
After 32 minutes disaster fell. Barry was penalized somewhat harshly for a foul on Cahill near the goal line. From the free kick the ball from Arteta came back to the unmarked Baines who clipped the ball forward for Cahill to head past Given from close range.
Just before half time there is further controversy and Toure has to become involved. Alas Given runs from goal to give his opinion.....
.... and he gets a yellow card for his trouble!
As the teams leave the field at half time the referee has more comments from the City players. A sad lack of discipline!
Tevez had a good opportunity early in the second half but was given offside
After 49 minutes an Osman shot is deflected just wide for a corner
On 64 minutes Richards shoots well wide from outside the area. A poor effort!
SWP on for the injured Ireland has a cross blocked
City clear a Baines corner
Howard had to have treatment after attempting to clear this City attack
With five minutes to go and Everton under heavy pressure by City the visitors had a breakaway down the right wing. Rodwell managed to cross to Cahill who let the ball run to the unmarked Arteta who scored past Given. A good goal and game set and match to Everton!
City tried to come back from the the goal deficit but today the lack of finishing was woeful
As the four minutes extra time started the ball went out of play near the Everton bench. Mancini retrieved it to give it to Barry but there was then a 'handbags at dawn' confrontation between Moyes and the City Manager. Referee Walton sent both managers to the stand! There is no truth in the rumor that Ricky Hatton has promised Roberto some boxing coaching!
Team
Given 6 : Richards 6.5 (Viera 6) , Toure 7, Kompany 6.5, Zabaleta 6.5 : Johnson 6.5 ( Santa Cruz 6), Ireland 6 ( Wright-Phillips 6), De Jong 5.5, Barry 5, Bellamy 6, Tevez 8
