Closing gap is never easy. This season, in
fact, it seems mission impossible for the Blues to overtake United, as they
look to be enjoying their life with their talisman RVP.
But City have to march on. Even we do not
retain the title this season, there is FA cup up for a grab and surely
securing second place will consolidate our stature in EPL. Not as prestigious
as last year but at least we have something to play for until the end of season.
Match against Villa at their home has been
patchy for City. Apart from last year’s win, all thanks to Lescott, City were
not able to get an easy win at Villa Park since City started financial maneouvering
from 2007-08 season (Recording 1W 2L 2D). Especially, after the crashing defeat
at St Mary, it seemed anything could happen.
Game started with surprisingly live Villa
side trying to dominate the game with some fluidities in their play. But with
young and inexperienced side like Villa, this was not a good sign as it
empirically showed that this can not be sustained over whole 90 minutes.
Especially, after Benteke’s towering header from corner blocked off from the
line, Villa seemed to be on the slippery slope.
The match came alive ironically when
Rodwell was substituted for Dzeko, for his left hamstring injury. Silva’s pass
to Zabaleta found a space for the flying Argentine to take shot, which was
brilliantly guided towards the post by Guzan. Minutes later, another fine
effort was made by Tevez from outside of the box and once again it was Guzan
who palmed away our Apache’s shot.
Eventually, the deadlock broke by
persistence of Dzeko, as he hustled Clark to dispossess in their own half to
regain possession for City. He then found Tevez in the space, who managed to
wriggle through Villa’s defense to find back of the net, his ninth goal of the
season.
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| Courtesy of Guardian |
Second half was not much different from the
first half. Villa tried to regain their early dominance but almost conceded
another one when Dzeko dispossessed Villa defense in their own half once again
and managed to find Tevez with a good angle to work on.
Only this time, Tevez could not find back of the net to settle the nerve of
away fan.
There was a startling moment for City when
Lowton blasted a fierce shot from way out but it was no match to Yaya’s
instinctive shooting around the box, which rattled the right hand post of
Guzan.
Dull performance overall and it was
expected, considering how both of the clubs has been playing throughout the
season. Routine performance dully delivered from City and left Villa at the
bottom three. Final Score: Aston Villa 0
Manchester City 1
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