City 3 Newcastle 0.
One of the most comfortable victories for some time against a lacklustre and dispirited Newcastle side who appeared to have already given up on their manager, and if so, it was a case of job well done as Souness received his marching orders the day after the game.
I don't think there were any negatives to take from the performance with City dominant in all areas and aspects of the game.
Joey Barton, unsuprisingly booed at every touch had a good game but was far from being man of the match as some papers suggested, and he played a key part in the opening goal which was finished well by Riera after a hashed clearance by the hapless Boumsong.
Cole and Vassell linked well all game and combined for the second and third goals, the second a deft chip cum cross by Vassell which was headed home by Cole and then Cole turned provider by playing a through ball for Vassell to outpace and out muscle Boumsong before slotting home to seal the game.
Cole and Vassell were withdrawn later in the game which allowed new signing Georgios Samaras to make his debut. At 6'4" he certainly has a height advantage, and looks a strong player which a sharp turn of pace although it appeared on Wednesday that he was trying a little too hard to impress which didn't tranlsate as the most assured debut but certainly has enough about him to look like he will be a threat.
Riera had undoubtedly his most impressive game so far, constantly looking to run at the defence and delivered some good balls into the box, whilst Sinclair again looked a threat on the right-hand side as Newcastle never got to grips with us as an attacking force.
One aspect that was a suprise was Joey Barton being applauded off as he left the field following his substitution as I fully expected him to be roundly booed by all and sundry. Whilst not quite a standing ovation being cheered from the rafters, it was perhaps a signal that should he and the club resolve their current differences then it is not too much of a reach to think that the fans in general may be willing to forgive.
1 comment:
Of course Joey was applauded off. While none of us likes being taken for granted (Robbie Fowler & Steve McManaman being the worst offenders of all time, ever), every City supporter loves a trier - and when it comes to effort, misguided or not, Joey is our boy. He was booed because he took the same advice as SWP did, the difference being that SWP was worth 20m, while Joey - for all his effort - is worth about 2.5m. I suspect he was offered the 28k pw because SP thinks - as we all do, that Joey will get better. But as it stands at the moment, Stevie Ireland has better vision than JB, without the physical strength. Joey should have sat back, played his heart out for the rest of the season, and waited to see what happens in summer. Claudio is due back soon, and the rest of our midfield is looking pretty good. Hopefully, everyone will play for the team.
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