City cranks up the style to embarrass Sunderland
Source: Agencies |
October 7, 2012, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
MANCHESTER City turned on the style yesterday and kept a clean sheet for the first time in its Premier League title defense, easing to a 3-0 victory over Sunderland.
Aleksandar Kolarov scored from a free kick after five minutes at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, and Sergio Aguero and James Milner added goals in the second half to secure a convincing win that reflected City's dominance.
By ending Sunderland's unbeaten start, City maintained its own and won consecutive league matches for the first time this season. With the victory, City moved into second place.
Everton started the day in second and played at Wigan last night and could leapfrog City with a win.
"We played very well and took no risks," City manager Roberto Mancini said. "To score three goals I am happy for us today ... we are disappointed defensively this season but we are happy with the clean sheet."
The defensive solidity was rediscovered without backline linchpin and captain Vincent Kompany, who was ruled out with a calf injury.
Micah Richards made a surprise return from an ankle injury in his place while Joleon Lescott was also restored to the defense.
Yaya Toure took over as captain, playing alongside Gareth Barry in midfield, while Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli started up front.
Sunderland had former City winger Adam Johnson in their side hoping to make a point, but the England international was unable to make an impression.
City took the lead after Tevez was brought down by Carlos Cuellar on the first attack.
The Argentina striker had broken clear but was felled by a late tackle on the edge of the box and referee Lee Probert showed a yellow card.
The City supporters felt it should have been red but they did not complain for long as Kolarov stepped up to curl a superb free kick past Simon Mignolet at the near post.
The second goal came as Aguero raced to the near post to turn in a Kolarov ball from six yards.
Aleksandar Kolarov scored from a free kick after five minutes at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, and Sergio Aguero and James Milner added goals in the second half to secure a convincing win that reflected City's dominance.
By ending Sunderland's unbeaten start, City maintained its own and won consecutive league matches for the first time this season. With the victory, City moved into second place.
Everton started the day in second and played at Wigan last night and could leapfrog City with a win.
"We played very well and took no risks," City manager Roberto Mancini said. "To score three goals I am happy for us today ... we are disappointed defensively this season but we are happy with the clean sheet."
The defensive solidity was rediscovered without backline linchpin and captain Vincent Kompany, who was ruled out with a calf injury.
Micah Richards made a surprise return from an ankle injury in his place while Joleon Lescott was also restored to the defense.
Yaya Toure took over as captain, playing alongside Gareth Barry in midfield, while Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli started up front.
Sunderland had former City winger Adam Johnson in their side hoping to make a point, but the England international was unable to make an impression.
City took the lead after Tevez was brought down by Carlos Cuellar on the first attack.
The Argentina striker had broken clear but was felled by a late tackle on the edge of the box and referee Lee Probert showed a yellow card.
The City supporters felt it should have been red but they did not complain for long as Kolarov stepped up to curl a superb free kick past Simon Mignolet at the near post.
The second goal came as Aguero raced to the near post to turn in a Kolarov ball from six yards.
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