Well, I was expecting a win, but not to the extent of our 7-0 thrashing of Norwich this morning. From the first whistle, City turned on their attack completely dominating possession of the ball. Nasri, Silva and Aguero were working in unison, as they have for a majority of the early season, to put pressure on the Norwich back four. With Navas not in the lineup, Pablo was released down the right wing quite often, giving the right back fits all game.
It was inevitable that we were going to score; it was just a matter of when and how. Sure, the first goal was an own goal, but it was the goal we needed to ease the fans’ and the players’ minds going forward in the game. Just minutes later, we doubled our lead, then minutes after that the lead was tripled! Finally, in the 36th minute, we got a fourth heading into the locker room. The second half was much of the same from City, with a few threats from Norwich, most coming from conceded possession by Demichelis. You’d think that City would pass the ball around, and let the clock run but we as fans were in for a treat! More beautiful play from Silva and Aguero led to the first goal from the Argentine; making my man of the match decision that much tougher. The final goal worth mentioning was off of a free kick from Yaya. For the third time this season the Ivorian took a free kick from just outside the box and tucked it into the upper 90. Complete domination.
Not that a goal would have affected our mindset, as we showed no mercy at all during the full 90 minutes, but it is the principle of getting a clean sheet. Speaking of clean sheets; well done Pantilimon! The Romanian really had nothing to do all game, but that isn’t his fault. The only hiccup was not coming to claim Norwich’s first corner, a practice which has caused Joe issues in the past.
Another loss has awoken the sleeping City giants! Sure, it was a home game, and we always thrive at the Etihad but this was to a new level. As we have seen in past games, when all of our attacking players are working in harmony, we make sweet, sweet music. Today was an example of just how good it can look. We have yet to consistently use momentum from a win and string it into multiple wins. Whether it has been an issue of health or focus, we need to take this win and storm through our next sequence of games.
Our next League game comes at Sunderland, a game that has given us issues at times in the past. The fact that it is on the road scares me, but I think we will get the three points. That said, I would like to know at the 30th minute that we are going to win. Not letting it all come down to holding off a final charge from the Black Cats to decide our fate.
There really isn’t much else to say about this game, it was just a complete display of our class, compared to Norwich’s. Now, I just can’t decide on a man of the match; between Silva and Aguero so, VOTE (below)!
Aguero (8) –He put constant pressure on Norwich’s back four, his coordination with teammates opened up chances for him and others. Tough choice of man of the match between him and Silva. I had Silva until Aguero just kept being himself, and then got a goal; so I’m forcing you all to decide!
Negredo (6) – Forgot he was even in the game until he was highlighted on camera. But, his combination with Aguero definitely grabbed my attention! Low rating is just because he wasn’t really needed, but the goal raised it.
Silva (8) – The Maestro was back at it again! He was dishing the ball out, and was rewarded for his efforts today with a goal. He has found a connection with each of his teammates on the field shows more and more in every game.
Nasri (7)– His influence certainly gets overshadowed by the brilliance of Silva, but when he was involved today, good things happened. His beautiful runs through the left side of the box easily could have ended in goals.
Yaya (7) – Making his presence felt, again, around the box. Whether it was keeping defenders from getting the ball or setting up running teammates, he did it all today. His efforts culminated in another beautifully worked free kick goal.
Fernandinho (7) – Quietly solid job today. He made his presence known in midfield defensively. He has a tendency to be out of control when tackling, but he did a good job at controlling those urges today.
Zabaleta (7) – made booming runs down the right, and was heavily involved with the right side attack without Navas in the lineup. Conceded a silly foul early in the second half to get a yellow card. Needs to control his tackles at times.
Demichelis (5) – Filling in quite admirably for Kompany, again. Stopped the breaks from Norwich when they had the ball. But, he gave away possession too easily at times today. Not a good thing (obviously), especially when it is in our own third; could have led to at least two Norwich goals.
Nastasic (6) – Good goal. When he was called into action defensively, he stepped up to the challenge.
Clichy (6) – He got up in the attack, similar to Pablo, but wasn’t as involved as his full back compatriot. He wasn’t tested in defense, so couldn’t judge much from that.
Pantilimon (4) – Nerves certainly got to him during the first corner from Norwich, which he could have easily claimed. But other than that, you couldn’t ask for a more boring first Premier League game. It gets harder from here so keep it up!
Dzeko (6) –Came on at the start of the second half and had some influence at times in the box. Wasn’t really much for him to provide given the score line at the time of his substitution. Glad to see him get another goal in a League game. Hope to see more of the same in the future.
Milner (N/A) –
Navas (N/A) – Almost broke into the scoring pergade when he charged to a loose pass, and fired a shot at Ruddy. Unfortunately the keeper was up to the task.