City got their home campaign off to a fantastic start with this 3-0 demolition of a Liverpool side that is considered a rival for the Champions League places. Scoring early in each half enabled City to take control of the game in a grip they never allowed to weaken.
This was particulary good given the presence of Sheikh Mansour in the stands overlooking his massive investment for the first time. Initially there was a terrible fear that ‘typical City’ would rear itself against the canny Roy Hodgson. Thankfully Mancini and the players had other ideas.
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Hart – A stunning double save to protect our two goal lead brought a standing ovation. Great to see him at Eastlands again. 8
Richards – A teriffic return after a torrid time against Gareth Bale. Micah thoroughly dominated his opponent in one of his best ever defensive displays. 8
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The first home match of the season sees Roy Hodgson bring Liverpool to Eastlands in a game neither manager will want to lose as they bid to claim a Champions League slot. James Milner is in line to make his debut for City as we seek our first league victory.
Last season saw City and Liverpool play out two draws with the game at Eastlands in particular condemned for a lack of adventure by Roberto Mancini and Rafa Benitez. Roy Hodgson is hardly known for his gung-ho tactics either with his Fulham side managing just four away victories in the last two seasons.
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With injuries to Aleksandar Kolarov, Jerome Boateng and Wayne Bridge it looks like Roberto Mancini will have to put on hold any plans to use attacking full-backs. This is an early blow as such players are increasingly important at the top level of the game.
4-2-3-1 is the formation of choice these days and relies on full-backs to overload the opposition on the flanks. Maicon at Mourinho’s Inter is a perfect example and it’s no coincidence that both Mancini and Mourinho are believed to have wanted Maicon and Kolarov as their attacking full-backs this season.
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