Thank you Gerard. City triumphed far more comfortably than had been anticipated after the Villa manager made eight changes from his previous line-up. An early strike from Yaya Toure put City on their way to a quarter final tie against Reading.
Initially both managers looked to have sent out weakened sides with Mancini electing to keep Tevez and Dzeko on the bench. The Italian admitted afterwards that playing Balotelli as a lone striker had been a gamble.
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Hart – Parried a fierce shot by Heskey and was otherwise under-employed. 6
Richards (Boyata 83) – Lacked the sharpness of late, which is likely to be a result of having rushed back from injury. Drifted offside a few times, but it was good to see him get the better of Agbonlahor. 6
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City take on Villa with the prospect of a trip to Wembley in the semi-finals looking that little bit more enticing after Reading beat Everton last night. The biggest problem for Roberto Mancini is the effect that injuries and playing twice a week are having on our form.
At the weekend Villa looked a lot fresher in beating Blackburn 4-1 than we did when drawing with Fulham. The midlanders look a stronger outfit than when we beat them 4-0 in December, courtesy of a Mario Balotelli hat-trick.
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A disappointing draw with Mark Hughes in the dugout at Eastlands is hardly a new feeling, rather an unwelcome reminder of how we are yet to fully evolve into a top side. Mario Balotelli provided the one moment of real quality with a superb strike, while Fulham warranted their draw as City put in a jaded performance.
Mancini paid the price for playing strong sides against Notts County and Aris. The eight goals scored without reply in those two games now looks like overkill after we failed to get a second against Fulham.
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Blue Days
28 February 2011
Fulham /