West Brom came from behind with two quick second-half goals to knock City out of the Carling Cup. Roberto Mancini made a full 11 changes from the side that won on Sunday, while Roberto Di Matteo made 10 for West Brom.
Critically, Mancini also had to allow for injured players in Boateng, Richards, Kolarov, Bridge, Lescott, Michael Johnson, Balotelli and Adebayor. As a result he was forced to field several youngsters with half the team in effect a third choice outfit. Shaun Wright-Phillips was also missing which may mean he had a knock as well.
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City begin their Carling Cup campaign at the Hawthorns with Roberto Mancini keeping one eye on a Saturday lunchtime date with Chelsea. Rotation enables a manager to keep his squad fresh and tonight should see a host of changes.
The Carling Cup appears to be the least of City’s priorities this season which may be a pity as it requires the fewest number of games to pick up some silverware. Just six fixtures have to be negotiated to end City’s quest for a trophy.
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City produced their second 2-0 away victory in the space of four days courtesy of goals from Carlos Tevez and Yaya Toure. Heavy rain resulted in a saturated pitch which induced mistakes everywhere except in a City defence that once again looked impregnable.
In the starting line-up David Silva kept his place, while Mancini also went for the industry of James Milner ahead of Adam Johnson’s directness. Wayne Bridge wasn’t fit once again, so Pablo Zabaleta was given the job of keeping the potentially dangerous N’Zogbia quiet.
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Hart – Once again given total protection by those in front of him. With Wigan failing to get a shot on target Joe was forced to make his own entertainment with a slip and an assist for the first goal. 6
Richards – After a couple of early slips on the saturated pitch, Micah once again demonstrated his improved focus on defending. Struggled to make an impact going forward in the first half as it wasn’t clear who should have been playing in front of him. 6
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