City claimed a place in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup thanks to a brilliant breakaway goal scored by Sergio Aguero. Both sides may have sent out rotated sides, but winning at Arsenal for the first time in 34 years is another psychological boost for City.
Only Samir Nasri of the starting eleven at Liverpool began this match, though Aguero did play the majority after coming on for Kolarov after 31 minutes. There was a slight surprise in seeing the right-footed Zabaleta playing at left-back. The Argentine had a fine game, using all his defensive nous to prevent the dangerous Oxlade-Chamberlain causing significant damage.
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Pantilimon – Produced a save from Park that matched anything by Joe Hart at Anfield. Still needs to work on dealing with crosses but this was a much more promising display from the Romanian. 8
Zabaleta – For all the praise being directed at Oxlade-Chamberlain, he rarely got the better of Pablo who did an excellent job defensively. 8
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With Roberto Mancini vowing to make eleven changes from the team which played Liverpool, there could be an opportunity for a couple of the younger players. It won’t be easy as Arsene Wenger has indicated he will play some first teamers in an attempt to win this Carling Cup quarter-final.
Juan Roman tweeted that he has travelled down with the squad, while Razak and Suarez will also be looking to feature. The sight of Owen Hargreaves will be a welcome one and if de Jong plays then there may not be room for Razak in the starting eleven.
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City produced another thumping victory despite Roberto Mancini playing a completely different starting eleven to those who began at Old Trafford. Wolves made nine changes themselves from the weekend and it will be interesting to see who starts on Saturday.
With a Champions League game in Spain next week, Mancini may well turn to some of these players for the weekend. There are plenty to choose from with the side combining youth and experience, and all showing commendable commitment.
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