Skoorb
Alert Team
Manchester City slipped into the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup with a solid 4 -1 victory over promotion chasing Hull City. Hull set out their stall early with massed ranks barely stepping over the half way line. City, with the incomparable talent of David Silva starting a game for the first time in nearly two months, enjoyed masses of possession in the early stages as they worked hard to break down a stubborn Hull side. The pattern looked like it was being set for a frustrating night as the Hull game plan was clearly based on nicking a goal from a counter attack or set piece as City pressed them. The City players were demonstrating the same verve and vim that was evident against Southampton at the weekend with Delph working hard alongside Fernandinho to shield the partnership of Otamendi and Mangala. On eleven minutes Steve Bruce's game plan had to be revised when it was Delph's speed and diligence inside the Hull half of the pitch that won the ball back and allowed him to quickly play the ball forward to the ever available De Bruyne on the edge of the Hull 18 yard box. He turned and unleashed a long range effort which smacked off the post and back across the area towards Bony who coolly slotted the ball home under pressure. This naturally forced Hull to come out of their shell and they started to threaten but City held firm to end the half with a their lead intact. What a joy it was to see the maestro that is David Silva back in action - his movement, control and vision are outstanding and he ended the half with a 91% pass completion rate. There were no changes at half time as City got back into their stride and Hull tried to play with greater ambition. Naves was replaced by Sterling just after the hour mark and this seemed to loosen things up for City as Hull tired chasing the shadows that were KDB, Silva and Sterling. Iheanacho came on for Bony and as scintillating break just ten minutes later delivered a pass into the path of Sterling on the left - his first time cross was perfectly met by Iheanacho as he squeezed between two Hull defenders inside the six yard area to slot home. Two minutes later and De Bruyne chased an apparent lost cause into the Hull penalty area to capitalise on a weak defensive header and nick the ball beyond the helpless Hull keeper, Jakupovic. KDB stepped up again a few minutes later to put the ball in from a free kick on the edge of the Hull box. Two assists dan two goals in one game. What a waste of money. I can see now what Moaninho wanted to get shot of him :68:
The only blot on the copy book was the lack of a clean sheet when they allowed Robertson to score for the away side - Mike Jones the referee deciding that they needed some consolation as he opted not to give a clear foul against Iheanacho in the build up. But hey ho, no sour grapes, City are in the semi finals of the Capital One Cup and secured another morale boosting victory. Buoyed by the return of the talismanic Silva, the return of both Aguero and Bony and the emergence of Delph as a genuine contender for a starting place in a midfield which bristled with pace and intention Manuel Pellegrini enters the Christmas fixture period with his tactical options expanded. Couple this with the solidity that Otamendi provides - he made some outstanding interventions - the manager will feel that he is getting close to being able to deliver success again to the only top flight side still engaged in the hunt for four trophies.
The only blot on the copy book was the lack of a clean sheet when they allowed Robertson to score for the away side - Mike Jones the referee deciding that they needed some consolation as he opted not to give a clear foul against Iheanacho in the build up. But hey ho, no sour grapes, City are in the semi finals of the Capital One Cup and secured another morale boosting victory. Buoyed by the return of the talismanic Silva, the return of both Aguero and Bony and the emergence of Delph as a genuine contender for a starting place in a midfield which bristled with pace and intention Manuel Pellegrini enters the Christmas fixture period with his tactical options expanded. Couple this with the solidity that Otamendi provides - he made some outstanding interventions - the manager will feel that he is getting close to being able to deliver success again to the only top flight side still engaged in the hunt for four trophies.
