Such is the strength of City's squad that Mancini believes we can progress to the final using the depth at our disposal:
"It is an important trophy. I think the Europa League is difficult because you play more games. But if we can change some players every game, I think we can arrive at the end and play in the final."
Looking at the sort of line-up we can put out by making seven changes, it is hard to argue with him. Of course, City will come up against sterner tests than Timisoara as the tournament progresses (with the group stages being drawn this lunchtime), but we didn't have to labour too much for this result.
Timisoara put everyone behind the ball in the first half, which made it tight in the final third, and despite a lot of possession (70% on the night) City had to be patient to carve openings.
Set loose by the entrenched Timisoara, our deep-lying midfielders Patrick Vieira and Nigel de Jong were outstanding. If anyone is foolish enough to doubt de Jong's commitment, to watch his workrate and tackling against a lesser opponent last night was a joy. There were some newspaper reports over the summer suggesting that de Jong's days were numbered at City after the arrival of Yaya Toure and James Milner but, as the games go on, he is proving himself irreplaecable.
Vieira, thriving under the time and space he was given, completely ran the show. His passing and little dinks over the top were our main sources of threat in the first half - typified by his pass for Shauny's goal - and it continued in the second once the game had opened up a bit.
The official man of the match, Dedryck Boyata, who looked so much more assured and confident than he has done, didn't put a foot wrong - and managed to grab a goal for his efforts. He was the last man most of the match and therefore had more defending to do than his counterparts, but still had a relatively small amount to do. It was a top performance and hopefully he can stay this season, rather than go on loan, as I imagine he will be a regular choice in Cup games at the least - and if he can continue to develop a partnership with his fellow countryman, Kompany, then it should be good news for the future of the club.
Just a quick note to say well done to the Timisoara fans who, despite watching a fairly unambitious performance in small numbers, made quite a bit of noise. And a number of the Timisoara players returned our clapping from the corner, which was a nice touch... It's so easy to be gracious when you win comfortably!
Player ratings:
Hart 6; Richards 7, Boyata 8, Kompany 7, Zabaleta 7; De Jong 8 (Cunningham 6), Vieira 8; SWP 7, Silva 7, Jo 6; Adebayor 5.
Man of the match: Patrick Vieira
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