City 2 - 1 Newcastle: Match report and player ratings

City recorded their third successive Premier League victory to move into second for the International break and, in doing so, proved themselves a good team by the logic of an old cliche: 'the sign of a good team is to win when not playing well.'  Although this often just means that the 'good' team has enough quality in it (Adam Johnson) to make the most of rare opportunities.

It was a strange start.  Newcastle were playing with such a high line that I thought it would only be a matter of time before City broke through.  But on the rare occasions when we did break through, we were wasteful - with Barry and Milner often guilty.  It was a departure from what City usually face - deep lines of defence - and it was suprisingly effective.

Atkinson's decision to book Williamson said a lot about how certain he was about his penalty decision.  With Tevez about to shoot, Williamson's tackle stopped a clear goalscoring opportunity - which by the letter of the law, should see a red card.  Subsequent replays show he had reasons to doubt if what he was doing was right - which is usually where the referee hedges his bet and opts for the yellow card.  Tevez nearly dislodged the netting with his powerful spot-kick and it represented the highlight of what was otherwise a frustrating afternoon for him.

Newcastle deservedly struck back through the impressive Gutierrez, after the Argentine reacted quickly to a loose ball in the box, and for the rest of the first half Newcastle took control.  They defended in tightly packed numbers due to their high defensive line, and were adventurous with the ball - it was perhaps the most positive performance an away team that has put in at Eastlands this season.

Not half of this, however, can be attributed to a lethargic City team.  The same three central midfielders that shone in combat against Chelsea, largely seemed to stand off Newcastle.  It was almost as if they were intimidated by a fairly well-behaved Barton and Nolan.  City can perhaps justly cite tiredness as an issue, having played every three or four days since the last international break, and players like Milner, who has been suffering from illness this week, looked off the pace.

Another player who looks in need of a break is Yaya Toure.  Despite being sharp and resourceful with the ball, at times he also looks behind the pace of the game.  Whether this is unfamiliarity with his attacking midfield role, getting used to the English game, tiredness, or something more deep-rooted is something we will find out as the season progresses.  At a half of his size, David Silva looked far more commited to the defensive side of the game - even if his slight stature doesn't always let him compete in this field.

Lescott stood out as the square peg in a round hole.  Not necessarily the brightest footballer, he is far better in the centre where he can concentrate on defending and not what to do with the football.  If the 'injury crisis' continues, surely Boateng - who looks equally comfortable with his left-foot - can play on the left and Boyata (yes, another central defender!) can play at right-back.  City were lucky to survive Lescott's clumsiness late in the game. 

We were better in the second half, and the increased impetus on attack helped City get a foothold on the game again.  Adebayor looked far better than he did after his troublesome run-out against Juve and, alongside Adam Johnson, he helped City push on.  Johnson was only on the pitch for 18 minutes and he still got the official man of the match.  This says more about what preceded it than his own performance, as good as it was, but it took his direct style of play to break through Newcastle - and his goal was superbly taken.

It is hard to be disappointed with a third successive win that takes City above United into the international break - and although Newcastle matched City for a lot of the game, it is important to keep winning.

On another note, it was nice to see Joey Barton applaud the City fans at the end of the game (applause that was widely reciprocated) after the 'mixed reception' he received during the match.  For all the 'troubles' in his life, he does owe City a lot for his young career and, despite the disgraceful end to his time at City, he was one of our best players for a good part of the last decade.  Hopefully the signs that he has got his life back on track are genuine. 

Player ratings:

Hart 7;  Boateng 6,  Kolo Toure 6, Kompany 7, Lescott 4;  De Jong 6, Barry 6 (Adam Johnson 7), Yaya Toure 5 (Adebayor 6);  Milner 5, Silva 6, Tevez 6 (Vieira N/A). 

Man of the match:  Vincent Kompany