Summer is coming and the evenings are getting brighter, that is unless you are at at Ewen Fields in Hyde which always retains an element of gloom. Me and 474 other brave souls made the journey to watch the latest game for the Manchester City reserve team, this time in action against Blackburn Rovers.
I dragged one of my friends along with me this time and attempted to sell him this rawer approach to the game, I think I was somewhat succesful in that the game had more goals in it than recent weeks and was better than the drab affair on show in the last reserve home game, however as the smell of the greasy burger wagon mingled with that muddy smell that takes us all back to school sports lesson it was soon apparent that this was not the glamour of the top flight.
The match itself was not a classic even though there were 4 goals on show, the game was won 3-1 by Blackburn thanks to a mad 10minute spell at the start of the second half during which time the City defense succombed to 2 goals with relative ease. The first period was a cagey affair that City perhaps edged, but they paid the price for not taking their chances in the second. Blackburn had a hard working and commited approach to the game and City again due to injuries were some way under full strength, but that doesn’t really defend them from the listless display they put in.
But what of the individual performances, as always I do not mean to slam any players in this column, merely just point out perhaps poorer performances and highlight weaknesses in some individual players games, lets begin with Manchester City.
The central defensive partnership of Reece Wabara and Frederic Veseli struggled particularly in the second half. The first Blackburn goal was the result of a free header from a corner, and the second was the result of uncertainty in central areas. Wabara for spells looked classy with the ball at his feet, he had some nice touches and remained calm, but there was still the odd lapse and that cost City dear on a couple of occasions. I still believe there is a lot of potential there, but sadly last night he didn’t put in one of his better displays.
Omar Elabdellaoui (i’m not sure how its pronounced either), also struggled to control the tide at times. Deployed centrally he never really got into the game, he looked more effective coming forward than shielding the defense. His positional sense was sometimes questionable and he wasn’t always aware of what was going on around him. He did demonstrate some neat passing and he caused a few problems when City were on top for a spell in the second half but overall it was not one of his better games and he didn’t really offer the protection that the side needed.
Chris Chantler continued to impress me from left back. He defended well and was up against the star Blackburn performer, right winger Micah Evans. He made some good attacking runs and made life difficult for the Blackburn rightback, he also defended very solidly, knowing when to stand off, and when to come for the ball. His passing was neat and tidy and he used the pace he had well when he had too, another good performance from the efficient looking left back.
Donal McDermott has to be singled out again, this time however for positive praise. Previously I have criticised the tricky winger for not passing when he has had the opportunity or for perhaps playing with his head down and running down blind alleys. Well tonight I felt there was a definite improvement from the winger, he caused problems and looked a real threat coming forward at times, he committed defenders and went past some of them with ease, more of those types of performances and he could get himself nearer the first team.
Others players worthy of a mention are Harry Bunn who worked tirelessly and scored the City goal, and John Guidetti who again worked hard as the lone striker. The less said about Andrea Mancini the better, suffice to say his withdrawl was cheered by a section of the City fans….
That just about wraps it up for City, but what about Blackburn, find out over the page.
Blackburn looked accomplished throughout, they were stronger and seemingly more experienced than the City side and that was definitely to their advantage. Other than the first 10mins or so they were in control and even when Manchester City had a spell in the second half where they dominated possession it still appeared to be Blackburn that were the more likely to score again.
The big news for Blackburn was the appearance of England under 21 international Phil Jones. The central defender managed to play the entirety of the first half and he looked to still be a classy defender. He marshaled the defense extremely well and was dominant in the air. He brought the ball out of defense well and he managed too keep the City attack line quiet. Minutes on the clock is all the defender needs and Premier League appearances will not be far off I wouldn’t have thought.
Tom Hitchcock lead the line extremely well and took his goal well. He worked tirelessly and carried a constant threat, he was strong and sprightly, and also looked a useful dribbler. He put himself about well and was a constant thorn in the side of the City centrebacks, there is potential in Hitchcock on the basis of last night in my eyes.
Central midfield player Michael Potts also looked a useful player. Part of Blackburn’s success was down to their dominance in the middle of the park and Potts was part of that. Whilst he didn’t do anything particularly ground breaking he was very neat and tidy and moved the ball quickly around the park, it was a good performance from the youngster and one that surely he can build upon.
Star man for Blackburn was undoubtedly winger Micah Evans. Evans looked a player with the definite potential to play football at a pretty high level, his raids down the wings were a constant threat and I was very impressed. He was pacey, direct and also extremely good technically, giving the ball away on very few occasions. He also demonstrated the ability to play on either wing something that is extremely useful in the modern game. His crossing was excellent and he gave the City fullbacks no end of problems over the 90mins, definitely one worth watching.
Definitely a more exciting game this time around than recent weeks, just a shame personally that City didn’t manage to impose themselves more on the game, there was a lot to be positive about if you are Blackburn fan however. Obviously I can’t judge if the Rovers plays are definitely destined for great things, but on the basis of last night they have a few positive prospects ready to come through.
Stay tuned for my next installment from the reserves over the coming weeks! For more of my insights and thoughts, follow me on twitter @soccercityjoe!
