Norwich City U21's 0:3 Manchester City U21's
Manchester City's under 21's turned in an impressive performance last night at Carrow Road and deservedly took all 3 points to take them off the bottom of the EDS league with their second win of the season.
The omens were not good as I arrived at the ground too late to head to my favourite Kebab shop, having instead to settle for a pasty at the nearby Morrisons, however any such fears were quickly allayed as City started the game in impressive fashion with slick passing at a high tempo.
John Guidetti looked a threat up front but wasted an early opportunity before City took the lead on 17mins through the impressive Seko Fofana. City's number 8 firing in neatly from inside the box after Sinad Bytiqi had slid him in.
City didn't sit back on their lead and continued to dominate possession, with much of our good work coming through Albert Rusnak who's movement off the ball enabled him to find the space to link up play. City could have added to their lead but as the half wore on the home side began to get something of a foothold as City's tempo, perhaps understandably began to drop a little.
The back four led by the dominant figure of Jason Denayer, a strong and commanding centre half who reads the game well, were rarely troubled. Ian Lawlor in goal had little to do in the first half, and was vociferous in encouraging his back line with good communication which saw a willingness to keep it short and play out of defence when he was involved. Something which all of the back 4 were very comfortable with.
Emyr Huws picked up a yellow card for persisitent fouling after his second untidy challenge! Though he played his role well, sitting in front of and protecting the back four.
City lost striker Devante Cole just before the break with what looked like a hamstring injury, Cole, who had looked sharp and linked up well with Guidetti playing in behind him, was replaced by Pozo.
In the second half any threat of Norwich getting back into the game was quickly snuffed out as City started in the same manner as the they had in the first half, very much on the front foot. Their efforts were rewarded when substitute Jordy Hiwulm, who had replaced the slightly disappointing John Guidetti 5 mins earlier, fired in from close range on 57 mins, getting on the end of a dangerous ball in from Greg Leigh following a good counter attack down City's left.
City had further chances to extend their lead, but as the game became stretched Norwich began to create chances of their own but found Ian Lawlor in fine form. He dived full stretch to push out a dangerous low cross from the Norwich left, and the follow up was wasted.
City took off Rusnak after 76 mins and introduced George Glendon who was hugely impressive and played a pivotal part in City's third and best goal of the night. City played some neat triangles midway in their own half before Glendon's pin point pass cut through Norwich's midfield into the path of Fofana, who's step overs bamboozled the Norwich keeper as he walked the ball into the net for his second of the night.
Lawlor made a fantastic late save from a 25 yard drive to preserve his clean sheet and the final whistle followed soon after and ended what was a hugely enjoyable City performance.
Well done Vierra, he's got them playing some good stuff.
Finally a thanks to Kippax for giving me the nudge!
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