A Match Report: City vs QPR

Of late, Manchester City vs Queens Park Rangers has been a superb game for any neutral who watches the game. With fourteen goals in the previous three games between the sides, you wouldn't be accused if you bet on another goal fest. However, sadly, it really turned out to be the opposite of anything the games previous have produced in the eighteen months since QPR rejoined England's elite.

Aguero early on trying to attack QPR

City started the game in the same vein of fashion City do every other game, patient, controlled, disciplined attack. Dominating possession in the opposition half, it was pretty clear from the off that Redknapp's men had set out to shut up shop from the off and aim to break a City defense that is yet to concede a goal in 2013 on the counter attack.

With the front four of City causing no real threat to the six defenders of QPR, they finally had a break through on the 19th minute with some magic displays from Aguero, he cut inside the right hand side of the QPR defense. A beautifully weighted pass to Silva eventually resulted in a cross coming in to meet the on running Pablo Zabaleta whose header shattered Julio Cesar's crossbar. Pressure finally growing on QPR.

Former Inter Stopper Julio Cesar

The first half continued on with much of the same dominate pressure from the Champions. A quick City attack turned into a dangerous counter attack led by Adel Taarabt who eventually ran more than half the length of the pitch before beating Gael Clichy in the City defense, then causing Joe Hart in the City goal to pull off a world class save and further cement his reputation as England's finest, to the on watching Roy Hodgson. Less than a minute later some beautiful City play led to Gareth Barry curling a wonderful shot to Cesar's right before the Brazilian some how managed to touch the ball around the post.

The second half continued to be as doggied and boring as the first half started. The most exciting part occurred when David Silva flicked out at Rangers' Shaun Derry who won a clean challenge on the Spaniard. Luckily for City, and Silva, referee Phil Dowd failed to see the incident. Finally Mancini opted to change things when Edin Dzeko came on for a Samir Nasri who may as well have stayed at home in the 56th minute.

The game was finally coming to a close when Mancini tried to keep the Midfield maintaining possession by taking off Carlos Tevez and replacing him with former Evertonian Jack Rodwell, but there was still no breaking through Ryan Nelson or Clint Hill. Scott Sinclair eventually replaced James Milner with 5 mins remaining whose little effect on the game was ever present despite the appeal of a penalty after a wonderfully timed tackle by ex blue Nedum Onuoha.

Scott Sinclair going down under the challenge of Nedum Onuoha

The final whistle went it was seen as an opportunity lost to close the gap on United, rather than a point gained. No doubt about it, QPR set out to do one thing, and that was to frustrate an on form City team. A task they successfully achieved in.

Player Ratings: 

Joe Hart - 7

Not much to do yet again by Joe, a job well done when called upon.

Pablo Zabaleta - 7

Captain on the night and showed why. Solid at the back but other than the header that struck the QPR bar, he failed to have any major impact on the side going forward.

Javi Garcia - 8.5

Yet again showing why Mancini sold De Jong and replaced him with him. Called upon to revert to Centre Half last night after injury to Vincent Kompany. Never caught out and calm and collective on the ball.

Joleon Lescott - 7

Rarely a fault in the Birmingham born Central Defender. Solid at the back and him, along with Garcia kept Loic Remy very very quiet.

Gael Clichy - 7

Not much to do in the game. Solid down the right hand side but really needs to work on his final ball when he is in a more attacking role.

Samir Nasri - 3

Non existent, zero passion, woeful.

Gareth  Barry - 5

I don't think anyone could argue over the past two years Gareth Barry has not had many bad games, however, last night the former Villa man really wasn't his usual self. A terrible performance and often out muscled by M'bia. No fear his game against Liverpool will be him back to his normally exceptionally very best,.

David Silva - 8

Cannot fault Silva. Was City's only real bright spark going forward. Both forwards unable to read Silva's passing. Foolish moment kicking out against Derry which he was lucky to escape un-punished. Great to see him back to his very best.

James Milner - 6

Not the best performance in a City shirt from Milner of late, however a frustrating night and with six defenders in front of his every move, it's okay to excuse the consistent Milner with a semi off day.

Carlos Tevez - 5.5

Showed moments of brilliance but often to slow and unaware. Gave away many silly balls and his decision making was off. Not in a great run of form since November.

Sergio Aguero - 6

Not as clinical as last year, but often shows why I feel he's the most complete centre forward in the League. Often showed glimpses of his brilliance but sadly with no end result.



Hero of the Day: Ryan Nelson. The 35 year old Kiwi whose off to Toronto on Friday, really did sign off his QPR career with one of his best performances in English football.


Villian of the Day: Samir Nasri. His overall play and commitment lately has been nothing other than disgraceful.