12 games of Christmas #9: Newcastle 1-3 City 2010

Where and when...

Premier League

Newcastle 1-3 Manchester City

 St James’ Park, 26 December 2010

City: Hart, Kompany, Kolarov, Boateng, Lescott, Milner, Barry, Silva, De Jong, Toure, Tevez

Report...

City bagged twice in the opening five minutes to help themselves to a 3-1 triumph at Newcastle.

Goals from Gareth Barry and Carlos Tevez handed the Blues a commanding lead, before Andy Carroll halved the deficit.

The three points were sealed for the visitors though when Tevez’ effort deflected in off Fabricio Coloccini.

What it meant...

The victory moved City up to second in the Premier League table – two points behind neighbours Manchester United.

Newcastle occupied ninth spot.

Highlights

Reaction...

Roberto Mancini: “The game changed with those [early] goals but Newcastle made it very difficult for us. They are a strong side and they look for Andy Carroll a lot. I thought we defended him well.

“It was important for us to work hard and that is what we did. James Milner was fantastic in this game. All the players did well but he stood out. Our concentration under pressure was good too.”

Gareth Barry reaction...

Media reaction...

“Manchester City may have been but all the neck warmers and gloves in northern England could not disguise their ruthless incision as they reasserted their title credentials in chillingly effective fashion.

“All in all it proved the happiest of anniversaries for Roberto Mancini, who took charge of City for the first time on Boxing Day 2009.

“The Italian was rewarded for 12 months’ endeavour with a rare smile from Carlos Tevez, newly reconciled to life at Eastlands – possibly, even to the idea of being substituted – after the visiting captain’s late replacement by Mario Balotelli.” – Louise Taylor, the Guardian

“Fabricio Coloccini’s inadvisable back-pass was cleared by keeper Tim Krul – but only as far as the rapier-like Tevez.

“It was an unfortunate act of seasonal goodwill from Krul and Tevez made him pay by taking advantage of the present.” – Niall Hickman, the Express

“Anyone doubting Carlos Tevez’ commitment to the Manchester City cause should grab a DVD of this display.

“When he plays like this, when he runs his heart out and, at times, carries the City charge on his own he is different class.” – Steve Brenner, the Sun