Manchester City v Newcastle United: Match Review

MANCHESTER CITY 4 - 0 NEWCASTLE UNITED
Tevez 41, Silva 45+2, Kompany 56, Perch (OG) 70



Roberto Mancini may want to 'punch' Samir Nasri in the face following his fluctuating form this season; but City fans will be wanting to do the same to their manager after their 4-0 romp over Newcastle United on Saturday. 

The Italian gave us a reminder of what his team can produce as the Citizens strolled to a comfortable victory aided by the return of captain Vincent Kompany.

City's power and prowess combined delightfully with Newcastle's lack of ambition and made for a relaxed, end-of-season-like home fixture. However, it took 41 minutes and a scare from Papiss Cisse's right boot before the blues could make their mark. Four minutes before half time, Gael Clichy galloped down the left wing, firing in an inch perfect cross for in-form striker Carlos Tevez to tap in.

The flood gates had opened and the City faithful were treated to an unlikely masterclass from Samir Nasri. The frenchman tip-toed elegantly around the Magpie's 18 yard box, slipping in David 'Merlin' Silva for City's second. Half time and Mancini's men were 2 goals to the good.

Earlier in the week Vincent Kompany had angered his boss by turning out for Belgium in their win over Macedonia on Tuesday. With that in mind, it was a good job that the returning captain back-heeled an exquisite finish on 56 minutes to put his side 3-0 up.

Yaya Toure was also in the limelight following reports about his future at the club. The Ivorian thought he'd grabbed City's fourth with 20 minutes remaining, but the goal was given to the unfortunate James Perch.

All-in-all, an easy win for the Blues. Mancini's desire for a strong finish to the season was matched by his players and it was refreshing to see Samir Nasri (who has the potential to be a key player for City) put in a performance.

Too bad we're fighting for second place and not the Championship.

Player Ratings
 Joe Hart 6
Little to do and was only threatened by Cisse's effort against his post.

 Pablo Zabaleta 7
Attacked well as his defensive abilities weren't needed/tested.

 Vincent Kompany 8
His return brought back an calmness about City and as ever, he was solid. Capped his performance off with a tidy back-heeled finish.

 Joleon Lescott 7
Steady and secure which seemed to be helped by the presence of Vinny.

 Gael Clichy 7
Like Zaba, the Frenchman attacked brilliantly and his perfectly weighted cross assisted Tevez for City's first.

 Yaya Toure 8
Gave the City faithful no sign that he wants to leave the club. Passing was exemplary and he was unlucky to miss out on a goal.

 Gareth Barry 7
Steady and assured after a few below par performances from the midfielder.

 David Silva 8
Always influential in City's midfielder and finished brilliantly for his team's second.

 Samir Nasri 8
Answered his critics professionally with a lively performance. Involved in much of City's attacking play and looked like the Nasri of old. 

 Carlos Tevez 7
Worked hard and scored... again.

 Edin Dzeko 7
Unlike his Argentinian strike-partner, the Bosnian is finding it difficult to score at the moment. Involved in City's attacking play but would have liked to score.