Manchester City v Norwich City: Match Review

MANCHESTER CITY 2 - 3 NORWICH CITY
Rodwell 28, 59                                                        Pilkington 25, Holt 54, Howson 65



Thank God it's over.

The blues ended their disappointing season with a Howson induced howler in front of a baffled home crowd. After a comfortable victory against Reading last week, Kidd's men continued their season long trait of complacency and were deservedly punished by a hungry Norwich side.

The Canaries took the lead on 25 minutes through Anthony Pilkington after some shoddy defending by the sky blues. But there was to be no complaints, Hughton's side had dominated possession and looked the more threatening out of the two teams. Unfortunately for them, Jack Rodwell was on hand to equalise three minutes later with a fine driven finish from inside the box. 

As cries and chants of 'Mancini' echoed from the stands, the fans expected City to kick on. But it wasn't to be. Inside ten minutes of the second half, Grant Holt finished off a fluent Norwich move to put his side ahead once again. City's seemingly solid defence was collapsing in the absence of Vinny and Nastasic and things began to look worrying. 

Jacky boy was having none of it. The young midfielder, giving the lethargic Yaya Toure a lesson on how to run, sped past Steven Whittaker and slotted in from a tight angle. 2-2 and the fans were hopeful of another end of season 3-2 victory.

Norwich continued to dominate the game, however, and on 65 minutes, Jonny Howson was given a guided tour into City's 18 yard box before tucking the ball past Joe Hart. Terrible defending was to blame.

And so the season has ended. A manager departed, two trophies given away. They say defending the title is harder than winning it, and that has definitely been the case this year. It's not been disastrous by any stretch of the imagination, but it's been below the standard we now come to expect from our beloved blues. As fans, it would be stupid to dwell on the 2012/2013 season, we need to look forward to new signings, a new manager and the top football we know our team can play. Next years campaign could be our most exciting one yet, and I can't wait.

#IrPellegrini

Player Ratings
 Joe Hart 6
His defenders were terrible and put him under unneeded pressure. He'll be disappointed to have been beaten three times inside the box, but ultimately, the defence was to blame.

 Pablo Zabaleta 6
Always shows plenty of attacking intent and did so again on Sunday.

 Micah Richards 6
Needs more game time if he is to hold down a regular spot next season. Generally he was solid, but put in a comical attempt to stop Howson for his third.

 Joleon Lescott 5
Had a role in all three of Norwich's goals and struggled with the Canaries attacking line.

 Aleksandar Kolarov 2
Is this really a harsh rating when he told his own fans to 'f*** off'. Was urged all game by his supporters to close down, he responded with obscenities. It's a sin to even put this man on the bench and he will go down in history as City's worst ever left back. Awful.

 Yaya Toure 5
Hardly moved apart from assisting Rodwell's second with a perfectly weighted ball.

 Jack Rodwell 8
Earned himself a call up to the England squad with a fine performance capped off by two well taken goals. Ran himself ragged and suggested to City fans that he could be the next Yaya Toure. 

 James Milner 6
A typical effortful performance from Milner. Always tries his best but did little to influence the game.

 Samir Nasri 5
Couldn't influence the game.

 Carlos Tevez 7
Vibrant performance from the Argentine who was given a standing ovation when he was substituted. Gave his fans an extended wave which all but confirmed his departure. 

 Edin Dzeko 4
Forgot he was playing.