Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion: Match Review

MANCHESTER CITY 1 - 0 WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Dzeko 35


Edin Dzeko supplemented his fine record against West Brom with an excellent volley to push his side nearer to that crucial second spot. 

The baggies started brightly and the pace and power of Romelu Lukaku frightened City's new look defence early on. The prolific Belgian tested Joe Hart on a number of occasions in the first ten minutes but ultimately failed to net his team an essential early goal.

The blues made a total of eight changes to their starting line-up in preparation for Saturday's FA Cup final clash with Wigan Athletic. Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott, Kolo Toure and Aleksander Kolarov completed an unfamiliar back line; Javi Garcia and man of the match Jack Rodwell just in front of them. 

But it was Dortmund bound Dzeko that clinched the winner on 35 minutes from an inch perfect Tevez cross. However, Steve Clarke's side continued to press and showed why they had secured their best ever Premier League finish; it seemed City needed another.

Jack Rodwell, eager to impress following a frustrating injury, launched a full scale attack on Myhill's goal in an attempt to seal the points, but to no avail. The match remained open; Rosenborg smashing a fierce free-kick at Hart's woodwork with little remaining time but it was yet another clean sheet for Mancini's men.

Business as usual. Roll on Saturday.

Player Ratings 
 Joe Hart 7
Looked as if he was trying his best to persuade Mancini into picking him for the final. A number of quality saves kept Brom and Lukaku out. 

 Micah Richards 6
Started brightly with a few trademark juggernaut runs but was then forced to sit back and defended as Mancini opted for the 3-5-2 formation.

 Kolo Toure 6
Struggled with Lukaku but settled later into the game.

 Joleon Lescott 6
Took a commanding role in Kompany's absence but similarly to the rest of the back line, struggled with Lukaku.

 Aleksandar Kolarov 4
Unsurprisingly bad. Should have been sent off for a high challenge on Tamas and, now that he's unable to take a successful free-kick, really can't offer much to the team.

 Javi Garcia 5
He can't seem to adapt to the league and was positionally useless in the first half.

 Jack Rodwell 7
If he'd have scored, it'd be an 8. Built on the promising flashes we saw just before his injury and drove City's attack all game. Very unlucky not to score. 

 James Milner 7
His presence was essential in a game where players could have chosen to back out of challenges. Provides City with width every time he plays and did the same again on Tuesday evening. 

 Samir Nasri 7
Continues to answer Mancini's criticism and will now be one of the first names on the Wembley team sheet. 

 Carlos Tevez 7
Assisted Dzeko's goal and worked hard. Predictably great performance from the Argentine.

 Edin Dzeko 6
Did little else but score.