18/11/06: City 3 Fulham 1Updated: October 3rd, 2007
Okay, I’m not used to this optimism thing, but what the hell - I’ll give it a go.
There were several comments in the press after this game about how woeful Fulham were. Newcastle were also pretty shocking when they visited, as were Middlesbrough and West Ham.
After this game I’m starting to think it’s our performances and, in particular, our readiness to battle, that is making visiting sides look so shambolic.
While the record low crowd of 35,776 in part reflected the poor quality football that’s been on show so far, Pearce does seem to be creating a team that reflects his own tenacious character.
In that respect, the “knighting” of Joey Barton could not have come at a more appropriate time.
Few would dispute he’s been our player of the season, and sections of the press are again calling for his inclusion in the England squad. While I really can’t see how Barton would make England a better team, had he left City when he threatened we’d sure as hell be a worse one.
Admittedly, our squad is still dangerously thin and the lack of injuries is helping enormously. But for the first time I can see the backbone of a good team. If Pearce finds his creative midfielder and left winger in January, and we at least hold on to Richards or Distin, then maybe Pearce can create something a bit special after all.
(click on photo to view other images from the match)
~ Post-match interviews with Pearce and Corradi can be found here, while rtfract (above) and Getty Images have pictures from the game.
Match stats
Stat of the day has to be that Fulham’s first foul came on 22mins, by which time City had committed seven.
The stats are compiled from the live commentary and differ slightly from Sky’s stats, which can be found here.
Season-on-season table
City leapfrog Fulham and move up to 16th in the season-on-season table, which compares results to the corresponding fixtures from last year. After losing last year’s fixture 2-1, we also pick up +3 in goal difference
Here are the next three fixtures with the results from last season:
(A) Sat Nov 25: Liverpool (lost 1-0)
(A) Wed Nov 29: Villa (won 1-0).
(H) Mon Dec 04: Watford (drew 0-0)
(Results against last season’s relegated clubs - Sunderland, West Brom and Birmingham - are compared to Sheff Utd, Watford and Reading respectively.)
The biggest loser of the weekend was Bolton, who beat Everton 4-0 away last season. And I couldn’t help noticing that before Saturday’s game, Charlton were one point up on their corresponding results from last season.
~ The latest Premiership table can be found here.
Match reports
City 3 Fulham 1 (MEN)
Corradi’s first goals for his club set up the simplest of victories for Stuart Pearce’s men with midfielder Joey Barton effectively wrapping up the contest in first-half injury time.
Pearce’s knight club puts Fulham defence to the sword (Independent)
Six previous home games this season had brought City just four goals; yesterday for a time it seemed they need only lift the ball into the Fulham half to create a clear opening.
Corradi at the double to lift the pressure on struggling City (Telegraph)
City were offered woeful resistance in the opening 45 minutes and made the most of their opportunity. They helped themselves to a midfield unforgivably abandoned by Fulham and then terrorised their defence.
Corradi powers City home (Sunday Times)
Coleman admitted he did not want to see Manchester again in a hurry, while Pearce will be hoping that Corradi cannot get enough of the City of Manchester stadium now.
Man city 3 Fulham 1 (Sunday People)
Last week Corradi’s only claim to fame was that he had been caught offside more than any other player in the top flight.
Man City 3 Fulham 1 (Sunday Mirror)
Micah Richards might well be establishing himself as the latest jewel in England’s crown after his dazzling display against the Dutch last week. But the Manchester City whizzkid is going to have to go some to usurp Joey Barton as the king of Eastlands.
Corradi finally comes to life as City take their chances (Observer)
‘He was desperate to score, but he hasn’t had the rub of the green,’ said Barton. ‘He showed what a class finisher he is, you don’t play for top clubs without being a good player.
Player ratings
Bernardo Corradi just pips Barton for MOTM this week with his (easily) best ever rating of 8.4.
The excellent “nerdic indicator” can again be found at Wookie’s Lair here.
Ratings come from (in order) King Kev, Dr Spectrum, blue man dan, eastlandsblue, rtfract, Sunday Times, MEN, Sky and Sky Your Rating:
Weaver: 7, 7, 8, 7, 6.5, 7, 6, 6, 7.2 (av: 6.9)
Had to let one in at home at some time and could do little about John’s effort. Made a couple of decent catches to keep warm. (MEN)
Catching and distribution were exemplary all afternoon. (S Times)
Did well with a number of crosses, a bit unlucky for the goal. (King Kev)
No chance with goal, good under crosses but not much else to do. (Dr Spectrum)
All he didn’t catch today was a bas and aids, did everything a good keeper should do, apart from one punch he was solid. (blue man dan)
Controlled his area quite well for a change. (eastlandsblue)
Richards: 7, 7, 8, 8, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7.7 (av: 7.3)
A great end to a fine week for the teenager who was probably pleased there was Robben to keep him occupied in own half. (MEN)
Still is caught out of position too much for me, should have passed to Corradi rather than going for goal in the 2nd half. (King Kev)
Good in attack and defence, could have chosen cross/shoot options better. (Dr Spectrum)
Good game, solid, can’t fault him for not passing to Corradi, just wanted to cap the week of with a bang. (blue man dan)
Never lets the defence down, cool and calm never panics. (eastlandsblue)
Dunne: 8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7.9 (av: 7.3)
No sign of any over-exertion from the midweek international victory and some great tackling - as usual. (MEN)
Brilliant again, mopped up if any of his colleagues made an error. (King Kev)
Easy day at the office on the whole. (Dr Spectrum)
Should have done better with a free 6 yard header, apart from that just good old captain Dunne. (blue man dan)
Seems to be getting over his dodgy spell, solid as a rock. (eastlandsblue)
Distin: 7, 6, 7, 7, 7, 6, 6, 7, 7.6 (av: 6.7)
Not one of his great games but still managed to make the third goal. Culpable for Fulham’s effort when beaten in air. (MEN)
Good game but maybe should have won the header that lead to their goal. (King Kev)
Lost the header for their goal. (Dr Spectrum)
Good game even if his header meant we lost our home clean sheet record. (blue man dan)
At fault for their goal, otherwise solid. (eastlandsblue)
Thatcher: 7, 6, 8.1, 8, 6.5, 6, 6, 6, 7.1 (av: 6.7)
Didn’t put a foot wrong defensively though managed to pick up a booking for over exuberance in throwing the ball away. (MEN)
Can’t remember him putting a foot wrong. (King Kev)
Not stretched at the back but that was a silly booking. (Dr Spectrum)
Can’t remember him being so good!!! What’s going on?! I hope he keeps this up. (blue man dan)
Played a blinder. (eastlandsblue)
Trabelsi: (Onuoha 88): 7, 8, 8, 8, 7.5, 8, 7, 7, 8.0 (av: 7.6)
Continues to shine on right from where his delivery into box is classy. Tired a bit in second half but now has pace of game. (MEN)
Probably his best performance in a blue shirt, docked 1 point for the amount of time he spent on his backside. (King Kev)
Class in possession. Our best crosser. (Dr Spectrum)
Great assist, great game, hope he stays injury free and carries on as he is doing!!! (blue man dan)
Who needs SWP when you get displays like this? (eastlandsblue)
Barton: 7, 8, 8.4, 8, 8.5, 9, 8, 9, 8.9 (av: 8.3)
Another fine engine room display that encompassed a little bit of everything including an assist, a goal and a knighthood! (MEN)
His performance yesterday left us wondering why he hadn’t made the England squad, as he ran the game with his vision and sharpness in the tackle. (S Times)
One of Joey’s better games, took his goal very well. (King Kev)
Great energy typified by runs for 2nd and 3rd goals and a cool finish. (Dr Spectrum)
Good game for Mr B, took his goal fantastically, one assist and one goal in a game can’t be bad. (blue man dan)
This lad never lets the side down, His passion for the blues is fantastic. He will run all day for the shirt. (eastlandsblue)
Reyna: 7, 7, 7, 7, 7.5, 6, 6, 6, 7.2 (av: 6.7)
Much better than recent showings when he has not been at his best. Provided decent ammunition for those around him. (MEN)
Can be brilliant and hopeless in the same game, as proved today. (King Kev)
Very good in first half but I think he flagged and should have come off after they scored. (Dr Spectrum)
Linked up well with Joey. (blue man dan)
Best game for City in a long time. (eastlandsblue)
Vassell: 8, 7, 9, 8, 7, 6, - , 7, 7.4 (av: 7.4)
Stuck out on left would not be his choice of position but twinkling feet sparkled enough for him to have played big part in win. (MEN)
MotM for me, worked very hard and very effectively, loved the backwards roll with the ball between his feet!! (King Kev)
Can’t fault his effort and professionalism. First played with a hernia now he plays out of position. Good effort to stretch them (It was his movement that caused their fullback to take a position to play Corradi onside for the 1st). Obviously not much end product but can’t criticise. (Dr Spectrum)
What the feck this guy is on I don’t know. I am still amazed how he kept the ball when he went down by the Fulham fans, worked and played his heart out my motm. (blue man dan)
Played on the left like a natural, hope Pearce keeps him there next week. (eastlandsblue)
Samaras (Dickov 67): 7, 7, 6, 7, 6.5, 7, 6, 7, 7.3 (av: 6.8)
Made first goal for his strike partner and then missed a sitter before being taken off just after the hour mark. (MEN)
Not the best performance by Big Sam, spurned a very good chance towards the end of the game. (King Kev)
Really lively in 1st half, class pass for goal, shame he didn’t get one. (Dr Spectrum)
Shame he didn’t turn up today, still give the guy a chance. (blue man dan)
Needs to get some confidence in his veins, but seems the ideal partner to have. (eastlandsblue)
Corradi: 8, 8, 8.5, 9, 8.5, 8, 8, 9, 8.9 (av: 8.4)
Famed for his goal celebrations in Italy and Spain and hopefully City fans will now see more of them. (MEN)
Took his goals very well and seemed to grow in stature with his new found confidence, brilliant goal celebrations!! (King Kev)
MotM. What can I say. He’s had his knockers but shut them up today with those finishes. So good in the air, he is so effective when we surround him with players with pace. (Dr Spectrum)
Scored 2 goals a striker should score!!!!! Bags of effort too. (blue man dan)
Ran his socks off and unlucky not to get his hat-trick. (eastlandsblue)
Subs:
Dickov (Samaras 67): 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6.7 (av: 6.1)
Managed to rile the two biggest Fulham players - priceless. (MEN)
Ideal player to come on when your two up, keeps defences busy but still looks like an headless chicken. (eastlandsblue)
Onuoha (Trabelsi 88).
Too late to mark but good to see him back. (MEN)
Subs not used:
Hart, Ireland and Miller