We fielded the same team that has been deployed for many of our Europa league ties this season with Milner and Vieira as a central two flanked by SWP and Johnson. There were rests for Zabaleta, Kompany, Barry, Yaya and initially Nigel De Jong. Our full backs were Kolorov and Boateng, each got forward well and defended competently.
We looked uncharacteristically nervous at the back throughout the game with the giant Bamba causing all sorts of problems. A lack of concentration and organisation from a corner saw us a goal down before the 2 minute mark. Despite the early shock we came out well and played some good football. James Milner looked very impressive in a central role providing much of the drive from midfield. This was typified when he picked up the ball and pressed forward linking up with Carlos Tevez before dummying past one defender and firing a fine left footed drive into the bottom corner. After the goal we looked a lot more confident and kept the ball well, even with the likes of Jo and Wright-Phillips so far of the pace.
We went ahead just before half time after a well worked corner by Adam Johnson and James Milner saw the latter's low cross flicked in by Carlos Tevez.
A touching highlight of the first half was the 23rd minute to Neil Young. A tribute to a City legend who's story puts football into perspective. The red and black scarfs on display were a thorough representation of blue loyalty.
The second half saw Nigel De Jong replace SWP and a change in shape for City, this made our possession play a lot more effective and we kept the ball well for long periods. Our eventual downfall came about due to a rare error from the routinely reliable Joe Hart, who spilled a simple looking catch for the forward to prod home.
Our unusual Vulnerability may largely have been down to the absence of vincent Kompany. His calmness and exceptional ability to read the game were feats unattainable by Lescott and Toure. The introduction of De Jong reinforced our hold on the game and his physical presence was critical.
To write this again seems monotonous but once again Jo's performance was atrocious. I actually think he was worse tonight than against Arsenal in mid-week. I purposely followed his performance closely and for the first 37 minutes of the game he didn't make one positive contribution. He looks slow and clumsy even against lower league opposition. Apparently there are five clubs interested in signing him during this window, I'd like to think we'd accept nothing more than a permanent sale.
Of course, there were many positives to take into our next fixture. James Milner's performance was one of his best in a blue shirt and was a reminder of his prolific days at Aston Villa. Hopefully Mancini will field him centrally more often rather than trying to turn him into an attacking winger.
Before the game I predicted a 4-1 win and a good run in the cup, I think we have just avoided a potential banana skin. I personally think we should field a strong team in the replay with a 4th round away fixture at Notts County looming.
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