Aston Villa came to Eastlands knowing they would be one game away from Wembley if they were to win tonight - of course the same situation that City were in themselves. Knowing that, it was a strange team selection from Gerard Houllier who rested both Ashley Young and Stuart Downing. With Darren Bent cup-tied it was left to Emile Heskey and Gabby Agbonlahor to lead the forward line - barely the most prolific strike force.
On paper the City line up was a lot stronger, even with the luxury of resting Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko the team still featured Mario Balotelli, David Silva and seven other first team players. Micah Richards made his return from injury which pushed Jerome Boateng inside to CB to partner the in form Lescott. Zabaleta was named at right back which again gave Alex Kolarov license to get forward and neglect some of his defensive responsibilities. Patrick Vieira, Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure made up the midfield.
It was a great start for the blues when Kolarov's corner was flicked on by Vieira (who has suddenly became a massive aerial threat) and Yaya Toure lashed it in from three yards with only five minutes on the clock. City looked extremely comfortable from that moment on. Gareth Barry put in his best performance against Aston Villa since he left and was first to every ball in midfield, along with Patrick Vieira he provided a foundation for David Silva to work his magic. Silva continuously picked up the ball in space and pulled the strings for City, building up any sort of relationship with Mario Balotelli is beyond most people's capabilities but Silva certainly headed in the right direction. Patrick Vieira went some way towards convincing City fans that he can still do a job for the team. He looked sharper and quicker than he has done previously and dominated the midfield.
With Kolarov and Richards providing the width City had a lot of the ball in the first half. The possession was made to pay when Mario Balotelli let a long ball run across his body before expertly finishing in the top corner. This was a great example of what to expect from the enigmatic Italian and shows why Mancini sets such a high standard for him.
Richard Dunne made his return to Eastlands for the first time since he left the club and at times reminded the City faithful exactly why he was regarded so highly.
There were a few glimpses of what Aston Villa are capable of with Agbonlahor flashing just wide and Petrov slightly miss-timing his otherwise well executed volley but the night definitely belonged to City and the win was secured late in the second half when David Silva controlled a weak clearance and clinically finished into the corner.
Carlos Tevez was introduced in the second half as Mario Balotelli made way to a standing ovation. He is certainly getting on the right side of the City fans and with his impressive performances of late and his continued growing maturity (he actually stepped in as peacemaker tonight at one point) he is on his way to becoming a firm fan favourite.
Roberto Mancini's team choice showed exactly what he thinks of the competition and next up is a home tie against Championship side Reading. Whilst no easy task, it will certainly be a situation that Mancini would look to take advantage of.
There were the strongest signs yet tonight that City are in with a strong chance of winning their first silverware for 35 years.
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