LATICS TOO STRONG FOR CITY

WIGAN ATHLETIC 2
Valencia 15
Zaki 33 (pen)
MANCHESTER CITY 1
Kompany 21

Report by Paul Chialton

Luis Antonio Valencia and Amr Zaki were the stars of the show at the JJB as Latics put in an excellent performance to defeat Man City.

Latics were too strong for their opponents and played with intent from start to finish, creating chances and causing numerous problems for City's back-line. Valencia in particular was a constant threat.

It was Valencia who had opened the scoring after 15min. Picking up the ball 35 yards out the Ecuadorian set the ball onto his right foot and let fly an absolute screamer into the top left corner, leaving Man City keeper Joe Hart with no chance.


Valencia Celebrates his Wonder Strike

City didn't take long to respond as Robinho's shot from inside the area went just go past the right-hand post. The Brazilian was otherwise quiet throughout, not able to cope with the pace or physicality of the game.

City's response came shortly after when Elano stepped up to take a free-kick out on the right wing, and fired in a low ball across the six-yard box which was met by Vincent Kompany who slotted past Chris Kirkland.

Neither side refused to lie down, looking for every opportunity to attack and when Wilson Palacios was fouled charging into the area, referee Steve Bennett awarded a penalty to Latics. Zaki stepped up calmly and slotted the ball into the right corner to put Latics back in front.

Many predicted more goals would follow after such a start to the game, but despite City's best efforts to get an equaliser Latics held out superbly, continuing to play positive football and quash City's attacks.

LATICS: Kirkland; Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa; Valencia, Cattermole (Brown, 52), Palacios, Kapo; Heskey, Zaki
Subs: Pollitt, Scharner, de Ridder, Kilbane, Koumas, Camara
MAN CITY: Hart; Zabaleta, Dunne, Richards, Garrido; Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Kompany (Fernandes 92), Elano (Sturridge, 84), Robinho; Jo (Evans, 73)
Subs: Schmeichel, Ball, Ben-Haim, Hamann,