Man City began the Roberto Mancini's era by giving Stoke another away nosebleed en route to a 2-0 Boxing Day win.
Petrov & Tevez strikes sink Potters at Eastlands
The era of Roberto Mancini's Manchester City began in auspicious fashion as they gave Stoke another away nosebleed en route to a 2-0 win on Boxing Day.
Saturday's clash posed a tricky start to City life for Mancini, taking charge of his first match since controversially replacing Mark Hughes as manager on Monday, as a dogged Potters made the journey north to Eastlands.
But after a stuttering open to proceedings by the hosts, which saw Shay Given superbly deny Tuncay Sanli from point-blank range, Martin Petrov rewarded his new boss for handing him a start with the opening goal on 27 minutes.
The Bulgarian winger scored his fourth goal of the campaign when he slotted home Robinho's unintentional pass after delightful run by Carlos Tevez, who marked his inspirational performance by getting on the scoresheet.
The Argentinian striker continued his hot streak in front of goal as he made it six in as many games with an acrobatic finish from Gareth Barry's cushion header on the brink of half-time.
The result sees City, keeping a rare clean sheet, move to within three points of a UEFA Champions League place that the club's Abu Dhabi-based owners crave, while Stoke's away blues continue as they extend their winless away run to five.
Major decision
Mancini's first major decision as City boss was to restore Robinho and Petrov to the Blues' starting line-up for Saturday's encounter but there was no place in the squad for injured Emmanuel Adebayor or two-goal hero of last weekend Roque Santa Cruz while Craig Bellamy dropped to the bench.
The decision would have caused stirs around the City of Manchester Stadium with Robinho being a big disappointment so far this season, while Petrov has hardly been used.
Yet it was that pair who combined to put City in front just before the half hour.
In fairness, Robinho's contribution was wholly accidental as he scuffed his shot terribly after being set up by Tevez.
The ball ran on to Petrov, who fired past a despairing Thomas Sorensen at the far post.
As the Bulgarian had started on the left of a four-man midfield and had just been switched to the right, it could be claimed as a tactical masterstroke, even if a terrible finish from a similar position moments later suggested the Bulgarian cannot entirely be trusted on that side of the field.
Tevez was the star man for City and it was appropriate he should snaffle the second in first-half stoppage time when Barry cushioned a header into his path, allowing the Argentine to lift the ball delicately over Sorensen.
Yet, as he reflected on such an advantageous position, Mancini would have been aware City were indebted to a brilliant feet-first save from Given to deny Tuncay when the scores were still level.
All-change
Tony Pulis was so unimpressed by his side's efforts that he made all three substitutions in a 10-minute spell right after the restart.
Those introduced included James Beattie, who seems certain to leave next month but did at least create a half chance for Matthew Etherington with his extra aerial ability.
Beattie's altercation with Pulis looks like being costly for Stoke because he brings a greater focus to their attack.
It was evident when he controlled Abdoulaye Faye's wayward header at the far post before letting fly with a ferocious volley that Given kept out with a brilliant one-handed save.
Goalkeeper is clearly one area Mancini will not have to analyse over the coming days as he ponders who he needs to keep, who can be discarded and what replacements are needed.
The issue of Robinho is not quite so straightforward.
His axing for Hughes' final supper was a clear indication of what the last City boss felt about a player the club spent £32.5million to buy.
And he did little of note for Mancini, who could not have failed to notice the enthusiasm with which home supporters greeted his exit and the arrival of Bellamy.
The Welshman should have had a penalty too when he was barged over by Robert Huth but inexplicably, referee Lee Mason did not give it.
| Manchester City |
Team Statistics |
Stoke City |
| 2 |
Goals |
0 |
| 2 |
1st Half Goals |
0 |
| 6 |
Shots on Target |
2 |
| 7 |
Shots off Target |
5 |
| 1 |
Blocked Shots |
1 |
| 7 |
Corners |
6 |
| 12 |
Fouls |
11 |
| 0 |
Offsides |
4 |
| 0 |
Yellow Cards |
2 |
| 0 |
Red Cards |
0 |
| 79.6 |
Passing Success |
69 |
| 14 |
Tackles |
14 |
| 85.7 |
Tackles Success |
78.6 |
| 63.9 |
Possession |
36.1 |
| 48.2 |
Territorial Advantage |
51.8 |
|
