Manchester City leads the 2009-2010 Carling Cup semi-final round after defeating Manchester United 2-1 at City of Manchester Stadium, yesterday, January 19. The Blues is up with 5 wins with no losses and no draws while the Red Devils is on the fourth spot tied with Portsmouth, Tottenham, Peterboro, Barnsley, and Scunthorpe.
Welsh midfielder Ryan Giggs had given Red Devils the lead. Playing out from the back, Patrice Evra lofted a pass to Antonio Valencia, who beat his marker, attacked the byline and hit a low cross to the front post. Wayne Rooney hit a side-footed shot from close range, Shay Given saved but the rebound spilled out to his right and Giggs was on hand to tap the ball into the open net giving 1-0 to Manchester United.
At 41 minutes of the game, right winger Rafael da Silva received a yellow card which gave former United’s player Carlos Tevez an opportunity to score. Tevez’ goal gave City’s their first goal in the game and the game was tied to 1-1. Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was given a yellow card following Tevez’ goal.
At the start of second half, both teams showed good defense but at 65 minutes in the game, Tevez hits another goal, that puts City on the lead, 2-1. That goal marked the end of the game for both teams were unable to add another score ’till the final minute of the game.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was impressed with Tevez’ performance. He was very happy for Tevez and he knew that it was Tevez’ important game to show his former team what they missed. The two goals made by Tevez gave Manchester City a “51% chance” of reaching the Carling Cup final.
“It is not a big advantage, but it is an advantage. I am happy with the result because we were behind after 20 minutes and I felt it could be difficult. But we recovered, scored two goals and played well.”
Roberto Mancini, Manchester City manager
PHOTO CREDIT: mirror.co.uk
Topics: 2009-2010 Carling Cup, Antonio Valencia, Carling Cup, Carlos Tevez, Edwin van der Sar, Manchester City, Manchester United, Patrice Evra, Premier League, Rafael da Silva, Roberto Mancini, Ryan Giggs, Shay Given, Soccer, Sports, Wayne Rooney
