Posted by Branham Biggers

It was the best of halves, it was the worst of halves, for Manchester City, at least.  77,169 fans dressed in either red or blue witnessed a dramatic clash between two bitter rivals for the 2011 Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.  City aimed to prove that the squad of all-stars they have assembled is ready to take on the reputation as the best in England this year, and what better way to prove it than to thrash the current champions, Manchester United?

It seemed as though that might be the precise outcome, as City came out blazing in the first half, working the ball nicely and showing their physical presence on more than one occasion.  City kicked off in their 4-3-3 formation with Hart in goal, Kolarov-Lescott-Kompany-Richards in the back; YaYa Toure-De Jong-Milner in the middle; and Silva-Dzeko-Balotelli attacking.  There was no sight of Carlitos in the lineup or on the bench, and Vincent Kompany was given the captain's armband.  New boys Sergio Aguero, Gael Clichy and Stefan Savic were on the sub's list, along with Adam Johnson, Barry, Taylor and Wright-Phillips.

The game flowed back and forth for a while, with each team creating minor chances and corner kicks.  Then, in the 14th minute, things began to heat up.  Vidic took down Balotelli at the midfield line, and the enigmatic Manchester City forward jumped to his feet as if he wanted to eat Vidic with one bite.  Vidic was not backing down, however, and referee Phil Dowd opened his book for the first, but not the last time, showing both players yellow cards.  There were 7 cautions in total in the contest, 5 to City, and several players were fortunate not to have been sent off. 

The deadlock was finally broken in the 37th minute, as a tackle from Patrice Evra on James Milner resulted in a free kick for City.  David Silva swung a beautiful ball into the box, and Lescott rose above Vidic to direct it past David De Gea for a very nice goal.  City lead 1-0. 

Then, just before the halftime break, Dzeko let loose a screamer from 30 yards out that beat De Gea to his right, and City were in the driver's seat to accomplish their mission and put this game away.  After looking at the replay, De Gea should perhaps have done a little better, as his reactions were not lightning speed, but it was still well done by Dzeko, as putting shots on target with power can often result in positive outcomes.  City lead at the half 2-0.

Now it was time for the worst of halves for Manchester City.  When everything seemed to be going their way, and taking the momentum of the second goal into halftime, surely they could stand tall in the second half and prove to their rivals that the Shield was their's, right?  Not so fast my friend.  Just 7 minutes in to the 2nd frame, Ashley Young played in a free kick of his own from outside the box, and Chris Smalling got free from the "marking" of Dzeko, to volley past Hart to get United on the scoreboard.  City still lead 2-1.

Five minutes later, United drew level with a brilliant build up of play.  Passes in tight areas from Nani, Rooney and Cleverly resulted in a Nani chip past Hart for the second goal, and the momentum had completely shifted to United's side.  Score tied 2-2.

That looked to be it for the goal scoring, as both teams traded shots, fouls, corners and clearances, and the game really settled in.  Gareth Barry came on for Balotelli in a seemingly defensive tactical swap, and the forward was not best pleased, clearly letting everyone see his frustration before storming up the tunnel to pack his gold studded suitcase.  Always drama with the talented youngster, Mancini certainly has his hands full.  Adam Johnson and Gael Clichy also came into the fray in the second half with Milner and Kolarov making way.  Newly arrived Argentinian forward Sergio Aguero stretched and loosened up, but did not make an appearance. 

Full time arrived, and the fourth official showed 4 additional minutes to be played.  With no extra time in the Community Shield, the game looked certain to be going to penalty kicks, and Mancini was undoubtedly busy scribbling the names in the order in which he wanted the kicks taken, when out of nowhere, on a seemingly innocent clearing of the ball, Kompany was beaten to possession by Nani right at the midfield line, and the Portuguese international was free to run all day, with no one in front of him but Joe Hart and the glory of victory.  Nani coolly went around Hart and slotted home the finish to put the final emphatic nail in the coffin of City's collapse.  (Or United's incredible comeback, depending on which team you support of course.) 



Well, so close, but so far away.  This game perfectly portrays the potential of this Manchester City team.  The skill, power and class to go two goals up on the Premier League Champions, and the lack of finishing, concentration and overall team dynamic that United has in spades.  This was definitely a missed opportunity to lift another trophy and show who the new power is in English football, but ultimately, there were no points on the line, and until next week, City and United are tied with 18 other teams at the top of the Barclay's Premier League table, a place that City want to hold all by themselves after the season has completed.  (Which would give them another shot at the Shield next season, and perhaps they will remember to play the full 90 minutes that time.  Or 94, rather!)

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Cheers!