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Mancini army edge out Trotters
Manchester City showed their Premier League title credentials with a 3-2 win over Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday.
Manchester City showed their Premier League title credentials with a 3-2 win over Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday.
Robert Mancini’s side are tipped to make a strong challenge for Manchester United’s crown after splashing out another £50 million on new talent during the close-season and City’s expensively-assembled side look in the mood to fulfil those expectations.
Goals from David Silva, Gareth Barry and Edin Dzeko -- three lavish signings from previous seasons -- maintained City’s 100 percent record as they moved to the top of the table.
There was also a substitute appearance from Carlos Tevez, the unsettled Argentine striker who hopes to leave City before the transfer window shuts on August 31.
Mancini gave a first start to Sergio Aguero, the club’s record £38 million signing from Atletico Madrid, after the Argentina forward’s two-goal appearance against Swansea on Monday.
But it was Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen who played the key role as City took the lead in the 26th minute.
Spanish midfielder Silva fired in a speculative shot from the edge of the area and Jaaskelainen made a complete hash of his attempted save, allowing the ball to spill through his hands into the net.
There was no fortune about City’s second goal in the 37th minute as England midfielder Barry smashed a ferocious effort past Jaaskelainen from 20 yards.
Bolton mounted an immediate response and Ivan Klasnic got one back two minutes later from a low Martin Petrov cross.
City restored their two-goal advantage two minutes into the second half when Bosnian forward Dzeko deftly flicked the ball over Zat Knight and ran clear to drive his shot beyond Jaaskelainen.
But Bolton rarely surrender at home and Kevin Davies put the pressure back on City as he scored with a towering header from Petrov’s free-kick in the 63rd minute.
