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Newcastle United 0 Manchester City 1 - Manchester City MAD

 

Newcastle United 0 Manchester City 1

Last updated : 31 March 2007 By Footymad Previewer
The great Manchester City recovery continues as they made it successive away wins with Emile Mpenza pouncing for the all-important late winner at St James' Park.

It was no more than City deserved and surely their relegation fears have no been brushed aside.

In what was arguably the worst 45 minutes seen at St. James' Park this season, it was little surprise when Newcastle were jeered from the pitch.

With absolutely nothing coming from midfield apart from countless back passes, it was hardly surprising that chances were few and far between.

And despite seeing Newcastle struggle, City were every bit as luck-lustre and unable to capitalise on the home team's woeful showing.

What was clearly apparent was that Nicky Butt and Scott Parker cannot play in the same side, especially at home. The creativity of the central midfield duo was non-existent and therefore starved the front two of the ball.

Belgian striker Mpenza had the best opening of the half. Shadowed by Steven Taylor, Mpenza created an opening when Joey Barton cleverly blocked off Taylor and the City new boy rattled the crossbar from 25 yards.

Newcastle's best chance fell for Parker who did finish with style but was flagged offside despite appearing level.

Nobby Solano fired wide from 30 yards after latching on to a Sylvain Distin clearance and the little Peruvian crossed for Kieron Dyer who completely missed the ball.

Greek striker Georgios Samaras replaced United old boy Dietmar Hamann at the break after the German had sustained a twisted ankle.

The second half showed a bit more passion and a clever chested pass from substitute James Milner led to Oba Martins firing wide.

Then City caught Newcastle flat-footed after 80 minutes with Barton involved. He found Michael Johnson who cleverly slipped in Mpenza to take a touch with his right foot and drive left footed across Shay Given.

In a grandstand finish, Taylor thumped a header against the bar, Butt had a shot blocked and Stephen Carr fired wide.