“Five to one baby, one in five, no one here, gets out alive”. The immortal words of Jim Morrison of The Doors have been ringing around my head ever since City’s 5-1 thumping of Tottenham Hotspur in London last Sunday. Whilst Morrison’s words can loosely be associated with the game, it is worth noting City came out of the tie alive and kicking! Tottenham, on the other hand, started the game dead on their feet and left the field of play flat on their arses, quick frankly.
Such was the immense force at which City took the game to Spurs, the Londoners never really stood a chance. Edin Dzeko’s four goal haul and an individual effort from Sergio Aguero ensured City maintained their 100% start to the season.
Dzeko heads in his second goal
Historically, Tottenham have been somewhat of a bogie team for City. In the past City have had an uncanny ability to lie down and surrender at Tottenham’s will. Even last May at Eastlands, Tottenham controlled the game despite City coming out 1-0 winners on the night. On that occasion, thanks can go to the greatest City player there never was, Peter Crouch, who confirmed City’s qualification to the Champions League with an own goal. However, the clash on Sunday was a different story entirely and perhaps signals a change in fortune for City against Tottenham.
The game was even for the first half hour with both teams finding half chances. However, City’s superior quality soon began to tell with debutant, Samir Nasri, blending in superbly with City’s slightly more established talents such as David Silva and Edin Dzeko. Some of the link up play was phenomenal and Dzeko was there, time and time again, to finish off the fine passages of play.
City’s second goal demonstrated the excellent aerial ability of Dzeko, but it was the Bosnian’s fourth goal (City’s fifth) which stole the show. After a neat one-two with Gareth Barry on the edge of 18 yard box, Dzeko glided a sweet left footed strike into the top left hand corner of the Tottenham goal.
Tottenham humbled by the irrepressible City
There were too many fine moments to mention all of which can be seen by clicking here. The manner of victory was seriously impressive. To beat one of the top five teams in England so emphatically away from home has sent a serious statement of intent to the rest of the Premier League. It really does look like City mean business this season. Whether they will go onto win the League remains to be seen but few could have asked for a better start to the season.
Words by Rob Toole
Inoculated City 