City prepare for FA Cup final with narrow win

Last year’s champions beat West Brom 1-0 in EPL.


Afp May 08, 2013
Manchester City's Edin Dzeko. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE

LONDON: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini made eight changes to the team that drew 0-0 at Swansea on Saturday, but saw his side prevail over West Brom with a 1-0 win, courtesy a 35th-minute volley from Edin Dzeko.

The Bosnian striker expertly dispatched a cross from the tireless Carlos Tevez to give the deposed champions a seven-point cushion over third-placed Chelsea and secure a berth in next season’s Champions League.

“It was a difficult game because we changed a lot of players, but it was important for us to win the game,” said Mancini.

“After 10 minutes we started to play better and we missed five incredible chances to score, which made it difficult for us in the second-half.”

FA Cup winners in 2011 and league champions last year, City will be bidding to win their third major title in three seasons when they tackle FA Cup final debutants Wigan at the Wembley on Saturday.

Asked if he has now settled on a side for the trip to Wembley, Mancini added, “Maybe. We have four days. It is important after this game to recover our strength. We didn’t take a risk with some players. I think so.”

‘Goal doesn’t guarantee FA Cup final place’

Despite scoring the winner against West Brom, Dzeko admitted that it does not guarantee him a place in Manchester City’s FA Cup final side.

Dzeko is City’s top goal-scorer in the Premier League this season, but he often finds himself benched for big games. He is still unsure about his involvement in the final.

“I don’t know. It’s not my decision, it’s the decision of the manager,” he said, according to Sky Sports

“I’m happy that I played 90 minutes against West Brom, scored the goal. I think it is important that we win the cup, that’s the only thing.”

The Bosnian striker was, however, satisfied with his performance against manager Steve Clarke’s men.

“I think it was a very tough game for us. I can speak for myself and say I was very tired at the end. I can’t remember the last time that I played 90 minutes.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9th, 2013.

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