English Premier League: Manchester City fightback ends Everton’s unbeaten start
Negredo, Aguero on target as Pellegrini’s men win 3-1.
Manchester City’s Alvaro Negredo made a fine run into the box to slot home Yaya Toure’s reverse pass. PHOTO: AFP
LONDON:
Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Aguero combined to help Manchester City bounce back from their Bayern Munich mauling by beating Everton 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League yesterday.
Spaniard Negredo and his Argentine strike partner Aguero scored one apiece as City came from behind to earn a well-deserved three points.
Romelu Lukaku had given Everton a 16th-minute lead before City hit back, going some way to ease the disappointment of their 3-1 home defeat by Bayern in the Champions League.
Everton’s frustrating afternoon was complete when Tim Howard was credited with City’s third goal after 69 minutes after the keeper had tipped Aguero’s penalty on to the post, only for the ball to ricochet off his head and into the net.
“Equalising immediately was important, but more important was the character of the team, playing against Everton – the only unbeaten team in the league,” said City manager Manuel Pellegrini. “After a defeat (by Bayern) on Wednesday, it was important for me to see how the players reacted after that defeat.
“We really needed this victory because at the start of the game we were five points behind Arsenal and it is important to continue wining here at home.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool moved to the top of the league table with a comfortable 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Anfield. Goals from Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard were enough to land the team into top spot above Arsenal.
Wenger wary of West Brom threat
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is expecting a stern challenge for his Premier League leaders when they travel to West Bromwich Albion today.
The Gunners will be bidding for an 11th straight win in all competitions when they arrive at The Hawthorns. But that sequence includes a League Cup victory against the Baggies where it needed a penalty shoot-out to separate the sides. West Brom caused one of the upsets of the season so far when they won 2-1 away to champions Manchester United last weekend.
“They had quite a strong side out (in the League Cup) and many of the regular players played, but they have a big squad,” said Wenger. “I noticed when I looked at their team who played at Manchester United, that they have a massive squad of experienced players, so it’s very difficult to predict who will play against us.”
Mata demands awayday success at Norwich
Midfielder Juan Mata believes Chelsea must quickly secure a first away win of the Premier League season if they are to kick-start their title challenge.
A trip to Carrow Road to face Norwich City today presents Jose Mourinho’s side with the latest opportunity to claim three points on the road.
“We need our first away league win as soon as possible,” said Mata. “If we want to fight for the title you need to win your home games but also pick points up away as well. Obviously when you play away it’s difficult, especially against teams like Norwich, who are very good at home, but we’re good enough to do it.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 6th, 2013.
Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Aguero combined to help Manchester City bounce back from their Bayern Munich mauling by beating Everton 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League yesterday.
Spaniard Negredo and his Argentine strike partner Aguero scored one apiece as City came from behind to earn a well-deserved three points.
Romelu Lukaku had given Everton a 16th-minute lead before City hit back, going some way to ease the disappointment of their 3-1 home defeat by Bayern in the Champions League.
Everton’s frustrating afternoon was complete when Tim Howard was credited with City’s third goal after 69 minutes after the keeper had tipped Aguero’s penalty on to the post, only for the ball to ricochet off his head and into the net.
“Equalising immediately was important, but more important was the character of the team, playing against Everton – the only unbeaten team in the league,” said City manager Manuel Pellegrini. “After a defeat (by Bayern) on Wednesday, it was important for me to see how the players reacted after that defeat.
“We really needed this victory because at the start of the game we were five points behind Arsenal and it is important to continue wining here at home.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool moved to the top of the league table with a comfortable 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Anfield. Goals from Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard were enough to land the team into top spot above Arsenal.
Wenger wary of West Brom threat
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is expecting a stern challenge for his Premier League leaders when they travel to West Bromwich Albion today.
The Gunners will be bidding for an 11th straight win in all competitions when they arrive at The Hawthorns. But that sequence includes a League Cup victory against the Baggies where it needed a penalty shoot-out to separate the sides. West Brom caused one of the upsets of the season so far when they won 2-1 away to champions Manchester United last weekend.
“They had quite a strong side out (in the League Cup) and many of the regular players played, but they have a big squad,” said Wenger. “I noticed when I looked at their team who played at Manchester United, that they have a massive squad of experienced players, so it’s very difficult to predict who will play against us.”
Mata demands awayday success at Norwich
Midfielder Juan Mata believes Chelsea must quickly secure a first away win of the Premier League season if they are to kick-start their title challenge.
A trip to Carrow Road to face Norwich City today presents Jose Mourinho’s side with the latest opportunity to claim three points on the road.
“We need our first away league win as soon as possible,” said Mata. “If we want to fight for the title you need to win your home games but also pick points up away as well. Obviously when you play away it’s difficult, especially against teams like Norwich, who are very good at home, but we’re good enough to do it.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 6th, 2013.