Monday 24 October 2011

"Mad Mario" Derby Day star

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last 24 hours it's obvious you will be aware of City thrashing United 6-1 at Old Trafford yesterday.  A results which Sir Alex described as his worst defeat ever as a Manager or a player.

In the build up to the game City fans had to endure most of the pundits and ex pro's predicting a close game but United's "big game experience" seeing them to a victory.  Now to be brutally honest as the game kicked off had you offered me a draw I would have took it.  Much like the FA Cup Semi Final United did start the brighter City soaked up the pressure though Joe Hart was rarely troubled.  And you just knew after all the silly press his firework display from his bathroom generated Mario Balotelli would be involved his delicious pass into the net for the first goal was then followed by him revealing a T-Shirt with the words "WHY ALWAYS ME?"...Pass Mario but you weren't finished there.
 2 minutes into the second half he burst through and was pulled back by Jonny Evans who was rightly sent off by Referee Mark Clattenburg.  15 Minutes later City fans were in dream land when Balotelli tapped in at the far post after brilliant work by Silva and Milner laid it on a plate.  When it was 3-0 Roberto Mancini decided to give Balotelli well earned rest subbing him for Edin Dzeko who would go on to get a brace of goals as well.

Many people were upset by Balotelli's stupid red card against Kiev which killed any hope of City progressing in last seasons Europa League.  That appears to have been a watershed moment as since then Balotelli has turned in stunning performances in a lot of key games including being man of the match in the FA Cup final having already played a key role in the Semi Final against United.  Yes there has been the odd "Mad Mario" moment including the back flick against La Galaxy which caused a lot of grief (honestly I believe he thought he was offside he stopped then span round)
 BUT when it's mattered he has been a key player scoring goals and even celebrating some which I think surprised many of us who saw his run to hug Mancini.  There can be little doubt the man has talent it appears bar some moments of pure madness (like the fireworks or the darts incident)  City do have a player capable of doing anything he cares to try.  City fans have come up with a comical song for their flawed genius which was heard loudly being sang by 3,000 blues at Old Trafford  and has been aired a fair few times at The Etihad Stadium as well as on route to games.  Long may he be a striker and I hope Roberto Mancini continues to get the very best out of Mario.

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