From: seanb@cs.man.ac.uk (Sean Bechhofer)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.soccer
Subject: Man City vs Leeds
Date: 11 Nov 92 17:35:34 GMT


	MANCHESTER CITY 4	LEEDS UTD 0
	Sheron 12
	White 36
	Hill 75
	Brightwell 80

City: Coton, Brightwell, Phelan, McMahon, Curle, Hill, White, Sheron,
Quinn, Simpson, Holden.
Subs: Reid, Flitcroft, Margetson (gk).

Leeds: Day, Newsome, Wetherall, Hodge (Chapman 56), Fairclough, Whyte,
Strachan, Cantona, Wallace, McAllister, Speed.
Subs: Rocastle, Peppinger (gk).

Att: 27,000 ish

Referee: K Morton


  For the second year in a row, City put four past Leeds Utd with no reply
at Maine Road. At the end of last season, the Blues caused a slight hiccup
in the champions' run in, but were flattered by the score line.  This
season, however, they were well worth their victory, and completely exposed
the failings and weaknesses in the Leeds back four. Even the usually strong
midfield could do nothing as City ran riot in their best performance of the
season so far.

  After a fairly dire show in the last couple of home games, the crowd at
Maine Road were looking for a similar performance to that which earned the
Blues a 3-1 victory at Goodison last Saturday, but no-one was expecting the
display they were treated to. The scoring touch is back, with four players
getting their names on the score sheet, a reflection of the way that City
played as a complete team. 

  City fielded the same team they've played for the last few games, but
there were changes in Leeds, with Mervyn Day coming in for Lukic, out with
a kidney injury. Despite the score line, Day played well, and avoided an
even bigger rout. Chapman was left on the bench, with Wallace preferred up
front partnering Cantona. 

  The game got underway, and the first crunching challenge of the game came
in on Simpson from Chris Fairclough. He really should have gone in the
book, and for a few minutes, the game threatened to boil over with both
sides flying in a bit. It seemed to calm down though, and the first real
chance of the game went to Wallace, whose shot was well saved by Coton. 
After that, though, the game began top swing City's way, and with 12
minutes gone, City went in front. Under some pressure, Whyte and Fairclough
got mixed up and ended up with a weak header back to the keeper.  The ball
didn't reach him as Mike Sheron nipped in to head it over the advancing Day
for his fourth goal in three games. From that point on, the first half was
City's. Cantona was shackled by the back four, who all played well, and
with McAllister playing poorly, Leeds were unable to produce their usual
midfield performance. After about twenty five minutes, Niall Quinn was
given his first real chance of the game. A cross was whipped in, and he hit
a thundering header that was superbly parried away by Day. The keeper also
dealt well with a shot from the edge of the area by "Tricky" Ricky Holden.
The second goal was made by good work from Sheron again. He forced his way
through into the left hand side of the box, and struck a low cross into the
centre.  It went past the hands pf Day, and White was there ahead of the
fullback to tuck the ball away.  At this point, City were really buzzing,
and the half ended with yet another close attempt by Quinn, his shot just
flying past the post. The teams left the field to tremendous applause from
the City fans, and the welcome news that Utd were 1-0 down to Villa!.

  Leeds came back into things in the early part of the second half. After
ten minutes, Hodge was replaced by Chapman, but he didn't really have
anything to contribute. Although Leeds enjoyed dominance in midfield, and
controlled the game for a spell, the City players tackled fiercely and
defended in numbers, preventing Leeds from threatening any real danger.
Strachan became more and more frustrated, and was eventually booked for
throwing the ball at Terry Phelan's head after conceding a free kick. Other
players booked were Simpson for a few over zealous tackles, Wallace for
encroaching at a free kick, and maybe another Leeds player. Quinn was again
unlucky, another shot of his going near. It appears that he has angered one
of the great footballing Gods, as it seems impossible for him to score. The
whole of the Kippax were willing him on, though, and I think everyone's
aware of how well he's playing, despite the lack of goals.

  Half an hour into the second half, the game was effectively over. After a
corner, Simpson's shot was blocked, but Andy Hill was on hand to poke the
ball in. The crowd were delighted, and five minutes later, Maine Road
erupted as a tremendous move brought the fourth. Ian Brightwell started
deep in his own half, carrying the ball over half way. He laid it off to
Quinn, who with one touch passed it to Sheron. Sheron flicked the ball on
into the path of Brightwell, who'd carried on his run, splitting the
defence apart. His finish gave Day no chance. Absolutely gorgeous football.
"We Want Five" sang the Kippax, but City had to settle for a repeat of last
year's score. For the last few minutes, they knocked the ball about with
great confidence, the crowd cheering every touch. The final whistle brought
a great cheer, the players obviously as delighted as the fans. A second
cheer greeted the news that Utd had in fact gone down 1-0 at Villa, and we
headed off into the gloom with a happy smile on our faces in search of some
suitable liquid refreshment....

  This was a heartening display from City. The back four were solid, with
only one real chance for Leeds falling in the area, the rest being long
range attempts that Coton dealt with. They also came forward well, Phelan
linking with Holden to cause problems on the left, and Brightwell
demonstrating his threat with the fourth goal. The midfield played with
more fire in their bellies than in recent games, and fought well against
Speed, Strachan and McAllister. Quinn was great, as ever, and Sheron showed
that he's really back on top form after a recent dip. The heartening thing
though, was that they elected to play football, keeping the ball on the
park, rather than hitting the long ball to Quinn. A fine team performance,
really, with all the lads deserving praise.  

  The match officials were rather poor (as ever), with several dreadful
offside decisions for and against both teams.  The referee could have
exterted a bit more authority earlier on which would probably have saved
some of the early nastiness.

  As for Leeds, Day made several good saves, but without a decent back four
in front of him, he's going to be busy. Wilkinson really needs to sort out
the right back position or they could find themselves in serious trouble.
The Leeds midfield were below par, and Cantona and Wallace couldn't come up
with the goods. Wallace threatened with his pace occasionally, but Curle
was up to the challenge.  Hodge was ineffective and clearly not match fit.
Reid has been considering a bid for Hodge, and it'll be interesting to see
what happens after this game.  Wilkinson is rumoured to be looking at Ian
Brigthwell, and there is talk of a swap deal with Hodge, but based on
Saturday, Reid would have to stupid to take up such an offer. However, we
all know what his transfer negotiating skills are like :-(.

  No game next week due to internationals, and the week after sees City
away at Coventry, where hopefully the good form will continue. Watch this
space.... 

Cheers,

	Sean B
Newsgroups: rec.sport.soccer