FOOTBALL Live

Sunday October 26, 2008 Finished City of Manchester Stadium

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Manchester City

  • Robinho 14’, 47’, 72’

Stoke City

  1. Robinho hat-trick in City triumph

    Robinho hat-trick in City triumph

    A Robinho hat-trick saw Manchester City record their first win in three Premier League games with a 3-0 victory over Stoke. More

  • Live Commentary

    Time:90'
    • Manchester City
    • Stoke City
    • - Thanks for joining me this afternoon; make sure you stick with us for all the latest news from around the Premier League.
    • 90+3 FULL-TIME: Stoke play their part in an entertaining clash...but City are irresistable at times going forward - led by their brilliant Brazilian Robinho.
    • 90 WHAT A CHANCE FOR FOUR! Ireland misses a gilt-edged chance for a fourth when he is played through one-on-one...but he blasts over!
    • 89 Kompany is shown the yellow card for sliding in on Fuller on the half-way line...the rain is pouring down now, conditions are getting a bit slippy underfoot.
    • 89 SAVE! KITSON! Another header from Kitson, this time straight at Hart...should have done better as City had gone to sleep there down the right.
    • 87 Another fantastic delivery into the box from the Stoke corner...Ben Haim has to head clear.
    • 86 Cresswell almost plays in Kitson, but Kompany blocks...Stoke win another corner as they continue to play their part as the rain falls in Manchester...
    • 84 Elano superbly volleys a fabulous pass into the path of Sturrudge...he controls the ball instantly as City launch another break...a deflected shot is easily saved by Sorensen.
    • 83 The visitors still aren't giving up...they are throwing plenty of men forward and plenty of crosses into the box...
    • 82 The scoreline is perhaps a bit harsh on Stoke, who were threatening, especially in the first half.
    • 81 Sturridge has been very impressive from the bench...he almost gets a fortuitous fourth when his cross needs to be tipped clear from under his own bar by Sorensen.
    • 78 City have been fantastic going forward today...Robinho almost skills his way around Griffin on the left-edge of the box as the tricks come out.
    • 76 CITY CHANGE! Gelson Fernandes comes on to replace Dunne, who has soldiered on after taking a heavy knock in the first half.
    • 75 SHOULD HAVE DONE BETTER! SWP is released after breaking the offside trap...he is one-on-one but is caught in two minds...and eventually Sorensen scrambles the ball behind!
    • 74 Stoke win a corner on the left....dangerous cross...Dunne heads clear...
    • 72 HAT-TRICK! ROBINHO! Stunning counter-attack from City, led by SWP, Sturridge plays a clever first-time pass over to the unmarked Robinho...who fires home!
    • 72 Since that wonderful ten-minute spell, City have been forced back into their own half a bit...they are under pressure here.
    • 71 CITY SUB: Onuoha on for Garrido as Hughes opts for more height and strength at the back.
    • 69 KITSON! The sub goes close with a header from a typically threatening Delap throw from the right.
    • 67 STOKE CHANGE! Kitson is brought on by Stoke boss Pulis as he searches for a goal that would change this game in their favour.
    • 65 HAT-TRICK CHANCE! SHOULD HAVE SCORED! SWP cuts the ball beautifully back into the path of Robinho...but he fires straight at Sorensen from eight yards! Fantastic chance for a hat-trick!
    • 63 Elano casually lets fly from 25 yards...no threat to Sorensen.
    • 62 FIERCE! Hart needs to tip Tom Soares's fierce 20-yard effort over his own crossbar! Great spell of football.
    • 61 JUST WIDE! Robinho comes within inches of a hat-trick as he glides past two defenders before unleashing a low shot...which Sorensen tips around the post!
    • 60 WHAT A CHANCE! Fantastic, Arsenal-esque intricate play inside the box from City as Ireland tees up Richards six yards out...but the defender blasts high over the bar with the goal gaping!
    • 59 CLOSE! SWP hits a deflected effort just the wrong side of the post after Ireland had laid the ball into his path 16 yards out...more good build-up from City.
    • 58 ...turned into the box low...Ireland stabs clear...plenty of pressure from Stoke, this game is far from over.
    • 57 Stoke win a free-kick right on the edge of the City box as Garrido is penalised for a handball...close decision, could have been a penalty...still a good chance for Stoke...
    • 56 STRAIGHT AT THE KEEPER! A fine cross from the left from Garrido is only half-cleared to SWP...but his stabbed effort is straight at Sorensen.
    • 54 Kompany is doing an excellent job screening in front of the City defence...he is playing like a third centre-back at times, which is really helping out Dunne and TBH.
    • 52 Fuller is caught offside...replays show it was a tight one...the Stoke forward is still pushing the City defence hard here.
    • 51 Ireland tries to urge Richards forward down the right, but the ball skips off the turf and out for a goal-kick.
    • 50 City will be delighted to have got that second goal...it certainly eases some tension at the back...and what a superb goal it was...Sturridge rightly took the plaudits for his excellent build-up.
    • 49 Bit of a scramble in the City box as Stoke look to reply immediately...Dunne eventually hacks clear...Delap hurls in the throw...free-kick City for some pushing
    • 48 GOAL! WHAT A GOAL! Superb build-up play from Sturridge, who cuts in from the right before delightfully rolling through to Robinho...who scores a second!
    • 47 No changes from either side at the break.
    • 46 The second half is underway...
    • 45 HALF-TIME: Stoke finish the half very strongly, but City go in with the lead thanks to Robinho's strike.
    • 45 CHANCE! Fuller blasts high over the bar after sprinting on to a long ball over the top and holding off Dunne! Great chance for the leveller, wasted by the striker!
    • 45 SAVE! Seyi George Olofinjana tests Hart with a low shot to the near post after he found himself in space on the corner of the box!
    • 45 Stoke win a late free-kick when Garrido goes in a little clumsily on Tom Soares...the set-piece is thrown into the box...and scrambled clear.
    • 44 CITY SUB: Evans is replaced by fellow youngster Sturridge...
    • 43 Evans is hobbling around...and now he has gone down, holding his knee...the City physio comes on as Sturridge strips off on the sideline...
    • 42 SWP runs at the heart of the Stoke defence, but things get a little congested in the middle and the visitors are able to nab the ball.
    • 40 Richards hasn't made any of those barnstorming runs forward from the right-back spot that made him so promising a full-back for England...he has been content to sit in during this first half.
    • 39 Elano has made some nice touches in midfield but it just isn't coming off for him at the moment...City aren't stringing too many penetrating passes together
    • 38 City win a free-kick, 40 yards out on the left...it's taken quickly...but Evans's loose pass hands possession back to the visitors
    • 37 CITY ALMOST PAY! With Dunne still off the field, Ryan Shawcross meets the corner with a firm header...Hart pushes clear...
    • 35 Dunne is back on his feet after some treatment...but Stoke have a corner and the City captain is still off the field...
    • 34 Good challenge Dunne again down the left...but he appears to have gone over on his ankle in the process...worried looks from Hughes on the touchline...
    • 33 City have thrown away leads on a number of occasions recently...Stoke certainly shouldn't be too disheartened while the score stays at just 1-0
    • 32 Evans certainly adds some strength and power to the City attack, which they sometimes lack with Jo as their lone striker...the young Welshman is all bustle and loves getting stuck in...a real Mark Hughes player
    • 31 Evans's cross is flicked on by Ireland...but Robinho just can't get to the ball before the defender at the back post.
    • 30 City have got their offside trap working well at the moment...this time Delap is the man just caught off.
    • 29 Ricardo Fuller is warned by the referee for barging Ben Haim after the defender had cleared the ball...no booking.
    • 27 Some nice possession football from City, although it ends when Salif Diao intercepts on the edge of his own box...
    • 26 Evans takes a bang to the side of the head in a challenge with Faye...free-kick City, taken quickly...SWP fires the ball across...just evades everyone.
    • 25 Another crunching tackle from Dunne as he denies Fuller...although the flag was up for offside anyway...these are the sort of games that Dunne thrives on.
    • 23 Elano stands over the ball...JUST WIDE! The midfielder dips his effort over the top of the wall, but Sorensen is able to watch the ball just go a couple of yards the wrong side of the post.
    • 22 City win a free-kick when Evans is blocked as he tries to sprint onto a through-ball...set-piece 25 yards out...
    • 21 ...the throw is missiled into the crowded box...a City head nods the ball behind for a corner...lots of pressure on the home goal at the moment...but the pressure is relieved when they win a free-kick.
    • 19 The visitors throw another deep ball into the City box...Dunne half-clears with his head, but the ball goes out for a throw...here comes Delap...
    • 18 SAVE! Hart is tested by a swerving effort...the young keeper, who has just signed a new long-term deal with the club, is up to the task.
    • 17 City have got a very combative defence out this afternoon - which is going to be important against the strong, powerful Stoke attack.
    • 16 The home side have certainly made the better start here and it will be a relief for Hughes that they have turned their dominance into a goal.
    • 15 CITY MAKE THE BREAKTHROUGH! Robinho opens the scoring with a fine low finish after a shot had been deflected to him inside the box!
    • 14 Stoke are doing a fine job of keeping pressure on the City man in possession...the City midfield have been allowed no time on the ball whatsoever
    • 12 SWP brings a save out of the keeper as he sprints onto a looping ball and flicks an effort goalwards...Sorensen has closed down the angle and saves with his legs.
    • 10 GREAT TACKLE! Dunne flicks the ball away from the boot of Fuller as the Stoke forward looks to pull the trigger as the City defence allow a ball to bounce into their penalty area.
    • 9 Garrido attacks down the left...dangerous cross is punched clear by the keeper. Good open start to the match.
    • 8 Stoke attack down the left, fires a low cross into the middle...Dunne sticks out a boot and deflects the ball to safety...
    • 6 City boss Hughes has opted to play Richards at right-back this afternoon, shifting Ben Haim into the middle with Dunne...interesting to see how Richards links up with SWP down the right...
    • 4 OOH! Robinho brings a smart save out of the keeper with a run-and-shot down the left...City win a corner...well dealt with by the Stoke defence.
    • 2 Bright start from City, who look to have an attacking side out this afternoon...
    • 1' The action is underway at Eastlands!
    • - News from the COMS today that goalkeeper Joe Hart has signed a new five-year contract with Manchester City. "I am very pleased that Joe has signed this contract," City boss Mark Hughes said. "Our young players are a huge part of our plans for this club, and securing the services of one of the most promising keepers in the country was key to what we are doing here."
    • - Hi there, welcome to our coverage of Manchester City's home clash against Stoke...

  • Team Stats

    Manchester City Stats Stoke City
    57% Possession 42%
    20 Shots 10
    10 Shots on target 6
    4 Saves 4
    6 Corners 8
    16 Fouls 12
    1 Offsides 4
    1 Yellow cards 0
    0 Red cards 0
    18 Tackles 23
    343 Accurate passes 210
    63 Bad passes 57

  • Player Stats

    G =
    Goals
    S =
    Shots
    SoT =
    Shot on Target
    F =
    Fouls
    FW =
    Fouls Won
    O =
    Offsides
    A =
    Assists
    AP =
    Accurate Passes
    BP =
    Bad Passes
    T =
    Tackles
    • Manchester City
      G S SoT F FW O A AP BP T
      1 Joe Hart 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 9 0 0
      22 Richard Dunne 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 25 4 2
      33 Vincent Kompany 0 1 1 4 1 0 0 29 1 1
      15 Javier Garrido 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 26 11 1
      2 Micah Richards 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 19 1 1
      26 Tal Ben Haim 0 1 0 1 3 0 0 35 0 1
      8 Shaun Wright-Phillips 0 4 2 2 0 0 0 26 3 2
      11 Blumer Elano 0 3 0 1 2 0 0 66 19 1
      7 Stephen Ireland 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 28 3 6
      24 Ched Evans 0 1 0 1 2 1 1 2 0 1
      10 Robson de Souza 3 6 6 0 2 0 0 40 15 1
      19 Gelson Fernandes 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 1 1
      36 Leandro Gláuber 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      16 Kasper Schmeichel 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      28 Daniel Sturridge 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 12 4 0
      4 Nedum Onuoha 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 1 0
      21 Dietmar Hamann 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      20 Felipe Caicedo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
    • Stoke City
      G S SoT F FW O A AP BP T
      29 Thomas Sorensen 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 14 4 0
      25 Abdoulaye Faye 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 24 5 0
      3 Danny Higginbotham 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 23 13 4
      2 Andy Griffin 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 23 0 4
      17 Ryan Shawcross 0 1 1 4 0 0 0 13 3 1
      4 Seyi Olofinjana 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 19 6 3
      18 Salif Diao 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 24 6 3
      8 Tom Soares 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 12 3 2
      24 Rory Delap 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 11 7 3
      10 Ricardo Fuller 0 2 1 2 2 2 0 16 1 2
      11 Mamady Sidibe 0 1 0 4 2 0 0 15 6 0
      9 Richard Cresswell 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 1
      1 Steve Simonsen 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      6 Glenn Whelan 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 2 0
      28 Andy Wilkinson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      5 Leon Cort 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      19 Amdy Faye 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      12 Dave Kitson 0 2 1 2 2 0 0 4 1 0

  • Summary

    • 90 WHAT A CHANCE FOR FOUR! Ireland misses a gilt-edged chance for a fourth when he is played through one-on-one...but he blasts over!
    • 89 SAVE! KITSON! Another header from Kitson, this time straight at Hart...should have done better as City had gone to sleep there down the right.
    • 72 HAT-TRICK! ROBINHO! Stunning counter-attack from City, led by SWP, Sturridge plays a clever first-time pass over to the unmarked Robinho...who fires home!
    • 65 HAT-TRICK CHANCE! SHOULD HAVE SCORED! SWP cuts the ball beautifully back into the path of Robinho...but he fires straight at Sorensen from eight yards! Fantastic chance for a hat-trick!
    • 62 FIERCE! Hart needs to tip Tom Soares's fierce 20-yard effort over his own crossbar! Great spell of football.
    • 61 JUST WIDE! Robinho comes within inches of a hat-trick as he glides past two defenders before unleashing a low shot...which Sorensen tips around the post!
    • 60 WHAT A CHANCE! Fantastic, Arsenal-esque intricate play inside the box from City as Ireland tees up Richards six yards out...but the defender blasts high over the bar with the goal gaping!
    • 56 STRAIGHT AT THE KEEPER! A fine cross from the left from Garrido is only half-cleared to SWP...but his stabbed effort is straight at Sorensen.
    • 48 GOAL! WHAT A GOAL! Superb build-up play from Sturridge, who cuts in from the right before delightfully rolling through to Robinho...who scores a second!
    • 45 CHANCE! Fuller blasts high over the bar after sprinting on to a long ball over the top and holding off Dunne! Great chance for the leveller, wasted by the striker!
    • 45 SAVE! Seyi George Olofinjana tests Hart with a low shot to the near post after he found himself in space on the corner of the box!
    • 37 CITY ALMOST PAY! With Dunne still off the field, Ryan Shawcross meets the corner with a firm header...Hart pushes clear...
    • 15 CITY MAKE THE BREAKTHROUGH! Robinho opens the scoring with a fine low finish after a shot had been deflected to him inside the box!
    • 4 OOH! Robinho brings a smart save out of the keeper with a run-and-shot down the left...City win a corner...well dealt with by the Stoke defence.

Live Team Line-Up

  • Referee: Steve Tanner

  • Manchester City

    Manager: Mark Hughes

    Captain: Richard Dunne

    Starting line-up

    • J. Hart
    • T. Ben Haim
    • R. Dunne Substitution Out (76′)
    • M. Richards
    • J. Garrido Substitution Out (70′)
    • V. Kompany Yellow Card
    • B. Elano
    • S. Ireland
    • S. Wright-Phillips
    • .. Robinho
    • C. Evans

    Subs

    • D. Hamann
    • -. Glauber
    • K. Schmeichel
    • N. Onuoha Substitution In70′
    • F. Caicedo
    • G. Fernandes
    • D. Sturridge Substitution In42′

    Injured

    • D. Vassell
    • M. Petrov
    • V. Bojinov
    • M. Benjani
    • .. Jo
    • M. Johnson

    Suspended

    • P. Zabaleta

  • Stoke City

    Manager: Tony Pulis

    Captain: Andy Griffin

    Starting line-up

    • T. Sorensen
    • A. Griffin
    • A. Diagne-Faye
    • R. Shawcross
    • D. Higginbotham
    • T. Soares Substitution Out (70′)
    • S. Diao Substitution Out (77′)
    • S. Olofinjana
    • R. Delap
    • M. Sidibe Substitution Out (66′)
    • R. Fuller

    Subs

    • A. Faye
    • S. Simonsen
    • R. Cresswell Substitution In70′
    • D. Kitson Substitution In66′
    • G. Whelan Substitution In77′
    • A. Wilkinson
    • L. Cort

    Injured

    • I. Sonko
    • A. Davies

    Suspended

    None