Schalke runs-out to 2-0 defeat

By: j | November 27th, 2008

In a match that was as equally dominated by Man City and played without even the slightest bit of intensity by Schalke 04, Mark Hughes club cruised to a defining 2-0 victory. City never looked in doubt and displayed a hefty slice of professionalism as they systematically dealt with the home side that never looked in the match or possessing the resolve to fight for a point. Tactically it was a shining moment in Mark Hughes dossier as Schalke was kept at bay and their attacking trident was little more than a trickle. While Jermaine Jones provided a few reasonable efforts for the home side, Joe Hart dealt without issue and gradually advances slowly drifted away or became long ranges efforts.

Man City got off the mark as young Daniel Sturridge continued to shine as he set-up Benjani from five meters out for the opening goal two minutes past the half hour mark. I would like to tell you at this time the home squad “fought the good fight” for their fans but that would be a lie as they appeared more interested in when they could be done for the day. With nary a glimmer of a scoring threat created by the home side, Stephen Ireland added the second goal with twenty four minutes remaining with a goal that will be remembered for its miscues. With Benjani to the far left he attempted to play a 1-2 with Stephen Ireland but in the return pass the ball flicked high in the area and with ‘keeper Manuel Neuer rushing towards the ball and jumping high, Mr. Ireland struck the ball casually underneath him. It was dreadful goalkeeping in a dreadful day for the Bundesliga side in which they were unable to muster a reasonable challenge to get back in the match and seemed resolved to the eventual 2-0 defeat.

Mark Hughes said after the match:
“It couldn’t have gone any better for us, we had a game plan and the players executed it perfectly – it was a very accomplished performance.

“We were really comfortable out of possession, got our shape back very quickly and looked to break with pace and that’s what we did on my occasions causing them some real problems.

“In the end I think they ran out of ideas because they were conscious of the fact that we had a real threat going the other way.”

Man City returns hope happily with three points and awaits Man United on Sunday.