A night of Carling Cup action saw Man City rack up the goals once again with a five star showing at Molineux. Luis Suarez picks up a knock at Stoke, Daniel Sturridge rescues Chelsea at Everton and Newcastle’s unbeaten run finally comes to an end. Here’s today’s Scribbles, folks…
Kenny Dalglish left out the likes of Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson for the Carling Cup trip to Stoke last night. The Reds boss partnered Luis Suarez with Andy Carroll up front and, as we reported earlier, Dalglish confirmed post-match that Suarez received a knock in Liverpool’s win. The Uruguayan was subbed off just seconds after scoring his second, and decisive, goal in the 2-1 win at the Britannia.
Jonathan Woodgate returned to the Stoke starting lineup after recovering from a calf problem. Tony Pulis named a strong starting XI, with Kenwyne Jones grabbing his chance of a start alongside Jonathan Walters by firing the home side ahead. Jermaine Pennant returned as a second half sub, having recovered from a hamstring strain.
Mama Sidibe’s injury problems deepened yesterday, with the Mali international stretched off in Stoke’s reserve game against Port Vale. Sidibe required oxygen for what appeared to be a knee injury and, having only just returned from a long-term Achilles injury, could be set for another spell on the sidelines.
Andre Villas-Boas fielded a largely second string side for Chelsea’s trip to Goodison. Branislav Ivanovic was, arguably, the only first-choice player on the field, though he played at right-back, with David Luiz and Alex paired at the heart of the back-four. Back-up keeper Ross Turnbull was sent off, allowing Petr Cech to come on and save a Leighton Baines penalty with his first contribution of the match. Daniel Sturridge again showed his importance to the Blues front line- on as a sub, he notched with winner just as it seemed the game was heading for spot-kicks.
David Moyes sent out a virtually full-strength team for the Chelsea game. Tim Cahill returned to the starting line-up, with Leon Osman dropping to the bench. Royston Drenthe was a threat throughout and it was noticeable he also appears to have a fair share of free-kicks- the Dutchman was unlucky to hit the bar with one particular effort but two yellow cards means he misses this weekend’s home clash with Man United.
Alan Pardew rang the changes for Newcastle’s trip to Blackburn and ultimately paid the price. The likes of Davide Santon, Hatem Ben Arfa and Sylvain Marveaux were all given starts at Ewood Park and Yohan Cabaye again demonstrated his eye for goal, scoring for the second game in succession as he dramatically took the tie to extra-time. Steven Taylor’s broken nose and Cheik Tiote’s knee problem meant Pardew had to do without two key players, though, and the 4-3 defeat saw his side defeated for the first time this season.
Blackburn’s beleaguered boss Steve Kean had something to smile about after his side upset the odds to send Newcastle crashing out. Scott Dann again missed out with a calf injury, meaning Gael Givet partnered Chris Samba in central defence. The pair proved pivotal to the final result, with Givet netting the winner right at the end of extra-time from a Samba assist. Yakub celebrated a rare start by converting a spot-kick and Morten Gamst Pederson continues to impress, firing home a free-kick to give Rovers a 3-2 lead.
Man City’s ruthless attack swept aside Wolves at Molineux in another devastating away display. With one eye on the league match against the same opponents this weekend and with the Champions League match in Villarreal also on the horizon, Roberto Mancini rested many key players. David Silva and Sergio Aguero failed to make the bench, while Mario Balotelli was an unused sub. Edin Dzeko, Samir Nasri and Adam Johnson ran riot, grabbing four of City’s five goals and Mancini singled out Johnson post-match:
I think Adam, because he is young can improve a lot. He needs to think in a different way. He can do this if he wants. My opinion is he has everything to become one of the top wingers. Adam is the only one winger we have in the team. He cannot play every three days, it is impossible, but if he wants to improve, he can have a lot of chances to play.
Mick McCarthy also rested a few of his main men for the City game but despite taking the lead, Wolves were dismantled by a ruthless performance. Nenad Milijas stunned Mancini’s side early on and Jamie O’Hara, on as a sub, grabbed his second goal in as many games and Big Mick was far from gloomy after the defeat:
That sounds crazy when you’ve just been beaten by five, but I was happy. We started well, and deserved the lead. The fact we didn’t hang on to the lead was nothing to do with defending badly. City are all top players. They won’t be made to work harder than they were tonight, that’s for sure.
McCarthy had some positive news on Steven Fletcher yesterday. The Scot has missed Wolves’ last two league games with a groin problem but has responded well to an injection and should return to training next week.
Spurs may be set to welcome back William Gallas and Steven Pienaar ahead of this weekend’s home game against QPR. The return of Gallas would be particularly significant to Harry Redknapp, given the club only have two fit centre-halves at this moment in time.
