In an announcement made prior to yesterday evening’s Barclays Premier League fixture at home to Everton, Carlos Tevez announced that he was to U-turn on his original decision to leave the North West club, shortly before City were defeated 2-1 at home to the Merseysiders.
City could have gone top with a win, which perhaps inspired the South American’s change of heart, however, it was Everton who picked up three points, though this was, in truth, perhaps against the run of play. Tevez, with captaincy restored, and team, simply found Tim Howard too good.
First half goals from Tim Cahill and Leighton Baines put Everton in command at half time, before a 72nd minute own goal from Phil Jagielka threatened to derail their early hard work.
City, however, were unable to capitalise on this chance, and finished the game ruing the form of Tim Howard who was unbeaten by any City player despite the home team amassing a whopping 15 shots on target throughout the course of 90 minutes.
Everton’s return was much more productive: they scored from two out of their three shots on target.
City look for all the world like a side capable of stringing results together, so, sitting just two points off the top of the table, they are well and truly in the Title hunt. That said, their across town rivals rarely get a nil return from a display of such dominence. Winning games such as this is a skill City will need to learn if they are to reach the dizziest of heights.
Mancini, for now, appears happy to have kept his man, but he knows a league-topping win would have been more than simply icing on the cake:
“We are happy for this [Tevez’ decision], but it is the only good news this evening.”
