MX23RW : Thursday, October 31 23:22:47| >> :60:48:48:

Match Analysis: Reading 0-2 Manchester City

Match Analysis: Reading 0-2 Man City
© PA Photos
Sports Mole takes a look at the key talking points from Manchester City's 2-0 victory over Reading.

Manchester City eased to a 2-0 victory over Reading just a day after Roberto Mancini left his role at the Etihad Stadium.

City's travelling supporters showed their support for the Italian at the Madejski Stadium as Sergio Aguero fired the former Premier League champions into the lead just before the break.

Despite an improved performance from Reading in the second half, City's dominance finally resulted in a second goal as Edin Dzeko came off the bench to score his side's second late on.

Sports Mole take a look at the key talking points from the game.

Match statistics:

Reading:
Shots 11
On target 7
Corners 4
Fouls 6
Possession 38%

Man City:
Shots 27
On target 20
Corners 10
Fouls 7
Possession 62%

Was the result fair?

Yes, definitely. Man City took control of the match from the first whistle and were too much for Reading tonight. The hosts battled well but they just couldn't hurt the City defence and a lack of attacking threat could be one of the reasons for their relegation from the Premier League.

Reading's performance

Man City were the better side and the statistics above show just how far behind the visitors were in the contest. However, Nigel Adkins has every right to be proud of his side for their display. The Royals had nothing to play for but showed great fight in front of their home supporters to ensure that they were not embarrassed by their opponents.

Man City's performance

Before the match, it was difficult to predict what City side we would see at the Madejski Stadium. However, Kidd picked an attacking side and the visitors looked close to their best as they frequently attacked the Reading goal. The former Premier League champions probably should have scored more but poor finishing and great goalkeeping prevented the away team scoring more.


Sports Mole's man of the match

Alex McCarthy: There's only a few days left of the Premier League season and this is the easiest man of the match to award this season. The 23-year-old goalkeeper was in excellent form as he produced a number of world class saves to deny City from scoring six or seven goals. On this evidence, McCarthy has a big future ahead of him.

Biggest gaffe

Dzeko's wayward effort late in the second half takes this award. The Bosnian had support on the edge of the box but he decided to unleash one of the worst shots in the season to put the fans in the stands in danger.

Referee's performance

Martin Atkinson enjoyed a pretty easy night of Premier League duty as he let the game flow and avoided any controversy.

What next?

Reading: The Royals end a disappointing season with a trip to London to play West Ham United on Sunday.

Man City: Kidd will continue in his role as caretaker manager by preparing his side for the visit of Norwich City to the Etihad Stadium on the final day.

ID:84430: cacheID:84430:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4729:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
City striker Sergio Aguero celebrates a goal against Reading on May 14, 2013
Read Next:
City secure second place with win at Reading
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City97202091123
2Liverpool97111751222
3Arsenal95311710718
4Aston Villa95311611518
5Chelsea95221911817
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton94411612416
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest9441117416
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs94141810813
9Brentford94141818013
10Fulham93331212012
11Bournemouth93331111012
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle9333910-112
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham93241316-311
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd9324811-311
15Leicester CityLeicester92341317-49
16Everton92341016-69
17Crystal Palace9135611-56
18Ipswich TownIpswich9045920-114
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves90271225-132
20Southampton9018619-131


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!