Filed under: Aston Villa, Manchester City, FA Cup, Football, Match Reports
Manchester City booked an FA Cup quarter-final place after punishing Gerard Houllier's bizarre move to field a weakened Aston Villa side at Eastlands.First-half goals from Yaya Toure and Mario Balotelli set Roberto Mancini's side on their way before David Silva sealed a last-eight home with Reading.
And the Championship giant-killers are certain to give the mega-rich outfit more of a game than a second-string Villa side did.
Despite the Midlands side lying in mid-table and with just two games to be played in March, Houllier surprised many resting a host of his top players.
And his decision backfired as Manchester City cruised through - and they will now be eyeing a trip to Wembley in their bid to end their long-wait for silverware.
Toure swept home in the fifth minute after Patrick Vieira's header had rebounded into his path off Ciaran Clark.
And there was no way back when Toure turned provider for Balotelli to superbly fire home on the half-volley with just 25 minutes played.
Aston Villa huffed and puffed and Silva capitalised on Chris Herd's weak header out to strike home with 20 minutes remaining to wrap up the game.
Ironically, the Villa manager then decided to introduce England pair Ashley Young and Stuart Downing but the fifth-round tie was already over.
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REACTION:
Mancini was just delighted Manchester City have got another game off their bumper fixture list:
"Im very pleased with the performance. It was important for us.
"I need to try to rest some because it's impossible we can play every three days. It's been tough for us."
On Villa's makeshift side:
"I think Gerard has more experience and knows it's impossible to play with same players every three days.
"They still had a lot of good players. He had the option to change. I don't have that option at this moment."
On their FA Cup hopes:
"I'm pleased to get through. But first we need to get fourth position. We have been between first and fourth for 28 games. Now is the time for key games before that."
On Balotelli:
"He played well and scored a fantastic goal. There's more to come from him."
Houllier defended his understrength team after his Aston Villa side crashed out:
"They are all internationals and doing well. They are proved top-class players.
"I don't think they (Ashley Young and Stuart Downing) would have stopped the first goal if they were on the pitch or changed anything. If I had to do it I would do it again."
On the loss:
"They were ruthless when it came to goal opportunities. You have to give credit to them.
"We conceded a cheap goal and we were shaky. Perhaps they were thinking about the result we had here earlier in the season.
"We were beaten by a team better than us at the moment."
On Balotelli's elbow:
"I don't think it was a sending off. I don't think he did it on purpose from what I could see. My biggest concern rather than that is Richard Dunne who has a problem with his shoulder."
WHAT IT MEANS:
Manchester City won't have an easier evening. Mancini must have been laughing when he discovered Aston Villa's team selection and they went on to complete a routine FA Cup win. Question marks over Houllier's selection will rumble on, with their arch-rivals Birmingham just winning the Carling Cup making it even worse for the Villa fans.
MANCHESTER CITY 3 (Y Toure 5, Balotelli 25, Silva 70) ASTON VILLA 0
PLAYER MARKING:
Manchester City (4-5-1): Hart 6; Richards 7 (Boyata 83), Boateng 7, Lescott 6, Zabaleta 6 ; Barry 6, Vieira 6, Y Toure 8 (Jo 79, 6), Kolarov 6, Silva 7; Balotelli 7 (Tevez 60, 6).
Subs (not used): Taylor, M Johnson, Dzeko, Wabara.
Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel 6; Herd 6, Clark 5, Dunne 6 (Walker 83), Delph 5; Agbonlahor 6, Petrov 5, Bradley 6 (Young 71, 6), Bannan 6, Agbonlahor 7; Heskey 5, Delfouneso 6 (Downing 71, 6).
Subs (not used): Marshall, Pires, Albrighton, Reo-Coker.
ATTENDANCE: 25, 570
REFEREE: Mark Clattenburg
NEXT UP:
- Manchester City v Wigan (home), Premier League, 05/03, 1730 GMT
- Aston Villa v Bolton (away), Premier League, 05/03, 1500 GMT
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Yaya Toure (Manchester City): A strong performance saw Toure open the scoring and create Balotelli's goal. Strong in the tackle with an eye for a pass, he stood out here with an eye-catching display.
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/03/02/man-city-3-aston-villa-0-houlliers-move-backfires-as-toure-spa/
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