Blackburn Rovers 0 City 2

City this afternoon got the season off to a terrific start with a comfortable 2-0 win at Ewood Park. Nigel de Jong made way, with Ireland and Barry playing in the middle of what to me looked like a straight 4-4-2, with Craig Bellamy partnering Emmanuel Adebayor upfront, Robinho on the left flank, Richard Dunne partnering Kolo Toure at the heart of the defence, and Micah Richards being preferred to Pablo Zabaleta at right-back.

We started the game brightly, taking the lead in the third minute after surviving an early scare, a Jason Roberts effort cleared off the line after good work down their right from Steven N'Zonzi. Adebayor picked up the ball on the halfway line, found SWP on the right who returned the ball low back into Ade on the edge of the box for him to power home past Robinson. The first quarter of an hour was extremely positive. Lots of good passing between the midfield, people rotating positions, and everyone wanting the ball. Gareth Barry looked particularly good, even with the kickings being dished out to him by the artless opponents.

As said earlier in the week, you know what you're going to get at Blackburn, and via the expected direct means they went on to come more into the game as the half dragged on. Pedersen's throw-ins were causing us problems, as was the presence of Samba, McCarthy and Roberts. Dunne and Toure were certainly having their work cut out, both defending stoutly. Pedersen had a chance with a header, Roberts blazed over after a bout of head tennis in the final third, and Barry made a saving challenge after the increasingly-dangerous Pedersen has wormed his way through the midfield.

The half was played at an entertaining tempo, with us looking better in possession but the home side's a-to-b approach seeing them grind out more chances. McCarthy tested Given with a free-kick from just outside the area, Samba had another header saved, and we were lucky to not concede an equaliser after Roberts cut in from the right, Dunne failed to stay with him, only for the cross to be met with a tame shot from the edge of the box.

We did have chances ourselves, especially two or three nearer to the end of the first period. Givet denying SWP, Pedersen preventing Bellamy from getting a shot off after a good exchange with Adebayor, and Robinho missing a good chance at the far post from a Barry free-kick over the top.

After the break we kept the ball much better, Gareth Barry was all over the pitch, always looking for the ball from the defence, linking up very well with Ireland, and generally dictating the tempo of the game. Bellamy, too, who had quite a poor first half, really stepped up, dropping deep looking for possession, and looking a lot more dangerous from the left.

Blackburn had a couple of efforts, Jacobsen had a bit too much joy down our left, Bridge at times struggling to prevent balls into the area. Jason Roberts had two headed chances, one cleared by Dunne, one saved by Given. Toure had an excellent debut, and brought an added energy to the defence. Him and Dunne performed resolutely.

On the hour mark we broke out, the ball finding its way to Ireland on the right, laying the ball into Robinho who shifted the ball onto his left foot and pinged in a fierce curling drive which forced Robinson to make a good stop. Chelsea loanee Franco di Santo replaced the energetic Roberts, and in truth the home side rarely threatened afterwards, saving tackles from Toure and Dunne towards the end the only occasions we looked in any danger at all.

Into injury time, four minutes having been signalled by the fourth official, SWP collected the ball in the middle of the park and layed a fine ball into the path of the advancing Ireland who had been getting into more attacking positions during the second period. Stevie tried to take Robinson on, but the 'keeper stayed on his feet, forcing Ireland to come back inside. As it was looking like a chance wasted, Ireland feinted for a pass across the box before opting for a low shot inside the near post.

I thought it was a commanding performance. Barring some Blackburn pressure in the first half we looked well in control. Adebayor lead the line well, Ireland and Barry were full of energy and craft, Toure really lead by example at the back and we were worthy winners. The passing seemed more crisp, with players interchanging roles like we occasionally saw at Eastlands last season, and there was lots of tidy link-up play. A promising start, certainly. More of that and we'll be more than alright.

Team:
Given, Richards, Bridge, Toure, Dunne, Barry, Ireland, SWP, Bellamy, Adebayor, Robinho (Tevez 67)