It was there for all to see.
Tremendous work rate. When we didn't have possession we worked hard to recover the situation. Much more apparent in the last two matches compared ro previous matches. This is the kind of work rate we associate with United, Chelsea, Villa and nowadays Tottenham.
Defensive attitude to set plays. It would appear that zonal marking to corners is the preferred option from Mancini to counter our recent poor leakage of goals from them (and from wide free kicks).
Astute substitutions and changes in formation during play. Switching Petrov and altering the attacking style when it was obvious after the first twenty minutes that the way we were playing was ineffective. Bringing on Garrido was particlarly astute as it widened our options (literally).
Mancini's attitude from the touchline. There was clear indications to some players of what he expected of them and on the odd occasion a withering look of contempt when we gave the ball away too easily or we put pressure on ourselves by delaying a pass and inviting said pressure from a Wolves player.
All in all, this was a good way to end the year. The next 6 matches are Stoke (A), Everton (A) Blackburn (H) Portsmouth (H) Hull (A) and Bolton (H) Not in this order. WE need to win 4 of these to maintain our top 4 ambitions and if 5 all the better. We will probably be announcing the arrival of two players in the next 7 days that will take care of our African player absentees and we should therefore look forward with confidence to the future.
Seasons greetings to all City fans!
