It's worth reflecting on the biggest aspect of the game today: Valeri Bozhinov's second ever competitive start for City, his first since August 2007, and comfortably the longest period of pitch time he has ever had in one competitive match for City. He had previously played 29 minutes at West Ham, 12 against Derby and 8 against United. This season he had 26 against Midtjylland, the game before his Villa Park breakdown. So today was a real watershed. It was also what we've spent the last nineteen months waiting for.
And apparently he played pretty well. I've only seen the MOTD highlights but he seemed to do a fantastic amount of work in deeper positions: he made the pass to Wright-Phillips from which McCartney was sent off, and the pass to Richards from which we won a penalty. Let's hope he comes through Bulgaria's two games this week unscathed: Ireland away next Saturday evening and then Cyprus at home on Wednesday week. And then let's see who Hughes picks at the Emirates.
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Imagine Caicedo's bullish strength and build, but if he had Bellamy's firey attitude, and very good technique - see his passes today.
He'd make a fantastic partner in a two man strike force with Bellamy actually...something to consider perhaps! Big man little man. Boj dropping short, Bellamy on the shoulder permanently. One thing's for sure. You'd hate it as a defender. You'd get a f**king earful!
Considering he had been out for so long he made a fabulous return. Everything I expected and more. Unselfish and able to see 'the big picture'. Mobile with good movement. Best of all he held the ball up immaculately. The one thing that above everything else we have lacked in away matches has been someone with a good first touch who can receive the ball and hold it, then play in a teammate with an intelligent pass, thus allowing the midfield to get forward and giving the defence a rest. Bojinov is the man. Really really excellent
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