Timisoara, in short, were woeful, lacking any sense of adventure, or the gumption to test whether any of City's old shortcomings in cup competitions might resurface. The Romanians managed only one attempt on target in the first leg and two here, all aimed straight at Hart for the England international to pluck nonchalantly out of the air. Even in those spells when City lapsed into a going-through-the-motions feel, the home side always looked utterly in command. Patrick Vieira, on his first start of the season, was particularly impressive and, though Boyata was named as the official man-of-the-match, the truth is he may never have an easier game in his professional life.
Tim Rich, The Independent
However, perhaps it was as well that the club's owner, Sheikh Mansour, did not extend his stay in Manchester to take in this game. However comfortable City were, Eastlands was half-full and the evening had little of the drama or the long-term significance of Monday evening's dismissal of Liverpool in the Premier League, when the sheikh had been in attendance. The spadework had been done in the first leg amid the lavender-coloured seats of the Dan Palitinsanu Stadium and this should have been a night to avoid the self-inflicted wounds that have become woven into Manchester City's history.
Danny Pugsley, Bitter and Blue
The second half showed even more of a marked improvement. The side looked far more fluid, controlled and dangerous in attack. David Silva came more to the fore, confident in the play of Vieira behind him he buzzed around the front line, always looking for the incisive ball through to the front man. He looks to have the capability to really be able to forge a partnership with Carlos Tevez.
Mark Ogden, Daily Telegraph
Having brushed aside FC Timisoara with a clinical and professional display at Eastlands, City can now look forward to vying with Champions League royalty when they begin the serious business next month of attempting to win Uefa’s much-maligned second tier trophy.
Ian Ladyman, Daily Mail
It was a good goal and in truth a little out of keeping with what had gone before. City had been a little predictable in much of their play up until that point but the goal gave them some life and some impetus and they were much improved in the second half.
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