Premier League champions Manchester City maintained their unbeaten start to the new season with a 1-0 victory over Swansea City at the Etihad Stadium this evening.
Argentine frontman Carlos Tevez got the goal in a match that included 12 minutes of stoppage time due to injuries suffered by Micah Richards and Michel Vorm.
Here, Sports Mole looks back over the 90 minutes to determine whether or not the result was a fair one.
Match statistics:
Man City:
Shots 10
On target 5
Possession 51%
Corners 3
Fouls 8
Swansea:
Shots 9
On target 6
Possession 49%
Corners 0
Fouls 10
Was the result fair?
They say that the sign of champions is winning when you don't play well and Man City did that today. They defended well and when they were breached, Joe Hart was in good form. Swansea had their chances, but they didn't take them and for that reason the Citizens just about deserved the victory.
Man City's performance
It won't be a display that will live long in the memory but it doesn't matter. They claimed the three points courtesy of a great strike from Tevez. Also, the defence that has been heavily criticised in recent weeks was rock solid.
Swansea's performance
They were neat and tidy for large parts of the match but lacked that killer instinct. When they got through the Man City rearguard, Hart was on hand to spurn their efforts. They didn't start the match with a recognised striker and it showed.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Carlos Tevez: The Argentine justified his inclusion in the side with a goal from distance that proved to be a winning one. He also worked tirelessly for the cause, particularly when others were tiring during the lengthy stoppage time.
Biggest gaffe
Michu has stolen the headlines since joining Swansea for his predatory instincts but his clinical side deserted him here. He got put through on goal with the score level at 0-0, but his touch was heavy and Hart came out to block.
Referee performance
Martin Atkinson had a really solid game. He allowed the match to flow and only booked players when it was necessary. Other referees should take note of that performance.
What next?
Man City: The champions are on the road next Saturday as they travel south to face West Ham United.
Swansea: The Swans face Liverpool in the Capital One Cup during the week before they play host to league leaders Chelsea at the weekend.
Liam Apicella
