With Peter Sixsmith off to Bonnie Scotland for a Ramsden’s Cup game, it falls to Deputy Editor Malcolm Dawson to get off the subs’ bench and give us his seven word verdict on the final of the Hong Kong based Barclay’s Asia Trophy.
July 27 2013 Barclays Asia Trophy: SAFC 0 (0) Manchester City 1 (1)* Dzeko wonder strike sees off energetic Sunderland
July 24 2013 Barclays Asia Trophy: SAFC 3 (1) Tottenham Hotspur 1 (1) Spurs comfortably despatched in rainy Hong Kong
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Seemed as if City played within themselves to beat South China, while we went all out to topple Spurs, hard training and two games on a heavy pitch took there toll. It has been a good test and shown positive signs, one swallow doesn’t make a summer, but I still feel more positive and excited than I have this century, hopeful and confident we are in for agood seasonn
We started off brighter I thought and the goal was a cracker. I have to disagree about the passing and movement. It’s hard to tell watching on telly but it already seems 100+% better than it was under Martin O’Neill.
There were plenty of positives against a good side. Colback had another good game and got forward well. It looks as if full back could be his position. Brown had a decent game and was unlucky with the header that led to the goal. It looked a decent clearance and Dzeko took the chance brilliantly.
Giaccherini looks like he’ll be useful when he gets to full fitness.
Altidore looks strong and holds up the ball OK but I’ll wait a bit longer before I pass judgement. I think PDC wanted to see what Ba could do, having decided that Cabral is going to be first choice.
I’m not getting carried away yet, but what I’ve seen in Hong Kong gives me hope that we can have a decent season ahead.
Scoreline may have looked to be edged, but it was a comfortable win for Man C. We hardly threatened their goalmouth. Our passing and movement was way behind City’s.
Not impressed with Ba’s performance nor Altidore’s, the latter looked leaden footed to me, though admittedly against quality defenders.
Dzecko looks a man reinvigorated (as does our Wes),and they were just too much for our hard working side. Giaccherini had a better game and looks the real deal.
No injuries on a heavy pitch must be a bonus