Classy City win away at Schalke
Midfielder Stephen Ireland is in great form for Manchester City
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Thursday, 27, Nov 2008 09:32
Manchester City are on the verge of reaching the knockout stages of the Uefa Cup after claiming an impressive 2-0 win away at Schalke O4.
Despite leaving injured playmaker Robinho at home, City were excellent going forward and scored through Benjani and the in-form Stephen Ireland, who also saw a goal disallowed for off-side.
The win sees the Premier League side go top of Group A and they only need a point from their remaining two games to progress.
It was a tough opening for City as Schalke started brightly and were the better side in the first 20 minutes. City goalkeeper Joe Hart made two great saves early on, both times denying German international Jermaine Jones.
Micah Richards, who was on top-form all night, put his body on the line to block a goal-bound effort from Heiko Westermann.
City continued to defend doggedly and at the other end they took a surprise lead with only their second real attack of the game. Vincent Kompany played a precise ball into the path of Sturridge who slid the ball into the box and Benjani had a simple tap-in.
City grew in confidence after the goal and passed the ball well in midfield. They thought they had doubled their lead when Ireland put the ball in the net from a Sturridge shot, but the linesman ruled it out for off-side.
Schalke faded badly as the game wore on and City deservedly did get a second goal when Ireland swapped passes with Benjani and found himself through on goal and slotted the ball past Manuel Neuer.