Manchester City fans celebrated a fine victory over Arsenal on Saturday. It was a performance that Mark Hughes will be especially pleased with.  The team was full of grit, determination, and hard work, everything you would expect from a side managed by Hughes.

Granted City played Arsenal at a good time given the strife in the Arsenal dressing room.  City’s nervous start might have been punished early on by an in-form Arsenal team.  But as the first half wore on it became apparent that Richard Dunne was in for a good game.  That was the inspiration that all of the back four needed.  The influence that Dunne has on the back four is particularly striking and proof that keeping him in form, and in the team, is vital to our success.  I’m not sure it’s as easy as people might think to replace that kind of influence.

Holding on to the clean sheet and Stevie Ireland’s goal just before half-time unlocked the confidence that seems to have been lacking in the team at times.  It’s difficult to pick out individuals in what was a fantastic team effort.  The pleasing aspect was seeing players fighting for each other and helping each other out.  It was obvious that instructions were there to hit Arsenal hard, press them hard, and attack with venom when winning the ball.  And Arsenal didn’t like it.  We out-played them pure and simple.

Picking out some unsung performances, Garrido had another good game.  He is not always the best in defensive situations but his work rate has been immense over the last few games.  Sitting in the East Stand level 1 away from my season seat for a change, I saw a look of determination on Garrido’s face that left no doubt as to his desire to play.

Benjani joined in the spirit of pressing and winning the ball back. His strength up front really shows relative to the other slimmer and lighter players around him.  SWP was all over the place and looked to be a real leader in winning the ball back.  He’s another player who is really playing for the shirt and the club.  The more obvious performances of Ireland and Robinho have no doubt been well documented.  Robinho is a joy to watch. 

I’m gutted I’m not going to see the Shalke game.  Hopefully City will win that to setup a big derby showdown.  Come and join MCFCfans and hit our message boards with your thoughts on all the latest news and transfer rumours.

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