City Earn Replay

Having been handed one of the tougher draws of the third round for Premier League clubs, most blues would concede that they were happy with a draw that takes the Hammers back to Eastlands for two games in four days.

Despite both teams taking the cup seriously and fielding strong sides the game itself was one of few chances.

Of the chances that did pop up, City's were probably more clear cut with Rob Green perhaps the busier keeper.

That isn't to say that West Ham didn't create anything, rather they created more but with less impact.

That said the Hammers were significantly better opposition than on our last visit to the Boleyn when City walked away with a 2-0 win on Sven's debut game.

Perhaps the game could have panned out differently if Rob Styles hadn't suffered a moment of penalty blindness when Ferdinand quite clearly upended Petrov in the area.

Petrov once again was City's star performer; forcing a second Premiership manager to withdraw his right back at half time such was the torrid time Neill was given. On days like this Petrov looks world class; it's just a shame it's sporadic at the moment. I'm sure the consistency will come into his game the more he plays.

Elano was missing for this game, apparently a victim of the sickness bug sweeping Britain. His absence gave Sven the opportunity to give Castillo his debut and the Mexican looked good. His quick feet and positional sense will surely be an asset and I can see him fitting in to the right wing position if Sven continues with the current formation.

In conclusion this was a cup tie that never got going. City had their chances but will be happy in the end to take another pop at the Hammers in Manchester. Hopefully it'll be a better outcome than the last cup meeting between the sides at Eastlands.

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