Elano finishes off Toon

12 April 2012

Elano led Newcastle a merry dance at Eastlands as Manchester City roared back to record a fourth successive Premier League home win with their 3-1 victory.

The Brazilian midfielder had already established himself as a clear man-of-the-match with an inspired display when he strode up to rocket home the 86th-minute free-kick which guaranteed Sven-Goran Eriksson's men their win.

City were trailing to Obafemi Martins' excellent strike just before the half hour, but after Martin Petrov had pulled them level before the break, City went in front through Emile Mpenza before Elano's thunderous free-kick.

The return of Shay Given was a big call by Magpies boss Sam Allardyce given how well Stephen Harper has been doing, but he justified the decision with a string of excellent saves, most notably to deny Elano and Stephen Ireland either side of the two first-half goals.

Aside from the inspired volley which brought an equally impressive response from Shay Given, Elano also sent Ireland scurrying away twice. On the first occasion, Ireland kept his nerve and rolled a cross to the far post which invited Petrov's clinical finish. For the second, though, Given blocked Ireland's effort with his chest.

Without doubt Given was the busier keeper, but City's Joe Hart could so easily have been embarrassed when a poor first touch left the ball rolling agonisingly along the line.

Hart kept his cool, though, and was able to clear, which was just as well as by that stage he had already been beaten by Martins.

Micah Richards found himself on the wrong side of Martins as Geremi lifted a hopeful pass to the edge of the box. The Nigerian controlled it and finished in sublime fashion.

Within 90 seconds of the restart Charles N'Zogbia's unhappy day continued with an aimless header towards the touchline which Petrov was onto in a flash, outpacing Steven Taylor down the left before delivering a pinpoint cross. Mpenza was totally unmarked as he stooped to finish.