Bolton Wanderers 2-3 Manchester City - David Silva & Edin Dzeko Steal Show in Sunday Thriller!

By Alex Moore / August 12, 2013

All eyes were on exciting new Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero as Bolton Wanderers hosted a fine display of attacking football from both sides at the Reebok Stadium. It was David Silva who stole the show though, as he, Edin Dzeko and Gareth Barry fired City to victory. Ivan Klasnic and Kevin Davies both scored for Bolton, but their efforts were ultimately in vain. Manchester City€™s travelling support made the short journey to the Reebok Stadium no doubt hoping to see Aguero re-create some of the magic he displayed against Swansea on Monday. He started on the left side of an impressive three-pronged attack that also included Edin Dzeko and David Silva. A foot injury to Nigel De Jong meant a start for Gareth Barry in the centre of midfield. Bolton were on a high having hammered newly promoted QPR 4-0 the week before. Owen Coyle fielded a straight 4-4-2 and Gretar Steinssen was tasked with the unenviable job of keeping Aguero quiet. On the other wing Paul Robinson was faced with the equally dangerous David Silva. Bolton started positively, and Roberto Mancini€™s expensive squad knew what they were up against from the off as Kevin Davies charged down Aleksander Kolorov and put in a fierce but fair challenge. The first chance fell to the team in white, a low free kick from Chris Eagles should have been easily held but was parried by Joe Hart, Wanderers couldn€™t capitalise however. They should have been ahead shortly afterwards when a poor headed clearance from Vincent Kompany found Zat Knight, who couldn€™t connect properly, firing wide from close range. Coyle€™s men were piling on the pressure, and Kevin Davies€™ header was deflected over the bar. Man City€™s first real chance came in the 15th minute, a well threaded ball from Silva played Aguero in, who crossed to Edin Dzeko. Jussi Jaaskelainan was out smartly to deny the Bosnian striker. The next chance came shortly afterwards. A pass from Dzeko found Aguero, who should have scored but blazed well over from just outside the six yard box. He would have been through again minutes later but Paul Robinson had his wits about him to dispossess the Argentine. David Silva put the Sky Blues ahead in the 25th minute, a well struck shot from just outside the area somehow found its way underneath Jussi Jääskeläinen and into the back of the net. A rare mistake from the Fin, who should have gathered the ball easily. The goal didn€™t dampen the Trotters€™ spirits, and both teams had a fair share of possession. It was City however that were creating the most chances. They could have had another, Micah Richards powered forward down the right, crossing to Aguero who tucked it away, only to realise that referee Mike Jones had already blown his whistle, as Richards was adjudged to have pushed Martin Petrov. The young Argentine then had another chance, getting up well before heading marginally wide from a good Edin Dzeko cross. Aguero was looking dangerous and had started to show the talent that had stunned the footballing world less than a week ago. It was Gareth Barry who added the second though, a fantastic strike from 25 yards out flew into the top corner. Jääskeläinen got his fingertips to it but this time the goal was completely unpreventable. Bolton pulled one back instantly, a good move by Bolton ended with a cross from Martin Petrov that was powered through the legs of Joe Hart by Ivan Klasnic, his second of the season in as many games. The game had opened right up, both teams playing good, attacking football and it was unfortunate they had to go in for the interval at such an inopportune moment. HALF TIME Dzeko added to Man City€™s lead 39 seconds into the second half. Gareth Barry hoofed a hopeful €˜pass€™ way into the air, and the Bosnian got the better of Zat Knight, chesting the ball down down before volleying it past Jääskeläinen. It could have been 4 as some great battling by Sergio Aguero allowed James Milner to get a shot away but it was straight at the Bolton €˜keeper. He then latched onto a lovely touch by Dzeko to fire narrowly wide minutes later. A few weak shots ensued from the team in white, Chris Eagles should have done better when he was played through but scuffed wide. It was Manchester City who created more though, Bolton were becoming increasingly unable to cope with the three up front. James Milner was also causing problems for the Lancashire club. Edin Dzeko headed just wide, and it took a block from Paul Robinson to foil Kolarov, whose long range effort looked goal bound. Despite the run of play, it was game on as Kevin Davies reduced the deficit just past the hour mark. He won a free kick off Richards before leaping well to connect with the resulting Martin Petrov cross. Joe Hart could get nowhere near it as the ball flew into the far corner. A terrific header from the Bolton target man. The momentum spurred on Coyle€™s men, and a good run from newly introduced Mark Davies was halted by Vincent Kompany. City seemed to be tiring. The strength of the Sky Blues€™ squad was evident as a disappointing day for Sergio Aguero ended with the introduction of wantaway Carlos Tevez, who despite a few boos received a welcoming reception from the Man City faithful. He instantly got involved, cutting the ball back to Silva whose shot was very well blocked by Zat Knight. The game started to die down, with few chances for either team. Mancini€™s men showed that although they have quite a few doubters they can link up and play attractive football. Despite conceding two they also look defensively strong, and few would discredit them from a title challenge this season. Adam Johnson replaced Edin Dzeko 80 minutes in, after a good shift from the striker. A good run from Johnson ended with a shot that rolled narrowly wide. Carlos Tevez had a chance but blasted well over to the jeers of the Trotters€˜ fans. Klasnic attempted to knock the ball out of Joe Hart€™s hand as attempted a drop kick, but was penalised by Mike Jones 4 minutes of extra time were added on, but Bolton never really looked like finding an equaliser with Man City content to see the game out. After a brilliant display of football the game rather fizzled out before Jones blew the whistle to bring proceedings to a close. Referee: Mike Jones Bolton (4-4-2) Jääskeläinen, Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Robinson, Eagles (Pratley, 78), Reo-Coker, Muamba (M Davies, 60), Petrov, K Davies, Klasnic Man City (4-3-3) Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Korlarov, Yaya Toure, Barry, Milner, Aguero (Tevez, 68), Dzeko (Johnson, 80), Silva (Zabaleta, 89)