By Robert Morris
With all the talk of Carlos Tevez’s shock transfer request dominating the headlines this week, it was time for Roberto Mancini’s men to stand up and prove they are not simply a one-man side by grabbing a decent result away at Juventus. They did just that, as Jo’s 76th minute strike snatched a deserved 1-1 draw against the Italians.
Having already qualified for the last 32 of the Europa League, Mancini decided to rotate his team and give an opportunity to fringe players like Adam Johnson and Jo, who seized their moment in the starting eleven.
The Brazilian was presented with a great opening just a minute into the match, however, he took too long to control the ball and eventually the chance was wasted. To the relief of the Man City boss, he later made amends.
In a half with few highlights, the opening goal just before the break came as a shock. Micah Richards failed to get tight to Alessandro Del Piero who crossed to Niccolo Giannetti to flick home on his Juve debut.
In the second half, City began to dominate the game and sought an equaliser. Johnson, who was a thorn in Juventus’ side all night, cut in from the right and slotted a through ball to Jo who turned quickly before firing home to ensure City progressed from Group A as winners ahead of Lech Poznan.
The final ten minutes fell rather flat, although City had already earned the result they needed.
