Balotelli mixes the good with the bad

MANCHESTER CITY striker Mario Balotelli roared out of the Black Country in a fit of pique last weekend and departed even earlier this time as the forward loudly announced his arrival in the land of cash and controversy.

The Italy international has been unable to eradicate his high-maintenance reputation and Roberto Mancini, his manager and mentor, will clearly have his work cut out attempting to tame him this season.

But at least Balotelli helped ease the growing tension at his new club with two goals to guide City towards their first win in four matches, providing a timely boost ahead of their crunch encounter with Manchester United on Wednesday.

The maverick had produced a dreadful debut in the Premier League across the west midlands at Wolves only eight days before and provoked controversy by neglecting to board the team bus, leaving in his own car.

This display was a significant improvement until the red mist descended and he was shown a straight red card, for a reckless kick at Youssouf Mulumbu, who was also later sent off, in an eventful afternoon at The Hawthorns.

City’s deserved win inflicted the first home defeat on West Brom since January and there were signs, finally, that Mancini can indeed challenge for the title with his expensively assembled squad.

Defeat in the Europa League to Lech Poznan in midweek did little to soften the spotlight which has a sharper focus than the creases in the stylish Italian’s trousers right now.

Three defeats in succession was not the kind of streak City’s billionaire owners had in mind when they appointed Mancini and it was crucial that the nosedive was halted as quickly as possible to avoid patience snapping in the boardroom. But this provided Mancini with more ammunition to his argument that he can be the man to meet such bloated expectation.

A poor turnout from the visiting fans appeared to suggest the faith in Mancini is dwindling.

But once Balotelli stopped picking fights with opponents, City were ahead after 20 minutes.

City are significantly more menacing with Carlos Tevez in their armoury and the Argentina international, back after a two-game absence, crossed from the right to find Balotelli at the far post who bundled the ball over the line.

David Silva forced a save from Scott Carson three minutes later as the shackles, finally, appeared to have been removed. Balotelli ruthlessly capitalised on suspect West Brom defending from Gabriel Tamas in the 26th minute to beat Carson with a low drive.

Di Matteo’s spending of less than €12m this summer is chickenfeed in comparison to the €300m plus City have spent on players, but the modest investment has not prevented the Baggies from developing an incredible team spirit and unity which City can only envy.

But they were second best for large portions of the first half, failing to test England international Joe Hart.

They were improved in the second, with Simon Cox arrowing a splendid 20-yard drive against the upright.

Balotelli’s dismissal, a grapple with Mulumbu followed by a rash kick, galvanised the home side but their cause was damaged when the Albion midfielder was also dismissed, for a foul on Tevez.

This was West Brom’s first setback in the league on their own turf since the turn of the year and did little to dissuade Di Matteo that City can challenge for the title.

“They were very good, you have to give them credit,” he said. “They never let us settle and they had some quality players on the pitch.

“I think they are title challengers because of their sheer quality. Look at the players they had on the bench, there are some very good players if he (Mancini) wants to change things.”