CITY 0 STOKE CITY 0
League Division 1
1st January 1974
attendance 35,009
Ref V James
City Corrigan, Barrett, Donachie, Doyle, Booth, Towers, Summerbee, Bell, Marsh, Law, Leman – sub Carrodus(unused)
Stoke Farmer, Dodd, Pejic, Skeels, Smith, Bloor, Robertson, Greenhoff, Ritchie, Mahoney, Haselgrave – sub Marsh
FROM THE PRESS BOX
PETER GARDNER WRITING IN THE MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS 2ND JANUARY 1974
Don’t blame Stoke entirely for a depressing goalless start to the New Year at Maine Road.
Manchester City still do not possess either guile or craft to outwit teams with a total commitment to blanket defence.
It was painfully obvious Stoke would employ such unambitious tactics, but the Blues created insufficient chances from midfield positions.
On the rare occasion they did break through the barrier, Dennis Leman shot over, a bad miss for the youngster who had a disappointing game.
But then City’s overall performance was a stark contrast to their blistering form against Burnley two weeks earlier. No wonder fans are deserting the game!
The onus was on the Blues to break the monotony, but they went off the boil after a sizzling opening 20 minutes when the ball was never out of the Stoke half. A goal in this period would clearly have altered the entire pattern of the match.
However, having survived that blitz, Stoke gained in confidence with the inventive John Mahoney having a fine game. A pity City did not possess someone with his creative ability.
On a brighter note for City was the impressive display of Colin Barrett who, on this form, could be here to stay. He brought added pace to the back four where the dependable Mike Doyle again played immaculately.
Rodney Marsh produced flashes of magic, but where is that devastating finish these days, Rod? Denis Law always worked hard, appearing at times as though he was waging a one-man vendetta against the entire Stoke side.
But Law lacked support up front and clearly City missed the extra bite of the suspended Francis Lee who will be back for the FA Cup at Oxford.