Manchester City 4-3 Sunderland: Hughes Last Hurrah?

In a match that represented a microcosm of City’s season thus far, Craig Bellamy and Roque Santa Cruz, the two players in the side who had previously played for Mark Hughes stepped up to try and save the embattled manager. But is it enough?

With Roberto Mancini who won two Serie A titles as a manager at Eastlands today (Mancini’s Inter were awarded a third title after the fact) the press is active with speculation about Hughes future.

After scoring two quick goals, the second on a penalty that should not have been given, city’s defense collapsed, once again showing an inability to man mark properly on set pieces and to deal effectively with dangerous crosses. City’s attack looked outstanding today, but when have the Blues not looked potent going forward, save the midweek trip to White Hart Lane?

Hughes 4-3-3 formation has not allowed City to keep its shape well, when establishing a lead in matches, nor has it provided any possession advantage late in matches. Perhaps a change in tactics, and not in manager’s would solve some of City’s problems?

City’s injury crisis worsened today with Micah Richards and Shaun Wright Phillips exiting with injuries.

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