Man City start the season with a win

Second half masterclass downs Gills

Lionel Messi bagged a hatrick for Manchester City

Division three title favourites Manchester City started their season in the best possible fashion last night as they saw off a brave fight from Gillingham to eventually win the game 4-0 in front of  28,317 at the Eithad stadium.

An entertaining first half saw both teams go in at half time 0-0 but within 4 minutes of the restart City started to assert their class on the game firstly through MESSI who made it 1-0 then just 2 minutes later it was 2-0 thanks to midfielder DI MARIA. Gillingham were then further handicapped when defender Donati received a 2nd yellow card after a shirt pull on Ronaldo and the man advantage was taken with Messi claiming the match ball with goals on 62 minutes and 73 minutes to make the final score 4-0 to the home side.

City boss Steve Thompson had this to say after the game.....

"I do think the scoreline has flattered us somewhat and doesn't show a true reflection of the game. Gillingham deserve a lot of credit they have come hear and given us a hell of a game and Felix can be rightly proud of his boys. In the end that extra bit of class that we have has shone through and won us the game.

I am happy to see Messi get among the goals early, he didn't score a lot last season but i have challenged him to win the golden boot and he has gone about doing that in devastating fashion. On the whole i am pleased with the performance 4 goals a clean sheet is a great start. Hopefully we can build on this result and cement our place at the top o the table.

We move on to Norwich next who will be a tough side. Like Gillingham they are accustomed to winning games so they will be playing with a lot of confidence, they have got a good result tonight and will want to start well in front of their own fans"

Thompson was also questioned about the future of want away striker Gonzalo Higuian ......

"Gonzalo has handed in a transfer request to the club which we have accepted. A number of clubs have expressed an interest in him but as of yet nothing has been accepted or been classed as acceptable, Until the club receive an offer that we are happy with Gonzalo will be going nowhere and he remains part of my first teams plans.

The door is not shut for the boy, he can still stay here and help this club back to where it belongs. He is a world class player and he deserves to play on a world class stage. Hopefully we can get there quickly and take Gonzalo along for the ride"