Just witnessed a pretty bizarre moment at the Home Depot Center on a lazy summer Sunday afternoon here in Los Angeles which could have major consequences on the Premier League title race.
Mario Balotelli, having already scored from the penalty spot for Manchester City, was sent clean through on goal via a perfect David Silva through ball and instead of shooting – performed a ludicrous pirouette – one that can only be described as half ballet, half Johan Cruyff, and failed miserably.
He was taken off the pitch less than two minutes later, replaced with James Milner by an irate Roberto Mancini – but the controversy didn’t stop there. Balotelli and Mancini got into a verbal argument on the sideline and it remains to be seen when and how quickly the relationship will be repaired. At halftime? After the game? Never?
So, City’s strikeforce is in extreme flux. It is clear that Super Mario’s reputation as an enigmatic, if not childish bad boy, is well deserved, and with Carlos Tevez looking to leave the club and Edin Dzeko looking like he lacks that bit of pace needed to score 15-20 goals in the Premier League, the rich team from the blue side of Manchester are back to square one.
What about Adebayor? Surely he’s a better option than the mental midget Balotelli? Perhaps Sergio Aguero will be the answer – his transfer could go through as early as this coming week.
Thirty minutes ago it was looking so bright for Manchester City (and thousands of eager Fantasy Premier League managers) as Balotelli converted his penalty kick – and looked set to stake claim to that set piece duty this season with Captain Carlos leaving the club… But ten minutes later it all came undone.
At time of this posting, Manchester City lead the LA Galaxy 1-0 at halftime from the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles. David Silva has impressed in the first half, and Vincent Kompany has looked solid at the back, but the story of the day is neither Silva nor Kompany, but instead Balotelli.
What a shame.
[Update: The match ended 1-1]
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