Adebayor holds the key for City

Manchester City 1, Wolves 0

HOME debutant Carlos Tevez has had the Eastlands hoards in one-liner mode ever since his hop across the City – he even wears the same number 32 shirt.

But it was strike partner Emmanuel Adebayor who left fans counting their blessings with a breathtaking display.

As Tevez toiled and harried in trademark fashion, “Fergie, sign him up,” came the cackle from the Eastlands faithful – complete with huge “Welcome to Manchester” banner.

The Gallagher brothers from Oasis were among the 47,287-strong crowd but it was Adebayor who called the tune with a pulsating rock ‘n’ roll performance of power and pace.

While his old club were following last week’s 6-1 romp at Everton with another goal-fest at the Emirates, City continued where they left off at Blackburn – not forgetting the 1-0 friendly win at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.

“Three games, three wins and three clean sheets – it’s been a good week,” said City boss Mark Hughes, after the match.

As news filtered through of Joleon Lescott’s imminent arrival from Everton, Hughes then hinted at more big-money signings before the transfer window snaps shut at the end of the month.

“Let’s just say Lescott won’t necessarily be the end of things,” he added.

When Adebayor swept home on 17 minutes after a neat lay-off from Tevez, it never looked like being the end of things on the pitch either.

“We should have put it to bed in the first half but it’s important for Adebayor to have hit the ground running with his goals. We are delighted,” said Hughes.

Robinho twice, Adebayor and fit-again Tevez – in for Craig Bellamy – all went close as the home side dominated right from the start.

Up until Matthew Jarvis forced Shay Given to claw a vicious curling drive from the top left-hand corner on 39 minutes, it had been all City.

“We played the occasion, the club and the stadium in the first half – I couldn’t wait for half-time to come,” said Wolves boss Mick McCarthy, who sent on Sam Voakes and new signing Kevin Doyle to support lone frontman Andrew Keogh after the break.

Stephen Ireland should have wrapped things up when he poked wide from seven yards with only ’keeper Wayne Hennessey to beat. Robinho then had an effort ruled out for offside.

There was a wake-up call when Keogh smacked a long-range effort against the bar on 69 minutes. And defender Richard Stearman headed over when well-placed moments later.

The home side were looking worryingly leg-weary. Bellamy – with a point to prove – (when hasn’t he?) replaced the shattered Tevez to rapturous applause with 18 minutes left as City held on.

“I don’t think City will win the league,” added McCarthy. “But I think they can – there is a difference.”

On this form, the difference could be Adebayor.