Hat-trick hero makes a point

ON a night when Wayne Rooney was the main topic of conversation, Emmanuel Adebayor reminded everyone of what he can do by firing Manchester City to a Europa League victory with his first Blues hat–trick.

The Togo international made a compelling case to start against Arsenal on Sunday after his treble ensured a 3-1 win over Lech Poznan.

Manchester United star Rooney has been linked with a move to Eastlands, which may well have been the inspiration for Adebayor to find his form.

His thrilling show, aided by cameos from David Silva and Adam Johnson, was certainly too much for Lech Poznan and put City in line to tie up a place in the final 32 with plenty to spare.

Adebayor's opener required an excellent piece of skill, which took him past Poznan skipper Bartosz Bosacki as he collected Patrick Vieira's pass, before calmly stroking into the bottom corner.

For a man of such imposing size, it was a reminder of his golden touch, his first goal of the season accompanied by a celebration akin to dusting off the cobwebs, presumably from the number of times he has sat on the bench this term.

Far more typical was the towering header he applied to David Silva's well delivered left–wing cross, which arrowed into the same part of the goal.

City could have had more before the break, with Silva hugely impressive in a floating role just behind Adebayor, flanked by England stars Shaun Wright–Phillips and Adam Johnson.

But within four minutes of the restart, Joel Tshibamba struck for the visitors. Joleon Lescott spent so much time pleading his innocence when Slawomir Peszko went down under his challenge that he forgot to complete the clearance.

Pablo Zabaleta got himself into a tangle, too, so somehow the ball was allowed to roll kindly for Marcin Kikut, whose off–target shot fell perfectly for Tshibamba.

The striker wasted little time in firing past Joe Hart.

For a time it appeared Poznan were going to complete an impressive rescue act.

A couple of fortunate ricochets presented Tshibamba with a golden chance to equalise.

However, Silva delivered the pass of the night, curled delicately around the visitors' back four, perfectly for Adebayor.

The striker had already failed to convert one excellent chance to complete his three–timer. He was not about to do it again.