Injury-jinxed Hargreaves’ dream return

Manchester City 2, Birmingham 0

Owen Hargreaves enjoyed a sensational Manchester City debut as he opened the scoring in his side's Carling Cup triumph over Birmingham at the Etihad Stadium.

Released by Manchester United in the summer after three injury–ravaged seasons, the midfielder drove home a superb 25–yard shot after 18 minutes and was deservedly named man of the match.

Mario Balotelli added a second goal before the break to secure City's passage into the last 16.

When Hargreaves released a video on YouTube during the summer of him being put through his paces tied to a treadmill, it seemed like the last act of a desperate man attempting to revive his career. It turned out to be a masterstroke.

Interest was generated and that led to City boss Roberto Mancini making his move as the transfer deadline approached.

Mancini did not expect anything quicklym and hasn’t even named Hargreaves in his Champions League squad. The player has spent almost three years on the sidelines, punctuated by a couple of appearances totalling only six minutes of playing time.

But the 30–year–old ace seized a loose ball and let fly from 25 yards, the shot flying like an arrow past Birmingham goalkeeper Colin Doyle into the top corner.

Other third-round results: Brighton 1 Liverpool 2, Cardiff 2 Leicester 2 Cardiff win 7–6 on penalties, Chelsea 0 Fulham 0 Chelsea win 4–3 on penalties, Everton 2 West Brom 1After Extra Time, Southampton 2 Preston 1.