Source: Daily_Mail
Man City 2 Portsmouth 0: Adebayor in Togo tribute on scoring comeback
Emmanuel Adebayor acknowledged the heavens in remembrance after scoring for the first time since the gun attack in Angola that left him fearing for his life.[LNB]Three members of the Togo backroom staff were killed in the terrorist atrocity that resulted in Adebayor and his team-mates pulling out of the African Nations Cup.[LNB]There was no joyous celebration as Adebayor rattled his 40th-minute effort past David James.[LNB] Back in the old routine: Adebayor (left) scores on his first appearance for City since the Africa Cup of Nations[LNB]But as City returned for the second half, the former Arsenal starlooked quietly but pointedly to the sky in honour of his fallencolleagues.[LNB]By then, Vincent Kompany had powered home a header from MartinPetrov's corner to ensure the Blues moved to within a point of fourthspot despite a less than convincing performance that was still enoughto overcome crisis club Portsmouth, who tried hard enough but were toolimited to have any impact.[LNB]Tribute: Adebayor points to the heavens[LNB]Although Grant has pledged to remain as manager, there is little to be gained from his job at present other that personal pride.[LNB]The sale of Younes Kaboul without his knowledge was a lamentableindictment on the state of a club desperately trying to raise moneyjust to pay the wages this month.[LNB]It is a shoddy way for any professional club to treat its staff, letalone one who, for now, remain part of the self-styled best league inthe world.[LNB]Grant was only able to name a full set of substitutes because QuincyOwusu-Abeye signed on loan and the loss of skipper Hermann Hreidarssonto injury during the first half could cause a problem if reinforcementsare not brought in before tomorrow's 5pm transfer deadline.[LNB]It was to Grant's credit that Pompey were the better side for 39 minutes.[LNB]Taking advantage of City's unusual lethargy, the visitors carved out two fine chances.[LNB]John Utaka, one of the few survivors from that 2008 FA Cup finalwin, was presented with the first but leaned back too far when he goton the end of Danny Webber's cross and scooped his shot over.[LNB]Webber and Utaka were also heavily involved in the move that endedwith Kompany deflecting Anthony Vanden Borre's shot onto his own bar.[LNB] Argy bargy: Pablo Zabaleta's match was ended by injury to his nose[LNB]Stephen Ireland may only be a slight figure. But he had the strengthto hold off Webber and stop the former Watford man tapping Portsmouthin front.[LNB]Problems are all relative of course. Yes, it is not nice to see sucha proud old club suffering an implosion that seems destined to end inadministration.[LNB]In good company: Vincent Kompany (No 33) is mobbed after scoring Manchester City's second[LNB]But, compared to what Adebayor has been through, it really isirrelevant. The last act of Togo's African Nations Cup was to be bannedfor two tournaments yesterday.[LNB]Given their recent experience, they are probably quite glad even if the decision itself is almost impossible to comprehend.[LNB]Anyone with an ounce of compassion could have understood what wasgoing through Adebayor's mind after he crashed his 40th-minute shotpast David James.[LNB]Latching onto Ireland's lofted pass, his marker Mark Wilsonappealing in vain for offside, Adebayor acted as though he no longerknew how to celebrate, an acknowledgement to the heavens at the startof the second half told its own story.[LNB]Kompany effectively wrapped up victory in stoppage time. At City's previous corner, the Belgian had complained of being impeded by Tal Ben Haim.[LNB] Differing fortunes: Portsmouth boss Avram Grant (left) and Manchester City's Roberto Mancini[LNB]Having gained no response from referee Martin Atkinson, Kompany tookmatters into his own hands, simply shrugging the Israeli aside as theyran to meet Martin Petrov's corner, before powering home his first goalof the season.[LNB]Portsmouth continued to work hard after the break, which, like Grant, is a testament to their professionalism.[LNB]Webber might have breathed fresh life into the contest when he triedto turn home the loose ball after Shay Given had saved from AngelosBasinas.[LNB]Unfortunately, the striker missed his kick and fell over.[LNB]Now Grant lurches on towards deadline day, six points adrift of thesurvival waterline, having no real idea what players he is going to beleft with at 5pm. [LNB] Manchester City v Portsmouth - as it happened, with Sportsmail's Tom BellwoodMan City rush to pip Jose Mourinho in race for Parma's McDonald MarigaPortsmouth close to ruin after Asmir Begovic snubs SpursMANCHESTER CITY FC
