Goal of the day: Edin Džeko (Man City) vs Sunderland
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A spectacular Edin Džeko strike in the first half proved to be the winner for Manchester City against Sunderland in the Asia Trophy final in an infamous, rain-soaked pitch at the Hong Kong Stadium.
After back-to-back defeats in South Africa, City recovered to pick up a semi-final win against South China, before a single-goal victory against Sunderland.
Even though the Black Cats started strongly, Manuel Pellegrini's side scored with their first real attack in the ninth minute - and what a stunning strike it was.
Yaya Touré created the opportunity with a lofted ball into the box intended for Pablo Zabaleta.
Wes Brown got there first but the former Manchester United man could only turn the ball into the path of Džeko, who unleashed a howitzer of a shot that flew past Vito Mannone and into the net off the post.
It may have been a friendly tournament but the victory ensured Pellegrini earned his first trophy since succeeding Roberto Mancini earlier this summer.
"Everyone was talking before I arrived that we will bring in (Edinson) Cavani, (Robert) Lewandowski, all those players," Pellegrini told Sky Sports.
"But I always trusted in Edin Džeko and he is now playing the way I want."
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| Edin Džeko is congratulated by Manchester City teammates after scoring a goal against Sunderland Photo: Getty Images |
After back-to-back defeats in South Africa, City recovered to pick up a semi-final win against South China, before a single-goal victory against Sunderland.
Even though the Black Cats started strongly, Manuel Pellegrini's side scored with their first real attack in the ninth minute - and what a stunning strike it was.
Yaya Touré created the opportunity with a lofted ball into the box intended for Pablo Zabaleta.
Wes Brown got there first but the former Manchester United man could only turn the ball into the path of Džeko, who unleashed a howitzer of a shot that flew past Vito Mannone and into the net off the post.
It may have been a friendly tournament but the victory ensured Pellegrini earned his first trophy since succeeding Roberto Mancini earlier this summer.
"Everyone was talking before I arrived that we will bring in (Edinson) Cavani, (Robert) Lewandowski, all those players," Pellegrini told Sky Sports.
"But I always trusted in Edin Džeko and he is now playing the way I want."
Also see:
