You can't get more emphatic than Craig Gardner's 77th minute penalty kick against Manchester City, rocketing over the diving Joe Hart and until the upper 90, evening Birmingham City's match with the Citizens at two. The goal comes after a lackluster second half which looked destined to end 2-1, the visitors seemingly content to let the air pass out of the match. Then, in the 77th minute, the Blues were given their lifeline.
Birmingham City Vs. Manchester City: Craig Gardner Takes Advantage Of Patrick Vieira Mistake, Blasts Blues Even
That's when the referee pointed to the spot, substitute Patrick Vieira looking old and reckless while sending Kevin Phillips to ground. There was little objection over the call and little doubt over the shot, with Gardner, one of the league's best strikers of the ball, giving Hart no chance.
It could prove a big goal allowed for City, who saw all of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea win yesterday, while Tottenham Hotspur lead at Blackburn today. City came into today's match nine points behind Manchester United at the top of the league and only one point ahead of Chelsea for third. If Roberto Mancini's men drop this match, they're likely to be only five above the fifth place position they occupied at the end of 2009-10.
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