Fulham preview

Today see's the return of Mark hughes and his Fulham side along with his continued reputation as a draw specialist.

I personally felt sorry for Mark Hughes when he was relieved of his Manchester City duties. More so the way he was relieved rather than the actual decision itself, simultaneously I do value Hughes' credentials more as a man than I do as a manager.

We should go into the game with a lot of confidence brought forward from the 3-0 against Aris and against a Fulham team who have shown inconsistency throughout the season we should be strong favourites.

I would personally like to see the same team that lined up against Aris in midweek. The threat of Tevez, Dzeko, Balotelli and Silva should be much more than Fulhams defence can handle. Vincent Kompany will miss the game and Richards is still struggling. The back four will probably be Zabaleta, Boateng, Lescott and Kolarov. Reece Wabara made his first appearance on the bench in midweek and hopefully a comfortable second half will see his debut.

The injury list also has a big influence on the midfield. With no James Milner or Nigel De Jong it looks as though Barry and Yaya will again play central, the only other possibility would be Patrick Vieira but it seems unlikely.

Looking at the Fulham side it appears that Clint Dempsey would be the thorn in our side, a big aerial threat and Fulham's leading scorer this season. With Andy Johnson still struggling for form and no real wide threat (what ever happened to Damien Duff) Dempsey seems the solitaty focal point of their attack.

Prediction - City 2-0 Fulham. I can't see this game going any other way even despite Fulhams tendency to settle for a draw. I think Kolarov will score and Tevez to catch up after missing out on a goal midweek.
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City 3-0 Aris (24/02/2011)

I turned up at the game yesterday not quite knowing what to expect (mainly because I booked to late to keep my season ticket seats and didn't have much of an idea where block 119 was) but also because Roberto Mancini's team selections are becoming more and more unpredictable as the season progresses.

Mancini's team selection showed exactly what this competition means to him. Fielding Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko and David Silva all in the same team initially seemed a little gung ho. Behind the front four were Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure protecting an unfamiliar back four of Boateng, Kompany, Zabaleta and Kolarov. Before the game began, I thought (the thoughts I could barely hear myself as it turns out 119 is 10 around seats away from the away fans) that the shape of the team would be piling a lot of pressure on Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure to provide some protection in front of the back four. With Kolorov getting forward so effectively from left back there is often a vulnerable area left behind in his wake, a void that Gareth Barry more than obliges to fill. With Barry dropping wide this presumably would have left Yaya Toure with a lot of work to get through in his solitary central role and therefore (again presumably) leaving us susceptible to counter attack.

This wasn't so, somehow in the first half everything clicked into place. The front four were playing quick incisive passes, David Silva orchestrating the pace of the game and delightfully finding space where I believe not many others can. Mario Balotelli started out in a more left sided position but the fluency and apparent understanding with Dzeko and Tevez saw all three of them effortlessly switching positions.
Gareth Barry had one of his best games for City. The importance of his role in the team is often overlooked but tonight he stood out and really looked to lead the team. He was first to every ball. We had a lot of possession which meant there were a lot of balls turned away by the Aris back four, Barry was always there, hungrier than anyone else and time after time he controlled the ball and re-started our attacks.


Vincent Kompany's injury could possibly be a huge blow depending on the extent of the injury. On the night, the effect on the team was minor due to the strength and depth within our squad. Kompany's injury saw him replaced by Pablo Zabaleta who slotted in at right-back and Jerome Boateng moved inside to partner Joleon Lescott. At any time in any game, when your best defender goes off it makes the game slightly less comfortable. Today again was an exception to the rule. Lescott played perhaps his best game for City, he was strong in the tackle and very composed on the ball. I haven't been his biggest fan since he joined us but a few more performances like that would certainly change my mind. Boateng also stepped up to the challenge, at centre back he looks much more comfortable and suited to the position. He has a tendancy to time interceptions perfectly and step infront of his man to emerge with the ball. This could possibly change the way out back 4 lines up with Richards and Zabaleta fighting for the right back position (I think they are the most effective both going forward and at the back) leaving Kolo Toure, Lescott and Boateng all fighting to partner Kompany at CB. Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows I'm a big fan of Kolarov and he would be first choice left-back for me every time.


Edin Dzeko looks sharper now every game, took his goals very well with both feet which is refreshing to see.


The second half slightly dimmed in comparison but with a 2-0 lead it is understandable that some of the urgency departed. Overall I think our first half performance against Aris was enough to show that we really can win this competition.

City 5 - 0 Notts County (20/02/2011)

This was a comfortable win although 5-0 definetly flatters us.

Starting off with a midfield two of Patrick Vieira and Yaya Toure sounded a little incomfortable before kick off with the two of them lacking even half of james Milners work rate between them. As the game progressed it became clear that the footballing brains are just as influencial as the physical vessels that carry them.

Carlos Tevez was deservedly rested, giving Edin Dzeko the chance to partner the newly fit mario balotelli. The strike force worked a lot better than I anticipated. I think a lot of the time Mario Balotelli doesn't know himself what he's going to do with the ball so I had a lot of premature sympathy for Dzeko who had to work  him out too. The partnership looked balanced from the start with Balotelli's pace working around balls being played into Dzeko's feet. David Silva was again the glue which held the attack together and he was as impish and  creative as ever. Tevez was introduced after around an hour and his partnership with Dzeko also showed encouraging signs with each providing assists for the other.

the game was settled before half time with Patrick Vieira's first goal, after that we played some good football, passing it around nicely and never looking troubled at the back, Micah Richards was again commanding and showed some good attacking initiative - he is certainly stepping up to be our first choice right-back.


This victory see's us face Villa next Wednesday at home and the winner of that to go on and play Everton. in the grand scheme of things not a bad draw at all, especially considering Arsenal will play United considering they can overcome Leyton-Orient in their replay.

This is perhaps now our strongest chance of silverware this season and I would certainly put out our strongest team and make this a priority going forward.

Manchester United 2-1 City (12/02/2011)

A defeat which didn't hold any of the crushing devastation which derby day defeats normally do.

Throughout the full 90 minuted we played very well. I have seen varied stats concerning possession but most say City had 52% of the ball, a quite accomplished feat for an away game at Old Trafford.

There were a few surprises in the starting line-up, not least the inclusion of Lescott over Kolo Toure in the centre of defence. I genuinely presumed at the time that Kolo must have picked up an injury, obviously not the case as he was on the bench. The decision in hindsight wasn't such a bad one, he didn't make any real mistakes and looked comfortable on the ball. One criticism I would have made was in the build up just before Nani's goal. Lescott was easily beaten in the air by Rooney, a challenge which I think Kompany of Toure would have dealt with.

In the key areas of the field we kept the ball very well, Bary and Yaya were very tidy in possession and Silva virtually ran the first half single handedly. Although very comfortable in possession we lacked any creativity other then David Silva, Tevez was uncharacteristically quiet and our aforementioned midfield duo tended to push the ball sideways lacking any real penetration.

The first and perhaps most clear cut chance of the game fell to david Silva in the first ten minutes. a great passing move involving Yaya and Silva saw the ball end up at the Spaniard's feet 6 yards out only for him to roll the ball agonisingly wide of the far post.

The game was eventually won by a goal that can only be described as a fluke off the shin astonishing. The technique, athleticism and timing was enough to win any game.

Derby Day Preview

How do you confront a wounded beast? kick it whilst it's down? or approach with caution in anticipation of retaliation?

Like every other Manchester derby, this has been described as the biggest one yet. The magnitude of the game is unquestionable, but this game stands out more for it's unpredictability. For all my life, and certainly many years before, United have always been the favourites coming into the Derby. Whilst that may not have changed, there has certainly never been a finer margin of expectation between the two clubs.

After the recent episodes of 'Fergie time' and late goals, the heart-ache was put on hold as we ended the run with a somewhat dull affair ending in a 0-0 draw. A game in which both clubs were criticised for negativity and lack of adventure. Back then a point was satisfactory for both managers as there was more to lose in defeat than there was to gain in victory. Things may have changed as we head towards the end of the season. I know most City fans want us to go to Old Trafford and have a good go at United, be aggressive and press high up the pitch, whether Roberto Mancini's thoughts echo these sentiments will be unknown until 1:45pm tomorrow. As a man renowned for his cautious and somewhat defensive approach, it is easy to think Mancini's tactics will stay true to protocol, that we will go to Old Trafford and be happy to come away with a 0-0 draw.

I personally would love to see us take the game to United tomorrow. I think this is by far the strongest squad we have ever taken there and at this stage in the season we should set high targets. My view is that this is the game which really defines our goals for the season. We should aim to win at Old Trafford, if we get three points there then we are straight back in the title race, in a better position that I ever remember. If we don't win tomorrow then I think our main priority should be simply qualifying for champions league football next year. This was our target before the season and most City fans including myself will see that as a successful campaign.

As for the starting eleven, I don't think there will be much difference to the team which started again West brom last weekend. The one change which looks likely (depending on fitness) will be the return of Nigel De Jong. It seems a shame for James Milner to miss out after such a good performance last weekend, however I can't see Mancini dropping Barry or De Jong for a game as big as this. I expect Kolarov to continue in his more advanced role playing in front of Pablo Zabaleta, just behind David Silva and of course Carlos Tevez. Edin Dzeko offers a change in approach from the bench should things not go our way. The only other change I would like to see is Micah Richards returning to the right back slot. I did mention last week that Jerome Boateng was showing some encouraging signs of late and that last week in particular he looked miles better than he has done all season. Tomorrow's game however will be a different offering, with more defensive duties the time on the ball will be limited. This could possibly favour Micah Richards, especially in his form of late. Micah offers a more powerful and dynamic option in attack with his showings of raw power and pace proving more beneficial at times than the more cultured style of Boateng.

As for United, it has been confirmed that Ferdinand is out injured, a huge loss and no doubt the one player  they would have wanted in the team after last weeks confidence-smashing defeat. His natural replacement Jonny Evans is also out injured, leaving Chris Smalling to partner Vidic at the back - certainly an area we can look to exploit. I expect Rooney and Berbatov to start together up front with Nani and Giggs providing the width.

I think our best chance in winning comes from keeping as much possession as possible. It has become obvious that good things happen when Carlos Tevez and David Silva are on the ball and the more possession we have the more opportunities they have to show some of their magic. Kolorov will provide some good direct wing play and always poses the threat of shooting from distance. Yaya Toure's customary role will provide strength and pace on the counter attack, our only possible imbalance could be a lack of width on the right.

As I previously mentioned I think this is the most unpredictable derby game in years, the kind of game which can be settled by an individual mistake. I certainly don't see another 4-3 unfolding.

Prediction - United 1-1 City - I think there will be similarities with the last derby game, there will be a fear of making mistakes and I think that will show. I don't expect a brilliant game, more like one that will be a massive anti-climax... again.

David - Our Goliath.

Not since the days of Ali Benarbia, has there been such a concurring sense of expectation stemming from one man’s creative ability. The mercurial, yet maturing wizard came to City in the latter stages of his career and enlightened the City faithful with his range of passing, touch and his sublime vision. Since the day ‘Ali’ said his farewells to the game, there has been an unyielding desire for the club to fill his little, yet colossal boots. The hopes of the club and prayers of the fans seem to have been answered this summer with the acquisition of twenty-five year old David Silva, a man who casts a similar shadow to his predecessor.

 The physical stature of our twenty-five million pound Spaniard is not the only comparison that can be drawn.

Initially, Silva took a while to settle into English football, his slight build was scrutinised with few suspecting he may be a little lightweight for the Premier league. But Silva has been in impressive form in the last three months and shown exactly why Roberto Mancini brought him to Manchester. The lack of physical strength in his slight frame is contradicted by his speed of thought, his first touch is consistent and his vision nothing short of remarkable. The way Silva glides across the pitch with such grace makes playing football look easy, his natural awareness epitomized perfectly by his contribution to Carlos Tevez’ goal against Chelsea this season where his subtle then sharp movement totally nullified John Terry’s presence, a mental demolition of one of the best defenders in the world.

Showing more of the attitude, intelligence and perhaps most importantly; the ambition that initially brought him to the club, it didn’t take long for Silva to inevitably find his feet. He has now settled in the team and made one of the three forward positions his own. Playing behind Carlos Tevez and predictably Edin Dzeko, Silva has emerged as the player to carry the creative burden, dropping deep into the space behind the midfield and combining his refined attributes to unpick the locks of many premier league defences.  The fluency of the team is so much more apparent when David Silva plays, effortlessly interchanging positions with any of the flexible front 3 and even at times with the more positionally rigid Gareth Barry. No matter where on the pitch, the space seems to be where Silva is. Of course any player with any degree of intelligence can find space but it is the touch, control and creative productivity that makes our number twenty-one stand out from the rest.

The system Mancini adopts perfectly accommodates the more expressive players and the natural and typically Spanish ‘free role’ that Silva relishes. The first half of the season has seen Silva operate in a wider role although his long term impact could well be delivered from a more central position, higher up the pitch with little defensive responsibility. Silva has so far scored only one league goal, albeit a beautiful individually crafted goal at a crucial time away at Blackpool but the Spaniard certainly has more to offer on that front. With ten goals in forty-four international appearances it is evident that he can provide a goal-scoring touch from midfield. Forty-four caps seems somewhat underwhelming for a player of such calibre, although breaking into an international midfield containing Fabregas, Iniesta, and Xavi is no easy task.

Silva has already broke a club record having been here only half a season and already winning the clubs official player of the month award three times in a row, an achievement which exemplifies the respect and admiration he has at the club and is a representation of his elevation to a real fans favourite. The importance of Silva to Mancini’s plans has become evident since his return from injury, on several occasions he has been withdrawn after the point in which the game was considered to be won – the familiar ‘wrapping him up in cotton wool’ technique that we have seen also relevant to Torres and Fabregas.

After consistent showings of potential and the occasional flash of brilliance in the first half of the season, Silva’s influence on the second half of the season could be much more considerable than anyone anticipated. As we push towards the long awaited silverware that is so desperately desired there is every reason to be confident that the small shoulders of David will be more than sufficient to take on the goliath task.

As featured in issue 2 of Topical City Magazine - http://topicalcity.co.uk/2011/02/issue-2-february/

City 3 - 0 West Brom (05/02/11)

Three points, Three goals and a clean sheet. The ideal start to the day, made even better by the slip-ups by Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea which allowed us to gain vital ground in our ambitious push for the title. In a record breaking weekend for goals scored, we were the only team not to concede any of the thirty-three, which goes a long way towards banishing any murmurs of a defensive crisis.

An unexpected starting line-up fitting into a similar shape. Pablo Zabaleta started at left back with Alex Kolarov further forward, eliminating the majority of his defensive responsibilities. James Milner came into midfield to partner Gareth Barry with Yaya Toure playing his accustomed forward role. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day was Edin Dzeko's relegation to the bench. The formation was less rigid than we have seen this season, with Kolarov and Yaya alternatively joining Silva and Tevez to make up the three pronged attack.

Kolarov's surprise role was one in which we may see a lot more of this season, his attacking credentials have never been questioned and with the reliable Zabaleta behind him he was allowed to express himself more in the final third of the pitch. The decision seemed to be the ace up Mancini's sleeve when Kolarov was bundled over in the box and Carlos obliged in converting the penalty. On the other side of the pitch, Jerome Boateng saw a lot more of the ball than he would have expected. Boateng had possibly his best game so far in a City shirt, rarely losing possession and looking quick and sharp going forward. He was strong at the back, albeit against a week opposition but I remember one superb tack inside our box which earned him a standing ovation.

There were a few good performances against West Brom, Milner looked lively, Barry was reliable and Silva fulfilled his little magicians role as ever. The one player who stood head and heels above the rest, once again, was Carlos Tevez. His hold up play is as good as anyone in the premier league, I don't remember anyone who can play up front on their own as effectively as Carlos does. Again he showed why he is so crucial to the team and despite what some people say, I think if we do lose him in the summer then we could be lost.

I don't think we can take anything from the starting line up to give us any insight to who may start in the derby next weekend. I can't see Nigel De Jong missing out so it may have to be James Milner who drops to the bench.

Some other highlights of the game included Kolarov's 30 yard screamer which could well have been heading into the top corner had it not been for Myhill's intervention. The first real glimpse of the potential in that left foot which may finally start to be living up to it's reputation. Kompany's ability to bring the ball out of defence seems to be a more regular occurrence, this time having a big part in Tevez' second goal.

With a hat-trick in the bag and a clean sheet, this was the perfect way to warm up for the big one next Saturday.

West Brom Preview

Todays game see's the end of a disappointing 6 game run against clubs from the Midlands, with one league win, a draw and a disappointing loss all outlining our laboured efforts to the fifth round of the FA cup.West Brom also come into today's game on the back of a disappointing run of form with only one win in their last nine games, which came in a  3-2 home win against Blackpool.

Roberto Di Matteo has vowed to come to Eastlands and attack and stick to his footballing principles which saw them race to automatic promotion last year.

City will be without Micah Richards who is still recovering from concussion after his knockout clash with Nigel De Jong, who is struggling himself after coming off with a reported ankle injury against Birmingham.
For me this poses a few problems in midfield. without the anchor of De Jong, Mancini may put his over-estimated faith once again in Patrick Vieira. This potentially takes a lot of authority out of our midfield, whilst still mentally sharp, it has become apparent that his legs have not followed suit. I fully believe that if Nigel would have stayed fit then we would have seen the Birmingham game out for a win - regardless of the fact it was Vieira who gave the penalty away (his second this season). Another possibility is to drop Gareth Barry into the holding role, a role he is acustomed to after being consistently deployed as Fabio Capello's anchor at international level. This would see Milner come into the midfield and take over Barry's distribution role. Yaya Toure has been passed fit which should make up the three man midfield, this again links back to Vieira's inclusion, the work-rate of Yaya and Vieira in the same midfield is somewhat frightening.

The front three has virtually picked itself, with the injury's to Balotelli and now Adam Johnson, the omen will be on Dzeko, Silva and birthday boy Carlos Tevez to provide the attacking flair. I expect Dzeko to start centrally and lead the line with Silva and Tevez playing just off him. The forward line have not quite gelled yet and has seemed to lack a little fluency, this obviously will come with time and hopefully we will see glimpses of what to expect today.The width again will be provided by the full backs, predominantly by Kolorov down the left. Boateng should start at right back after Kolo Toure's return to fitness to line up along side Vincent Kompany. The defence has been under scrutiny over the last few weeks after falling from the best defence in the league to a leaky, unstable unit with an over-dependence on Kompany.

West Brom will set out true to Di Matteo's word and play attacking football, the game should be open and suit our style allowing us to play our expansive fluent game.I think if we get an early goal then we should comfortably win the game.

Prediction - City 2 - 0  West Brom  We certainly have the squad to be able to cope with injury's, sadly I think the result could depend on the inclusion of Patrick Vieira, but the more dynamic James Milner's inclusion should add an aggressive work-rate to our obvious superiority. Kolarov and Dzeko to score.