The Stephen Ireland story is edging out as an early contender for City's most protracted transfer dealing of the summer. Last summer we had Eto'o and Terry, the winter before was Kaka, but the early summer murmurs point to something that is far more likely to happen - the exit of last year's player of the season.
Roque Santa Cruz went some way to confirming how unsettled Ireland is by urging him to stay in the press today: "He is a very nice guy and a fantastic player also, so I think everybody at the club would be very disappointed to see him leaving. He is a great talent." Whilst going on to reveal some of his own insecurities by suggesting his, and Ireland's, worries about incoming replacements.
On the merit of this season's peformances they both have reason to fear replacements. Santa Cruz has never been fit enough to prove his worth to the team (prompting questions about whether he ever will be) and Ireland has struggled to regain his place after a series injuries and an early season health scare.
Reports are that Ireland has handed in a transfer request and City are stepping up their search for replacements, but the fact is we needed a creative replacement for Ireland anyway - and perhaps his knowledge of this has caused his recent disillusionment. Ireland lacks the mental attributes to play in the centre of midfield so, realistically, the only spot he vies for is the free role with Carlos Tevez - and with a plummet in commitment, Ireland has never looked like challenging him for his place. With the plaudits of last season, Ireland will not be happy to be labelled as cover in the side he was player of the season in. City have needed someone with creativity to sit alongside Barry or de Jong, but Ireland wilts under the responsibility of such a role.
Nedum, in his infamous Soccer AM interview, described Ireland as the best player he has ever played with - citing his "unbelievable tecchers" (technique to you and me!). Which introduces the conundrum of why the best players aren't the best players. In an idealistic world Ireland would be the best player in City's current team - he does have unbelievable technique, he has the ability to pick passes that others don't see - but as Ireland's performances last season proved - it needs to be coupled with the right mentality and work ethic to be effective. The other two players with the greatest technical ability over the last ten years are probably Robinho and Elano - and whilst they are both capable of breathtaking pieces of football, it cannot be argued that they have heads for the Premier League. The same perhaps goes for Ireland.
Or does it? The most frustrating aspect of his performances this season has been our knowledge of his performances last season. If last season hadn't happened, the Ireland of this campaign wouldn't have raised any eyebrows. He has still showed the occasional glimpses of magic this season but he has looked like the uncertain player of before - incapable of playing the simple pass and more comfortable on the peripheries of the action. People speculate about his mental strength but he was certainly capable of reacting in the right way to being down the pecking order under Hughes - he didn't start last season in the squad remember - but perhaps, like Nedum, he doesn't feel like he has another fight left in him - the idea that one fight should be enough to establish a first team place. The competition is getting stronger all the time but, if Ireland had the resilience, a player of his natural abilities should believe himself up for the challenge. Perhaps it is exactly this lack of resilience that will prove to rule Nedum and Ireland out of the high standard of football the club are striving to achieve. Maybe Ireland just needs an 8-1 drubbing somewhere to refocus him.
In the Guardian, Daniel Taylor suggested last week that Ireland "is renowned for being so sensitive when things are not going well his transfer request was partly expected behind the scenes." And this represents the crux of the problem. Mancini was right to suggest it relies on Ireland's head. If the staff at City can be confident of a rejuvenation of Ireland, then it would be foolish to sell him - but it is precisely his problems that could prevent him from fulfilling his potential. He seems popular enough amongst the players that a protracted transfer wrangle would be detrimental to the squad (especially if he is set to be bartered against other Premier League midfielders - Milner and Arteta, for example), so a speedy resolution may be better for all parties - and only the future will tell whether he will come back to haunt us or drift into legend as a one-season wonder.
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Mancini and the spectre of Mourinho
Mourinho looms large over the footballing world at the moment - bigger than clubs, more ambitious than any player, he is swiftly becoming the most powerful force in world football. Little wonder then that his name becomes entangled in the midst of one of the world's most ambitious football clubs. For Roberto Mancini, his successor at Inter will be on his mind more than most.
Mancini has been at pains this season to make sure his achievements at Inter are not lost underneath the supreme success of Jose Mourinho. Asked if he built the foundations of the team, Mancini said he also 'built the roof.' Whilst to some he seems to be claiming a slice of Mourinho's success, he is probably just making sure that his significant achievements don't go forgotten. Before Mancini's first Inter title (amongst the Calciopoli scandal), Inter had gone 17 years without winning the Scudetto - which for a club of Inter's size is remarkable (the longest 'barren' spell in their history since they won their first title in 1910). Inter have won every title since, including the following two under Mancini. On top of this, Mancini's first of two Coppa Italia triumphs was the club's first for 23 years. After 17 years without a domestic trophy of any description, Mancini was hired by Moratti for his record of success and he delivered instantly with seven trophies in four years.
It is true that two of Mancini's title campaigns benefited from the Calciopoli scandal (Juventus were stripped of the title in 2005-2006, and subsequent points deductions reduced the competition in 2006-2007), but it cannot be argued that Mancini didn't re-establish Inter at the top of the Italian game. Mourinho was brought in to take them to the next level - the European success that Moratti wanted - and he obviously succeeded. Yet out of the Champions League starting eleven, five were players who arrived under Mancini: Julio Cesar (from Flamengo), Maicon (from Monaco), Esteban Cambiasso and Walter Samuel (from Real Madrid), and Cristian Chivu (from Roma). These players represent the defensive heart of the team and Mourinho has built his team around this solidity - adding the guile and creativity of Milito and Sneijder, in particular, to produce the ruthless side capable of unpicking the world's best. So whilst Inter's recent success belongs to Mourinho, Mancini deserves credit for putting the club back to winning ways and creating the foundations (and the roof!) for success.
Mourinho continued to haunt Mancini after his arrival at City. The current City fans can probably be cut roughly into the following categories: the grateful, the disillusioned, and those bloated by the club's quick ascent (most of us are probably guilty of all three!). It is the last category that push Mourinho into this scenario (albeit with a lot of help from the press). Despite Mourinho's unwavering ambition to complete a footballing grandslam, a minority of fans still thought Jose should be the man replacing Hughes. Although the constant rumour mills often distort the type of people interested in coming to City, we are still a growing force and, whilst Mourinho could be interested when he makes his final prophesised return to English football, he was never going to take a step back amidst his run for global domination and footballing immortality.
I know that some of the calls for Mourinho were born out of frustration over Hughes' exit - the feeling that if we are getting rid of Hughes we should be replacing him with the world's best. But now, with Mourinho ready to move onto his next stage, Mancini can finally settle down to do what he has needed to do from the offset: build the team he wants and prepare himself for what lies ahead.
Mancini has been at pains this season to make sure his achievements at Inter are not lost underneath the supreme success of Jose Mourinho. Asked if he built the foundations of the team, Mancini said he also 'built the roof.' Whilst to some he seems to be claiming a slice of Mourinho's success, he is probably just making sure that his significant achievements don't go forgotten. Before Mancini's first Inter title (amongst the Calciopoli scandal), Inter had gone 17 years without winning the Scudetto - which for a club of Inter's size is remarkable (the longest 'barren' spell in their history since they won their first title in 1910). Inter have won every title since, including the following two under Mancini. On top of this, Mancini's first of two Coppa Italia triumphs was the club's first for 23 years. After 17 years without a domestic trophy of any description, Mancini was hired by Moratti for his record of success and he delivered instantly with seven trophies in four years.
It is true that two of Mancini's title campaigns benefited from the Calciopoli scandal (Juventus were stripped of the title in 2005-2006, and subsequent points deductions reduced the competition in 2006-2007), but it cannot be argued that Mancini didn't re-establish Inter at the top of the Italian game. Mourinho was brought in to take them to the next level - the European success that Moratti wanted - and he obviously succeeded. Yet out of the Champions League starting eleven, five were players who arrived under Mancini: Julio Cesar (from Flamengo), Maicon (from Monaco), Esteban Cambiasso and Walter Samuel (from Real Madrid), and Cristian Chivu (from Roma). These players represent the defensive heart of the team and Mourinho has built his team around this solidity - adding the guile and creativity of Milito and Sneijder, in particular, to produce the ruthless side capable of unpicking the world's best. So whilst Inter's recent success belongs to Mourinho, Mancini deserves credit for putting the club back to winning ways and creating the foundations (and the roof!) for success.
Mourinho continued to haunt Mancini after his arrival at City. The current City fans can probably be cut roughly into the following categories: the grateful, the disillusioned, and those bloated by the club's quick ascent (most of us are probably guilty of all three!). It is the last category that push Mourinho into this scenario (albeit with a lot of help from the press). Despite Mourinho's unwavering ambition to complete a footballing grandslam, a minority of fans still thought Jose should be the man replacing Hughes. Although the constant rumour mills often distort the type of people interested in coming to City, we are still a growing force and, whilst Mourinho could be interested when he makes his final prophesised return to English football, he was never going to take a step back amidst his run for global domination and footballing immortality.
I know that some of the calls for Mourinho were born out of frustration over Hughes' exit - the feeling that if we are getting rid of Hughes we should be replacing him with the world's best. But now, with Mourinho ready to move onto his next stage, Mancini can finally settle down to do what he has needed to do from the offset: build the team he wants and prepare himself for what lies ahead.
Saturday, 22 May 2010
Crunch week for Barry and Johnson
Of course, it is crunch week for everyone involved in the England set up, but the two big City stories to come out of the England camp (discounting Milner transfer speculation) are Adam Johnson's sustained charge for a place and Gareth Barry's late fitness call.
To cap off a quite remarkable 2010 for Johnson, the papers and the insiders are all unanimous in their praise for his shows in training this week. Many pick him out as the star performer and almost all reserve a special mention for his impressive displays. Blue Days has been looking at the reaction in more detail in an insightful piece. To add to the sources found there, including this from the Mirror: "Playing on the left wing, he terrorised Liverpool veteran Jamie Carragher and rained in a string of pinpoint crosses," today's Guardian and the BBC's England blog, amongst others, both single him out for his performances.
So, for Johnson, half the job is done. Speaking last month, Capello said: "Johnson has caught my eye. Now it's important he gets some international experience." Which indicates, not only that he will feature in Monday's friendly with Mexico, but that a lot will ride on how well he performs.
If Johnson can prove himself on the international stage, it will be a remarkable ascent from the player who only moved back to the Premier League on the first of February. A storming entrance eclipsed only by Walcott's suprise inclusion four years ago. Unlike Walcott in Germany, Johnson would have earned his place on merit and could well fill a spot that has been vacant for England for many years. Through years of bemoaning Gigg's defection back to Wales, Johnson could be the answer England has been waiting for. Whether this tournament has come a little too soon rests on this coming week but, after impressing in training, he is half way there.
Monday is also decision day for Gareth Barry. Who, in his ten year England career, has never made a World Cup, dipping in and out of the squad at the wrong moments for 2002 and 2006. He will be 33 when the next one comes around and whilst he is very much part of Capello's first eleven now, he would not be able to guarantee that next time round. He talks extensively about how much the World Cup would mean to him this summer in several interviews in the Saturday papers but it would also be a huge loss for England if he cannot make it.
Here's hoping for both of them.
To cap off a quite remarkable 2010 for Johnson, the papers and the insiders are all unanimous in their praise for his shows in training this week. Many pick him out as the star performer and almost all reserve a special mention for his impressive displays. Blue Days has been looking at the reaction in more detail in an insightful piece. To add to the sources found there, including this from the Mirror: "Playing on the left wing, he terrorised Liverpool veteran Jamie Carragher and rained in a string of pinpoint crosses," today's Guardian and the BBC's England blog, amongst others, both single him out for his performances.
So, for Johnson, half the job is done. Speaking last month, Capello said: "Johnson has caught my eye. Now it's important he gets some international experience." Which indicates, not only that he will feature in Monday's friendly with Mexico, but that a lot will ride on how well he performs.
If Johnson can prove himself on the international stage, it will be a remarkable ascent from the player who only moved back to the Premier League on the first of February. A storming entrance eclipsed only by Walcott's suprise inclusion four years ago. Unlike Walcott in Germany, Johnson would have earned his place on merit and could well fill a spot that has been vacant for England for many years. Through years of bemoaning Gigg's defection back to Wales, Johnson could be the answer England has been waiting for. Whether this tournament has come a little too soon rests on this coming week but, after impressing in training, he is half way there.
Monday is also decision day for Gareth Barry. Who, in his ten year England career, has never made a World Cup, dipping in and out of the squad at the wrong moments for 2002 and 2006. He will be 33 when the next one comes around and whilst he is very much part of Capello's first eleven now, he would not be able to guarantee that next time round. He talks extensively about how much the World Cup would mean to him this summer in several interviews in the Saturday papers but it would also be a huge loss for England if he cannot make it.
Here's hoping for both of them.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Ibrahimovic to be this summer's marquee purchase?
All the little whispers about Ibrahimovic are set to explode after Barcelona confirmed the signing of David Villa this lunchtime. Given the style Barca play, this move effectively relegates last summer's star signing to the bench and, after an unconvincing season, this could lead to the Barca management wanting to cash in.
A few weeks ago, the Spanish football expert Sid Lowe, speaking on the Guardian's Football Weekly podcast, suggested City as the only possible destination. The implications of his words are: one, large amounts of money would be involved, and two, it would be a risk - and judging on previous windows City are thought to be cavalier enough to take this on.
There is no doubt that Ibrahimovic has unbelievable ability but the worry is that his languid style, that frustrates fans in Spain, would be swallowed up by the pace of the Premier League. In that mould, he has always reminded me of a far more talented Berbatov - but as we've had the pleasure of seeing, this doesn't always work in the Premier League. Although, the sheer ability of the man, and his consistently high goal scoring record (he has still scored 21 goals this season) would obviously benefit most sides in the world.
One of the major remaining questions here though, as always, is why would he want to join City? Without Champions League, City do not offer the level of football Ibra is used to, and this is a major stumbling block. He is already on huge wages at Barca and I don't think the City management (no longer as intent on making the status-signing) would break the bank in his favour, so the usual bargaining isn't there. At 28, he has already achieved a lot in the game - so the bargaining stand point that he could 'help write the history' of a club may appeal to him, but only if he is convinced it will happen quickly.
As I see it, the only factor in favour of City is Roberto Mancini. When Mancini arrived at City, journalists sought out Ibrahimovic's opinion pretty quickly:
"City want to become a big team, and in order to do that you need a manager who knows how to run one," he said. "I think City have already learned that you don't become Barcelona or Inter Milan overnight. It takes a lot of time, but it also takes the right man in charge. Roberto will change the mentality of the club overnight, he is a big manager and the players will learn that very quickly."
The whole article can be found on SkySports. Ibrahimovic scored 32 goals in 53 Serie A games under Mancini and he obviously has fond memories of his time with him. With the murmurs of players that are unhappy under Mancini, Roberto could well look to buy in someone (like he did with Vieira) who he knows he can rely on.
It seems a very unlikely deal, but City are in a better position this year than the side that finished tenth last season - and even then it appeared City came close to signing some stars of the world game - Kaka, Eto'o and Terry, in particular went on long enough to suggest consideration from those names. Whether Ibrahimovic would be good for the team dynamics is another question altogether.
On the subject of Ibrahimovic, it is always nice to see this goal he scored for Ajax:
A few weeks ago, the Spanish football expert Sid Lowe, speaking on the Guardian's Football Weekly podcast, suggested City as the only possible destination. The implications of his words are: one, large amounts of money would be involved, and two, it would be a risk - and judging on previous windows City are thought to be cavalier enough to take this on.
There is no doubt that Ibrahimovic has unbelievable ability but the worry is that his languid style, that frustrates fans in Spain, would be swallowed up by the pace of the Premier League. In that mould, he has always reminded me of a far more talented Berbatov - but as we've had the pleasure of seeing, this doesn't always work in the Premier League. Although, the sheer ability of the man, and his consistently high goal scoring record (he has still scored 21 goals this season) would obviously benefit most sides in the world.
One of the major remaining questions here though, as always, is why would he want to join City? Without Champions League, City do not offer the level of football Ibra is used to, and this is a major stumbling block. He is already on huge wages at Barca and I don't think the City management (no longer as intent on making the status-signing) would break the bank in his favour, so the usual bargaining isn't there. At 28, he has already achieved a lot in the game - so the bargaining stand point that he could 'help write the history' of a club may appeal to him, but only if he is convinced it will happen quickly.
As I see it, the only factor in favour of City is Roberto Mancini. When Mancini arrived at City, journalists sought out Ibrahimovic's opinion pretty quickly:
"City want to become a big team, and in order to do that you need a manager who knows how to run one," he said. "I think City have already learned that you don't become Barcelona or Inter Milan overnight. It takes a lot of time, but it also takes the right man in charge. Roberto will change the mentality of the club overnight, he is a big manager and the players will learn that very quickly."
The whole article can be found on SkySports. Ibrahimovic scored 32 goals in 53 Serie A games under Mancini and he obviously has fond memories of his time with him. With the murmurs of players that are unhappy under Mancini, Roberto could well look to buy in someone (like he did with Vieira) who he knows he can rely on.
It seems a very unlikely deal, but City are in a better position this year than the side that finished tenth last season - and even then it appeared City came close to signing some stars of the world game - Kaka, Eto'o and Terry, in particular went on long enough to suggest consideration from those names. Whether Ibrahimovic would be good for the team dynamics is another question altogether.
On the subject of Ibrahimovic, it is always nice to see this goal he scored for Ajax:
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Nedum on his way
After seeing Nedum's interview on Soccer AM yesterday, it seems clear to me he is on his way out of the club. Normally so measured, positive and even intellectual for a footballer, his anti-regime comments were not those of a player looking to step up his challenge for a place next season.
The very fact he has let his guard down suggests he thinks there is nothing left to protect in his City career - which is a great shame. You can understand Nedum's frustrations. Here is a rare thing in a player nowadays - a lifelong fan of the club he plays for, and you feel he has had more resilience in fighting for his position than other players might have done when found in the same situation. With almost all the in-coming managers of recent seasons, Nedum has found himself at first unfavoured only to win back his place on the merit of his solid performances.
You would have thought, had he not been plagued by injuries throughout his young career, he would have gone on to establish himself as, not only a City regular, but possibly, and by virtue of regular football, an international contender for this summer. But it wasn't to be, and now, with the constant influx of replacements, he evidently thinks it is the end of his City career.
I do think his comments were born more out of frustration than by clear thought though. To suggest he was on the brink of a first team return under Hughes is a little fanciful. He did have injury problems under Hughes, as he has had under Mancini, yet he still has featured more often under Mancini. To suggest Hughes may have been on the verge of putting him in is also sadly unlikely, because in the last weeks of Hughes' time at the club, he had already spoken of trying to sign more defenders in January - in an attempt to shore up the area that ultimately cost him his job. Had Hughes been trusted with more money for defenders over January, Nedum may well have been in an even worse situation.
Part of his frustration may have also been from the perceived decline of his generation this season (something that hasn't just happened under Mancini, but Hughes also - it is easy to blame it on the person in charge when it comes to a head). Ireland ('the best player I have ever played with') has had a tough season, but I don't think anyone could argue his performances have merited his inclusion - he is undoubtedly an outstanding talent and one I would like to remain at the club, but it has been a difficult season for him to say the least - again, slightly surprisingly, Ireland blamed Hughes for his form when Mancini arrived.
Micah has also been drifting in and out, but he has had his share of injuries since Mancini's arrival, and probably looks a bit more assured when he has played. Although he is not quite his generation of academy graduates but very much a part of them, Shaun Wright-Phillips is the only player to actually decline under Mancini - still a pacy threat from the bench, he has gone from a Hughes-favourite to a squad player very quickly. The fortunes of all his contemporaries will undoubtedly have affected Nedum - as it stands, there doesn't appear to be much hope for them - but to be so outwardly anti-Mancini is probably missing the point a little. Although, to be fair to Nedum, we don't know what goes on behind the scenes.
Finally there were his words about Lescott, saying Mancini cost him his World Cup place by declaring him unfit for the final two games even though he had just returned to training. Realistically, having not played for months, Lescott had an incredibly slim chance of making Capello's 30 even if he had managed two games towards the end - other players had made their claim by then (Dawson and King in particular). So, for Mancini not to involve a partially-fit Lescott in our biggest game of the season is hardly surprising.
I can understand Nedum's frustration - he has put so much into the club - work and emotionally - but I thought it was a shame he had to publicly defame the management. I have great respect for him and I do think he will become a top-class player if he gets regular football, but I'm afraid he may be looking to get that regular football away from City next year. I would love him to stay, but with the prospect of further centre-backs arriving, this could be one fight too many for him. Either way, if Mancini doesn't like him, as Nedum suggests, I think it is safe to say it is reciprocal.
You can watch a clip of the video over at Bitter and Blue.
The very fact he has let his guard down suggests he thinks there is nothing left to protect in his City career - which is a great shame. You can understand Nedum's frustrations. Here is a rare thing in a player nowadays - a lifelong fan of the club he plays for, and you feel he has had more resilience in fighting for his position than other players might have done when found in the same situation. With almost all the in-coming managers of recent seasons, Nedum has found himself at first unfavoured only to win back his place on the merit of his solid performances.
You would have thought, had he not been plagued by injuries throughout his young career, he would have gone on to establish himself as, not only a City regular, but possibly, and by virtue of regular football, an international contender for this summer. But it wasn't to be, and now, with the constant influx of replacements, he evidently thinks it is the end of his City career.
I do think his comments were born more out of frustration than by clear thought though. To suggest he was on the brink of a first team return under Hughes is a little fanciful. He did have injury problems under Hughes, as he has had under Mancini, yet he still has featured more often under Mancini. To suggest Hughes may have been on the verge of putting him in is also sadly unlikely, because in the last weeks of Hughes' time at the club, he had already spoken of trying to sign more defenders in January - in an attempt to shore up the area that ultimately cost him his job. Had Hughes been trusted with more money for defenders over January, Nedum may well have been in an even worse situation.
Part of his frustration may have also been from the perceived decline of his generation this season (something that hasn't just happened under Mancini, but Hughes also - it is easy to blame it on the person in charge when it comes to a head). Ireland ('the best player I have ever played with') has had a tough season, but I don't think anyone could argue his performances have merited his inclusion - he is undoubtedly an outstanding talent and one I would like to remain at the club, but it has been a difficult season for him to say the least - again, slightly surprisingly, Ireland blamed Hughes for his form when Mancini arrived.
Micah has also been drifting in and out, but he has had his share of injuries since Mancini's arrival, and probably looks a bit more assured when he has played. Although he is not quite his generation of academy graduates but very much a part of them, Shaun Wright-Phillips is the only player to actually decline under Mancini - still a pacy threat from the bench, he has gone from a Hughes-favourite to a squad player very quickly. The fortunes of all his contemporaries will undoubtedly have affected Nedum - as it stands, there doesn't appear to be much hope for them - but to be so outwardly anti-Mancini is probably missing the point a little. Although, to be fair to Nedum, we don't know what goes on behind the scenes.
Finally there were his words about Lescott, saying Mancini cost him his World Cup place by declaring him unfit for the final two games even though he had just returned to training. Realistically, having not played for months, Lescott had an incredibly slim chance of making Capello's 30 even if he had managed two games towards the end - other players had made their claim by then (Dawson and King in particular). So, for Mancini not to involve a partially-fit Lescott in our biggest game of the season is hardly surprising.
I can understand Nedum's frustration - he has put so much into the club - work and emotionally - but I thought it was a shame he had to publicly defame the management. I have great respect for him and I do think he will become a top-class player if he gets regular football, but I'm afraid he may be looking to get that regular football away from City next year. I would love him to stay, but with the prospect of further centre-backs arriving, this could be one fight too many for him. Either way, if Mancini doesn't like him, as Nedum suggests, I think it is safe to say it is reciprocal.
You can watch a clip of the video over at Bitter and Blue.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Transfers: Positions to target
Despite the escalating rumours of another mass overhaul this pre-season, City are not in the position that they were last summer and a mass turnover is not essential. Whereas last summer most of the squad needed looking at, this summer three or four players in key positions would help push City onto the next level. For me, the priorities are the following positions:
1. A ball-playing central midfielder.
Everytime we play a well-organised team I come on here and bemoan our lack of incision. If a team comes to Eastlands and concentrates on frustrating City before unleashing their counter-attack, like Everton and Tottenham, then we have no one who can cut through.
Stephen Ireland has the passing ability but he is limited positionally. If he is playing in the free-role behind the strikers, he is fine - but give him some responsibility in the centre and his game shrinks with it. His lack of success this season, as much as anything else, has come from being in direct competition for Tevez's role.
When Hughes arrived at City he needed to address City's soft centre and this he did with the arrivals of De Jong and Kompany - but with Elano gone, Michael Johnson perennially injured, and Ireland off the boil, it has left City with no one in the middle who can pick a quick pass.
So, we play our best against teams who attack us, allowing the pace of our counter attack to wreak havoc - but as teams have become wise to that, we often struggle to unpick them.
A goal-scoring midfielder or a box-to-box player who can do it all should be the summer's priority.
Possible targets: Marek Hamsik, James Milner, Mesut Ozil, Fernando Gago, Lassana Diarra.
2. Left-back
There are already doubts about Bridge's performances when he does play but regardless of that, we cannot rely on him to be fit for the majority of a season. With all the added games that the Europa League brings, we will at least need a cover that Mancini can trust - his picking of Zabaleta there over Garrido and Sylvinho suggests he doesn't trust those two - and better, a player who can challenge Bridge's place.
Possible targets: Juan Manuel Vargas, David Luiz.
3. Centre-forward
After having an embarrassment of riches in the attacking department at the start of the season - all the pre-season speculation was about how Hughes could keep them all happy - we have now been left a bit bare.
Tevez and Adebayor are the only first-team strikers you can rely on to be fit. They are both high quality players, but neither of them are really box players. Adebayor, for all his height, shies away from aerial challenges and is much happier dropping deep and drifting wide, and whilst Tevez can never be said to shy away, he is also happier playing the deeper role. This leaves us with noone to profit from our wing-play - so a striker that can lead the line would be preferable. However, if not, we could still do with adding some genuine competition for Adebayor.
With Roque, as much as I think there is a good player hidden away in there, his injury situation has gone beyond a joke and whether he will ever be able to return to full fitness and form is a big question.
Possible targets: Gonzalo Higuain, Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres (?!).
There could be the arrival of some surprises, but on top of these positions we only really need squad depth and competition. Jerome Boateng could take the right-back slot, for example, whilst challenging for his preferred central role. It is likely to be another busy summer with both ins and outs, but we shouldn't need too much maintenance this time round.
1. A ball-playing central midfielder.
Everytime we play a well-organised team I come on here and bemoan our lack of incision. If a team comes to Eastlands and concentrates on frustrating City before unleashing their counter-attack, like Everton and Tottenham, then we have no one who can cut through.
Stephen Ireland has the passing ability but he is limited positionally. If he is playing in the free-role behind the strikers, he is fine - but give him some responsibility in the centre and his game shrinks with it. His lack of success this season, as much as anything else, has come from being in direct competition for Tevez's role.
When Hughes arrived at City he needed to address City's soft centre and this he did with the arrivals of De Jong and Kompany - but with Elano gone, Michael Johnson perennially injured, and Ireland off the boil, it has left City with no one in the middle who can pick a quick pass.
So, we play our best against teams who attack us, allowing the pace of our counter attack to wreak havoc - but as teams have become wise to that, we often struggle to unpick them.
A goal-scoring midfielder or a box-to-box player who can do it all should be the summer's priority.
Possible targets: Marek Hamsik, James Milner, Mesut Ozil, Fernando Gago, Lassana Diarra.
2. Left-back
There are already doubts about Bridge's performances when he does play but regardless of that, we cannot rely on him to be fit for the majority of a season. With all the added games that the Europa League brings, we will at least need a cover that Mancini can trust - his picking of Zabaleta there over Garrido and Sylvinho suggests he doesn't trust those two - and better, a player who can challenge Bridge's place.
Possible targets: Juan Manuel Vargas, David Luiz.
3. Centre-forward
After having an embarrassment of riches in the attacking department at the start of the season - all the pre-season speculation was about how Hughes could keep them all happy - we have now been left a bit bare.
Tevez and Adebayor are the only first-team strikers you can rely on to be fit. They are both high quality players, but neither of them are really box players. Adebayor, for all his height, shies away from aerial challenges and is much happier dropping deep and drifting wide, and whilst Tevez can never be said to shy away, he is also happier playing the deeper role. This leaves us with noone to profit from our wing-play - so a striker that can lead the line would be preferable. However, if not, we could still do with adding some genuine competition for Adebayor.
With Roque, as much as I think there is a good player hidden away in there, his injury situation has gone beyond a joke and whether he will ever be able to return to full fitness and form is a big question.
Possible targets: Gonzalo Higuain, Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres (?!).
There could be the arrival of some surprises, but on top of these positions we only really need squad depth and competition. Jerome Boateng could take the right-back slot, for example, whilst challenging for his preferred central role. It is likely to be another busy summer with both ins and outs, but we shouldn't need too much maintenance this time round.
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
The transfer season without Champions League
Before we failed to make it, everyone's main concern about not qualifying for the Champions League was that we wouldn't be able to attract the world's best players. It is easy to add the caveat now, but it would perhaps be more correct to have said the world's best established players - which isn't exactly the same thing.
Of course, players in the prime of their career or world-renown will see arriving at a team who are without the world's most glamorous club competition as a step back. Their status in the game has been reached by achieving already and their only real motivation for such a move would most likely be for financial purposes. The hunger of these players (and you could use Robinho as an example) is sometimes questionable - even when the team is firing.
Evidently, all this is easy to say on the back of missing out on the Champions League and who wouldn't want to see the world's stars in their team, but the transfer strategy that Mancini and the Corporation Couple may now be forced to look at is probably the best, and the most sustainable, for the club. If rumours and hearsay are to believed, City are concentrating their considerable financial strength on acquiring the best of the world's (or Serie A's) emerging talent.
Today's rumours link City with Hamsik, Balotelli and David Luiz, among others. Big name players already, at big clubs, but all young (22, 19 and 23 respectively). Unlike the players who would come in in their late 20s, who have done it all and act accordingly, these players are still young and, to use that word again, hungry to prove themselves at the top level (I am talking generally of course, as many watchers of Serie A will argue Balotelli doesn't always look all that motivated!).
We would be getting up-and-coming stars who could be the spine of the team for years to come - a continuity that the team would need to succeed and build. It is no use signing big-name stars if they are disinterested and will only look for move after a short time. The signing of Robinho, who I am actually a fan of, was a huge statement to the footballing world - but more galacticos wouldn't necessarily help a team that seems to be growing in spirit and togetherness (bar a few exceptions).
I think Hamsik would be an excellent signing, if possible, as he is the sort of goal-scoring midfielder that City are crying out for at the moment. There are talks in Italy that he is about to agree terms to a new contract with Napoli, but as Mancini has said he wants to get his deals in place before the World Cup, City may be able to present an alternative offer.
At times this season it has been obvious that we were a team swiftly thrown together and, despite the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League, every year of consolidation will make us stronger. Obviously, I won't be complaining if we sign a Gerrard or a Torres, but I certainly won't be complaining if we don't.
*As I was typing this, Football Italia have quoted Balotelli's agent as saying there is no chance of him moving to City - saying that no discussions will be held til after the Champions League final. Although, having kept up with Balotelli's agents declarations about his client, this doesn't necessarily mean a deal is not in the offing. His words are fairly strong this time though.
Of course, players in the prime of their career or world-renown will see arriving at a team who are without the world's most glamorous club competition as a step back. Their status in the game has been reached by achieving already and their only real motivation for such a move would most likely be for financial purposes. The hunger of these players (and you could use Robinho as an example) is sometimes questionable - even when the team is firing.
Evidently, all this is easy to say on the back of missing out on the Champions League and who wouldn't want to see the world's stars in their team, but the transfer strategy that Mancini and the Corporation Couple may now be forced to look at is probably the best, and the most sustainable, for the club. If rumours and hearsay are to believed, City are concentrating their considerable financial strength on acquiring the best of the world's (or Serie A's) emerging talent.
Today's rumours link City with Hamsik, Balotelli and David Luiz, among others. Big name players already, at big clubs, but all young (22, 19 and 23 respectively). Unlike the players who would come in in their late 20s, who have done it all and act accordingly, these players are still young and, to use that word again, hungry to prove themselves at the top level (I am talking generally of course, as many watchers of Serie A will argue Balotelli doesn't always look all that motivated!).
We would be getting up-and-coming stars who could be the spine of the team for years to come - a continuity that the team would need to succeed and build. It is no use signing big-name stars if they are disinterested and will only look for move after a short time. The signing of Robinho, who I am actually a fan of, was a huge statement to the footballing world - but more galacticos wouldn't necessarily help a team that seems to be growing in spirit and togetherness (bar a few exceptions).
I think Hamsik would be an excellent signing, if possible, as he is the sort of goal-scoring midfielder that City are crying out for at the moment. There are talks in Italy that he is about to agree terms to a new contract with Napoli, but as Mancini has said he wants to get his deals in place before the World Cup, City may be able to present an alternative offer.
At times this season it has been obvious that we were a team swiftly thrown together and, despite the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League, every year of consolidation will make us stronger. Obviously, I won't be complaining if we sign a Gerrard or a Torres, but I certainly won't be complaining if we don't.
*As I was typing this, Football Italia have quoted Balotelli's agent as saying there is no chance of him moving to City - saying that no discussions will be held til after the Champions League final. Although, having kept up with Balotelli's agents declarations about his client, this doesn't necessarily mean a deal is not in the offing. His words are fairly strong this time though.
Base Comedy May Awards
The month is young but with the footballing season over, and only transfers and the small matter of the World Cup to concentrate on, here are my early May Awards.
PLAYER OF THE MONTH: ADAM JOHNSON
What with the Spurs game and the half-paced game against West Ham, it has been a bit of a damp end to the season, but the player to stand out for me was Adam Johnson. Took a bit of time to get going against Villa, but managed two assists; not incredibly special against Tottenham, but still produced our two best moments of quality in the game - a long range shot and a tantalising cross to Barry at the back post; and against West Ham he had an outstanding first half, causing lots of problems with his quick feet. He has created three-quarters of our goals this month (three of four!) and for this quality - which seldom looked to be coming from other sources - he gets my award.
Players also in contention included: the ever impressive Vincent Kompany and, for his short stint, Marton Fulop.
GOAL OF THE MONTH: CRAIG BELLAMY (vs Aston Villa)
Shauny's run and Bellamy's perfect finish released a lot of nervous tension around the ground. City's pacy counter-attack at its best.
DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE MONTH: ADMITTING DEFEAT
Tottenham proved they were more deserving than us in their two games against City this season and we can have no arguments about the outcome.
PERFORMANCE OF THE MONTH: 3-1 vs VILLA
Not too hard to pick this game above the Tottenham game and the lethargic draw against West Ham, but it was a top performance against a team on a roll. I could have also broken from tradition and given this award to Khaldoon for his insightful interview that stopped (better late than never) all the unstabilising speculation around the club.
TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF: ALAN HANSEN
I don't think an individual has to take any blame from within the City ranks this month, so therefore I will jump back on the Hansen bandwaggon and put him in for all his bitter negativity about City. Not many people like the way City have entered the elite of the Premier League, but there is still something to be said for fair punditry.
Although, I could also say that Wayne Bridge may have done too little to avoid a replacement coming in this transfer window.
POINT TOTAL: 4 from 9
FOURTHOMETER: Pipped by a worthy foe.
PLAYER OF THE MONTH: ADAM JOHNSON
What with the Spurs game and the half-paced game against West Ham, it has been a bit of a damp end to the season, but the player to stand out for me was Adam Johnson. Took a bit of time to get going against Villa, but managed two assists; not incredibly special against Tottenham, but still produced our two best moments of quality in the game - a long range shot and a tantalising cross to Barry at the back post; and against West Ham he had an outstanding first half, causing lots of problems with his quick feet. He has created three-quarters of our goals this month (three of four!) and for this quality - which seldom looked to be coming from other sources - he gets my award.
Players also in contention included: the ever impressive Vincent Kompany and, for his short stint, Marton Fulop.
GOAL OF THE MONTH: CRAIG BELLAMY (vs Aston Villa)
Shauny's run and Bellamy's perfect finish released a lot of nervous tension around the ground. City's pacy counter-attack at its best.
DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE MONTH: ADMITTING DEFEAT
Tottenham proved they were more deserving than us in their two games against City this season and we can have no arguments about the outcome.
PERFORMANCE OF THE MONTH: 3-1 vs VILLA
Not too hard to pick this game above the Tottenham game and the lethargic draw against West Ham, but it was a top performance against a team on a roll. I could have also broken from tradition and given this award to Khaldoon for his insightful interview that stopped (better late than never) all the unstabilising speculation around the club.
TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF: ALAN HANSEN
I don't think an individual has to take any blame from within the City ranks this month, so therefore I will jump back on the Hansen bandwaggon and put him in for all his bitter negativity about City. Not many people like the way City have entered the elite of the Premier League, but there is still something to be said for fair punditry.
Although, I could also say that Wayne Bridge may have done too little to avoid a replacement coming in this transfer window.
POINT TOTAL: 4 from 9
FOURTHOMETER: Pipped by a worthy foe.
Monday, 10 May 2010
City's England hopefuls
With Fabio Capello lining up to name his 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup tomorrow, I thought I'd take a look at the members of City's squad with a fighting chance of making the squad.
Gareth Barry
Barry would have been our only dead-cert for making the England squad if it wasn't for his unfortunately timed injury. An important part of the qualifying campaign and a regular starter under Capello, he had an integral role in the manager's plans fo this summer. This could still work in his favour. If he is out for three to four more weeks, as is reported, then it will leave him with just over a week before the finals begin. As one of Capello's trusted men, Barry might be a gamble worth taking - he would more than likely be fit enough to feature in the final group games - but the England doctors will be watching him closely.
Chance of making the final 23: 60%
Joe Hart
The PFA goalkeeper of the year has been the top performing English goalkeeper this year by a stretch and this should give him a spot on the plane. Due to my complete lack of confidence in the other keepers, I would also say he should at least be pushing to be the no.1 for the tournament - but Capello will probably view his inexperience as detrimental on such a big stage.
Chance of making the final 23: 85%
Adam Johnson
The man everyone is talking about. It has been a whirlwind three/four months for him and whilst everyone would've thought it too late for anyone to stake a claim for a call-up, Johnson has done just that. He offers a left-sided midfield option that is currently missing from the national squad - Downing is the only specialist for that position who has had a previous call-up (the others are all right-footed central midfielders) and according to the Observer review of the season at the weekend, a Villa fan described him as their worst player this season. So I don't see why not. He was in the provisional squad for the Egpyt game and Capello has already hinted he will make the 30 so that he can get a closer look at him. Whether he makes the final 23 will largely be down to how much he can impress him over the coming month.
Chance of making the final 23: 50%
Joleon Lescott
Unlike Barry, Lescott will certainly be fit for the start of the tournament. But the major factor weighing against him is that he hasn't played since March 14th away to Sunderland. He was discovering his best form for City at the time and really looked to be on his way to the World Cup - he also had the benefit of being an option for a troubled left-back spot. However, since falling off the radar, players such as King, Dawson, Jagielka and Carragher have made strong claims (or late appearances) for the same position. The injury was such bad timing for him and I'm afraid he will be left disappointed.
Chance of making the final 23: 20%
Micah Richards
A complete longshot at one-point, a no-hope now. Unfavoured by Capello, a complete void of right-backs may have worked to his advantage. In the Egypt game, when Wes Brown was the only 'right-back' in the squad, Micah was almost in contention by default, but the return of Glen Johnson and Jamie Carragher, coupled with niggling injuries and a lack of game time, should mean he can book his holidays without too great a risk.
Chance of making the final 23: 5%
Shaun Wright-Phillips
It has been a very frustrating 2010 so far for Shauny. Pushed out of the starting eleven by Adam Johnson, angling for a new contract whilst not getting any game time to prove himself, is not exactly the way he would want to prepare for a World Cup summer. After missing out on 2006 at the very last minute, he has every right to worry it will happen again. In his favour, Capello seems to like him and he has produced some good displays in recent England internationals - scoring 2 in the last 3 internationals. He is mostly employed as an impact substitute, so maybe his breakneck run for Bellamy's goal against Villa will have been enough to remind the selectors about why they might want him there.
Chance of making the final 23: 60%
And finally, if I were England manager, this would be my 30-man squad:
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart
David James
Rob Green
Defenders
Glen Johnson
Jamie Carragher
Ashley Cole
Leighton Baines
Michael Dawson
Ledley King
John Terry
Rio Ferdinand
Phil Jagielka
Matthew Upson
Midfielders
Adam Johnson
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Gareth Barry
Theo Walcott
Aaron Lennon
James Milner
Steven Gerrard
Frank Lampard
Joe Cole
Tom Huddlestone
Michael Carrick
Strikers
Wayne Rooney
Peter Crouch
Jermain Defoe
Darren Bent
Emile Heskey
Bobby Zamora
Oh, and Richard Edghill on stand-by in case Glen Johnson gets injured again.
Gareth Barry
Barry would have been our only dead-cert for making the England squad if it wasn't for his unfortunately timed injury. An important part of the qualifying campaign and a regular starter under Capello, he had an integral role in the manager's plans fo this summer. This could still work in his favour. If he is out for three to four more weeks, as is reported, then it will leave him with just over a week before the finals begin. As one of Capello's trusted men, Barry might be a gamble worth taking - he would more than likely be fit enough to feature in the final group games - but the England doctors will be watching him closely.
Chance of making the final 23: 60%
Joe Hart
The PFA goalkeeper of the year has been the top performing English goalkeeper this year by a stretch and this should give him a spot on the plane. Due to my complete lack of confidence in the other keepers, I would also say he should at least be pushing to be the no.1 for the tournament - but Capello will probably view his inexperience as detrimental on such a big stage.
Chance of making the final 23: 85%
Adam Johnson
The man everyone is talking about. It has been a whirlwind three/four months for him and whilst everyone would've thought it too late for anyone to stake a claim for a call-up, Johnson has done just that. He offers a left-sided midfield option that is currently missing from the national squad - Downing is the only specialist for that position who has had a previous call-up (the others are all right-footed central midfielders) and according to the Observer review of the season at the weekend, a Villa fan described him as their worst player this season. So I don't see why not. He was in the provisional squad for the Egpyt game and Capello has already hinted he will make the 30 so that he can get a closer look at him. Whether he makes the final 23 will largely be down to how much he can impress him over the coming month.
Chance of making the final 23: 50%
Joleon Lescott
Unlike Barry, Lescott will certainly be fit for the start of the tournament. But the major factor weighing against him is that he hasn't played since March 14th away to Sunderland. He was discovering his best form for City at the time and really looked to be on his way to the World Cup - he also had the benefit of being an option for a troubled left-back spot. However, since falling off the radar, players such as King, Dawson, Jagielka and Carragher have made strong claims (or late appearances) for the same position. The injury was such bad timing for him and I'm afraid he will be left disappointed.
Chance of making the final 23: 20%
Micah Richards
A complete longshot at one-point, a no-hope now. Unfavoured by Capello, a complete void of right-backs may have worked to his advantage. In the Egypt game, when Wes Brown was the only 'right-back' in the squad, Micah was almost in contention by default, but the return of Glen Johnson and Jamie Carragher, coupled with niggling injuries and a lack of game time, should mean he can book his holidays without too great a risk.
Chance of making the final 23: 5%
Shaun Wright-Phillips
It has been a very frustrating 2010 so far for Shauny. Pushed out of the starting eleven by Adam Johnson, angling for a new contract whilst not getting any game time to prove himself, is not exactly the way he would want to prepare for a World Cup summer. After missing out on 2006 at the very last minute, he has every right to worry it will happen again. In his favour, Capello seems to like him and he has produced some good displays in recent England internationals - scoring 2 in the last 3 internationals. He is mostly employed as an impact substitute, so maybe his breakneck run for Bellamy's goal against Villa will have been enough to remind the selectors about why they might want him there.
Chance of making the final 23: 60%
And finally, if I were England manager, this would be my 30-man squad:
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart
David James
Rob Green
Defenders
Glen Johnson
Jamie Carragher
Ashley Cole
Leighton Baines
Michael Dawson
Ledley King
John Terry
Rio Ferdinand
Phil Jagielka
Matthew Upson
Midfielders
Adam Johnson
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Gareth Barry
Theo Walcott
Aaron Lennon
James Milner
Steven Gerrard
Frank Lampard
Joe Cole
Tom Huddlestone
Michael Carrick
Strikers
Wayne Rooney
Peter Crouch
Jermain Defoe
Darren Bent
Emile Heskey
Bobby Zamora
Oh, and Richard Edghill on stand-by in case Glen Johnson gets injured again.
Sunday, 9 May 2010
West Ham 1 - 1 City
A very 'end of season' affair. Although there was the fifth spot to seal, Richard Dunne made sure we could attain it in the most lethargic manner possible - and make sure there weren't too many last minute nerves to add to a nervous week.
I didn't make it to the game today, but the commentator introducing the coverage I watched said that "it would take most of the summer for City to recover from Wednesday night," which I thought was a bit much but, with this in mind, I was happy with the way City started the game. West Ham were happy to lie deep and watch City for the opening half hour - and this allowed City to dominate possession, with Johnson and Wright-Phillips supplying occasional threats.
So, just like the Villa game, it was West Ham who drew first blood - a slightly absent piece of defending from Zabaleta besides, Diamanti's skill and Boa Morte's finish showed the sort of quality the West Ham fans would've wanted to have seen more of this season.
Johnson, who was superb in his last pitch to the England selectors, caused lots of problems in the first half - and his right foot cross found Shauny with an improbably precise header only minutes later. Johnson also perhaps should have had a penalty after a dazzling run looked to be halted by Upson's out-stretched leg.
Both Johnson and Wright-Phillips did their chances of a call-up to England's 30-man squad this Tuesday no harm - both had more to play for than the rest of the City squad and it showed as they produced energetic displays infront of Baldini that were mostly lacking elsewhere on the pitch.
Santa Cruz and Sylvinho were both perhaps playing their last games at the club, but only Sylvinho did justice to such an occasion - playing a typically classy and adventurous game before he was replaced late on.
In the second half, the will seemed to swing to West Ham a bit more and City were left scrambling on a few occasions, but ultimately neither side really looked like they wanted it enough in the second 45 minutes.
Tevez got the loudest cheer of the day and then carried on to have only a marginally more effective time on the pitch than Santa Cruz. His placing on the bench suggested he is amongst the 'very tired' players Mancini spoke about, but it was good to hear more positive noises coming from his direction in the week. Without him, there is a lack of that clinical touch upfront.
So, fifth is achieved and, despite what some City fans say, it is a real achievement and another step in our progress up the Premier League. A little early maybe, but in today's Observer they had the odds for next season's champions and it placed City a joint third with Arsenal for the title. After coming so close, the frustration at not coming fourth is understandable, but things are looking really positive for next season, and already I cannot wait for City to kick-off again in the next campaign. Thank goodness for the World Cup!
I didn't make it to the game today, but the commentator introducing the coverage I watched said that "it would take most of the summer for City to recover from Wednesday night," which I thought was a bit much but, with this in mind, I was happy with the way City started the game. West Ham were happy to lie deep and watch City for the opening half hour - and this allowed City to dominate possession, with Johnson and Wright-Phillips supplying occasional threats.
So, just like the Villa game, it was West Ham who drew first blood - a slightly absent piece of defending from Zabaleta besides, Diamanti's skill and Boa Morte's finish showed the sort of quality the West Ham fans would've wanted to have seen more of this season.
Johnson, who was superb in his last pitch to the England selectors, caused lots of problems in the first half - and his right foot cross found Shauny with an improbably precise header only minutes later. Johnson also perhaps should have had a penalty after a dazzling run looked to be halted by Upson's out-stretched leg.
Both Johnson and Wright-Phillips did their chances of a call-up to England's 30-man squad this Tuesday no harm - both had more to play for than the rest of the City squad and it showed as they produced energetic displays infront of Baldini that were mostly lacking elsewhere on the pitch.
Santa Cruz and Sylvinho were both perhaps playing their last games at the club, but only Sylvinho did justice to such an occasion - playing a typically classy and adventurous game before he was replaced late on.
In the second half, the will seemed to swing to West Ham a bit more and City were left scrambling on a few occasions, but ultimately neither side really looked like they wanted it enough in the second 45 minutes.
Tevez got the loudest cheer of the day and then carried on to have only a marginally more effective time on the pitch than Santa Cruz. His placing on the bench suggested he is amongst the 'very tired' players Mancini spoke about, but it was good to hear more positive noises coming from his direction in the week. Without him, there is a lack of that clinical touch upfront.
So, fifth is achieved and, despite what some City fans say, it is a real achievement and another step in our progress up the Premier League. A little early maybe, but in today's Observer they had the odds for next season's champions and it placed City a joint third with Arsenal for the title. After coming so close, the frustration at not coming fourth is understandable, but things are looking really positive for next season, and already I cannot wait for City to kick-off again in the next campaign. Thank goodness for the World Cup!
Saturday, 8 May 2010
West Ham preview
It may feel like the season is over after Wednesday ensured the ultimate goal is out of reach, but City still need a point at Upton Park to avoid further embarrassment by slipping down to sixth. The season also seems over for West Ham as well but the difference between finishing 14th (their highest possible finish) and 17th (their lowest) is £2.4m - which, for a club dogged by financial uncertainty, is no small sum. It has been a bit of a torrid season for the Hammers but I'm sure they won't want to go out with a whimper - even if the entire squad, minus Scott Parker, is up for sale, allegedly.
Mancini has hinted he will make some changes - to look after his 'very tired' players - but he won't want to risk losing here, so I imagine the changes will be minimal (Bellamy maybe? Save his knees and some booing!), with maybe a few academy players to play cameos under the right circumstances. Nimley may be looking for another appearance after his goal in the Senior Cup final, for example, and Ibrahim may see the injuries in midfield as his chance to notch up another first-team showing.
Barry's injury should see a Vieira/De Jong midfield partnership and they will be coming up against Parker - the man Zola sees as Barry's international replacement. Barry now joins a list of City players in and around the England squad who face last minute disappointments - Lescott, Wright-Phillips and Barry all have large question marks against them despite featuring in the last England squads.
City's last victory at West Ham came on the opening day of 07/08 season when City had an almost entirely new squad under the Thaksin Shinawatra days - and one of my favourite away journeys of recent seasons. There was so much gloom as the previous season ended in the barren home form under Stuart Pearce - the season we famously had had no home goals in that calendar year - so that game, with Sven, Elano, Bianchi, et al, seemed like such a new beginning, and there was more genuine optimism, elation and disbelief that day than there has been even in the last two years. Goals from Bianchi and Geovanni (after a superb run by Nedum) sealed the victory that day - and things, complete with the usual ups-and-downs, have been improving ever since. A controversial character, maybe, but none of what has happened today would have happened without Thaksin's 'interference'.
Tomorrow's team could look like this:
4-2-3-1:
Fulop; Zabaleta, Toure, Kompany, Bridge; Vieira, De Jong; Wright-Phillips, Tevez, Adam Johnson; Adebayor.
Bellamy has said in the past that he struggles with two games a week now, so three could be a step too far for him and Shauny could be up for putting in a possible farewell performance (I hope not). Tevez will be up against his favourite club in England and I'm sure his comments about wanting to return there at some point in his career will ensure an already certain warm reception.
City will have had to pick themselves up sufficiently to avoid embarrassment here, but I am sure that the determination to avoid such an event is high enough amongst the players. It has been a good season and it would be nice to end it on a high.
Mancini has hinted he will make some changes - to look after his 'very tired' players - but he won't want to risk losing here, so I imagine the changes will be minimal (Bellamy maybe? Save his knees and some booing!), with maybe a few academy players to play cameos under the right circumstances. Nimley may be looking for another appearance after his goal in the Senior Cup final, for example, and Ibrahim may see the injuries in midfield as his chance to notch up another first-team showing.
Barry's injury should see a Vieira/De Jong midfield partnership and they will be coming up against Parker - the man Zola sees as Barry's international replacement. Barry now joins a list of City players in and around the England squad who face last minute disappointments - Lescott, Wright-Phillips and Barry all have large question marks against them despite featuring in the last England squads.
City's last victory at West Ham came on the opening day of 07/08 season when City had an almost entirely new squad under the Thaksin Shinawatra days - and one of my favourite away journeys of recent seasons. There was so much gloom as the previous season ended in the barren home form under Stuart Pearce - the season we famously had had no home goals in that calendar year - so that game, with Sven, Elano, Bianchi, et al, seemed like such a new beginning, and there was more genuine optimism, elation and disbelief that day than there has been even in the last two years. Goals from Bianchi and Geovanni (after a superb run by Nedum) sealed the victory that day - and things, complete with the usual ups-and-downs, have been improving ever since. A controversial character, maybe, but none of what has happened today would have happened without Thaksin's 'interference'.
Tomorrow's team could look like this:
4-2-3-1:
Fulop; Zabaleta, Toure, Kompany, Bridge; Vieira, De Jong; Wright-Phillips, Tevez, Adam Johnson; Adebayor.
Bellamy has said in the past that he struggles with two games a week now, so three could be a step too far for him and Shauny could be up for putting in a possible farewell performance (I hope not). Tevez will be up against his favourite club in England and I'm sure his comments about wanting to return there at some point in his career will ensure an already certain warm reception.
City will have had to pick themselves up sufficiently to avoid embarrassment here, but I am sure that the determination to avoid such an event is high enough amongst the players. It has been a good season and it would be nice to end it on a high.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Tottenham player ratings
Fulop 8.
Made a couple of outstanding saves that could have put him down in City folklore had the outcome been different.
Zabaleta 7.
Bale has been Tottenham's stand-out player in recent weeks, so it wasn't an easy task for him, but he coped well with him until the game was stretched and he was left completely unprotected by adventurous wingers.
Toure 6.
Not an easy for him against Crouch, as it is in the air that he has his difficulties, but played fairly well considering.
Kompany 7.
Put everything into the battle with Crouch but it is hard to compete against his height. Was solid though, and didn't allow Defoe many touches on the ball.
Bridge 6.
Was better than I expected against Lennon and only really struggled when, like with Zabaleta, he was left exposed when City were chasing the game, but then all confidence went out of the window.
de Jong 7.
An excellent battling display. Played Modric very well and limited their threat from central areas.
Barry 7.
Another commanding performance before his injury.
Bellamy 6.
Started (in the first five minutes!) exceptionally well and then took a heavy knock from Kaboul which he struggled with for the rest of the game. Should have been stronger in the tackle against Kaboul in the build up to the goal - looked like he was thinking about his dodgy knees.
Johnson 7.
Looked dangerous but without always producing the final ball. Worried Assou-Ekotto on occasion and produced City's two best pieces of quality: the shot from distance and the cross that found Barry at the far post.
Tevez 6.
Worked hard as ever, but ended up coming too deep to really affect the game in the final third. King and Dawson were too good.
Adebayor 6.
Looked like he lost heart a little by the end - was used as the target man he isn't, against two defenders who are very capable in the air. Otherwise, produced some nice touches sporadically without any real penetration.
Substitutions:
Vieira (on for Barry, 57mins) 6.
Successful when he was screening the defence, but as City pushed for an equaliser his legs struggled when the game was stretched. Still classy on the ball though.
Wright-Phillips (on for Johnson, 71mins) 6.
Ran at players, beat players, only to produce crosses into empty boxes.
Santa Cruz (on for Bellamy, 84mins) 5.
Brought on to succeed in the target man role but had little success.
My man of the match: Marton Fulop.
Made a couple of outstanding saves that could have put him down in City folklore had the outcome been different.
Zabaleta 7.
Bale has been Tottenham's stand-out player in recent weeks, so it wasn't an easy task for him, but he coped well with him until the game was stretched and he was left completely unprotected by adventurous wingers.
Toure 6.
Not an easy for him against Crouch, as it is in the air that he has his difficulties, but played fairly well considering.
Kompany 7.
Put everything into the battle with Crouch but it is hard to compete against his height. Was solid though, and didn't allow Defoe many touches on the ball.
Bridge 6.
Was better than I expected against Lennon and only really struggled when, like with Zabaleta, he was left exposed when City were chasing the game, but then all confidence went out of the window.
de Jong 7.
An excellent battling display. Played Modric very well and limited their threat from central areas.
Barry 7.
Another commanding performance before his injury.
Bellamy 6.
Started (in the first five minutes!) exceptionally well and then took a heavy knock from Kaboul which he struggled with for the rest of the game. Should have been stronger in the tackle against Kaboul in the build up to the goal - looked like he was thinking about his dodgy knees.
Johnson 7.
Looked dangerous but without always producing the final ball. Worried Assou-Ekotto on occasion and produced City's two best pieces of quality: the shot from distance and the cross that found Barry at the far post.
Tevez 6.
Worked hard as ever, but ended up coming too deep to really affect the game in the final third. King and Dawson were too good.
Adebayor 6.
Looked like he lost heart a little by the end - was used as the target man he isn't, against two defenders who are very capable in the air. Otherwise, produced some nice touches sporadically without any real penetration.
Substitutions:
Vieira (on for Barry, 57mins) 6.
Successful when he was screening the defence, but as City pushed for an equaliser his legs struggled when the game was stretched. Still classy on the ball though.
Wright-Phillips (on for Johnson, 71mins) 6.
Ran at players, beat players, only to produce crosses into empty boxes.
Santa Cruz (on for Bellamy, 84mins) 5.
Brought on to succeed in the target man role but had little success.
My man of the match: Marton Fulop.
City 0 - 1 Tottenham; Credit to Spurs, creativity void
On the strength of City's games against Tottenham this season, they have fully deserved to take the fourth spot. Although we competed far better last night than we did at White Hart Lane, the game began to get away from us towards the end and Marton Fulop can be thanked for making some impressive saves.
Not that City didn't start well, I thought we applied a good amount of pressure in the first half especially, just without ever really threatening to convert it into an advantage. It was testament to Tottenham's defensive prowess that the closest we came to scoring was a long range effort from Adam Johnson and a near own goal. Our actual goal threat in the second half was minimal. I would be much happier seeing King and Dawson pairing up for England this summer than the crocked Ferdinand and faltering Terry.
King and Dawson exposed the fact that Adebayor is not a target man and as City got a little more desperate towards the end, Ade had no chance in the aerial contests. As they continued to dominate, Ade started to look for success in wide positions and with Tevez lying quite deep, this left no one in the box to capitalise from our particularly woeful crossing. The number of corners we have had in the past two games that have been entirely wasted on this front is worrying. We did at least have more consistent success when Barry was taking them earlier in the season.
In the first half, Tottenham frustrated City by sitting deep and then either releasing the pace of Lennon and Bale or, more often in the first half, pumping it up to Crouch - which caused a few problems. I wasn't too concerned about Tottenham's threat in the first half (even though they did come close on a couple of occasions), but it was their Champions League-class defensive display that resurfaced old arguments.
When the transfer window opens, I would hope City will prioritise a creative central midfield player. Not only do we not have the sort of player who can break through a stout defence, but we don't have the sort of player who can turn defence into attack. Before I got out of the car pre-match, I heard Mark Lawrenson saying that City look attacking on paper, because of the front four, but the rest of the team is concentrated on defence. I think this is true and the lack of fluidity and the lack of options it creates is perhaps our downfall when we cannot use the counter-attack. This is partly down to personnel.
When Hughes arrived at the club, we had too soft a centre for the Premier League, so he concentrated on signing 'tougher' players, whilst sidelining the Elanos to some extent (to some justification of course). Hughes had been banking on the form of Ireland, which you can't criticise him for either, but with Ireland's demise this season, we have been left with no other options. So, once again, we have struggled with this lack of spark to overcome a very well organised team (see Everton too).
Overall, though, Spurs' dominance against us this season makes it hard to argue that we deserved to finish above them. We have qualified for Europe for the first time on merit since 1978, hopefully we have finished fifth in the Premier League (please), and we are improving all the time. Next season we will be even stronger and there is no need for impatience for Champions League football. It is not as if this was our last chance - which may not be said for Villa, for example - and City are a team on the up ("the blue moon is rising", as they say). So with the inevitable frustration at getting so close, we should be patient and await the probable success of years to come!
Not that City didn't start well, I thought we applied a good amount of pressure in the first half especially, just without ever really threatening to convert it into an advantage. It was testament to Tottenham's defensive prowess that the closest we came to scoring was a long range effort from Adam Johnson and a near own goal. Our actual goal threat in the second half was minimal. I would be much happier seeing King and Dawson pairing up for England this summer than the crocked Ferdinand and faltering Terry.
King and Dawson exposed the fact that Adebayor is not a target man and as City got a little more desperate towards the end, Ade had no chance in the aerial contests. As they continued to dominate, Ade started to look for success in wide positions and with Tevez lying quite deep, this left no one in the box to capitalise from our particularly woeful crossing. The number of corners we have had in the past two games that have been entirely wasted on this front is worrying. We did at least have more consistent success when Barry was taking them earlier in the season.
In the first half, Tottenham frustrated City by sitting deep and then either releasing the pace of Lennon and Bale or, more often in the first half, pumping it up to Crouch - which caused a few problems. I wasn't too concerned about Tottenham's threat in the first half (even though they did come close on a couple of occasions), but it was their Champions League-class defensive display that resurfaced old arguments.
When the transfer window opens, I would hope City will prioritise a creative central midfield player. Not only do we not have the sort of player who can break through a stout defence, but we don't have the sort of player who can turn defence into attack. Before I got out of the car pre-match, I heard Mark Lawrenson saying that City look attacking on paper, because of the front four, but the rest of the team is concentrated on defence. I think this is true and the lack of fluidity and the lack of options it creates is perhaps our downfall when we cannot use the counter-attack. This is partly down to personnel.
When Hughes arrived at the club, we had too soft a centre for the Premier League, so he concentrated on signing 'tougher' players, whilst sidelining the Elanos to some extent (to some justification of course). Hughes had been banking on the form of Ireland, which you can't criticise him for either, but with Ireland's demise this season, we have been left with no other options. So, once again, we have struggled with this lack of spark to overcome a very well organised team (see Everton too).
Overall, though, Spurs' dominance against us this season makes it hard to argue that we deserved to finish above them. We have qualified for Europe for the first time on merit since 1978, hopefully we have finished fifth in the Premier League (please), and we are improving all the time. Next season we will be even stronger and there is no need for impatience for Champions League football. It is not as if this was our last chance - which may not be said for Villa, for example - and City are a team on the up ("the blue moon is rising", as they say). So with the inevitable frustration at getting so close, we should be patient and await the probable success of years to come!
Kompany rues Hughes' draws
In a fairly candid manner, Vincent Kompany has spoken about where he thinks City lost out on Champions League football this season. Without saying the name, he places the blame almost entirely on Hughes' draws. It is always easy to look back and pick out results that would've changed things - and in any season they are always going to be there - but Kompany won't be alone in pinpointing the draws at home to Burnley, Hull and Fulham as the crucial results of the season. These, of course were not only games we should have won, but games we threw away.
In the interview that can be found on City's official website, he said:
"The season has been long. It’s painful, but so many games we can look back on and think, if we would have played those games today, we wouldn’t have lost or drawn them. We would have won them and add those points up and it’s a completely different situation.
"I think we did very well to stay in the Champions League battle. There were some moments where it does not look so good anymore because we spilled stupid points. I can remember Burnley at home, and then we win 6-1 at Burnley and you realise it was a massive, massive loss.
"Then Fulham at home, and we are talking about teams we have been leading by one or two goals and we drew those games. Those types of situations wouldn’t have happened anymore at this time. But then you think, you have got a whole season to progress next year and that gives me a positive feeling."
Obviously, this is about as explicit as he can get without blaming Hughes by name. It is a harsh viewpoint, and players should always take a bit of blame for bad performances too, but it is the hopeless run of draws that convinced the board that Hughes had taken the team as far as he could - and evidently the team suffered because of it. These three games were six points we shouldn't have lost and would actually have put us level with Arsenal in third. They are big 'what if's', and every team has a lull, but this is the period that did the damage.
Kompany goes on to look at the future and describes the team as improving all the time, and how City can only be stronger for the campaign next season. I am itching for it to start again already!
In the interview that can be found on City's official website, he said:
"The season has been long. It’s painful, but so many games we can look back on and think, if we would have played those games today, we wouldn’t have lost or drawn them. We would have won them and add those points up and it’s a completely different situation.
"I think we did very well to stay in the Champions League battle. There were some moments where it does not look so good anymore because we spilled stupid points. I can remember Burnley at home, and then we win 6-1 at Burnley and you realise it was a massive, massive loss.
"Then Fulham at home, and we are talking about teams we have been leading by one or two goals and we drew those games. Those types of situations wouldn’t have happened anymore at this time. But then you think, you have got a whole season to progress next year and that gives me a positive feeling."
Obviously, this is about as explicit as he can get without blaming Hughes by name. It is a harsh viewpoint, and players should always take a bit of blame for bad performances too, but it is the hopeless run of draws that convinced the board that Hughes had taken the team as far as he could - and evidently the team suffered because of it. These three games were six points we shouldn't have lost and would actually have put us level with Arsenal in third. They are big 'what if's', and every team has a lull, but this is the period that did the damage.
Kompany goes on to look at the future and describes the team as improving all the time, and how City can only be stronger for the campaign next season. I am itching for it to start again already!
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Hopefully not the final Final. Tottenham preview
Back on the 19th March, the fixture-setters rearranged the final week of the season to create the ultimate in fourth-place suspense thrillers - and from that moment on everyone has had an eye on this fixture. The first final. The final that allows us to compete in a final Final at Upton Park on the last (or final) day of the season.
The whole lingering battle for fourth comes to a head tomorrow night - there is no need for hype - realistically, City need to win to keep the Champions League hopes alive, and in doing so enter the last game of the season with their fate in their own hands.
After a rejuvenated performance at the weekend, Patrick Vieira was asked if this was the biggest game of his career, to which he diplomatically said 'yes'. Mancini has called it a Champions League final and, in his moment of politeness, Vieira has put it alongside World Cup finals, European Cup finals, Premier League champions deciders and Serie A deciders.
For City, this game is it. The coming together of all the season's uncertainties. Hughes was sacked for not at least challenging for fourth, Mancini is plagued by rumours of his job security if fourth isn't met, some players may not be happy if Champions League isn't in the offing next season, the press (and Harry Redknapp) have insisted City should make fourth with the squad strength available - the fourth-storm has been gathering around us for a while. Since Hughes's sacking this finale is all that we have heard about (detracting a little from what a successful season this has been, regardless of the final position).
So it has boiled down to City and Tottenham - leaving the two most jittery sets of supporters in the country to worry over a nervous encounter at Eastlands. Both sets of fans are used to things slipping up painfully at the last minute but, for City, this is a different sort of season. In recent seasons we haven't had a good record at home to Tottenham, but then it has been a long time since we did the double over Chelsea, for example - or for a more sublime record, the last City player to score at Bolton before this season was Joey Barton. The form book is out. It won't take me to tell you, things are changing here.
Tottenham are waiting on the fitness of Gomes which could result in them playing Ben Alnwick and reigniting the debate about City's emergency keeper scenario. There is also a late fitness test pending for the defensive powerhouse sicknote, Ledley King.
City should welcome back Gareth Barry after his hamstring problem, but whether he is deemed fit enough to replace either of the successful Vieira/De Jong partnership of the weekend is still in doubt.
I claimed in my Villa match report that we play better when Vieira plays - due to his unique ability to pick a quick pass (unique to the City midfield) - and the Guardian uncovered a fact to show City's success when he plays. City have won five and drawn two of the seven matches he has started. He is not everyone's favourite choice due to his aging limbs but he still offers a passing dynamism that is otherwise missing. Mancini apparently asked him to stop trying to run forward and use his passing to unleash our speedsters, and you would imagine he will be employed in a similar role.
With no new fitness concerns, I think City will stay unchanged:
4-4-2/4-2-3-1:
Fulop; Zabaleta, Toure, Kompany, Bridge; De Jong, Vieira; A. Johnson, Bellamy, Tevez; Adebayor.
The main concern is Bridge's capability to stop Aaron Lennon - and if Mancini doesn't have confidence in Bridge's ability to do so, then he will not be afraid to mix things up a bit. Against Arsenal, Zabaleta did a job on a faster, but less skillful, Walcott after Bridge's injury - and Richards or Onuoha have proved their worth under Mancini and could step up.
Tottenham are a very strong side but where better to settle it than at home, at night, and with 48,000 City fans roaring the team on. The Hamburg-effect shouldn't be underestimated. Come on City!
The whole lingering battle for fourth comes to a head tomorrow night - there is no need for hype - realistically, City need to win to keep the Champions League hopes alive, and in doing so enter the last game of the season with their fate in their own hands.
After a rejuvenated performance at the weekend, Patrick Vieira was asked if this was the biggest game of his career, to which he diplomatically said 'yes'. Mancini has called it a Champions League final and, in his moment of politeness, Vieira has put it alongside World Cup finals, European Cup finals, Premier League champions deciders and Serie A deciders.
For City, this game is it. The coming together of all the season's uncertainties. Hughes was sacked for not at least challenging for fourth, Mancini is plagued by rumours of his job security if fourth isn't met, some players may not be happy if Champions League isn't in the offing next season, the press (and Harry Redknapp) have insisted City should make fourth with the squad strength available - the fourth-storm has been gathering around us for a while. Since Hughes's sacking this finale is all that we have heard about (detracting a little from what a successful season this has been, regardless of the final position).
So it has boiled down to City and Tottenham - leaving the two most jittery sets of supporters in the country to worry over a nervous encounter at Eastlands. Both sets of fans are used to things slipping up painfully at the last minute but, for City, this is a different sort of season. In recent seasons we haven't had a good record at home to Tottenham, but then it has been a long time since we did the double over Chelsea, for example - or for a more sublime record, the last City player to score at Bolton before this season was Joey Barton. The form book is out. It won't take me to tell you, things are changing here.
Tottenham are waiting on the fitness of Gomes which could result in them playing Ben Alnwick and reigniting the debate about City's emergency keeper scenario. There is also a late fitness test pending for the defensive powerhouse sicknote, Ledley King.
City should welcome back Gareth Barry after his hamstring problem, but whether he is deemed fit enough to replace either of the successful Vieira/De Jong partnership of the weekend is still in doubt.
I claimed in my Villa match report that we play better when Vieira plays - due to his unique ability to pick a quick pass (unique to the City midfield) - and the Guardian uncovered a fact to show City's success when he plays. City have won five and drawn two of the seven matches he has started. He is not everyone's favourite choice due to his aging limbs but he still offers a passing dynamism that is otherwise missing. Mancini apparently asked him to stop trying to run forward and use his passing to unleash our speedsters, and you would imagine he will be employed in a similar role.
With no new fitness concerns, I think City will stay unchanged:
4-4-2/4-2-3-1:
Fulop; Zabaleta, Toure, Kompany, Bridge; De Jong, Vieira; A. Johnson, Bellamy, Tevez; Adebayor.
The main concern is Bridge's capability to stop Aaron Lennon - and if Mancini doesn't have confidence in Bridge's ability to do so, then he will not be afraid to mix things up a bit. Against Arsenal, Zabaleta did a job on a faster, but less skillful, Walcott after Bridge's injury - and Richards or Onuoha have proved their worth under Mancini and could step up.
Tottenham are a very strong side but where better to settle it than at home, at night, and with 48,000 City fans roaring the team on. The Hamburg-effect shouldn't be underestimated. Come on City!
Monday, 3 May 2010
The time of the "top four" is over - it's official!
Liverpool's loss to Chelsea yesterday confirmed something that has been brewing all season: the era of the "top four" is at an end. Whoever it is that claims the fourth spot, this season has signalled a newly competitive Premier League.
City's investment kept teams who needed to strengthen or replenish (such as United and Liverpool) from entering the 'distorted market', whilst teams who had been slowly benefiting from steady development like Villa and Tottenham were left to consolidate. Leaving a top seven (or if Everton hadn't started so slowly, a top eight) who are fiercely competitive.
The only team that has risen above these (despite City's success against them this season) has been Chelsea and they would make worthy champions. Otherwise, the "top four", as was, are no longer expected to win all their fixtures home and away, as some would've had it in previous seasons.
So, fairly magnanimously, congratulations to all the teams - City, Villa and Tottenham - for getting in amongst the top four and breathing new life into the Premier League competition.
Presumably Liverpool will come back stronger next season, under new management or under new investment, but you can feel the power moving, or at least dispersing, in the Premier League and it should make for more interesting seasons to come.
City's investment kept teams who needed to strengthen or replenish (such as United and Liverpool) from entering the 'distorted market', whilst teams who had been slowly benefiting from steady development like Villa and Tottenham were left to consolidate. Leaving a top seven (or if Everton hadn't started so slowly, a top eight) who are fiercely competitive.
The only team that has risen above these (despite City's success against them this season) has been Chelsea and they would make worthy champions. Otherwise, the "top four", as was, are no longer expected to win all their fixtures home and away, as some would've had it in previous seasons.
So, fairly magnanimously, congratulations to all the teams - City, Villa and Tottenham - for getting in amongst the top four and breathing new life into the Premier League competition.
Presumably Liverpool will come back stronger next season, under new management or under new investment, but you can feel the power moving, or at least dispersing, in the Premier League and it should make for more interesting seasons to come.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Villa player ratings
Fulop 6.
Looked pretty shaky in the first half, but was a much needed presence on crosses in the second. Hopefully the nerves are out of his system for Wednesday.
Zabaleta 8.
The best I've seen Zabaleta play for a while. No one got past him on the right-hand side. You can never doubt his commitment.
Toure 7.
Despite being at fault for the goal, continued his renaissance. Intelligent defending was his strength.
Kompany 8.
Carew has always caused us problems, but Kompany dealt with him really well. Another excellent performance - always first to the ball, read the game well, and combined with Toure to render Agbonlahor ineffective.
Bridge 5.
Didn't look very comfortable with Ashley Young running at him and rarely stopped his advances. Does look forward when he has the ball and offers some support to Bellamy, but remains a question defensively.
De Jong 7.
Another excellent battling display from de Jong. Didn't always use the ball very well, but I suppose that isn't his game.
Vieira 8.
His best performance for City by a distance. I go into it in more detail in my match report. His passing ability makes a vital difference to our play.
Johnson 7.
Took forty minutes to burst into life, but once he did he was very dangerous. Created two goals and warmed to his battle with Warnock. A good performance before his withdrawal.
Bellamy 7.
A goal that released all the possible nerves in the stadium added to a good positive display. Won countless corners with his running and always looked a threat.
Tevez 8.
Scurried around in a deeper position trying to affect play. Didn't always get his head up but was as influential as ever. A bit lucky with the penalty, but struck it hard enough to beat Friedel.
Adebayor 8.
A transformed player since the disaster in Cabinda. Chases every ball, challenges every header, and a constant problem for the Villa defence.
Substitutes:
Wright-Phillips (on for Johnson, 77mins) 7.
Made his claim with a breath-taking run to set up Bellamy's goal, that was Shauny at his best.
Richards (on for Tevez, 88mins) N/A.
Only had a couple of minutes, but was solid when called upon.
My man of the match: Patrick Vieira.
Looked pretty shaky in the first half, but was a much needed presence on crosses in the second. Hopefully the nerves are out of his system for Wednesday.
Zabaleta 8.
The best I've seen Zabaleta play for a while. No one got past him on the right-hand side. You can never doubt his commitment.
Toure 7.
Despite being at fault for the goal, continued his renaissance. Intelligent defending was his strength.
Kompany 8.
Carew has always caused us problems, but Kompany dealt with him really well. Another excellent performance - always first to the ball, read the game well, and combined with Toure to render Agbonlahor ineffective.
Bridge 5.
Didn't look very comfortable with Ashley Young running at him and rarely stopped his advances. Does look forward when he has the ball and offers some support to Bellamy, but remains a question defensively.
De Jong 7.
Another excellent battling display from de Jong. Didn't always use the ball very well, but I suppose that isn't his game.
Vieira 8.
His best performance for City by a distance. I go into it in more detail in my match report. His passing ability makes a vital difference to our play.
Johnson 7.
Took forty minutes to burst into life, but once he did he was very dangerous. Created two goals and warmed to his battle with Warnock. A good performance before his withdrawal.
Bellamy 7.
A goal that released all the possible nerves in the stadium added to a good positive display. Won countless corners with his running and always looked a threat.
Tevez 8.
Scurried around in a deeper position trying to affect play. Didn't always get his head up but was as influential as ever. A bit lucky with the penalty, but struck it hard enough to beat Friedel.
Adebayor 8.
A transformed player since the disaster in Cabinda. Chases every ball, challenges every header, and a constant problem for the Villa defence.
Substitutes:
Wright-Phillips (on for Johnson, 77mins) 7.
Made his claim with a breath-taking run to set up Bellamy's goal, that was Shauny at his best.
Richards (on for Tevez, 88mins) N/A.
Only had a couple of minutes, but was solid when called upon.
My man of the match: Patrick Vieira.
City 3 -1 Villa; Hansen's joyless life and the re-birth of Patrick Vieira
I got back from the game last night and thought, considering the result, I'd watch Match of the Day. Only for Alan Hansen, with a mischievous grin, to declare "Villa were the better team." But don't worry, he 'treated' us to some video evidence: Collins and Dunne shuffling back and forth in tandem and some mean ten-men behind the ball pressurising. Excellent. Villa stifled well.
In some ways I feel sorry for Hansen. If a player scores a 40-yard screamer, he will react with "eee... terrible defending. If this player here [circles player] got to him quicker, then we'd all have been spared this goal." You could imagine him playing Subbuteo with his son and rearranging the game so that it is impossible to score.
Despite Hansen's words, I thought City thoroughly deserved the win. Although perhaps it is just bitterness over the demise of his beloved Liverpool.
The only worry from the first-half - this held up by their highlight package - was that Villa had three very good chances: the goal itself, Carew's shot against the bar, and Downing's drive that whistled just past the post. The goal was against the run of play and the others were the products of fairly isolated attacks from Villa. All the same, it was a concern. Villa are a very good team known for their prowess on the counter attack, so for all City's pressing, there was always going to be some danger.
I was delighted, however, with how City approached the game. This was perhaps our first game against the top-eight under Mancini (with perhaps the derby as an exception) where we set up to attack rather than contain (in Mancini's defence, in some of the earlier games he was restricted by the personnel he had to choose from). Whilst Villa sat back, primed for the counter-attack, all of City's attack asked questions of their defence - and I thought it was only a matter of time before City turned the pressure into an advantage, when Carew scored their breakaway goal.
Fulop - under perhaps the biggest spotlight of his career - looked nervous in the first half, but in the second half we were treated to a goalkeeper who is comfortable on crosses and who even likes to take the simple option and roll the ball out to feet. The weighty finger of blame may fall somewhere between him and Toure for the Carew goal, but both players made amends with solid displays after that.
Although there will always be a group of deluded people who expect Vieira to be the player who left Arsenal for Juventus, I thought he was exceptional today. For some he has already done enough to blind them against his good performances: when James Collins desperately sprawled across the floor to intercept an almost perfect through-ball for Adebayor by Vieira, the woman behind me screeched "get him off!" You can't please them all.
It's not a popular line to take but I think we play better with Vieira in the team - only because he is the only central midfield option we have (Ireland doesn't work in central midfield) that can pick a quick pass. Barry can, but he needs the time. Vieira was excellent at sitting in front of the back four, breaking up play, and releasing the forwards with his intelligent passing game. Yes, he doesn't have the legs anymore, but our midfield lacks a passer without him.
It was an excellent result against a Villa team on a good run of form, but the result doesn't change too much - we still need to win our next two games. The pressure will be immense, but this result, and the fans backing, should put us in a good position for Wednesday night. I'm feeling a bit nervous just thinking about it.
In some ways I feel sorry for Hansen. If a player scores a 40-yard screamer, he will react with "eee... terrible defending. If this player here [circles player] got to him quicker, then we'd all have been spared this goal." You could imagine him playing Subbuteo with his son and rearranging the game so that it is impossible to score.
Despite Hansen's words, I thought City thoroughly deserved the win. Although perhaps it is just bitterness over the demise of his beloved Liverpool.
The only worry from the first-half - this held up by their highlight package - was that Villa had three very good chances: the goal itself, Carew's shot against the bar, and Downing's drive that whistled just past the post. The goal was against the run of play and the others were the products of fairly isolated attacks from Villa. All the same, it was a concern. Villa are a very good team known for their prowess on the counter attack, so for all City's pressing, there was always going to be some danger.
I was delighted, however, with how City approached the game. This was perhaps our first game against the top-eight under Mancini (with perhaps the derby as an exception) where we set up to attack rather than contain (in Mancini's defence, in some of the earlier games he was restricted by the personnel he had to choose from). Whilst Villa sat back, primed for the counter-attack, all of City's attack asked questions of their defence - and I thought it was only a matter of time before City turned the pressure into an advantage, when Carew scored their breakaway goal.
Fulop - under perhaps the biggest spotlight of his career - looked nervous in the first half, but in the second half we were treated to a goalkeeper who is comfortable on crosses and who even likes to take the simple option and roll the ball out to feet. The weighty finger of blame may fall somewhere between him and Toure for the Carew goal, but both players made amends with solid displays after that.
Although there will always be a group of deluded people who expect Vieira to be the player who left Arsenal for Juventus, I thought he was exceptional today. For some he has already done enough to blind them against his good performances: when James Collins desperately sprawled across the floor to intercept an almost perfect through-ball for Adebayor by Vieira, the woman behind me screeched "get him off!" You can't please them all.
It's not a popular line to take but I think we play better with Vieira in the team - only because he is the only central midfield option we have (Ireland doesn't work in central midfield) that can pick a quick pass. Barry can, but he needs the time. Vieira was excellent at sitting in front of the back four, breaking up play, and releasing the forwards with his intelligent passing game. Yes, he doesn't have the legs anymore, but our midfield lacks a passer without him.
It was an excellent result against a Villa team on a good run of form, but the result doesn't change too much - we still need to win our next two games. The pressure will be immense, but this result, and the fans backing, should put us in a good position for Wednesday night. I'm feeling a bit nervous just thinking about it.
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