Manchester City produced a lackluster performance at home today as the hosted Fulham and of course, the return of ex manager Leslie Hughes. Mancini put out a very attacking lineup but still were missing defensive players Vincent Kompany and Nigel DeJong as well as the creative talent of David Silva. Despite this it was the home side that struck first with a superb right foot shot from Moody Mario outside the area. That however would be all she wrote for City. After the break Fulham came out and for a moment I thought I was watching a Six Nations game with the kind of tackling that was going on! Fulham though did equalize through Damien Duff, after a first time cross from Andrew Johnson.
Tevez and Kolorov went close afterwards but in truth City by that time had employed a kind of hit and hope mentality to their attacking play. When City did pass it around however we did seem to break them down somewhat but then right back into the golf swing clearance.
It was certainly frustrating to watch as a City fan because we are better than that and towards the end when we needed to keep clam and ensure our passes and shots met their targets we would fail. Yaya back heeling a ball on the edge of the area only to find the feet of an opposing player is not good when you are about to enter stoppage time. That, however is not nearly as frustrating as mis controlling a ball and having it run out of play (Kolorov) or even hoofing a shot very high and very wide from some distance out when it would be wiser to select any one of three passes and progress closer (Balotelli). That said we need to let this game go, the title is gone and possibly so has second place. For now we must turn our attention to the FA Cup date with Aston Villa on Wednesday and then hope we have enough to ensure we keep our Champions League credentials alive for next season.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
City V Fulham
City welcome Mark Hughes back to the City of Manchester stadium for the first time since his departure just over a year ago. Well I say welcome, I am sure it will not be all that cosy. Either way I am just hoping for another three points at Eastlands for our beloved City as we try to solidify our pre season objective of a Champions League position.
This will not be easy though as Fulham have never been pushovers for us in the past, having last won in 2006 and this one will have the added ingredient of an ex manager coming back to prove a point. Fulhams league form has not been too shabby either going into this game with one defeat in seven which saw them clamber up to mid table, meanwhile Citys league form has dipped a little since being top in January.
That being said City will be lifted by their two previous cup games, both big wins and both with clean sheets.
I would dearly love for Mancini to go with the starting lineup he put out midweek against Aris. This obviously will have to be changed if Kompany doesn’t make the fitness race after damaging his hip. If we see a slick City we may be in store to see us dish out our first Premiership ass whooping. However if we start slow and play cautiously then we may be in for a long day with possibly a negative result.
This will not be easy though as Fulham have never been pushovers for us in the past, having last won in 2006 and this one will have the added ingredient of an ex manager coming back to prove a point. Fulhams league form has not been too shabby either going into this game with one defeat in seven which saw them clamber up to mid table, meanwhile Citys league form has dipped a little since being top in January.
That being said City will be lifted by their two previous cup games, both big wins and both with clean sheets.
I would dearly love for Mancini to go with the starting lineup he put out midweek against Aris. This obviously will have to be changed if Kompany doesn’t make the fitness race after damaging his hip. If we see a slick City we may be in store to see us dish out our first Premiership ass whooping. However if we start slow and play cautiously then we may be in for a long day with possibly a negative result.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
City v Aris (2nd Leg) Preview.
Manchester City host Greek side Aris Salonika Thursday in the return leg of the last 32 game of the Europa league. As you will recall City played the first leg in Greece last Tuesday and failed to score a single goal despite having numerous chances and possession. That being said no opposition side has ever won at the Greek ground in their history of European competition. In fact the last two English sides to fail to win there went on to win that particular competition.
City, too will be buzzing from the display that saw City brush aside Notts County in the FA Cup at the weekend 5-0. Proving that when City turn it on they can really turn it on.
Mario Balotelli has recovered from that game in which he clashed heads but on the downside it appears that Micah Richards is going to miss the game with a calf injury. Shaun Wright Phillips is back in the squad following his time out with back trouble but Shay Given has a shoulder problem that will see him not partake in any games for at least three months. Other players that will not make the squad include, Milner (hamstring), as well as DeJong and Adam Johnson, both with ankle injuries.
Certainly City are still well equipped to see off the Greek side at Eastlands but remember goals against will count as double in this game if the scores are tied. City must attack and keep Aris in their own half but also make sure the defenders and defensive players keep their focus, especially with set pieces, something City have struggled with over recent weeks.
City, too will be buzzing from the display that saw City brush aside Notts County in the FA Cup at the weekend 5-0. Proving that when City turn it on they can really turn it on.
Mario Balotelli has recovered from that game in which he clashed heads but on the downside it appears that Micah Richards is going to miss the game with a calf injury. Shaun Wright Phillips is back in the squad following his time out with back trouble but Shay Given has a shoulder problem that will see him not partake in any games for at least three months. Other players that will not make the squad include, Milner (hamstring), as well as DeJong and Adam Johnson, both with ankle injuries.
Certainly City are still well equipped to see off the Greek side at Eastlands but remember goals against will count as double in this game if the scores are tied. City must attack and keep Aris in their own half but also make sure the defenders and defensive players keep their focus, especially with set pieces, something City have struggled with over recent weeks.
Monday, February 21, 2011
CITY 5, Notts Co 0
So Manchester City eased past Notts County and into the Fifth Round of the FA Cup, albeit at the second attempt. As in the original game Notts County started off the sharper with Karl Hawley’s shot beating Hart but striking the post and out. Balotelli and Dzeko started the game upfront for City but despite this it was 80 year old French defensive midfielder Patrick Vieira who netted Citys first eight minutes before the half.
The second half saw both teams struggle for a bit and it was clear that the next goal would decide how the game would pan out. A City goal would give them confidence and the cushion to display the skill the have, however a goal for County would put City in a nervous position for the remainder of the game.
It would be the Citizens who would score the next goal and again, senior Citizen, Vieira put his head to the Kolarov corner to effectively kill the game off as a contest. Balotelli had seemed quiet during the game while Dzeko seemed to at least be making the effort. It would be an accidental clash of heads between the Italian and Pearce that led to City making a substitution. Captain Fantastic replaced Super Mario and soon scored his Fiftieth City goal and City’s third of the game. Dzeko threaded Tevez through and the Argentinean calmly finished off after rounding the keeper and gave the ball just enough legs to cross the line. From then on it was Carnival time at Stadium City and Dzeko added the fourth with a minute to go. This time it was roles reversed as Tevez flicked the ball up and across to the Bosnian who couldn’t miss. Micah Richards though scored the best goal of the game, in my humble opinion. Although the game was won and Notts County at this point had given up the fight Richards flicked the ball up and hooked the shot in from twelve yards out. Who needs Rooney’s ballerina theatrics when you have defenders who can score like that!
The second half saw both teams struggle for a bit and it was clear that the next goal would decide how the game would pan out. A City goal would give them confidence and the cushion to display the skill the have, however a goal for County would put City in a nervous position for the remainder of the game.
It would be the Citizens who would score the next goal and again, senior Citizen, Vieira put his head to the Kolarov corner to effectively kill the game off as a contest. Balotelli had seemed quiet during the game while Dzeko seemed to at least be making the effort. It would be an accidental clash of heads between the Italian and Pearce that led to City making a substitution. Captain Fantastic replaced Super Mario and soon scored his Fiftieth City goal and City’s third of the game. Dzeko threaded Tevez through and the Argentinean calmly finished off after rounding the keeper and gave the ball just enough legs to cross the line. From then on it was Carnival time at Stadium City and Dzeko added the fourth with a minute to go. This time it was roles reversed as Tevez flicked the ball up and across to the Bosnian who couldn’t miss. Micah Richards though scored the best goal of the game, in my humble opinion. Although the game was won and Notts County at this point had given up the fight Richards flicked the ball up and hooked the shot in from twelve yards out. Who needs Rooney’s ballerina theatrics when you have defenders who can score like that!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Aris 0, CITY 0
City travel back to Eastlands with the European tie goalless after a defensive first match display by the hosts, Aris in Greece on Tuesday. City pressed and harried but Aris defended the majority of the game with 10 men behind the ball which the slick passing of a superstar lineup City side couldn’t break. Positives from the game are that Mario Ballotelli made his comeback, off the bench late on for City.
David Silva had the first real shot on goal early on for City but in truth it lacked the pace to be able to beat the goalkeeper, which was a stark contrast to City’s last attempt on goal which had all the fury and pace on it but lacked the accuracy as Micah Richards sliced the ball so bad that even now it is probably still refusing to come back down!
While it is clear that Dzeko still isn’t quite there at the moment it is also clear that he certainly is no Jo from a lack of effort. A cross from Barry saw the Bosnians header saved from under the crossbar while later on a fierce shot from outside the box was only just off target as it whistled past the upright. All in all it was not the best result for City as an away goal (even 1-1 draw) would have been better but it also is not the worst result. With history showing that no team but Aris has won on that ground in European competition before and their previous two English opponents, Chelsea and Ipswich went on to win the Cup Winners Cup in 1971 and the UEFA Cup in 1981 after failing to win in Greece. So that coupled with the fact our year would be recorded as 2011 has to be a good sign as we look to the return leg at Eastlands a week on Thursday.
David Silva had the first real shot on goal early on for City but in truth it lacked the pace to be able to beat the goalkeeper, which was a stark contrast to City’s last attempt on goal which had all the fury and pace on it but lacked the accuracy as Micah Richards sliced the ball so bad that even now it is probably still refusing to come back down!
While it is clear that Dzeko still isn’t quite there at the moment it is also clear that he certainly is no Jo from a lack of effort. A cross from Barry saw the Bosnians header saved from under the crossbar while later on a fierce shot from outside the box was only just off target as it whistled past the upright. All in all it was not the best result for City as an away goal (even 1-1 draw) would have been better but it also is not the worst result. With history showing that no team but Aris has won on that ground in European competition before and their previous two English opponents, Chelsea and Ipswich went on to win the Cup Winners Cup in 1971 and the UEFA Cup in 1981 after failing to win in Greece. So that coupled with the fact our year would be recorded as 2011 has to be a good sign as we look to the return leg at Eastlands a week on Thursday.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
@#*&^ 2, CITY 1
So another Manchester derby is in the books and again the history books will record it as City came off second best yet again. For those who watched the game though, the words ‘second best’ are far from what City were at Old Trafford. City were the ones who threatened first through David Silva and to be fair it was shocking to see him miss the target with only two minutes on the clock. If it was Jo then no surprise but Silva is gold with those chances.
I think more about City’s threat should be viewed in how Ferguson set up his team, playing at home and only with the one lone striker, something the Scot never would have done in Manchester derbies of the past. That really is an indicator as to how far we have come in such a short space of time. However it was to be United who opened the scoring through Nani with four minutes of the first half remaining.
The second half saw Kolarov and Milner make way for Wright Phillips and new signing Edin Dzeko. Five minutes after coming on it was the latter whose shot was deflected off of Silvas back to put City back level.
It was clear that it would take something special in order for a team to win it and Rooney’s shin guard was that something special as it connected with a misplaced Nani cross to send an unstoppable shot past City goalkeeper Joe Hart. Now the goal was a good one, and it wasn’t like Hart could do anything about it but to hear some of the media describe it in their reports, the way they gush over it can make you feel quite ill. Here is my favorite: ‘Nani's cross from the right flank was high and behind Rooney as he lurked near the penalty spot, but he elevated an indifferent personal display to the heights by readjusting his position and sending an acrobatic, unstoppable overhead kick high past startled City keeper Joe Hart‘.
Now had City scored that goal instead of Rooney then the description I am sure would have read: ‘David Silva misplaced his cross into the area toward Tevez who tried his luck and aided by his shin pad the ball nestled in the back of the net, but in truth it could have gone anywhere!’. Don’t believe me? Well here is the same media outlet describing our goal. ‘Silva's fortunate leveler, unwittingly deflecting in substitute Edin Dzeko's shot via his back, had given City momentum‘.
The City players did well and that shows in the stats from the game. Possession is almost identical with them having 51% and us the other 49%. We had more total shots and more on target. We also almost doubled them up on corners but surprisingly we had two fouls less than them but the same amount of cards. All in all it shows we are moving in the right direction and sooner rather than later we will eclipse them and then what will the media do then..poor things!
I think more about City’s threat should be viewed in how Ferguson set up his team, playing at home and only with the one lone striker, something the Scot never would have done in Manchester derbies of the past. That really is an indicator as to how far we have come in such a short space of time. However it was to be United who opened the scoring through Nani with four minutes of the first half remaining.
The second half saw Kolarov and Milner make way for Wright Phillips and new signing Edin Dzeko. Five minutes after coming on it was the latter whose shot was deflected off of Silvas back to put City back level.
It was clear that it would take something special in order for a team to win it and Rooney’s shin guard was that something special as it connected with a misplaced Nani cross to send an unstoppable shot past City goalkeeper Joe Hart. Now the goal was a good one, and it wasn’t like Hart could do anything about it but to hear some of the media describe it in their reports, the way they gush over it can make you feel quite ill. Here is my favorite: ‘Nani's cross from the right flank was high and behind Rooney as he lurked near the penalty spot, but he elevated an indifferent personal display to the heights by readjusting his position and sending an acrobatic, unstoppable overhead kick high past startled City keeper Joe Hart‘.
Now had City scored that goal instead of Rooney then the description I am sure would have read: ‘David Silva misplaced his cross into the area toward Tevez who tried his luck and aided by his shin pad the ball nestled in the back of the net, but in truth it could have gone anywhere!’. Don’t believe me? Well here is the same media outlet describing our goal. ‘Silva's fortunate leveler, unwittingly deflecting in substitute Edin Dzeko's shot via his back, had given City momentum‘.
The City players did well and that shows in the stats from the game. Possession is almost identical with them having 51% and us the other 49%. We had more total shots and more on target. We also almost doubled them up on corners but surprisingly we had two fouls less than them but the same amount of cards. All in all it shows we are moving in the right direction and sooner rather than later we will eclipse them and then what will the media do then..poor things!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
CITY 3, Baggies 0
Manchester City sent a message to all those doubters that they are still there and they are still in the hunt for the Premiership title this season. King Carlos Tevez was the man of the moment as the birthday boy celebrated his 27th birthday with a hat trick to send City to within five points of rivals Manchester United.
City started well and had already hit the post when Aleksandar Kolorov burst into the area only to be hauled down by Steven Reid. After missing his previous two penalty attempts it was clear Tevez would place the ball. He did and duly scored to put the home team one up. From there it was West Brom who pressed and forced saves from a very concentrated Joe Hart. David Silva then set up Tevez for his second and didn’t have to wait too long for his third after Thomas handled in the area.
City were flowing and looked as if they had banished the demons of the last few games and if it wasn’t for Myhill City would have been more up by the break. Kolarov blasted a thunderbolt that rattled the crossbar and had Myhill check his fingers which he needed later to deny Silva when clean through.
The second half was a bit more cautious with City more concerned with not conceding a goal rather than increasing the lead although did create a good chance for Tevez to add his and City’s fourth but the birthday boy, possibly full of cake, blasted wastefully over.
At the end the City fans would go home happy, especially after hearing that rivals Arsenal had allowed a four goal lead slip to Newcastle which saw us gain two points on them. Later news came that Manchester United had been turned over by the bottom club Wolves to make next weeks derby came even more tasty than it was already, if that was even possible!
City started well and had already hit the post when Aleksandar Kolorov burst into the area only to be hauled down by Steven Reid. After missing his previous two penalty attempts it was clear Tevez would place the ball. He did and duly scored to put the home team one up. From there it was West Brom who pressed and forced saves from a very concentrated Joe Hart. David Silva then set up Tevez for his second and didn’t have to wait too long for his third after Thomas handled in the area.
City were flowing and looked as if they had banished the demons of the last few games and if it wasn’t for Myhill City would have been more up by the break. Kolarov blasted a thunderbolt that rattled the crossbar and had Myhill check his fingers which he needed later to deny Silva when clean through.
The second half was a bit more cautious with City more concerned with not conceding a goal rather than increasing the lead although did create a good chance for Tevez to add his and City’s fourth but the birthday boy, possibly full of cake, blasted wastefully over.
At the end the City fans would go home happy, especially after hearing that rivals Arsenal had allowed a four goal lead slip to Newcastle which saw us gain two points on them. Later news came that Manchester United had been turned over by the bottom club Wolves to make next weeks derby came even more tasty than it was already, if that was even possible!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Neil Young Trophy?? Tell me what you think
I have been thinking a lot lately about Manchester City and the recently departed Neil Young. He was a City legend but as many people have said, he never got a testimonial from City despite his years of service to our beloved club. Ideas regarding a pre season friendly with City taking on another unspecified team has been banded around with all the funds from the match going to Neil’s family to do with as they wish.
I think that is a good idea, however after 90 minutes the game will be over and the world will carry on. I have another thought and this is my idea. City should set aside July 18th each year for the Neil Young Trophy game. The first year could consist of a City side and they would be joined by Preston, Rochdale and Macclesfield Town or just City and one other.
The reason I suggest the 18th July because that’s when Neil he turned professional. The teams, as you know, are the teams Neil went on to play for after City. I think this would be a great family day and a great way to honour a great player and City legend.
I think that is a good idea, however after 90 minutes the game will be over and the world will carry on. I have another thought and this is my idea. City should set aside July 18th each year for the Neil Young Trophy game. The first year could consist of a City side and they would be joined by Preston, Rochdale and Macclesfield Town or just City and one other.
The reason I suggest the 18th July because that’s when Neil he turned professional. The teams, as you know, are the teams Neil went on to play for after City. I think this would be a great family day and a great way to honour a great player and City legend.
CITY v Baggies (preview)
City go into today’s game against West Brom knowing that a win is crucial if they want to keep hot on the heels of the top two and just as importantly, keep a barrier of points from them and the fifth place team. City haven’t had a good run of results recently with two points thrown away at St Andrews on Wednesday and struggling in the FA Cup a week ago. In fact this will be the third league game against a Midlands team in a row, and so far a disappointing solitary point is all we have to show for it.
City have played West Brom twice so far this season. First they knocked us out of the Carling Cup on their ground in September 2-1 but our league fixture away to them gave us the three points we were looking for, and will be looking for again tomorrow.
City’s last game at home to WBA was in April 09 and saw a City side roll over the Baggies 4-2 but that was the only time we have beaten them while at Eastlands.
Looking at the team news obviously Balotelli and Johnson remain sidelined for knee and ankle injuries respectively. They are joined by Micah Richards who, as you know decided to see just how hard Nigel De Jongs head was during the recent game against Birmingham. Nigel himself is doubtful due to an ankle injury which saw him subbed off at half time. Both the Toure brothers could return to the line up which will certainly be a boost. City have shipped seven goals in their last three league games which alarmingly counts for almost a third of the total goals conceded all season. Mancini will be looking to tighten up the defense which looks very nervous at every kind of set piece that comes their way.
Interesting points going into the game is that City, despite having only that one win against West Brom at Eastlands have never lost to them at the City of Manchester Stadium and with a win today we will complete our first double over West Brom since the 1999/00 season, which obviously came in the second tier.
Edin Dzeko will score today. He must! It took him four games in the Bundesliga before he got off the mark and this will be his fourth attempt for City. If he does then get excited as after that he went on to score 66 in the next 108 league games! One last downside….Martin Atkinson is referee!
City have played West Brom twice so far this season. First they knocked us out of the Carling Cup on their ground in September 2-1 but our league fixture away to them gave us the three points we were looking for, and will be looking for again tomorrow.
City’s last game at home to WBA was in April 09 and saw a City side roll over the Baggies 4-2 but that was the only time we have beaten them while at Eastlands.
Looking at the team news obviously Balotelli and Johnson remain sidelined for knee and ankle injuries respectively. They are joined by Micah Richards who, as you know decided to see just how hard Nigel De Jongs head was during the recent game against Birmingham. Nigel himself is doubtful due to an ankle injury which saw him subbed off at half time. Both the Toure brothers could return to the line up which will certainly be a boost. City have shipped seven goals in their last three league games which alarmingly counts for almost a third of the total goals conceded all season. Mancini will be looking to tighten up the defense which looks very nervous at every kind of set piece that comes their way.
Interesting points going into the game is that City, despite having only that one win against West Brom at Eastlands have never lost to them at the City of Manchester Stadium and with a win today we will complete our first double over West Brom since the 1999/00 season, which obviously came in the second tier.
Edin Dzeko will score today. He must! It took him four games in the Bundesliga before he got off the mark and this will be his fourth attempt for City. If he does then get excited as after that he went on to score 66 in the next 108 league games! One last downside….Martin Atkinson is referee!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Neil Young 1944 - 2011
Former Manchester City forward and forever legend Neil Young has died, aged 66 the club can confirm. As you all know Neil has been battling a long time with cancer and was recently honored at both Leicester City FA Cup games where he scored the winning, and only goal some 40+ years ago to lift the trophy for City.
Widely regarded as one of the greats and played a major role in the squad that is now remembered as Bell, Lee and Summerbee and enjoyed success for City in those glorious late sixties and early seventies. Neil joined us in 1959 as an apprentice but his talent soon had him in the first team by the age of 17.
Under the guidance of Allison and Mercer he helped City to the league title in 1968, then that goal to win the FA Cup in 1969. Twelve months later he scored one of the two goals in Citys 2-1 win in the Cup Winners Cup victory against Gornik Zabrze.
It was odd for such a gifted player to never win the international recognition he deserved and it’s still astonishing that Young never won a single England cap. With first-team opportunities becoming limited, left Maine Road in 1972 after scoring 107 goals for the club in 412 appearances and signed for Preston North End, prior to a brief spell at Rochdale before retiring.
Young was inducted into the Manchester City Hall of Fame in 2008 in acknowledgement of his services to the club, an honour that made him immensely proud.
Quiet and shy away from the game, he rarely visited the club in his later years, though still followed the Blues’ progress keenly. On the MCFC Official site they state "He will be sadly missed by his wife Carmen, family, friends and everyone connected with the Manchester City".
"Neil's daughters Melissa, Nadene and son Mark have all expressed their gratitude at the love and respect the City fans and club has shown. They have personally asked the club to thank everyone for their kindness and messages of support".
Neil will always be a City legend and certainly be ‘Forever Young‘.
Widely regarded as one of the greats and played a major role in the squad that is now remembered as Bell, Lee and Summerbee and enjoyed success for City in those glorious late sixties and early seventies. Neil joined us in 1959 as an apprentice but his talent soon had him in the first team by the age of 17.
Under the guidance of Allison and Mercer he helped City to the league title in 1968, then that goal to win the FA Cup in 1969. Twelve months later he scored one of the two goals in Citys 2-1 win in the Cup Winners Cup victory against Gornik Zabrze.
It was odd for such a gifted player to never win the international recognition he deserved and it’s still astonishing that Young never won a single England cap. With first-team opportunities becoming limited, left Maine Road in 1972 after scoring 107 goals for the club in 412 appearances and signed for Preston North End, prior to a brief spell at Rochdale before retiring.
Young was inducted into the Manchester City Hall of Fame in 2008 in acknowledgement of his services to the club, an honour that made him immensely proud.
Quiet and shy away from the game, he rarely visited the club in his later years, though still followed the Blues’ progress keenly. On the MCFC Official site they state "He will be sadly missed by his wife Carmen, family, friends and everyone connected with the Manchester City".
"Neil's daughters Melissa, Nadene and son Mark have all expressed their gratitude at the love and respect the City fans and club has shown. They have personally asked the club to thank everyone for their kindness and messages of support".
Neil will always be a City legend and certainly be ‘Forever Young‘.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Brum 2, CITY 2
It started all so brightly for Manchester City this evening as they traveled to St Andrews to face Birmingham. A win would have seen them keep the pressure up on their cross town rivals and of course Arsenal, who currently occupy second place. The visitors were quick out the blocks and when Silva and Tevez combined easily to score after only four minutes after Dzeko had gone close only seconds earlier the traveling supporters must have thought they would be cruising.
However that was not to be and at the midway point of the first half Birmingham grabbed the equalizer. To be fair, City have struggled all season with set plays and so was to be the case again. As David Bentley fired in a low free kick it missed everyone and into the net under an unsighted Joe Hart. Zigic was the nearest Birmingham player to the ball and he ran away with his arm held aloft, claiming the goal.
It is fair to say that possibly the biggest blow to City came when Micah Richards launched himself at the ball to head it away from goal only to come down hard and painfully on another City player and possibly the hardest head in the City team, Nigel DeJong. Seven minutes elapsed while Richards was getting treatment and after applying an oxygen mask and players help to lift him on the stretcher he was taken away and as this goes to press is in a Birmingham hospital, condition not made public.
That may have been the rallying cry that City needed to jump back into life and when Dzeko was fouled just outside the area it was Kolorov who pushed Tevez aside and let fly with a stunning left foot shot which bulged the back of Fosters net. It was no more than City had deserved and they went in at half time with the lead.
It seems though when City take the lead the stars and flair players of the team go into their shells a little, only Tevez really still showing the occasional determination. City did however have their chances before Birmingham equalized for the second and final time. First Tevez was denied an almost carbon copy of his first goal when again he and Silva combined. This time Foster stood up and the shot hit Foster rather than the net. Later City had a penalty turned down after Carr handballed in the area. The City reaction was that it was a certain penalty but the referee didn’t give it. It would only be seconds later when Kevin Phillips, recently subbed on would get involved with a clumsy Vieira and this time the referee, Mr Friend did point to the spot and Gardner duly dispatched the shot. The last kick of the game saw Kolorov attempt another free kick from almost an identical spot but this time it went only a fraction the wrong side of the post.
All in all City threw away two points here tonight and if we do not tighten up our defending from set plays and stop pushing when we go a goal up then we can kiss the top four position goodbye, never mind talk of titles.
However that was not to be and at the midway point of the first half Birmingham grabbed the equalizer. To be fair, City have struggled all season with set plays and so was to be the case again. As David Bentley fired in a low free kick it missed everyone and into the net under an unsighted Joe Hart. Zigic was the nearest Birmingham player to the ball and he ran away with his arm held aloft, claiming the goal.
It is fair to say that possibly the biggest blow to City came when Micah Richards launched himself at the ball to head it away from goal only to come down hard and painfully on another City player and possibly the hardest head in the City team, Nigel DeJong. Seven minutes elapsed while Richards was getting treatment and after applying an oxygen mask and players help to lift him on the stretcher he was taken away and as this goes to press is in a Birmingham hospital, condition not made public.
That may have been the rallying cry that City needed to jump back into life and when Dzeko was fouled just outside the area it was Kolorov who pushed Tevez aside and let fly with a stunning left foot shot which bulged the back of Fosters net. It was no more than City had deserved and they went in at half time with the lead.
It seems though when City take the lead the stars and flair players of the team go into their shells a little, only Tevez really still showing the occasional determination. City did however have their chances before Birmingham equalized for the second and final time. First Tevez was denied an almost carbon copy of his first goal when again he and Silva combined. This time Foster stood up and the shot hit Foster rather than the net. Later City had a penalty turned down after Carr handballed in the area. The City reaction was that it was a certain penalty but the referee didn’t give it. It would only be seconds later when Kevin Phillips, recently subbed on would get involved with a clumsy Vieira and this time the referee, Mr Friend did point to the spot and Gardner duly dispatched the shot. The last kick of the game saw Kolorov attempt another free kick from almost an identical spot but this time it went only a fraction the wrong side of the post.
All in all City threw away two points here tonight and if we do not tighten up our defending from set plays and stop pushing when we go a goal up then we can kiss the top four position goodbye, never mind talk of titles.
City v Brum (Preview)
Manchester City travel to Birmingham today with the hopes of maintaining their pressure on the Premier Leagues top two. Yesterday saw both Manchester United and Arsenal bag wins and pull away from City and Chelsea also bagged three points to move them to within a point of City.
City are still without Balotelli, and of course Adam Johnson and Micah as they look to bounce back from the draw against Notts County at the weekend. Tevez is a doubt also as he has a back injury but knowing Tevez even if he has to move about the pitch in a wheelchair he will, and still get more chances than Jo!
In the fixture at Eastlands in November there were no goals and City do not travel well to Birmingham in recent times. In fact the last time City won at St Andrews was back in August 2005 when Barton and Cole provided the goals and overturned a Birmingham lead to grab the three points. Although to be fair City didn’t get to play Birmingham each of those seasons as they fluctuated from leagues.
On the plus side Manchester City have picked up 21 points away from Eastlands this season although they haven’t scored an away goal in the league since the turn of the year. Only Arsenal have a better away record picking up three more points along the way. Couple that with the fact that we have kept 11 clean sheets home and away, equal best with Chelsea and Sunderland and this could be a very interesting tie.
Edin Dzeko will be the big name on show again today and will be looking for his first league goal for City. Despite ‘City ruining football’ he was the only one through the ‘in’ door. Bridge, Adebayor and RSC the main ones to go the other way. In fact Birmingham were more active in bringing people in with former Newcastle and Wolfsburg (Dzekos strike partner) Obafemi Martins and of course Curtis Davis.
Boss Mancini will look to recall Kompany, DeJong, Silva and Kolo back to the line up as we push on in pursuit of silverware, in any and all guises!
City are still without Balotelli, and of course Adam Johnson and Micah as they look to bounce back from the draw against Notts County at the weekend. Tevez is a doubt also as he has a back injury but knowing Tevez even if he has to move about the pitch in a wheelchair he will, and still get more chances than Jo!
In the fixture at Eastlands in November there were no goals and City do not travel well to Birmingham in recent times. In fact the last time City won at St Andrews was back in August 2005 when Barton and Cole provided the goals and overturned a Birmingham lead to grab the three points. Although to be fair City didn’t get to play Birmingham each of those seasons as they fluctuated from leagues.
On the plus side Manchester City have picked up 21 points away from Eastlands this season although they haven’t scored an away goal in the league since the turn of the year. Only Arsenal have a better away record picking up three more points along the way. Couple that with the fact that we have kept 11 clean sheets home and away, equal best with Chelsea and Sunderland and this could be a very interesting tie.
Edin Dzeko will be the big name on show again today and will be looking for his first league goal for City. Despite ‘City ruining football’ he was the only one through the ‘in’ door. Bridge, Adebayor and RSC the main ones to go the other way. In fact Birmingham were more active in bringing people in with former Newcastle and Wolfsburg (Dzekos strike partner) Obafemi Martins and of course Curtis Davis.
Boss Mancini will look to recall Kompany, DeJong, Silva and Kolo back to the line up as we push on in pursuit of silverware, in any and all guises!
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