August Player of the Month

Unbeaten in five fixtures, a defence looking rock solid and with all new major arrivals seemingly slotting in with ease it's certainly been a positive and possibly unexpected start to the new season. It's ridiculously early to be declaring everything a resounding success of course, the season is only three weeks old, but the early signs are all good, and the 'bedding in' time that such an overhaul of a squad should need hasn't really proved much of a concern.

The performances thus far have been impressive in a number of ways. We seem to be building up some sort of organisation between the defence, players seem more disciplined in their roles than they did previously, we have a bit more physical presence throughout the side, and in Adebayor a terrific outlet for play both on the ground and in the air. The first team also looks as settled as i can remember it being in a long while, and the work ethic raised. In years gone by we might well have contrived to throw away any of the games we've played so far.

I'm sure the pickier amongst us, or at least those in the media, could point out faults with any of the wins. They've all involved their fair share of last-ditch defending, but us not playing to our absolute best and having a perfect record at the end of the first month of the season is perhaps even more promising than if we'd bolted out of the blocks and starting dishing out tonkings. We know there's more to come, and that this set of players with even more time on the pitch together should only get better.

Since signing from Newcastle in February, Shay Given has done nothing wrong at all. He slotted right into the side and has never looked back. In my opinion he's the best piece of business Hughes has done here, and although i was sorry to see Joe Hart out of the team and then move to Birmingham, i don't think anyone could argue that it's been a positive move. Joe is already one of the better goalkeepers in the division, certainly of the English candidates, and i hope he'll go on to have a long and glorious career here, but Given's unfaultable. He rarely flaps, he gets to more efforts than Hart did, his experience is vital and he's more vocal. In all four competitive fixtures so far he's been relied upon to play his part, especially at Palace and Blackburn where he made several vital stops.

Kolo Toure looks to have brought immediate organisation to the defence. He seems to combine pace with a good footballing brain and sound positional sense and again the early signs are very positive. It's also a relief to have a couple of centre-halves on the books who are a bit more comfortable in possession (though a couple of Lescott's passes have been a bit wild, but we'll turn a blind eye!). One of my main bugbears with Dunne was that his distribution was so poor. On winning the ball at the back we'd inevitably end up with an aimless punt towards the strikers and then be on the retreat once more. Toure has a knack of seeing things unfolding before they actually do. We shouldn't forget that we've yet to face opposition with real top-drawer forwards, but so far he's done very well.

A player i've not been a big fan of since signing but who has clearly improved a notch since last term is Wayne Bridge. He might not ever be tough in the tackle, but he appears to have improved in other ways over the summer. He looks fitter for one, his passing more accurate, and most importantly, his chin's up again. The addition of Gareth Barry may well have something to do with Bridge's improved form, helping him out defensively when possible and proving a good outlet for balls on the give-and-go. Against Palace in particular i thought he was superb.

Two who haven't really had chance to get into top gear yet but who've both been solid, Carlos Tevez & Stevie Ireland. Both have great engines and always want the ball. Tevez, still perhaps not 100% fit, must be a nightmare to mark. He stretches defences all over the show, and his technique, even in these early days, has surprised me a little. He's spiky, and a nuisance, and though he's unlikely to get us twenty goals a season he'll probably make as many as anyone else. He's a very competent passer of the ball and always looking to be proactive with it at his feet, i didn't see him as that sort of player when over the road.

Ireland appears to be playing a slightly more disciplined role in the middle. He doesn't seem to be as offensive as last season, at least not as often, perhaps he doesn't need to be with the new signings around. Without what could be deemed a proper defensive-midfielder behind him he's certainly been getting involved more in the middle, staying a bit deeper, doing the simple things well. It's maybe just a case of him having a proper role now instead of having to do the work of two or three. Shaun Wright-Phillips has been lively, too, setting up both goals at Blackburn, really putting in a great shift in the second-half at Palace and being his typical 'at your ankles' self.

Two players have stood out particularly, however. Emmanuel Adebayor could prove to be the attacking figurehead we so needed. He's been working his socks off since joining from Arsenal, and the £25m fee, largely mocked at the time, is beginning to look like it might not be so crazy after all. Three goals in three league games can't be sniffed at, but his all-round play has impressed as much as his return. He seems to have fire in his belly again, a hunger that made him such a danger during his first couple of seasons in England but which had perhaps gone last year. He's superb in possession, rapid over a few yards, able to win and spread the ball around well, a handful physically, and most importantly he's aware of where the net is. He's not only the main point to our attacks, but capable of so much more. He's another one who has looked a better technical player than i'd anticipated he might.

Our best player this month, though, just pipping him, in my opinion has been Gareth Barry, i think he's been exceptional. We all knew he was a good player, he's an England regular and Liverpool wanted him, etc, etc, but even with that in mind he's surprised me. He's the complete midfielder. At Blackburn he sat quite deep, sucked up all the kicks and went on to completely control the game, yet he's also always looking to push on. He's a ball-winner, extremely comfortable in possession, an elegant passer, a danger from set-pieces and he never stops, he's all over the pitch. Depending on the opposition i think we'll see his role change slightly, but i've no doubts about him at all. He's a special player.

August: Gareth Barry

Easy three points at Fratton Park maintain 100% record

The side this afternoon earned their fourth win in as many games and kept yet another clean sheet to see off a poor Pompey team. Our third successive away victory in what was quite a scrappy game gave us yet more indication that we may well have turned a corner regards our horrible form away from Eastlands. Craig Bellamy replacing Robinho was the only change to what's appearing an increasingly settled line-up.

Barring a ten-minute spell in the second half in which they stretched us a bit the home side looked well off the pace and never like scoring, mustering up just the one shot on target during the ninety minutes. Frederic Piquionne worked tirelessly upfront alone but received little help from his teammates as a scuffed shot from late sub David Nugent proved their only real chance. It was by no means a masterful performance from ourselves, but we controlled the game and on another day might've had three or four.

Before Emmanual Adebayor scored what turned out to be the winning goal on the half hour we'd troubled rookie 'keeper Begovic on two or three occasions. Carlos Tevez had put a free-kick just wide, and shortly after an inswinging Barry free-kick from our right was spilled only for the Canadian to desperately scramble clear. The home side offered nothing at all at the other end. The opener itself came direct from a corner, Adebayor leaping like a salmon above his marker to meet Barry's corner with a bullet header. Two goals from set-pieces in two games, whatever will we moan about now?!?

The two other main talking points of the first half were the behaviour of Michael Brown, and a chalked-off second goal for the Blues. We all know what the player's like, he certainly has previous, and whilst his, erm, energy in midfield is possibly what Pompey need, he got away scot-free with constantly fouling our midfielders, kicking seven bells out of Barry, SWP, and more worryingly Ireland, who was hurt after a particularly bad challenge that appeared to warrant padding at the break and which almost certainly led to the player's later withdrawal.

The second goal that we scored should have definitely stood. Tevez collected the ball on the left, laid a pass into the overlapping Bellamy who provided an inch-perfect cross for Micah Richards to force home from a couple of yards out at the far post. Gareth Barry, who wasn't involved being a good couple of yards wide of the goal but who had motioned as if to finish the chance perhaps forced the linesman into his decision. I guess we just have to be thankful it didn't go on to cost us the win.

The second half was generally played in the middle third of the pitch, with us creating odd chances and Pompey having more of the ball without any end product. Adebayor showed the occasional glimpse of magic, displaying Kanu-like skills to take two markers out of the game before testing Begovic with a hard near-post effort. The home side might've threatened had their attacking players been a bit more switched-on. Joleon Lescott presented them with a good chance after playing a sloppy ball, Smith getting behind the defence but crossing into empty space. John Utaka's effort with minutes to go was until that point their best chance, cutting in on his left peg before curling a powerful shot just wide of Given's far stick. Nugent's aforementioned attempt, controlled well on his chest to flummox Zabaleta before hitting his shot into the ground should have seen them on level terms, but it would've been undeserved.

Despite not maintaining our dominance of the game through the second half we still managed to pick up three more points without really looking in too much danger. The standard of the opposition played a big part in us winning relatively comfortably, but we still did quite well in areas. The centre-halves again looked solid, Barry and Ireland coped well with a midfield three who appeared to be solely interested in kicking us, Adebayor again troubled and Bellamy put in a real shift on the left that Robinho quite probably wouldn't have. I keep using the phrase 'steady but unspectacular' but it sums up the performances well. The only concerns looking ahead would be the knocks to Ireland and Richards, the latter who limped off with what looked like a knee injury with half an hour to go.

Pompey fans ought to be quite concerned. Paul Hart's a likeable fellow and he seems to be trying to get on with the job to the best of his ability despite the circus behind the scenes (beer-bellied owners donning replica shirts and pretending to be fans should be thoroughly discouraged!), but i think he'll need at least another couple of quality additions for them to have any chance of staying up. The team appears lacking in pace and ideas and we might not have an easier away fixture this season. They were lucky to get the nil, in all honesty. If they get Utaka and Kranjcar firing then i suppose they could have an outside chance, but without a striker capable of scoring regularly, and with David James possibly on his way, i don't think the future bodes well for them.

Team:
Given, Richards (Zabaleta 60), Bridge, Toure, Lescott, Barry, SWP, Ireland (de Jong 76), Tevez, Adebayor, Bellamy

Preview: Pompey (Away)

Our game at Fratton Park tomorrow, the latest televised headline waiting to happen, should prove another test as to if we've really turned the corner that the early season results suggest. Four successive wins, albeit one a friendly, no goals conceded and some steady if not spectacular performances mean expectations are understandably rising.

Blackburn away is a fixture we've regularly slipped up in, yet we dealt with their aerial bombardment and ground out three points. Wolves looked like it might end up a rugby score, only for us to take our foot off the gas and ride our luck to edge a game that we may have previously threw away. At Palace on Thursday we just about dealt with their early pressure before upping the ante. The signs are certainly encouraging.

In the past, Pompey have proved a very good home side. Whether they can continue that with Paul Hart at the helm will be revealed in due course, but it wouldn't be too disrespectful to suggest that with the departures their fans have seen since winning the FA Cup the season before last, survival rather than mid-table comfort might be more realistic. Everything points towards an away win, which is always something for us Blues to worry about!

Since beating Cardiff at Wembley the club have lost pretty much an entire starting eleven. Glen Johnson has moved to Liverpool, Sol Campbell, perhaps more surprisingly, to Notts County, Sylvain Distin to Everton, Lassana Diarra to Real Madrid, Sully Muntari to Inter Milan, Pedro Mendes to Rangers, Sean Davis to Bolton, and perhaps most key, goalscorers Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe both returning to Spurs. Losing players of that ilk, not to mention their manager, would undoubtedly have a huge impact on any club. Those departures may have brought in the best part of £85m, but where that money's gone will no doubt leave some people stood scratching their heads.

There has been, despite weeks of uncertainty over the credentials of new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim, some positive news in the past few days for the club however, with a beefing-up of a squad which had appeared on its last legs. Ex-Blue Michael Brown has joined from Wigan, he'll no doubt add a bid of steel to their midfield. Tommy Smith has signed from Watford, Kevin Boateng from Spurs, aswell as Aruna Dindane and Jamie O'Hara on loan deals. They do appear to now have some sort of a side, and a win for us perhaps shouldn't be seen as a certainty.

I'm not entirely sure how they'll line up. I had anticipated them to pack the midfield, but reports seem to suggest that newboys O'Hara and Boateng haven't been registered in time to play. James obviously in goal, perhaps with Aaron Mokoena moving back into the centre of defence alongside Younnes Kaboul in light of their captain's departure. Mullins probably likely to continue, and new signing Brown could make his debut. The impressive Frederic Piquionne, i'd guess, will start upfront with Smith, with Kranjcar and Utaka wide. Finnan, Diop & Hreidarsson are all out injured.

I can't imagine we'll be significantly changed from our midweek win at Selhurst Park. The decision to go with our strongest eleven for that game proved the right one on the night, we'll see if there are any effects of that decision tomorrow. Most played well, however, and i expect us to line up with at most one change. The starting eleven pretty much picks itself at present, the only area i'd consider making a switch would be at right-back. Micah Richards again looked off the pace and we can't afford to give Kranjcar too much time on the ball. I'd fancy Zabaleta to get at the player a bit more than Micah. Pablo's no-nonsense approach could perhaps be what's needed.

If we knock the ball around how we know we can then we should be able to win this one, but given how much Palace tested us midweek we might have to start the game a bit brighter. Pompey under Hart perhaps aren't the attacking outfit they were previously, but they'll be up for a scrap, especially in the middle of the park, and will test us at set-pieces. New arrival Piquionne looks comfortable in possession and our two new centre-halves will need to remain switched on. Given our form, and their hurried cobbling together of a side, we should get three points. I expect us to win, but it might not be pretty. Going to these sorts of places and winning will be a good indicator of how much we're progressing, because too often in the past we've gone to the likes of Pompey and been a bloody shambles!

Possible teams:
Pompey: James, Wilson, Belhadj, Kaboul, Mokoena, Mullins, Utatka, Brown, Smith, Piquionne, Kranjcar

City: Given, Zabaleta, Bridge, Toure, Lescott, Barry, SWP, Ireland, Tevez, Adebayor, Robinho

Prediction: Pompey 0 City 2

Friday mp3: Arab Strap

Arab Strap formed in 1995 in Falkirk, influenced by the likes of Smog and Will Oldham. A largely electro-acoustic duo of Malcolm Middleton and Aidan Moffat, and known for their booze-tinged, dry, social commentaries, they released their first record on the Chemikal Underground label in 1996.

This track is from their penultimate album, 2003's Monday At The Hug & Pint.

MP3: Arab Strap - The Shy Retirer
Buy the records
Myspace
Last.fm

Job done at Palace after tricky start

City tonight weathered an early barrage from Championship side Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park to eventually win quite comfortably to progress into the third round of the Carling Cup.

Making just one change from the team who started against Wolves last Saturday, newboy Joleon Lescott replacing the departing Richard Dunne at centre-half, we were very much under the kosh during the first period, especially for the first quarter of an hour in which Palace might've scored a couple of goals. The lively Victor Moses gave Micah Richards a tough time down our right, Freddie Sears' movement caused problems on several occasions and Shay Given was called upon to make a handful of terrific saves.

We did occasionally threaten ourselves before the break, but looked quite sloppy in possession and couldn't really get our passing game going. In truth, we weren't getting a lot of help from the officials, the linesman incorrectly ruling us offside three times, one occasion in particular seeing Robinho well clear and able to successfully chip Julian Speroni only for his goal to be chalked off. The only real plus-point from the first half was Carlos Tevez. He seemed extremely comfortable with the ball and very eager to drive us on. Palace eventually tried countering this by getting Shaun Derry to kick lumps out of him but he kept a calm head.

After the break was a completely different story. By the looks of it the players had received a bit of a rollicking, and rightly so, the home side had been quicker to nearly everything. We came out a different side, creating several chances and playing some beautiful pass-and-move football. Stephen Ireland and Gareth Barry really began to dominate the midfield battle and we saw more of the breaking at pace which we have in the past saved for Eastlands.

Five minutes in and we got our break, Shaun Wright-Phillips getting on the end of a nice passing move, having time to take a touch and smash home after a nicely-weighted pass from Ireland. It had been coming, and we continued to look dangerous afterwards. SWP got put through again only to see his effort come back off the bar having beaten the goalkeeper, and Adebayor also had a good chance saved.

Wayne Bridge had possibly his best game in a City shirt at left-back, a cracking second-half in particular, linking up well with Robinho and Barry and constantly looking to get in on the overlap. Micah Richards didn't have nearly as much joy on the right, rarely threatening going forward and looking decidedly dodgy sticking to his winger once more.

Continuing to have the lion's share of possession and always looking for a second with our superior fitness coming into play, we tied the game up with twenty minutes to go. A Wright-Phillips corner finding Tevez completely unmarked on the near post to head home. It was a goal he deserved, he had a very good game, looking tidy with the ball, a danger around the penalty box and never letting the opponents settle.

Towards the end, when we weren't knocking the ball around like it was a friendly, Palace looked occasionally dangerous. Introduced left-winger Ryan Smith impressed in the little time he had on the pitch, Wayne Bridge was lucky to not pick up a booking for a lunge on Moses, and they perhaps deserved a penalty, if not for a Bridge handball in the box, accidental in my opinion, then certainly for Micah Richards pulling a Palace striker down by his neck yards from goal after a cross from their right. Shay Given also made another couple of steady if unspectacular stops.

In all, a good result, but a game in which we showed both the good and bad that we all know we're well capable of. First half we were quite awful, our defenders were being got at, the midfield a bit lightweight and Palace were getting stuck in to little reply. The side should get great credit, however, for coming out after the interval, knuckling down, not losing the faith and going on to look much the better side and carving out several great opportunities. Lescott looked relatively solid, ditto Toure and we can take heart from the result. In previous years we might well have failed to turn such a tough away fixture around.

Palace, for what it's worth, should take positives from their performance. They gave us as much trouble as either Blackburn or Wolves did, and several of their young players look very promising indeed. Speroni seems to have improved massively since they dropped out of the Premier League, Clint Hill put in a dogged performance, and youngsters Clyne, Moses, loanee Sears and particularly N'Diaye made very positive impressions. I think they'll be more than okay this season, could perhaps even challenge for a Play-Off place. They seem to have a nice blend of youth and experience and i wish them all the best for the remainder of the season.

Team:
Given, Richards, Bridge, Toure, Lescott, Barry, SWP, Ireland, Tevez (de Jong 86), Adebayor, Robinho (Bellamy 72)

Preview: Palace (Away)

When the balls were being drawn for the second round of this season's League Cup there was a certain inevitability about the sort of tie we'd get. Not so much in terms of who we'd be playing, the seeded draw guaranteed us a tie with opposition from a lower division, but in that we'd almost certainly get drawn away, and that Sky would be all over it like a rash, rubbing their knees at the thought of a potential 'banana skin for the billionaires'.

Added to chances of another potential cup embarrassment, after Brighton, Chesterfield, Doncaster and the then League One Wigan in recent seasons, is the permanently hard done by soundbite king Neil Warnock. He'll have his players up for it, i'm sure, despite being very complimentary about us over the course of the last week. He'll have seen those sloppy displays over recent years and would love nothing more than to earn yet a few more column inches by causing an upset.

What sort of game we'll get is anyone's guess. We're not sure if either club will field their strongest sides, both might, understandably, see the competition as secondary to league fixtures. We might well choose to rest players who have had injuries in recent weeks; Kolo Toure, Robinho, Carlos Tevez & Emmanuel Adebayor spring to mind, and Julian Speroni, Paddy McCarthy and Clint Hill are all said to have slight knocks for them.

I'd like to see us put out as strong a team as possible but with Sunday also in mind. Playing Thursday/Sunday can't be easy, particularly with the travelling involved for both trips. I don't expect Kolo Toure to play, and Joleon Lescott & Sylvinho are probably a bit off fitness-wise. Craig Bellamy and Martin Petrov may well come in for Adebayor and Robinho.

Warnock might see this as a good opportunity to put a couple of his better young players further into the shop window. I'm by no means an expert on Palace, but i think they'll go with five in midfield, with Victor Moses and Sean Scannell wide of a three featuring the experienced Sean Derry, former Newcastle man Darren Ambrose and one of either Neil Danns, Nick Carle or Alassane N'Diaye, with Alan Lee leading the line.

If they're passed fit Clint Hill should play left-back, ex-Blue Paddy McCarthy should partner Rui Fonte in the middle of defence, with Danny Butterfield on the right. The biggest question mark for the home side might be in goal, whether they risk number one and Player of the Year Julian Speroni or go with backup Darryl Flahavan.

Palace's start to the season has been mixed, four points from twelve in the league and a win over Torquay at home in the first round of this competition. Without watching them week in, week out i can't really say exactly what sort of a side we'll face, but in the mould of their manager i expect they'll be in our faces and might see a direct approach as their best opportunity of progressing.

It should prove a good test as to how much of the 'typical City' we've put behind us. We don't have a great record at Palace, two wins in our last twelve, but if we stick to what we know, good passing football, and keep the ball in midfield then we should be able to win the game. It will be a stern test, and a good opportunity for players to give the manager food for thought about his strongest line-up for future games. No slip-ups, please!

Possible teams:
Palace: Speroni, Butterfield, Hill, McCarthy, Fonte, Derry, Scannell, Ambrose, N'Diaye, Lee, Moses

City: Given, Zabaleta, Bridge, Richards, Onuoha, de Jong, SWP, Ireland, Bellamy, Tevez, Petrov

Prediction: Palace 1 City 2

City Vox Pops, part 2

What do you think are our realistic aims for the season, and where will we have to finish for Hughes to still be in charge this time next year?

Gary, We've Got Robinho
"A tough question because my heart is wrestling my head on this one. I don't think I would moan if we got top six, saying that we really should be pushing for top four throughout the season. I think Hughes may keep his job with a top six finish, I genuinely believe our owners will be happy if we make that kind of progress. You could argue though that he should be sacked if we don't have a really good go at making the top four, because let's face it, he has the resources to do so".

Ric, BlueMoon
"I think our realistic aim is a top six finish, and a decent cup run. Whether or not this will be sufficient to see Hughes keep his job remains to be seen".

Lloyd, Man City Issues
"I feel a realistic aim would be the top four. A Champions League place is definitely attainable, but I would take fifth. I think that we will definitely have to qualify for Europe for Hughes to remain as manager, but at the moment I am very happy with him".

Jack, The Lonesome Death of Roy Carroll
"The board have said quite explicitly that sixth is the target and, based on their record so far, we have to take them at their word. I'd be shocked if we achieved that and did not stick with Hughes for the 2010/11 season. In terms of a realistic target, I do think that we have the players for fifth place, but also that Spurs will give us a real fight".

Peter, Man City Blues
"I’m sure he has been given a target, the papers have said top six, and that may be right. Hughes is very confident, you can tell by his demeanour in interviews. I’m beginning to think Hughes is going to surprise us all this season. I hope so anyway".

Norfstander
"We have to aim to be the best of the rest this year, in my opinion. There are two leagues at the top now, a Big Four and a Big-ish Four on their trail; us, Spurs, Everton & Villa. We have to be looking to finish highest of those sides and if one of the big four falls away then we might be able to possibly take advantage. I'm not expecting to finish in the top four this season, though, that will involve much more than just signing a few expensive players. We'll need to put our poor away form behind us and grind out points at places where in previous years we've not been able to. 5th and a good cup run would be fine by me, and a real sign of progress".

City Vox Pops, part 1

What are your first impressions of our summer signings and who do you see having the biggest impact?

Lloyd, Man City Issues
"I think Mark Hughes has bought wisely in this year's window. He's brought in players with Premier League experience, which is key. I have been very impressed with Gareth Barry so far, he is an all-round player and a snip at £12m. As for Adebayor - his performance against Blackburn was impressive, he worked extremely hard and took his goal very well. Kolo Toure is great, he is just the type of player we lacked last season - a commanding, defensive rock.

As for Tevez - I am sure he will be brilliant but the jury is still out as I have not seen him play properly yet. Finally RSC, as long as we can keep the lad fit then I think he could be a good buy, but he stays injured then big questions will be asked. In my opinion Gareth Barry will prove to be the most important signing out of the lot. He is our link between the defence and midfield".

Ric, Bluemoon
"The club have done done excellent business this transfer window, signing established Premiership players who won’t need to adapt to the English game. Of all the signings, Tevez is the one that has caught the imagination and we welcome him to Manchester with open arms".

Peter, Man City Blues
"Strengthening the right areas, Gareth Barry will be very influential".

Jack, The Lonesome Death of Roy Carroll
"I'm impressed. Going for Premier League experience may lack the exoticism of Eriksson's buys but it has given us a resilience that we've lacked for too long. I initially thought Barry would have the biggest impact but Adebayor has been fantastic. I know we're only two games in but he's looked like he did for Arsenal in 2007/08, which is a great sign".

Gary, We've Got Robinho
"I have been impressed with all of our signings this summer, I think Hughes has signed a lot of quality. The one player out of all the signings I see playing a huge role this season, is Gareth Barry. He looks absolute class, he is probably the calmest player I have seen, he never panics under pressure and controls the midfield. He can also score, make goals and tackle extremely well, he is the complete package".

Danny, Bitter & Blue
"All of the players that Mark Hughes has brought into the club over the summer will definitely strengthen the squad, and most will feature in our strongest line-up. Hughes craves players who have character, tenacity and determination, players who can influence a side. Gareth Barry brings all of those characteristics and is set for an important role in midfield. He appears to have settled in well and impressed during pre-season. He could also be handed the captains armband.

Kolo Toure will also be an important part of the defence, adding the vital experience garnered during his time at Arsenal.

It is in attack though where Hughes's signings have the most impact. Last season we lacked a real presence up front - featuring the likes of Evans and Caicedo more often than not. Hughes has sought to remedy this by adding three forwards in Tevez, Adebayor and Santa Cruz. All three bring different qualities to the table, and hopefully the goals that we lacked.

Of the three it is Tevez who I expect to have the biggest influence. There was great effort into getting his signature and Hughes is definitely enamoured by him. He has showed since arriving in the Premier League he has been able to adapt to English conditions, and sets the tempo from the front. He has energy, fight and can add goals to the cause.

If we are to succeed in our ambitions this season (and beyond) there will be certain key players who need to step up for us. Tevez is one of those, and I'd tip him to be our player of the season over 2009/10".

Norfstander
"I've been impressed with pretty much every signing Hughes has made since joining the club. It will take time to mould them into something special but the signs are there. We have to not get too carried away this early, there will be times over the season where we hit bad runs or some players form might dip, but Toure, Barry & Adebayor all seem to be settling in really well, and have probably been our better players so far.

Toure reads the game fantastically well, Barry's an assured figure in the middle of the park and Adebayor looks a real danger. Once Tevez gets fully fit he should prove a real handful. I'm slightly less optimistic about Santa Cruz having such an impact, but some games might suit two targetmen. Very happy with the business done, both those coming in and the dead wood that's been shipped out".

Mixed performance but all three points against resolute Wolves

Our first home game of the season today saw the side put the fans through the mixer. A full house at Eastlands saw a superb first-half performance followed up with a scrappy second in which Wolves were much the better side. We lined up as expected, Carlos Tevez brought in for Craig Bellamy to make his full debut the only change from the opening day win at Blackburn. Wolves tried to cram the midfield with five across and Andy Keogh upfront alone.

We started very brightly indeed, Adebayor very much the focal point, taking the lead in the 17th minute, Robinho with some trickery on the left wing, a ball back to Bridge whose cross into the middle fell at the feet of Tevez. The little Argentinian slotted a clever ball through to Adebayor who dispatched a low shot to the keeper's left.

After that we threatened to run riot and could have added at least another couple before the interval. Wolves really weren't in the game as we played some terrific, flowing stuff. SWP dinked his way past their left-back on the byline, cutting the ball back to the advancing Ireland who nudged the ball onto Adebayor whose shot was saved by Wayne Hennesey.

Robinho could have had a goal, too. Adebayor, who spent a good deal of the game drifting to the right and with some success, spread a ball over to the left, the Brazilian cutting in but only offering a tame shot. A minute later a similar outcome, Adebayor skinned Chelsea loanee Micahel Mancienne on the right touchline, crossing for Robbie whose shot was again weak.

The winger then earnt a free-kick just outside of the area, taking on Richard Stearman, the defender pulling him back and earning himself a booking. Carlos Tevez stepped up, driving an effort into the wall before getting onto the rebound and unleashing a hard shot at their 'keeper from distance.

The visitors began to come into the game over the last ten minutes of the first half. Matt Jarvis getting by Dunne & Toure in the middle of the park and curling a fantastic effort towards the top corner only for Given to make a superb flying save. In the dying minutes Wright-Phillips was brought down in their area, some contact occurring but a penalty might've been harsh, and then Tevez headed a good chance wide after one of many troublesome balls into their box by Gareth Barry.

At the break, Wolves boss Mick McCarthy made two changes, Kevin Doyle and George Elokobi replacing Milijas and Halford. Both went on to play quite well, Doyle's introduction especially gave them a presence upfront and they were the much better side for the second period. From early on we looked vulnerable defending down our right. Micah Richards didn't get too much help and they were having lots of the ball down that side. Within five minutes of the restart they had a couple of good chances, Andy Keogh involved in both, the latter seeing him hit the bar with a ferocious effort.

We did have some chances ourselves but spent most of the half penned back in our own half. Stevie Ireland linked up well with Robinho and should have put the game beyond doubt after a nice one-two. Adebayor blazed over from just outside the box shortly after, Robinho had a goal correctly ruled out for offside following a low cross/shot from SWP on the right and then Bellamy couldn't quite get on the end of a Robinho cross.

The second half really belonged to Wolves, though. We were very much under the kosh and they were unfortunate to not nick a point. Elokobi really put in a shift both defensively and going forward, Jarvis was very tricky in possession and they really stretched us, resulting in some real last-ditch defending and eventually leading to the introduction of Nigel de Jong.

I guess we have to take the positives from the performance. We did create several chances and another goal would've probably seen us relax a bit and stick to our a-game. Adebayor was perhaps the only one of ours who had a very good game, he again seemed very hungry, leading the line well, dropping out wide, even into midfield to put himself about. With Thursday night's game in Barcelona it was perhaps to be expected that we might look leggy later on, and we certainly did. Three valuable points on the board, though, and two clean sheets. As much as we could have played better today sometimes you just have to muck in and graft for the three points, and we certainly did that.

Team:
Given, Richards, Bridge, Toure, Dunne, Barry, SWP, Ireland, Tevez (Bellamy 72), Adebayor, Robinho (de Jong 83)

Preview: Wolves (Home)

With such a solid home record last season and the arrival of almost £200m worth of players we should, in theory, fancy our chances of picking up another three points against Mick McCarthy's Wolves at Eastlands later today. 39 points from a possible 57 on our own ground last year was extremely respectable. Of the six league games we did lose at home during that campaign, four followed midweek trips into Europe. It's with that in mind that i think we ought to be especially wary of the visitors.

We'll be hoping to win well, and on our day we are capable of dishing out whippings to any of the mid-to-lower sides in this division, last season's results against sides who finished in the bottom half proving that, ten games, ten wins, twenty-seven scored, only five conceded. The three promoted sides were comfortably beaten, 3-0, 5-1 & 4-2, though i must say that i think West Brom deserved much more from their fixture here and were the best footballing side we played at home all season. Indeed since the FA Cup humbling at home to Notts Forest last January, we've won eleven of twelve fixtures in Manchester.

I don't anticipate us making too many changes from the side that took the field at Ewood Park. Those said to be carrying knocks; Robinho, Adebayor and Toure, were all used sparingly or not at all on Thursday, and i'd expect all to start. Carlos Tevez for Bellamy might well be the only switch, though Craig had a very good second-half last weekend. Given, Dunne, Bridge, Barry, Ireland & SWP should retain their places, and i suspect Micah Richards might again be given the nod over Pablo Zabaleta, though i think Zab would start were it my call.

I can't proclaim to have too much knowledge of how Wolves might play, but if Doyle, Ebanks-Blake and Iwelumo do all miss out, and given our record at home, i suspect they might go with a 4-5-1 and try and frustrate us in midfield, with Andy Keogh probably favourite to lead the line after his winner at Wigan midweek. Former City academy player Wayne Hennesey should continue in goal, with loan arrival Michael Mancienne partnering the evergreen Jody Craddock in the centre of defence, with Richard Stearman and Stephen Ward filling the full-back slots.

Again, forgive any mistakes, i've not seen either of Wolves' games so far this year live, so there's a certain amount of guesswork involved, but i'd have thought that new signing Nenad Milijas, who already sounds like a tidy player, would play the most forward of a three in midfield, ahead of Karl Henry and Dave Edwards. With journeyman Greg Halford on the right, and the lively Matthew Jarvis the left.

We should have lots of possession, and be too quick on the break for them, and if we take our chances it's a game we should comfortably win, but fatigue after the friendly in Barcelona could come into play; the heat and humidity, plus the travel involved could possibly result in a few tired legs. Wolves also have a good record at our place, too, losing only one of five fixtures on City turf in recent memory, including three successive 0-1 victories in the Championship between 1997 & 2000.

Probable teams:
City: Given, Richards, Bridge, Toure, Dunne, Barry, SWP, Ireland, Tevez, Adebayor, Robinho

Wolves: Hennesey, Stearman, Ward, Mancienne, Craddock, Edwards, Halford, Henry, Milijas, Keogh, Jarvis

Prediction: City 2 Wolves 0

Friday mp3: Tokyo Police Club

Tokyo Police Club are a four-piece guitar band from Ontario, Canada. They formed in 2005, releasing a couple of EP's on Paper Bag Records early in 2007, and an album on Memphis Industries last summer.

They're known for their sharp, often under two-minute indie anthems, their 11-track debut LP only weighing in at 28 minutes, and their complete recorded output to date not troubling an hour. They'll inevitably be compared to The Strokes, as most guitar bands are nowadays. I saw them play Leeds, or perhaps Glastonbury the year before last, they were really superb.

This is from their 2006 debut EP A Lesson in Crime. They're well worth checking out.

MP3: Tokyo Police Club - Nature of the Experiment
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Lescott: the final piece in Hughes' jigsaw?

Much has been made about the potential arrival of Everton defender Joleon Lescott over the last couple of weeks. I think he'd prove another good signing, but perhaps is worth closer to our initial bid than the £30m being spoken of by the media. He'd be a definite improvement, though Richard Dunne's first couple of performances so far this season have been promising. I wonder if the potential arrival of the Everton man might be our final dalliance in the transfer market this summer.

Our opinions on which areas of the squad might need a final touch-up will differ, though i'm certain we'd all agree that overall we're looking reassuringly strong in most departments. The sides who occupy the four positions which we'll ultimately covet have the luxury of being able to replace a proven player with another, and for the first time since i've been supporting the club we seem to be amassing the two players for each position that should serve us well should our hopes of improvement come to fruition.

I expect that our strongest side will be tailored to who and where we happen to be playing, but generally i'd expect it to be as below, give or take suspensions, injuries, form or tweaks in formation that might be necessary when facing tougher or more direct opposition away from Eastlands...

.......................Given.....................
Zabaleta...Toure...Lescott...Bridge
SWP.....Ireland.....Barry.....Robinho
............Tevez......Adebayor..............

The side that could be deemed their replacements is also quite strong. Bellamy and Santa Cruz should prove like-for-like alternatives for the main front pairing. Whether Roque will get quite as much football as he'd have hoped on signing is doubtful, but Craig Bellamy perhaps might, being able to perform in three or four different roles. Martin Petrov looks up for the new season, if he continues to knuckle down then he could come into the side over Robinho on the left in certain games, particularly away from home. Vladimir Weiss, as early into his career as he is, from what i've seen has the attributes to be a viable backup to Shaun.

Nigel de Jong and Michael Johnson, fitness permitting with the latter, should push Stevie Ireland and Gareth Barry for the central roles, and Vincent Kompany, who did absolutely nothing wrong last season, should get enough games either in that position or at the back, with Nedum Onouha, Richard Dunne and Micah Richards also challenging for places.

Even with such a strong set of players, i still think there are a couple of areas we should be looking to strengthen before the end of the window, not necessarily major acquisitions, but improving on squad players who i'm not convinced are, if called upon, good enough to do a job. Signing a backup goalkeeper is perhaps a tricky affair. Bringing in a player who knows he's unlikely to see action must be a difficult. A top-class stopper is probably off limits, but i do think that we could've done better than Stuart Taylor. Shay Given should, touch wood, not suffer any serious knocks, he seems to keep himself fit, but i'd rather we had someone with more games under his belt at the highest level to come into the side in the event he's unavailable.

The other position would be a backup left-back. We have no-one besides Wayne Bridge with significant experience there. As i've spoken of before, i'm not sure about Bridge. He'll certainly be Hughes' first-choice, but i'd rather we had a more defensively-minded alternative, especially with our current left wing options. I'd like to see us sign another player in that position, and loan Ryan McGivern out rather than potentially have to call on him too early into his career. Were it my call i'd, assuming he does sign, be tempted to play Lescott at full-back, though i believe he prefers playing centrally, with Toure and Kompany in the centre. Again, it could be tough to attract a proven player who doesn't expect to play every, even most weeks.

City beat European Champions on their own patch as United lose to Burnley

Football can be extremely enjoyable now and again. Sometimes, we even win away. Occasionally, them lot throw up a mediocre showing against a team of cloggers. Tonight we played the current European Cup holders and the best footballing side to have played club football in the last thirty years, possibly ever, on their own ground, infront of the best part of 100,000 people. Fergie took his invincibles a few miles down the road to a side few thought were fit to even share a pitch with them.

Our fans are generally an honest lot. We've been awful for years, sometimes still are, it might take us five years to challenge, if we do at all, so a trip to the greatest club in the world for a friendly was probably too good to turn down. There were questions over it, not least from myself, but for some of the players involved tonight to play at the Nou Camp, against the world's biggest and best club, infront of such a crowd, priceless.

With Saturday's home fixture against Wolves in mind, Mark Hughes didn't field a full-strength side, going with a mix of those who didn't start at Blackburn, with a strong spine of those who did. Shay Given continued in goal, Nedum Onuoha came in at right-back, Zab on the left strangely, Toure and Dunne remained in the centre of defence, with SWP, Stevie Ireland and Gareth Barry squeezing into a midfield trio, with Weiss, Tevez and Petrov forming a front three.

Barca dominated the game, it can't be denied, but we defended brilliantly. They peppered us first half, Jeffren gave Zab a horrible time on their right and they were superb in possession. Even with a side missing several key players they looked excellent with the ball, and we were under pressure right from the off, creating three or four chances before we had our first venture forward after ten minutes, a tidy move involving SWP, Zabaleta and the energetic Tevez.

Shortly before the half-hour, and very much against the run of play, we scored a world-class goal. Tevez feeding Ireland around the centre spot, who layed a weighted pass behind the Barca defence and into the path of Martin Petrov. Onto it like a greyhound he took a couple of touches before lashing past the stranded 'keeper. 0-1, in the Nou Camp, friendly or not, bollocks to it. Choruses of "We're Not Really Here" and "Blue Moon" blaring out, great stuff!

After the goal Barca continued to run the game, the aforementioned Jeffran looking superb, ditto Pedro. Captain Puyol was replaced before the break, and we only really offered occasional glimpses. Vlad Weiss tried his heart out on the right, and Ireland was imperious in midfield, but we were very much under the kosh. Tevez found his way through the Barca backline only to just be beat to a ball by Pinto, Weiss had a couple of great runs and Barry put a header just wide on the stroke of half-time.

The second-half was one-way traffic, but we were immense at the back. Ibrahimovic, Messi and Alves came on, but Dunne, Onuoha and the introduced Ben Haim were immovable. They tried their passing game, it didn't work, they went more direct, we stood firm, it was just a terrific defensive showing. They hit the bar, had efforts cleared, out-passed, out-harried and outclassed us, but they couldn't break down our second-choice back four. We camped back in our own half and played like our lives depended on it, like Chelsea and United have done there in previous seasons and been praised for.

As the game wore on, Hughes gave chances to several more reserves. Kelvin Etuhu and Kieran Trippier came on as Barca upped and upped their game to little success. We rarely attacked, Martin Petrov looking our only real outlet barring a direct free-kick we blazed over. Keita and Pique came on, and others who mullered them lot in Rome, but they were in our pockets.

We can't fool ourselves, this was only a friendly, but it was as much our second side as theirs. Only three or four we played would be in our first team, ditto for Barca. We coped brilliantly well. Dunne was a rock, as at Blackburn. Ned coped admirably at right-back. Ben Haim didn't look out of place. Ireland didn't stop. Tevez showed promising signs. Petrov looked more hungry than in pre-season, and most impressively, Weiss gave the first real signs that he's ready for a role in the senior squad. Brilliant!

Elsewhere, 33-year-old Leeds reject Robbie Blake condemned ManYoo to defeat at Burnley. Great stuff.

Team:
Given, Onuoha, Zabaleta (Garrido 64), Toure (Ben Haim 45), Dunne, Barry (Etuhu 66), Ireland, SWP (Trippier 81), Weiss, Tevez (Bellamy 64), Petrov

Hughes' first year: The numbers

The most obvious place to start when discussing the expenditure during Mark Hughes' first year at the club would be player transfer fees, and even that involves a certain amount of guesswork, with the media often exaggerating figures to sensationalise moves. Us not having the facts and figures at our disposal, taking averages from a variety of sources is probably our best bet.

Discounting the signing of Jo, who i'm sure Hughes would have been keen to give more of a go had he been one of his buys, i estimate we've spent just shy of £200m on incomings since Tal Ben Haim for some reason arrived from Chelsea a year ago. The figure i get to is £197.5m, though we don't know specifics of agreements between clubs, or how deals are set out. Some might be add-on heavy and never see the selling clubs getting the full value, some might be straight 'money upfront' deals, us mere mortals will rarely know.

It's a sensational amount, it can't be denied, but it has bought us pretty much a full side and more. When Hughes arrived from Blackburn we wouldn't have dreamt that within a year he'd have dismantled the squad to such an extent that our strongest eleven would probably only include one senior player at the club last August, and only two or three further players might make our matchday squad when all are fit. It's extraordinary, really. How those players perform for him will decide his fate. Having brought most of them to the club, though, it's probably fair to say the excuses of last season won't be tolerated this, and certainly not beyond.

It's far too early to say whether the players bought are worth the fees paid. In some instances we've probably overpaid a little, but needs must. Perhaps players like Bridge and Bellamy were worth a bit south of £10m than north of it, but we have to accept that in the short-term at least there will be a 'City price' and one for everyone else. How we do over the next season or two will ultimately give us the answer to how astute Hughes has been in the market, but last season's erratic form to one side, i think the players he's brought in have all been good additions.

Such a beefing up of the squad will bring other costs however. Our wage bill is now said to be one of the biggest in the country. We'll never know exactly what players are on, and we needn't do, but it's probably not impossible to fathom ballpark guesses. Without going into details of what we anticipate individual players may take home, i think suggesting that the players who have arrived might've added £1m a week to the wagebill might not be too far wide of the mark, perhaps slightly conservative.

There is, let's not forget, another side to all this. We've not, despite what fans of other clubs and certain elements of the media seem to think, just been randomly amassing a huge pool of players. Nine have left for transfer fees in that time, bringing in around £30m, plus there's still the tribunal fee to be set for Daniel Sturridge, which i expect might fetch in another £3m-£5m.

Another nine senior players have been released or left without fees, but several were significant earners. Four have also left on season-long loan deals. Bearing in mind the alleged salaries of some of those now gone; Bianchi, Corluka, Elano, Hamann, Jo & Bojinov amongst others, i expect somewhere between £550k & £750k a week has been shaven off the wagebill, or almost £34m a year using an average figure.

The net spend then on transfer fees, i guess is around £168m, August to August, just higher than the £156m that Soccerbase says Roman Abramovic spent during his first twelve months at Chelsea. To balance those figures you perhaps have to assess how our squad now compares with the one of last summer. Our on-the-pitch assets would undoubtedly dwarf those at our disposal before the takeover. We'll all have different ideas about how much our players are worth, as will fans of other clubs, but using a high and low figure, high being highest realistic current market value, and lowest being a sort of doomsday scenario firesale, i'd guess our current squad might be worth between £190m and £250m, a huge increase on last year.

It's likely that any period of lavish spending might not last. At Chelsea we've seen a more frugal approach to signings over the last two years. They're in a much better position than us, there's no shame in admitting as much, they've been spending heavily season on season, and could they not still challenge for titles and European Cup's then i anticipate more may have been shelled out. The managerial uncertainty probably hasn't encouraged their owner to get his chequebook out, but there are only so many good players a club can have. Once a strong squad's been put together it will either work or it won't, it has for them, it should hopefully do for us, but the players we've signed look to have been brought in with the medium-term in mind. Performances pending and fingers crossed, we might only need one or two in future summers, so the money spent initially might not be all that staggering.

Time will tell whether the estimated £168m spent on transfers this year, or the £25m+ annual increase in wages will prove money well spent. There are probably all sorts of other things that have warranted huge amounts of money since we were gifted with our new owners. We're probably not the best part of £200m better than we were a year ago, but i'm not sure that's unexpected. Players will take time to settle in and the squad time to be shaped into one the manager ultimately thinks can challenge for honours. I think he may need another year, maybe longer, to even make that next step up. Whatever happens, if we storm to the title (unlikely), scrape 5th (probable), or fall flat on our faces, at least we've got half a chance. Three years ago we were excited about bringing in Hatem Trabelsi on a free, and pipping Bolton Wanderers for the services of ageing German midfielder Didi Hamann.

A friendly too many?

This Wednesday's friendly away at the European champions, saviours of total football, and those who made mugs of some team from over the road last May, is one that is somehow simultaneously exciting and almost pointless.

On one hand, the chance to play the best footballing side in the world shouldn't be passed up. It raises our profile another notch and builds relations between the two clubs further. On the other, we need to get our priorities straight. The timing, prestigious as the game is, is mental, and shipping the squad to Spain to play a game which is, by all intents and purposes, completely unnecessary, really needs to be questioned.

Had the fixture been scheduled a couple of weeks earlier it would have made some sense, and could have proved the ultimate game of our pre-season preparations. As is it, it may well prove a hindrance. I expect we'd have given some promise of fielding a strong side. Although a friendly there is always the potential for injuries, but fatigue, even this early in the season is perhaps more of a concern. Three games in a week, plus the travelling, though a doddle by the standards of your average full-time worker, will undoubtedly have an effect on the players.

It will no doubt prove a decent spectacle, but the important thing must be three points against Wolves on Saturday. As pleasant as us teaching Barca a lesson infront of their own fans will prove delightful, we can't afford to take our eyes of the ultimate goal, a credible Premier League finish. Putting in a good showing on Wednesday, and then following it up with a defeat at home on the weekend, would, dare i say it, be 'typical City'.

Silly season is here again!

So the season is back up and running, fans the length and breadth of the country finally getting their fix; expensive summer signings, dodgy new kits, the customary blind optimism that comes with one good opening day, sun-drenched victory. Arsenal are already being tipped by some after making Everton look silly, Liverpool are being written off after one defeat, and Wigan, many people's picks for the drop are suddenly dark horses, Martinez the flavour of the day. All ridiculous, of course.

It has, for many i'm sure, proved quite an entertaining weekend. Our result at Blackburn was a promising start, during which we managed to play some entertaining football whilst also coping quite well with their typically-Allardyce clogging tactics. Good luck to them, i hope they try and kick more teams to death, it's an admirable plan only let down by the fact that they're as poor at that as they are at trying to play.

The day had started with a Chelsea win over Hull City, whose manager, not content enough with being a creosoted parody, would go on to sport an outrageous shirt/jumper combo on Sky this morning. A spanking was expected, it didn't really materialise, but how lovely it is to see Stephen Hunt back where he belongs, on the receiving end of studs and elbows. They were unlucky, a deflected cross ultimately proving the difference.

'Chelsea are favourites' pundits and fans keep telling us, forgetting that they've had the strong squad everyone speaks of for their last three fruitless league campaigns. Why the addition of a Russian winger and Ross Turnbull should suddenly see them as everyone's tip is beyond me, let's not forget last season when, after a great start, they were going to blow everyone away.

The game of the day was at Goodison Park, their fans, not worried about City but always talking about us, made to face up to their sides painful inadequacies after an absolute tonking. It's okay, though, because 'they're the people's club', and 'they've got more class than us', and 'Moyes knows best'. Of course, your best fit defender being made to play whilst obviously unhappy could never backfire.

The decline in relations between us and them could at best be deemed unfortunate. What we've done wrong is beyond me, but if painting us out to be classless bullies is their best way of saving face in light of one of their better players wanting to move on then i feel for them. Moyes is in a no-win situation. Either he keeps a player who'd rather be elsewhere and the atmosphere in their dressing room stagnates, or he sells up and is made to look like a bit of a chump with little power at the club where he perhaps naively insists he has complete control. Anyhow, seeing them get a thorough pasting was extremely enjoyable.

Today's games, well, less said the better. Them lot from over the road labouring to a win over a spirited Brum, their side full of surefire future greats like the permanently-flapping Ben Foster, the pedestrian Luis Valencia, and Johnny Evans. Paul Scholes, a great player in his day but now in urgent need of being put down, and Scotland flop Darren Fletcher anchoring a near non-existent midfield, and an increasing and obvious reliance on their one remaining world-class player, Wayne Rooney. I hope it's a sign of things to come. Liverpool, too, quite awful.

Anyhow, at least we're no longer football-less, and as ridiculous as the majority of the opinions already being broadcast are, mine included, i'd rather hear some numpty waffling nonsense than only have a couple of pointless summer tournaments and the latest 'will he, won't he?' transfer saga to occupy my time. The importance of the opening weekend's results or performances, or indeed those for the first few weeks and beyond, are negligible, but we'll welcome the reaction to each with open arms. Silly season is here again, and if this year is half as exciting as last then we're in for some fantastic entertainment.

Blackburn Rovers 0 City 2

City this afternoon got the season off to a terrific start with a comfortable 2-0 win at Ewood Park. Nigel de Jong made way, with Ireland and Barry playing in the middle of what to me looked like a straight 4-4-2, with Craig Bellamy partnering Emmanuel Adebayor upfront, Robinho on the left flank, Richard Dunne partnering Kolo Toure at the heart of the defence, and Micah Richards being preferred to Pablo Zabaleta at right-back.

We started the game brightly, taking the lead in the third minute after surviving an early scare, a Jason Roberts effort cleared off the line after good work down their right from Steven N'Zonzi. Adebayor picked up the ball on the halfway line, found SWP on the right who returned the ball low back into Ade on the edge of the box for him to power home past Robinson. The first quarter of an hour was extremely positive. Lots of good passing between the midfield, people rotating positions, and everyone wanting the ball. Gareth Barry looked particularly good, even with the kickings being dished out to him by the artless opponents.

As said earlier in the week, you know what you're going to get at Blackburn, and via the expected direct means they went on to come more into the game as the half dragged on. Pedersen's throw-ins were causing us problems, as was the presence of Samba, McCarthy and Roberts. Dunne and Toure were certainly having their work cut out, both defending stoutly. Pedersen had a chance with a header, Roberts blazed over after a bout of head tennis in the final third, and Barry made a saving challenge after the increasingly-dangerous Pedersen has wormed his way through the midfield.

The half was played at an entertaining tempo, with us looking better in possession but the home side's a-to-b approach seeing them grind out more chances. McCarthy tested Given with a free-kick from just outside the area, Samba had another header saved, and we were lucky to not concede an equaliser after Roberts cut in from the right, Dunne failed to stay with him, only for the cross to be met with a tame shot from the edge of the box.

We did have chances ourselves, especially two or three nearer to the end of the first period. Givet denying SWP, Pedersen preventing Bellamy from getting a shot off after a good exchange with Adebayor, and Robinho missing a good chance at the far post from a Barry free-kick over the top.

After the break we kept the ball much better, Gareth Barry was all over the pitch, always looking for the ball from the defence, linking up very well with Ireland, and generally dictating the tempo of the game. Bellamy, too, who had quite a poor first half, really stepped up, dropping deep looking for possession, and looking a lot more dangerous from the left.

Blackburn had a couple of efforts, Jacobsen had a bit too much joy down our left, Bridge at times struggling to prevent balls into the area. Jason Roberts had two headed chances, one cleared by Dunne, one saved by Given. Toure had an excellent debut, and brought an added energy to the defence. Him and Dunne performed resolutely.

On the hour mark we broke out, the ball finding its way to Ireland on the right, laying the ball into Robinho who shifted the ball onto his left foot and pinged in a fierce curling drive which forced Robinson to make a good stop. Chelsea loanee Franco di Santo replaced the energetic Roberts, and in truth the home side rarely threatened afterwards, saving tackles from Toure and Dunne towards the end the only occasions we looked in any danger at all.

Into injury time, four minutes having been signalled by the fourth official, SWP collected the ball in the middle of the park and layed a fine ball into the path of the advancing Ireland who had been getting into more attacking positions during the second period. Stevie tried to take Robinson on, but the 'keeper stayed on his feet, forcing Ireland to come back inside. As it was looking like a chance wasted, Ireland feinted for a pass across the box before opting for a low shot inside the near post.

I thought it was a commanding performance. Barring some Blackburn pressure in the first half we looked well in control. Adebayor lead the line well, Ireland and Barry were full of energy and craft, Toure really lead by example at the back and we were worthy winners. The passing seemed more crisp, with players interchanging roles like we occasionally saw at Eastlands last season, and there was lots of tidy link-up play. A promising start, certainly. More of that and we'll be more than alright.

Team:
Given, Richards, Bridge, Toure, Dunne, Barry, Ireland, SWP, Bellamy, Adebayor, Robinho (Tevez 67)

Friday mp3: The Cribs

The Cribs, from Wakefield, were originally a three-piece of brothers from Wakefield, but now boast former Smiths man Johnny Marr amongst them. To date they've released three LP's on Wichita, toured with the Sex Pistols, amongst others, and have collaborated with the likes of Sonic Youth, Modest Mouse and Bernard Butler. Their fourth record's due out next month.

This track's from their debut, self-titled record, from 2004.

MP3: The Cribs - What About Me
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Preview: Blackburn (Away)

With less than 48 hours to the big kick-off things aren't running quite as smoothly at the inn as we might've hoped. It's looking increasingly like we'll go into the game with either Nedum Onuoha or Richard Dunne partnering Kolo Toure in the middle of defence. The latter is probably more likely given the manager's indication that the player will remain as captain. I'd feel a little more confident about us shutting them out if Ned got the nod instead, though there is the chance both might play should Kolo not recover from his knock.

Things seem equally unclear regards who will lead our attack. Santa Cruz is certainly out, and Bellamy is doubtful after missing international duty midweek. Emmanuel Adebayor picked up a strain playing for Togo last night but should play, and Carlos Tevez's achilles should have recovered enough for him to take some part. I expect at least one of those two to start, but it's not ideal, our four out-and-out strikers all less than fully fit.

Formation-wise i'm not really sure what we'll see. At home this season i think we might continue with a 4-3-3, if it ain't broke, etc, etc, but Rovers have in the past been strong down the flanks with Emerton, Warnock and Pedersen amongst others, though the latter's form has appeared patchy over the last year or so. Emerton will be missing through injury, along with fellow midfielders David Dunn and Vince Grella but with strikers like Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts we'll have to be up for a scrap.

Given that they don't seem too strong in the middle of the park, i'd perhaps drop one of the central three that we've seen during the pre-season games, probably Nigel de Jong. Barry and Ireland should have enough graft between them to cope with Keith Andrews and whoever partners him. Having a look through their squad i imagine that might be either Zurab Khizanishvili, Elrio Van Heerden or Steven N'Zonzi.

Whoever Blackburn play on the right of midfield in Emerton's absence, my guess would be the widely-loved El Hadji Diouf, Wayne Bridge might well need a hand. Bridge's form since signing could at best be considered mixed, and above anyone else he's the one in our back-line who strikes me as most 'gettable' on these sorts of occasions. Robinho, even with several other expensive buys arriving, is still undroppable. He might have to put a shift in if we're to win the game.

I imagine Blackburn might give a bow to loan signing Franco di Santo, alongside either McCarthy or Roberts. Both of those have had their fair amount of joy from us in recent seasons, and i'm sure they'll fancy that if they can get long balls into the front they'll have a decent chance of catching us out. I'd have certainly felt a little more confident with Joleon Lescott marking their targetman, but the chances of him being in the side on the weekend seem virtually nil.

We know now what sort of game we'll get there, whoever wins the battle will win the war. I'd go there and try and play as direct as them, we have to be prepared to do that if we're to pick up a decent enough points tally away from Eastlands. Our form on the road will ultimately seal our fate, and if we stick with last season's method of having plenty of the ball but doing nothing in the final third then we might as well give up now. Some sides will let us play, some won't, Blackburn won't, and we need to adapt our game to the opposition. Hughes should instruct SWP and Robinho to whip balls in early (assuming Adebayor will make it) and make the most of his height and presence in the box, as well as Blackburn's injury problems in the centre of defence.

I think we'll score there, but the defence in its current form still doesn't leave me too confident of us keeping clean sheets. We'll still make sloppy mistakes, and be hopeless from set-pieces, and i expect we'll continue to be until we sign a centre-half who can organise and discipline the back four, though with the season starting afresh we probably should wipe slates clean.

Prediction: Blackburn 1 City 2