September Player of the Month

September has been a funny old month. Three home wins, two more convincing than the other, lots of goals scored, a disappointing time of it at the back, sending-off's, questionable officiating, celebrations against former clubs, injuries, suspensions and more column inches than we'd perhaps care for.

Our first fixture of the month was the now legendary win against a poor Arsenal side at Eastlands. I'm sure we've all heard enough about the events of that particular afternoon to not feel the need to dwell on any longer, but it's probably reasonable enough to say that afternoon was one of mixed emotions, or at least what followed was; a great counter-attacking performance yet some petulant and unnecessary behaviour from the man who had until that point proved our best player thus far.

A few players stood out that day. Firstly, Craig Bellamy really stepped up to the plate. He did very well for us during the latter half of the previous season, but his performance against the Gooners was his best in a City shirt. If we can keep him fit then we've got one hell of a player. Strange to think that his signing was berated in some quarters and saw as nothing more than a stop-gap measure.

Micah Richards was also terrific that day, though that might have been in part to the opposition not having a fit, out-and-out left-winger available. Micah for once looked up for it, and played a real part in the final third. Unfortunate that he followed it up with such an inferior showing at Old Trafford. Shaun Wright-Phillips also looked extremely dangerous that afternoon, and Nigel de Jong, as discussed in the previous article, really pushed his claim for a first-team slot. That afternoon, however, really belonged to Adebayor.

Though the result in the Derby was extremely deflating, i thought we showed enough character for us to take encouragement. Shay Given made at least four great saves, Barry and de Jong did admirable jobs in the middle of the park, and Tevez was a real nuisance on his return to his former club. Despite that, it was two fantastic goals from Bellamy that really kept us in the game until Fergietime, and combined with his cuffing of a townie rag really made his mark in City folklore.

Very few positives could have been taken from the League Cup win over a weakened Fulham side. The ultimate aim, to progress to the next round, was achieved, and we came from behind to win, and won without playing well, all those are a given, but it was a flat and uninspiring performance who few came out of with much credit. Martin Petrov, a 75th-minute substitute, added a bit of impetus into an otherwise drab disaplay. Zabaleta, Bridge, de Jong, Barry, Bellamy & Tevez were all at best okay to good. One best forgotten i think.

This Monday's victory over Gianfranco Zola's West Ham was certainly our most impressive so far. Kolo Toure was especially good, although the opposition perhaps didn't offer too much going forwards. Pablo Zabaleta looks an improvement at right-back, Tevez bagged a couple of goals, Nige was gobbling everything up, and Martin Petrov was at times taking the piss. It was a great performance considering the players we had missing.

The pick for this month's best player, despite the impressive form of Nigel de Jong, was, for most of us i'm sure, a formality. When Craig Bellamy is playing at his peak and clear of injuries he's breathtaking; quick, skillful, and a decent finisher, he's been vital to the side over the last few weeks. He's making himself undroppable, and is fast becoming a real terrace favourite. He's been a pleasure to watch of late, and if we're going to achieve our targets, both this season and beyond, we need players like him, who not only have the natural ability, but the hunger to drag the team forward when required.

September: Craig Bellamy