Norfstander

Moving Bellamy on may be a tough call Mancini has to make

2010-05-14T19:33:00.009+01:00

When you look back on the season which finished with a draw at Upton Park last week, most of the highlights will inevitably involve two of our attackers - Carlos Tevez, who almost bagged himself thirty goals, and Craig Bellamy - a minstrel who had for a short while appeared to have found his spiritual home.

Since joining from West Ham sixteen months ago, a move which at the time was seen as a desperate one by former boss Mark Hughes, Craig has almost certainly enjoyed his best spell as a Premier League player. Notoriously injury-prone, his body has held up quite well, and overall he's matured from an inconsistent but lively striker into a lethal play-making wideman.

Away from the pitch he had been having a quiet time of it, too. Few headlines, charming and honest on camera, never seeming less than 100% gracious to be here, and with his good work in Sierra Leone paying dividends. Indeed, it's been difficult to understand why his reputation throughout football has grown into one of a widely-derided pantomime villain.

As fans, we don't really know what goes on behind the scenes. Information is so instant nowadays that any falsity can reach a significant audience in seconds, and though most know not to trust what they read in the tabloids or on forums, some shit will always stick. How good or bad the relationship between Bellamy and Roberto Mancini is really isn't known, but you get the impression the situation is at least uneasy.

The issue of extra training being a problem for some of the senior players was an odd one. One of Mark Hughes' stronger points was allegedly his and his team's expertise in terms of fitness, and he often spoke about improving facilities, the overall shape of the squad and working hard on the more physical aspects being the scenes to see results on the pitch. As much as someone like Bellamy may need nursing through the latter stages of an injury-hit career, a monthly double-shift surely isn't that much of a manager to ask?

As well as the player's beef at having to spend a couple more hours around Carrington - a problem other squad members had, it must be said - there have been other examples of his change in mood since the managerial switch. David Moyes was said to have earned Craig's backing during the ridiculous events late on in the defeat by Everton. I've no idea whether that happened or not, but it strikes you as the sort of thing a younger, more mischievous Bellamy might get up to.

After the deflating defeat by Spurs, the fixture that ultimately cost us our Champions League hopes, there was the curious sight of a beaming Bellamy almost knocking the opposition manager out with the shine from his pearly whites after losing what would have to be classed as one of the biggest games of his career. That may have simply been honourable sportsmanship, but coming from a player hardly known for that sort of thing there have to be doubts.

The biggest signals that Craig's honeymoon period at City is over, though, have been his overall body language coupled with a decline in form. I guess you could argue that since Mancini's been in charge, and the football hasn't really flown, few have performed consistently, but i don't accept that the former Inter boss is negative, nor that his style of play isn't suited to getting the most from the likes of our number thirty-nine.

Towards the business end of the season there were several games i came away from disappointed with the Welshman's contribution. Again, he wasn't alone, but the Bellamy we saw against Spurs, Arsenal, United, Everton, to me looked one well short on he who dragged the whole side kicking and screaming earlier, and the fire in the belly isn't as apparent as it once was.

Not that the lad needs writing off. We've a squad assembled at vast wealth, and over the season he more than pulled his weight, but inconsistency does begin to make you wonder if, as a whole, given how hugely important next season is, whether Bellamy's presence around the squad makes complete sense for a manager yet to win over his troops.

At the start of this season just gone, Hughes talked to the press about establishing his "power base" at the club. During his tenure, he was allowed to be judged on his own players, prematurely, admittedly, but there were senior figures amongst the playing staff whose presence at the club undermined his position. The most obvious of those was Elano - a hugely talented mard-arse who most fans would admit we've missed this year, on the field at least.

In fairness, Roberto has been quick to play down the heat between the pair, but i have my doubts as to whether he's the sort of personality who knows when to use the carrot and when the stick with sort of livewire Bellamy certainly is. If we're to make further strides next season the squad will have to be tighter than ever, and if Craig insists on playing the naughty schoolboy then it's probably best all round if we move him on sooner rather than later. It'll be a sad day, but a move that's perhaps best all round.

Is relieving Liverpool of Gerrard and Torres really the answer?

2010-05-11T21:22:00.003+01:00

Less than two years into Sheikh Mansour's reign as City owner we're already well used to every man and his dog being linked with a big-money move to Eastlands. Most are stories concocted by fat journos in order to save them having to put the hours in doing real digging, others agents in search of a quick buck, players wanting new deals where they are, or even rarely, something with legs. The latest being linked are Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

The fact that the tales linking both players with summer switches aren't being met with as much derision as when mooted a year ago in itself proves that we've made progress. Not only that, but Liverpool's overall situation - the uncertainly over the future of their bumbling manager, the performance of the side over the last season, but mainly the financial position of the club, which some sources have as being so bad that the 'a'-word is beginning to be bandied about - means that such moves might actually make sense all round.

At present, though their ever-vocal fans will vehemently disagree and point to shiny things lifted aloft in the past, we're better than Liverpool. We just are. That's how the league system works. We're better than them in the same way Spurs are better than us, Arsenal than them - sides where they are, for better or worse, on merit and not by default or accident, and given that, it shouldn't be seen as fantasy, even by disciples of the boot room bible, that we could syphon their most valuable assets.

That said, even the staunchest Blue couldn't deny that Spurs spoiling the party recently will have weakened our position to some degree when approaching the elite players in the world. Whether Gerrard would still fit into that category is debatable, but on reputation at least there aren't too many fatter fishes in the pond. It would be a huge coup, but without the Champions League carrot not as obvious a step forward in the most important sense as it could have been.

Torres, as good a centre-forward as there is in the world when fit, probably didn't aspire to pulling on the sky blue shirt of Manchester's premier club as a nipper whilst volleying oranges round the backstreets of Fuenlabrada, but it's no more far-fetched than to say he might have dreamt of one day emulating, say, Robbie Fowler - bagging goals for fun in a mediocre side whilst picking up more serious injuries than honours.

The World Cup will quite probably play a big part in where the Spaniard begins next season playing his football. Another good tournament and sides who we can only dream of matching in every respect bar the cash readies will be equally willing to take advantage of the malaise at Anfield, but for now, should either Fernando choose to move on, or some suit or other at the club make the decision for him, then his options aren't all that obvious.

The main factor to consider would be the transfer fee. Even after a season dogged by injuries and bouts of sulkiness Torres would command a fee of £40m at the very least, so immediately the serious suitors could be counted on one hand - ourselves, Barcelona, Chelsea if Abramovich has decided he's interested in spending again, possibly Inter Milan, and Real Madrid - the latter being about as likely an option as Everton considering El Nino's Atletico past.

The common consensus regards Gerrard is that he'd only ever leave Liverpool for a foreign club, and remembering how the Scouse public who've afforded him demi-God status over the last decade were quick to burn effigies and label him a money-grabber when he's threatened to move on to better things in the past, it's probably a safe bet, and another summer of spending at Real Madrid could provide the most likely route out of Tracksuitville.

Unlike his Spanish colleague, any move for Gerrard from Liverpool would absolutely have to be the right one. Thirty this month, time isn't exactly on his side. Barring a takeover, a manager who knows what he's doing being brought in, plus some serious spending, that's never going to happen at Liverpool. Though we're unlikely to be banging on the door next year as things stand, we'd certainly be the club who ticked most boxes in terms of needing and being able to offer a key role to the player, having no problems with the fee, and promising to offer at least a distant threat to the title contenders.

Beyond completely sealing the sad demise of Liverpool Football Club as a force in English football, though, and however much we might need a central midfielder who does something other than move or pass sideways, and a true centre-forward to complete the most fearsome attacking line in the country, is splodging daft money on superstars such as these two soft lads the way? I think examples, both in terms of the goose-chases we've been on over the last two years, and the side who beat us to fourth this time round, indicate it may not be.

People alleging that we'll always struggle to sign truly world-class players until we're in the Champions League have to some extent been disproved already. Admittedly both the signings of Robinho and Carlos Tevez were under extreme circumstances, one being the only ticket out of Madrid, the other seen as the ultimate chance to prove a doubting manager wrong. Both were and continue to be paid very well for their troubles, it must be said, but nobody could deny either were/are "world-class", as much as the term itself is a bit daft.

For every superstar we have wrestled from a more-established club, however, there have been two we've failed to convince to take the plunge. Kaka was on the verge but shat himself at the last minute, possibly after meeting Garry Cook for the first time. John Terry seemed to fancy it before declaring his unwavering loyalty to Chelsea once a payrise had been agreed. Ronaldinho was linked for a while, Eto'o decided winning a European Cup was more important than pinching fifth place in the Premier League, and the likes of Buffon, Villa and several others have all claimed to have rejected our advances.

Given such high-profile snubs, then, you wonder why we continue to press ahead with these biennial forays into the 'daft money' market. The contrasting fortunes of the beanpole strikers at opposite ends of the Eastlands pitch last Wednesday, and Tottenham crushing our hopes of what should have been a relatively routine march to being crowned best of the rest at the end of a poor Premier League season should perhaps give us food for thought.

Both of the clubs who have successfully 'broken' the top four have done so without knocking together sides disregarding cost. Arguably, Spurs strongest point this season has been their manager's ability to put his arm around those not considered key players and turn them into such. As much as i'd like to see Torres or Gerrard here, i'd take more satisfaction, even if goals weren't achieved quite as quickly, from seeing Mancini build a real team, and i'm not convinced 'marquee' signings are the way.

Fifth it is as season ends with a draw at West Ham

2010-05-09T19:13:00.005+01:00

The Blues today wrapped a credible but ultimately deflating campaign up with a 1-1 draw at Upton Park. With West Ham already safe and us unable to achieve Champions League qualification but safe in the top six it was hardly blood and thunder, but we created the better chances and came away with the point that would have guaranteed fifth place irrespective of what happened elsewhere.

Sylvinho replaced Wayne Bridge at left-back, Patrick Vieira came into central midfield for the injured Gareth Barry, Shaun Wright-Phillips took Craig Bellamy's place and Roque Santa Cruz earned a rare start ahead of former Hammer Carlos Tevez in a rigid 4-4-2.

For West Ham, Swiss youngster Fabio Daprela got the nod over Jonathan Spector on the left of defence, Diamanti and Boa Morte came in on the flanks, the latter starting his first game in a year after a serious injury. Otherwise it was the same side that lost at Craven Cottage, with the in-form Ilan partnering Carlton Cole in attack.

West Ham took the lead in the seventeenth minute and against the run of play. Alessandro Diamanti coolly back-heeled a ball between the City defence and winger Luis Boa Morte raced clear and fired across Fulop into the far corner. A very well taken goal, indeed.

The leveller didn't take too long to arrive, and involved our two English wingers in front of the watching national team assistant manager. Adam Johnson dinked a deep cross over from the byline and SWP, all five feet five of him, leapt like a salmon at the far post to head inside Green's far post.

Two minutes later we may have had a penalty. Johnson went on one of his mazy, Waddle-like runs, cutting in and between three players. As he was about to get his shot away Matt Upson lunged in, taking both ball and man. The decision could have gone either way, but the official waved for play to continue.

To add to our frustration we were then disallowed what appeared to be a perfectly good goal. Kolo Toure sprayed a pass over the defence, Adebayor for once had looked to have timed his run correctly, but the linesman flagged early and in truth Green did very little to stop the shot.

West Ham's best chance fell to the unpredictable Diamanti, his effort smashing against Fulop's post after he'd shaped in from the left, but it was us who ended the half the stronger. Firstly, Johnson's punt forward was chested down into Emmanuel Adebayor's path by Roque Santa Cruz. The £22m signing from Arsenal laid across the edge of the penalty area, but sadly Pablo Zabaleta was the man in space and his shot sailed aimlessly wide. Johnson then slid Ade in on goal, but Green saved, and in added time Santa Cruz headed wide when unmarked around six yards out from a corner.

The game certainly felt like an end-of-season affair, yet at the same time was relatively end-to-end and interesting. Ilan could have put the home side ahead into the second half after a buccaneering run through the middle of the park by Parker, but Fulop saved. Daprela earned a yellow card for a cynical lunge on Johnson, and Santa Cruz fired over after another lovely move down the left involving SWP and Manu.

West Ham rallied in the last twenty, only a great last-ditch challenge from Zabaleta saving out skin when Ilan had wriggled through. Both sides made changes, with the introduction of Tevez being met with the biggest cheer of the afternoon from all four corners of the ground. Franco had a low drive saved, Stanislas fluffed his lines when free in space, Tevez wormed through but the ball ended on the roof of Green's goal, and SWP and Franco could have settled it for either side with headers.

I thought it was a relatively commanding performance, but given neither side needed to win it's hard to read too much into the whole game. Adam Johnson was obviously the standout performer once more and outstanding for the first hour particularly. Wright-Phillips was involved in most things we did well going forwards, too, and his cameos on the left may give Mancini food for thought.

We can end the season with our heads held high knowing that we've improved considerably over the last twelve months. Though fourth place was well within reach the experience of falling just short will hopefully hold us in good stead for next season and beyond. With a couple of key additions over the summer we should stand a good chance of making that next step up. Forza Mancini!

Team:
Fulop, Zabaleta, Sylvinho (Tevez '73), Toure, Kompany, de Jong, A.Johnson (Cunningham '89), Vieira, Adebayor, Santa Cruz (Richards '73), Wright-Phillips

Preview: West Ham v City

2010-05-09T10:51:00.007+01:00

An afternoon which looked set to end in either wild celebrations or glorious failure will most probably now simply be more a case of going through the motions for both sides, despite the two still having something to play for. West Ham are safe, but could still swell the Upton Park coffers to the tune of £2.4m by picking up their third consecutive home win. With the game likely to be Franco Zola's final in charge, too, him and Steve Clarke will no doubt want to end on a high note.

For us, top four hopes have been dashed but Europa League football already secured. With that in mind the players mightn't be completely up for the game, especially those now with one eye on the World Cup, but Villa can still overtake us, which i'm sure their supporters would see as some sort of huge morale victory, but more important than that, finishing a point behind a very good Spurs side simply looks better than ending up trailing them by as many as seven.

Marton Fulop did quite well on Wednesday, the goal aside, and should make his final appearance. Gareth Barry is out for a month with ankle ligament damage and is now a doubt for the World Cup. With Stevie Ireland missing, too, Patrick Vieira will come in. Craig Bellamy could be rested, with SWP and Adam Johnson playing wide of the front two. Joleon Lescott hasn't travelled with the squad. Martin Petrov and the well-documented treble of goalkeepers are still missing.

The Hammers will be missing two key midfielders - the superb Valon Behrami, linked with a move here in the past, and impressive academy graduate and match-winner last time round, Jack Collison. Kieron Dyer is surprisingly out injured and hasn't completed a game for the club since featuring in a draw with Wigan almost three years ago. Herita Ilunga has a calf problem, and Zavon Hines has also been ruled out.

With national team manager Fabio Capello to name his thirty-man preliminary World Cup squad next week several on show this afternoon will be hoping to plant seeds in his mind with a good final day showing. Given the form of Joe Hart, Michael Dawson and Darren Bent, plus the rumoured return of the woeful Jamie Carragher, members of West Ham's English spine will all have concerns over their places. The injury to Gareth Barry, however, should give Scott Parker a chance after another good season saw him retain their Player of the Year award.

Possible teams:
West Ham: Green, Faubert, Spector, Upson, da Costa, Parker, Noble, Kovac, Cole, Ilan, Diamanti

City: Fulop, Zabaleta, Bridge, Toure, Kompany, de Jong, Wright-Phillips, Vieira, Tevez, Santa Cruz, A.Johnson

Prediction: West Ham 1 City 1

Friday mp3: The Postal Service

2010-04-30T23:53:00.005+01:00

The Postal Service were/are Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie (bit shit), and Jimmy Tamborello of Dntel (whose third record Life Is Full of Possibilities is decent enough). The band came about after Gibbard guest-vocalled on that record, with well-received remixes encouraging the pair to make a full record together.

Released in 2003, Give Up is Sub Pop's best-selling album to date. Interestingly, the pair worked on the record separately, with Tamborello sending the electronic instrumentals via post (cue the name) to Gibbard, who added lyrics and instruments, resulting in one of the best LP's of the decade.

Mp3: Clark Gable
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Preview: City v Villa

2010-04-30T20:03:00.005+01:00

Three games, seven points needed, possibly more, it's squeaky-bum time and rather than being able to enjoy these sort of end-of-season tussles we craved for so long, i can safely say i'm absolutely bricking it. City are "in crisis" again, every man and his dog wants out, Villa are in great form, anything could happen. Drink through it and hope for the best remains my motto.

Marton Fulop, whose arrival seems to have caused a bout of amnesia for Martin O'Neill, is likely to make his debut, no pressure. Wayne Bridge hobbled off with a dead leg at Arsenal but should recover, but if not then Javi Garrido may come in, with Sylvinho still struggling with a calf injury. Failing that, Pablo Zabaleta, Nedum Onuoha or Micah Richards could switch flanks.

Gareth Barry is said to have a hamstring injury and could miss the vital game against the club he played over four-hundred times for. Should that be the case we wouldn't be spoilt for options - either Patrick Vieira, most likely, or Stephen Ireland. Ade is still suffering from a thigh strain but it didn't seem to hinder him too much during the second half at the Emirates.

Villa have their complete first eleven available, with only Fabien Delph and Curtis Davies out long-term. Delph won't be back until Christmas after rupturing his knee ligaments. Davies hasn't started a league game since scoring at Anfield in August. A half of League Cup action at Brighton in January all he's managed after surgery on a troublesome shoulder.

Though the game against Spurs has been declared the big showpiece, this fixture is just as important, and for both clubs. Realistically, Villa need six points from six, and even then they only have an outside chance given their goal difference, but their fans seem humble enough about that. We may not absolutely need maximum points, so long as we get three midweek that should, theoretically, mean a win at West Ham would see us home, but we have to guard against the possibility of Tottenham knocking in a cricket score either at home against Bolton or on the final day.

As it goes, Villa are a club we tend to get the better of. Sunderland aside, i think i'm right in saying the side we've taken most points from in the Premier League, and they've beaten us only five times in all competitions in that period. Their only success at Eastlands was a 0-2 win during 2006/7, during which we only managed five victories at home and escaped relegation by less than a handful of points.

This current Villa side, however, is easily the strongest we'll have faced over recent seasons, and O'Neill has done a great job of improving them year after year. They're a true side whereas we often rely on moments of magic from a small band of real game-changers. From a goalkeeper showing no signs of slowing down, to a defence that remains one of the strongest in the division, wingers capable of causing problems from either flank, and a striking partnership who link up to good effect, and that's not even mentioning thier best player!

It's hard to really pick holes in Villa's lot, and it says something about their strength that players such as Stan Petrov and Stephen Warnock, whose performances may go unnoticed by non-Villains, will be up there behind James Milner for their Player of the Year. Carlos Cuellar is a defender i enjoyed watching during his time at Rangers, he was mountainous there in the centre of defence, even against better opposition in Europe. He took a while to get going at Villa Park, and has made the right-back slot his own after Luke Young's good form last season, but i've seen him caught out several times this year and we could get a bit of joy if Craig Bellamy's on his game.

Most Blues would admit that the centre of midfield has been our main concern thus far, despite Nigel de Jong and Gareth Barry doing well in parts. Martin O'Neill's decision to replace Barry with Milner has proved a masterstroke, and if we allow their midfield as much time on the ball as we did during our last home game, the late defeat against them lot, then the England man won't need a second invitation to stamp his mark on the afternoon.

In an ideal world we'd just go all guns blazing tomorrow, and if it doesn't work out than so be it. Sadly, we know we won't see it. We'll be cautious, occasionally force play and hope to grab a goal, which could again backfire. Mancini's record is admirable, but had our balls been a bit bigger we could quite easily be sat here having picked up three more points than we managed from two admittedly tough fixtures.

Possible teams:
City: Fulop, Onuoha, Zabaleta, Toure, Kompany, de Jong, A.Johnson, Barry, Tevez, Adebayor, Bellamy

Villa: Friedel, Cuellar, Warnock, Dunne, Collins, Petrov, Downing, Milner, Agbonlahor, Carew, A.Young

Prediction: City 1 Villa 1

Pressure no more on us than it is Villa or Tottenham

2010-04-28T22:22:00.005+01:00

Former City captain Richard Dunne's words implying that the heat is all on his beloved Blues and not his current employers Villa ahead of Saturday's game has already proved the main soundbite ahead of a weekend which will not only play a big part in the fortunes of both clubs but prove an afternoon of heroes and villains (no pun intended), scores to be settled, good versus, well, you get the picture.

So far as 'needing' Champions League football, Dunne's probably right in the medium-term, but i'm not sure i agree that it's absolutely essential this season. At the start of last year Mark Hughes was given a target of finishing in the top half, we achieved that. This year's target, pre-season at least and publicly stated by both Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Garry Cook was top six. That objective, again going from what we were told on record, was then fast-tracked in light of extra funds given to the then manager, and his subsequent sacking certainly indicated that goals had been brought forward by a year.

The main factor in any disappointment that would follow for fans of any club realistically involved in the race for fourth has quite simply been the form of Liverpool. Even if they'd been slightly less below-par they'd be well away in their usual position of being the best of the rest but not quite good enough for the main prize. Their ten league defeats have opened a door, but that's not to mean that any side of the three who doesn't grab that final slot would have had a disappointing term.

Time seems to be a quick healer, certainly as far as pressure on managers goes. It wasn't all that long ago that Martin O'Neill was being heckled by those who go to Villa Park, being labelled 'tactically inept' by those who mainly don't, and couldn't give assurances of his future amidst rumours of unrest with owner Randy Lerner. Top six and two trips to Wembley surely shows further signs of progress, but odds are he'll pack his bags should they not achieve their greatest target.

It would be interesting to see how Spurs' season may go having to accommodate Champions League football should they see their way over the line. I think they'd be okay, and certainly no worse of than they'd be with the prospect of nineteen Europa League fixtures on the horizon. They are where they are because Redknapp has gotten full use of a squad which at the start of the season, with several players having either not shown their true form or being said to be unhappy, didn't appear, on paper at least, a touch on ours. With the likes of Gareth Bale, Sebastien Bassong, Michael Dawson, Niko Kranjcar and Roman Pavlyuchenko coming in and performing, Tottenham's strength-in-depth is now not a concern at all.

Overall, though, internet baloney aside, most Spurs fans would have been quite content with a top six finish this season, and whilst the way Redknapp has turned them round deserves enormous credit and any potential slip may not be a huge disaster, not being able to offer regular Wednesday evening European football next year would make it more likely that the "bigger" clubs (not wanting to get involved in that particular debate) express an interest in their best performers, and should they not grab fourth then certain members of their squad could quite possibly be prized away, most likely Luka Modric, or the current Lane hero, Gareth Bale.

What no City, Spurs or Villa fan would deny is that the club with most to lose here are the outsiders, the former greats of Anfield Road. They have a slim chance, assuming Spurs don't royally mess things up, but the possibility of Europa League success might be the only thing to persuade their two players - Nando Torres and Steven Gerrard, to stay put, the latter being due his biennial transfer request.

Where the pressure is, then, is difficult to say. Playing the other contenders on our own patch given our great record there, well, us failing to get the necessary results will certainly be painted out as us bottling it, for want of a better phrase, but we're due to be playing two terrific sides who the league table shows are at least as good as us.

Particularly irritating is the assumption by the dimmer amongst us that Spurs and Villa are both some sort of potential saviours of football's soul against a game that's becoming more and more money-orientated. We shouldn't forget that Spurs squad itself has cost the best part of £200m, and Martin O'Neill has brought over £100m of players into Villa. It's hardly obscene bucketloads versus paupers, and certainly isn't an unlevel playing field.

Should we not qualify for the Champions League this year then i've no doubt there'll be big decisions made at board level, but then there's likely to at both Villa and Liverpool, too, should neither of them manage it. Next year, whichever way it goes, will be a huge season, and the owners will almost certainly request an improvement once more. Gambling on a new face or sticking with Mancini would be a big call. I'd err towards the latter, as over his time at the club his results stand up to any of the other contenders, and though it might mean several departures, i'd prefer a manager to be judged on his players and not anothers.

One of the biggest plus-points about our situation is that it lessens the possibility of our better players being syphoned. Not that we're completely invulnerable to the vultures; the clubs who, let's be honest, have the prestige we could only dream of, but being in a position where you don't have to sell and any key player would have to take a hit to his pride (wallet) to move on, well, as much as anyone edging above us would be seen as a huge victory, a rival club strengthening window after window would worry me.

Dunney's assertion that the pressure is very much on us, then, is pretty nonsensical. Our manager is no more likely to be out of job if fourth isn't achieved than his, our star players are much less likely to move on, and we'll maintain the strongest hand to make further additions over the summer. Whilst the business models of both them and Spurs may well be better set-up to cope with seasons after season of dodging the biggest club competition in the world, we're clearly in the most commanding position to keep having a go at it, which surely makes it all the more vital that they grab their chance whilst they can.

Give Gunnar a go!

2010-04-27T21:26:00.005+01:00

The only thing of note at all during ninety horrible minutes in London on the weekend was the unfortunate injury to our first-choice 'keeper Shay Given. An innocuous save to his left from a tame Abou Diaby shot saw the Irishman stretchered off, and being without three possible replacements for one reason or another means lumps in throats ahead of the visits of rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham.

Losing Shay is as cruel a blow as we could have been dealt approaching the final fortnight of the season. There's not a player more vital to us, in my opinion, even top scorer Carlos Tevez or frequent heartbeat of the side, Craig Bellamy. Though there have been slight wobbles this year, compared to last at least, we can excuse those considering he's barely played behind a settled defence. Lescott, Kompany, Toure and Bridge have all spent spells on the sidelines, and any goalkeeper will perform better with a regular back-four in front of him. Shay remains one of the best in the business.

Criticism of our backup options for Given is pretty nonsensical, too. There's not a side in the division with a top-class reserve 'keeper. Even the current or former title contenders have Hilario, Ben Foster and Lukasz Fabianki, respectively. Good goalkeepers will always want to play, even if it involves dropping down a level, and finding a good number two goalie is a difficult task.

In Joe Hart's case, his move could not have gone better - leaving for regular football, behind a defence that has proved relatively solid, it's worked out fantastically well for all parties (until now in our case!), ending with him being voted the best in his position in the league. The injury to Given, sad as it is, solves one problem in that unless he makes a very speedy recovery indeed, Joe will go into next season as a Manchester City player.

His career at City was to some extent fast-tracked. On signing he probably wouldn't have expected to have amassed over sixty first-team starts within three seasons, but he took his chance well and was worthy of being the number one. As a transfer window opened last January, however, and with us suffering indifferent results in Mark Hughes' first season, experience was needed all round, and no-one could argue that the arrival of Given shored things up, mainly down to him having significantly greater experience of organising defences.

Had there not have been a World Cup looming and potential for a seat on the plane to South Africa as none of his rival national team goalies stood out domestically, he may have stuck around, but the simple facts of it are that Joe Hart's good enough to play week in, week out at any level, and such an embarrassment of riches really forced our hand. Keeping him here just wasn't an option solvable solely by bumping up his take-home.

The signing of Stuart Taylor wouldn't have got Blues too excited, but with some Premier League and European Cup experience he was probably about the right level of player - happy to be here, capable of the odd emergency performance, on relatively low wages, and someone to help bring the younger alternatives on. It's certainly not as simple as saying our bank balance should ensure cover in every single department. An outfield player has scope to switch positions whereas in terms of a goalkeeper it's simply not the case.

With Birmingham keen to earn favour in the hope of acquiring Joe's services once more next season it should come as no surprise that they've at least stated publicly that they would be open to an early return. Whether McLeish would go for that is another story entirely, and he'd have a point had they anything at stake beyond a couple more quid in handouts.

Should they agree to give us England's finest back a fortnight ahead of schedule then i can think of no logical reason why the Premier League should deny our request. It is after all an emergency, and it would be a shame if the climax to a very exciting race for the final Champions League place wasn't played out fairly. If Spurs had loaned out a fit Carlo Cudicini and Gomes picked up a serious injury, hand-on-heart i'd have no qualms with them looking at bringing him back early.

Our chances of having the former Shrewsbury man between the sticks for Saturday's game with Villa, however, would appear extremely slim. Spurs, Liverpool and Villa themselves will no doubt be cosying up to the suits behind the scenes, and it looks more likely that we'll bring in some sort of unspectacular bench-warmer, with Marton Fulop being heavily linked.

I've not seen enough of Fulop to say whether he'll do short-term, but going into the next two games especially with him in goal makes me no less nervous than were it Nielsen. He did nothing wrong on Saturday, though in truth had very little to do. At time of writing he's the most senior goalkeeper we've got available, and whilst it's not ideal i'd rather we put an arm around him, give him a go and just see how things pan out. He may well prove himself to be completely inadequate and deserving of the tag of Faroe Islands number two, but then, just like Joe Hart, Kasper Schmeichel (for a time), even Arni Arason, and certain others, he might just surprise us.

Tedious ninety minutes but a potentially huge point from the Arsenal

2010-04-24T20:38:00.007+01:00

City and Arsenal this evening walked around a pitch for a bit doing absolutely sod all between them in a game reminiscent of a pre-season friendly. Almost certainly our most uneventful fixture of the season to date, and one that proved a right waste of a couple of hours for all who watched, i'm sure. The draw however does see us gain on Tottenham and disappointing game aside a point away at one of the Big Four should never be sniffed at.

Roberto decided to go with a midfield three as we thought he might, with Patrick Vieira replacing Emmanuel Adebayor. Pablo Zabaleta returned to the starting eleven at right-back in place of Nedum Onuoha.

Alex Song came back into the Arsenal side for academy graduate Craig Eastmond. Robin van Persie, who made an impressive comeback from injury in the second half of the defeat at White Hart Lane, started alone in attack. Mikael Silvestre kept his place in the centre of defence.

It's difficult to make such a dire serving of football sound at all interesting. At the break my notes simply read "Wayne Bridge injured, later replaced". An Arsenal team missing several of their key offensive players and whose hopes of the title had already gone really had no bite, and we sat back occasionally threatening on the break but rarely if at all actually troubling Fabianski.

It took forty minutes for the first real shot at goal - Samir Nasri hitting across Given from the left. To our credit we defended resolutely throughout the half, especially Kolo and Vince, but with the wingers stuck to their lines and nothing in terms of an attacking central midfielder Carlos Tevez ploughed a lonely furrow up front and we offered very, very little.

Even after the interval things didn't brighten up, though the introduction of Adebayor woke up the home crowd and when switched to 4-4-2 we at least began to keep the ball and pressure the opposition, but the whole affair had the feeling of a final day game in which neither side had anything at all to gain from winning.

The biggest talking point came just after the seventieth minute when a speculative shot from outside the area by midfielder Abou Diaby forced Shay Given into a relatively routine save down to his left. Sadly, the Irish centurion suffered what would appear to be a serious injury. Faroe Islands international Gunnar Nielsen came on for his debut and did okay under limited pressure, but losing Shay will come as a terrible blow.

I think we have to see this as a potentially vital point gained despite the fact that the Arsenal side we faced were down to their bare bones and generally off colour. Anything less than a draw today would have realistically meant we had to win all three of our remaining games, but it now should (though it might not pan out exactly this way) be a case of a win against Spurs and four points from the other six being enough.

The main plus point of this afternoon were the performances of the centre-halves, both of who were solid throughout. It's difficult to really point out any others, and i'm sure Arsenal fans would say similar about their side. At the start of the day i'm certain most of us would have taken Spurs losing and us not doing, plus a West Ham win means no final day six-pointer at Upton Park. Can't grumble.

Team:
Given (Nielsen '76), Zabaleta, Bridge (Richards '27), Toure, Kompany, de Jong, Vieira (Adebayor '53), Barry, A.Johnson, Tevez, Bellamy

Friday mp3: The Delfonics

2010-04-23T22:59:00.004+01:00

The Delfonics were a pioneering Philadelphia soul group, most popular in the late sixties and early seventies. Sampled by countless modern R&B artists, they earned a second wind after soundtracking Quentin Tarantino's 1997 film Jackie Brown.

The third of five records in six years, their self-titled LP was the first to both feature exclusively self-penned tracks and break the Billboard 100. Main songwriter Thom Bell would go on to produce bands such as The Stylistics.

Trying to swerve the obvious pick, this is from that eponymous LP.

Mp3 - Funny Feeling
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Three points at Arsenal?

2010-04-23T19:52:00.005+01:00

Three wins in one season over them who until very recently had excelled in being our biggest bogey side would be too much to ask for, right? Pulling one out of the bag on a weekend in which both us and our greatest rivals for that elusive fourth Champions League position are expected to be beaten, well we'd be dreaming, no? Nurse...

Other than the usual suspects - Michael Johnson, Joleon Lescott and Martin Petrov, only Sylvinho and Micah Richards are deemed doubtful. Micah was to be assessed after training today and should be involved in some capacity, Sylvinho might be lucky to make the final eighteen.

Arsenal could be missing half of their strongest eleven plus a fair few bench-warmers. Manuel Almunia has a wrist injury so Lukasz Fabianski will continue in goal. First-choice central defensive duo Bill Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen are unlikely to play again this season with calf injuries, a problem that should also keep Andrei Arshavin out despite press reports indicating otherwise midweek. Cesc Fabregas has a broken leg. Denilson, Djourou, Gibbs and Ramsey will also be absent.

In twenty-five competitive home games this season Arsenal have only failed to win four. One of those was the 2-2 draw with the best team in the world, Barcelona not Everton who also left the Emirates with a draw. Their only two defeats have come against Chelsea - where they were simply overpowered, and United - who again demonstrated that the Gooners can struggle with the counter-attack.

I think we might see a tactical change tomorrow, and a switch back to the 4-3-3/4-5-1 from 4-4-2. In both tests away against members of the Big Four under Mancini so far we've gone with a very rigid midfield three, and so Patrick Vieira or Pablo Zabaleta might come in, possibly for Adam Johnson or even Emmanuel Adebayor.

Providing Alex Song passes a fitness test he should make up a back five that otherwise picks itself. Thomas Rosicky, who's been just about the pick of a bad bunch over a few rotten weeks for Arsenal, ought to start opposite Theo Walcott, with the new Gareth Bale - Ivorian villain-cum-hero Emmanuel Eboue likely to make up a the midfield with Nasri and Diaby. Niklas Bendtner will probably continue, but the inclusion of Robin van Persie would certainly lift the home crowd, the Dutchman pushing for a starting place after impressing from the bench in the defeat at Spurs.

With Arsenal's season pretty much over it wouldn't come as a complete surprise if we got something in a game that we'd otherwise expect absolutely sod all from. Their bad form (one win in six), and a squad largely made up of players whose eyes may be on South Africa, certainly gives us a faint hope, and knowing we need at least eight points from twelve, well, stranger things have happened. Pundits and the man in the street seem to fancy us as the nap of the weekend, but this sort of blind optimism might perhaps be tempered by our record both away in this particular fixture, and overall of late. At Fulham and Burnley we had the ball against teams with other things on their mind or who were simply rubbish, respectively. Arsenal will have several points to prove.

The headlines will inevitably centre around Ade's first return to his former employers since he acted like a complete numskull not once but twice during the earliest of our two maulings of them this season. Running the length of the pitch to wind up those who used to pay his wages was tempestuous if initially funny, but kicking a former team-mate in the face was pretty unforgivable, and though i agree with 5Live pundit and former Gunner Perry Groves that the best way to deal with a big ego on an opposing team is simply not to feed it, he'll be the star attraction.

Adebayor, for my money, has had a relatively successful campaign, but we must agree that the assessment of most Arsenal fans pre-season has been proved correct. You can't argue with a goal ratio better than one-in-two, but his overall form dips greatly and there seems to be little middle ground. Since the events of the African Nations he has generally performed better, but he'll never be anything less than frustrating simply because he has everything needed to be as good a centre-forward as there is. His languid style masks the fact that he's as quick and skillful as pretty much anyone, but so long as we're winning i'm not that arsed that he's occasionally a bit of an arsehole, he's a professional footballer, for f*cks sake, i imagine it would be hard not to be having had your ego pampered to for your adult life.

From our point of view, you have to look at the central core of the Arsenal back-line as being an area we can get at. Our main front three have over fifty goals between them, their back 'three' have been at fault for several goals of late between them, or in the case of Song, won't be playing in their natural position. A failed fitness test there would come as especially welcome news, with Mikael Silvestre lumbering his way towards retirement.

Although on paper at least whatever side we put out should be stronger than them in every department, i'm still not convinced we have it in us to go there and dictate possession. Trophyless and ultimately disappointing seasons or not, they're the best there is in this league with the ball, and only an outstanding, workmanlike performance plus them having an off-day will see us come away with anything. Here's hoping it's one of those weird, largely lifeless, end of season turn-ups.

Possible teams:
Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Clichy, Campbell, Song, Diaby, Walcott, Eboue, Nasri, Bendtner, Rosicky

City: Given, Onuoha, Bridge, Toure, Kompany, de Jong, Zabaleta, Barry, Tevez, Adebayor, Bellamy

Prediction: Arsenal 2 City 2

Villa now just as big a threat as Spurs

2010-04-22T20:34:00.005+01:00

As we head into the season's final lap, wounded by a late Paul Scholes header, the mood around the club is still generally upbeat. We now must win eight or nine points from a possible twelve. How we do so isn't important, just so long as reading the final table from north to south informs you that we've somehow gazumped a Spurs side who in all honesty have been better than us since August.

Our run-in could barely be more difficult. Less than half of the division's clubs realistically still have something to play for - we face four of them. Not that we're moaning, just a bit anxious that we're past Easter with something to still play for at the right end of the big league. As the only club in the top eight with no experience of battling for Europe (via the respected means, at least!), safe to say most Blues are feeling a mixture of trepidation, downright nerves, and the general 'typical City' expectation that we might royally balls it up.

It's long been thought that the game with Spurs, which could have quite easily been rescheduled for any of several dates over April, would be the biggie - a play-off of sorts - Gray, Keys & Redknapp Jnr shouting a lot for no reason, rubbing their hairy hands and nervously adjusting their skinny ties, respectively, as the "moneymen", a term no-one connected to Sky Sports can resist when discussing Manchester City, fall flat on their faces right at the wrong time.

Thing is, as much as a defeat that particular night would put Spurs more-or-less out of reach, i think we might be taking our eye off the ball in that a very good Aston Villa side are just as capable of coming to Eastlands and spoiling the party. A single league defeat in fifteen and three years of solid away form should command a touch more respect than assumptions that they'll merely be coming to make up the numbers.

Despite every man and his dog predicting that Villa would inevitably fall away they stand three wins off the seventy point mark that would normally see a club home. Their poorer goal difference could still see them fall just short even so, but they're going about their business effectively and quietly whilst those around them get most of the plaudits and headlines. The pressure isn't on them, and they know exactly what they have to do. With that in mind, i fail to see how it's a two-horse race.

By the time we take to the field at the Emirates on Saturday evening Villa will most likely have edged us into sixth position. The third city derby may not be a formality, but you would fancy them heavily against a Birmingham side already on their jollies. That would make their trip to Manchester as huge as Spurs' visit the following Wednesday, and they have players who can hurt us just as much.

More than that, what Villa will have is a deep-rooted desire to beat us based on more than just edging us for fourth place. The most obvious score to be settled would be by Richard Dunne, a fans favourite and regular Player of the Year winner whose forced exit didn't sit well with lots of Blues. On a pure footballing basis i thought it was best for all parties at the time, but how it was done wasn't right and although Dunnaldinho's early season brilliant form may have tailed off, he's still proved a canny acquisition by Martin O'Neill.

Richard Dunne, as he'd freely admit, is City through and through, and as a leader, off the pitch at least, was never anything less than a superb role model. On it he came back from the brink to give us at least three splendid seasons, and whilst his respect for our support has never been questioned, he'll have a message to send to the suits at Eastlands, and understandably so. The best way for him to do that would be to help his side to three vital points on May Day Weekend.

Another edge to the game has come to fruition this week in press reports linking Villa's current finest - winger-cum-midfielder James Milner, with a £20m+ move here in the summer. The truth behind such tales is debatable given that we don't know who our manager will be next season and the player in question would, on current form, walk into any side in the country. It could be the press simply playing games ahead of the run-in, but each season we're linked with a raft of players shortly before details of the following year's season tickets are announced, and Milner, along with Young, di Maria, Cardozo, Torres, well, it's fair to say they're all bums-on-seats sorts.

Beyond that, though, i wonder if people behind the scenes at the club are toying with Villa - leaking stories, true or false, in order to unsettle a rival. I wouldn't put it past them, and i'm not convinced it's a coincidence that the Manchester Evening News and Guardian were first to break the 'news'. I may be wrong, and Martin O'Neill is quick to point out that there's no real evidence to back those sort of thoughts up, but we really don't need to be giving a side as good as us, in a decent vein of form, and with more experience in these sort of end-of-campaign duels, any more excuse to come to town and end our season.

Friday mp3: The Clean

2010-04-16T22:34:00.002+01:00

The Clean formed in Dunedin, New Zealand in 1978, one of a number of exciting Kiwi bands who made up the 'Dunedin Sound' around the turn of the eighties, including the previously covered Verlaines. Stephen Malkmus of Pavement cites them as a major influence and the two bands are to play together next month in London.

A sound heavily influenced by both The Ramones and sixties English bands, the Flying Nun group remain a cult favourite. Their 2002 Anthology is superb.

Mp3: Anything Could Happen
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Preview: City v United

2010-04-16T19:25:00.006+01:00

The most important Derby since Dennis Law used the back of his boot to send his beloved United down in '74, allegedly. For the first time in God knows how long we've actually got something to play for at the top of the table (or there abouts!) post-Easter. The day-trippers are preparing their butties, the Snot & Custard scarved ones are on their way to Manchester.

A number of faces return for City ahead of the most important derby in donkey's years. Pablo Zabaleta has served his two-match suspension, Wayne Bridge could make his first appearance in a month after groin surgery, Pat Vieira's rest sees him back in the squad, and Stevie Ireland has recovered from an ankle knock. Sylvinho is rated 50/50. Lescott, Petrov and Michael Johnson are unlikely to play again this season.

As for the dark side, well, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand will both be rushed back from well-documented ankle and groin injuries, respectively, as their title hopes enter the Last Chance Saloon. Ryan Giggs is thought to be unlikely to start, and Wesley Brown, Anderson and young, canny buy of the summer and twenty goal cert Micky Bowen are all absent.

Having bagged eleven goals in our last two games 'keep as is' would be the most obvious plan, but i think Berto will make changes. Ned Onuoha hasn't put a foot wrong in recent weeks, but Pablo Zabaleta is one of Mancini's most-trusted troops, and he could come back in. Also, Pat Vieira may well earn a recall to counter the possibility of a five-man United midfield. If so, Adam Johnson would be the most obvious to lose out, though he's been in scintillating form, but it's hard to second-guess the manager's team selections. Wayne Bridge should come in for Javi Garrido.

Dimitar Berbatov was in typically sulky mood at Ewood last weekend, a game in which United started well but badly faded out of. Fergie could choose to stick with him, and Derby Day can make a hero out of these unfashionable sorts, but i've a feeling Park will come in somewhere, possibly behind Rooney. John O'Shea is surely United's best bet against Bellamy, Evra and Fletcher will return, and i fancy Alligs may opt for the Ginger Prince over Michael Carrick.

It's odd going into a Derby with everything going so right for us and so wrong for them. Our eleven on paper is now at least as strong as whichever one they could muster, and there are so many people tipping us to win that the whole thing feels a little uneasy. They're shot, we're looking like Barcelona, it's all too good to be true, isn't it? A moribund humbling surely awaits, does it not? Fuck that.

You can't really look beyond their latest Madrid-bound talisman as their main danger. Almost a goal a game this season says it all, and whilst they have struggled to replace the goals of Ronaldo and Tevez no-one can doubt that Rooney will be a worthy winner of Player of the Year. From an England point of view it's been a pleasure to see him mature from young talent to a member of the truly world class elite, and i'm sure he could do it in any major league in the world, and we'll get the chance to see either way on that one.

United, though, should never, ever be written off and are often at their best when wounded. I don't really buy into the "couldn't be playing them at a better time" malarkey. They have to win, HAVE to. You could argue we do, too, but our position is slightly more comfortable for our relative target. The worry is an over-confidence on our part. I guess it's up to the manager to have the lads in the right frame of mind, to not have their eyes further than the next result.

Luis Valencia has had a splendid first season at Old Trafford, from what i've seen. I like him. He's direct, as good wingers often are, he's got pace, strength, a good footballing brain and his delivery is decent. During the League Cup win, a game in which i thought we rode our luck in, he was the main danger. We, or more Javi Garrido, struggled to cope with high crossfield passes to the right and their attacking threat came almost exclusively from the Ecuadorian. Aside from their top scorer i see him as the main danger.

No-one can really call a Derby, but if we play to our capacities i think we'll have enough. In recent years we've rarely been in the position of the result meaning more than just bragging rights, United are seasoned at winning when it matters, but their side is lacking spark and at home we shouldn't fear anybody, seven points from nine against the other members of the so-called 'Big Four' bears that out. G'wan lads!

Possible teams:
City: Given, Zabaleta, Bridge, Toure, Kompany, de Jong, Vieira, Barry, Tevez, Adebayor, Bellamy

United: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Fletcher, Valencia, Scholes, Park, Rooney, Nani

Prediction: Us 3 Them Lot 1

Santa Cruz gets an hour as reserves see off Wigan

2010-04-13T21:51:00.003+01:00

Roberto Mancini was briefly in attendance tonight as the second string beat near-neighbours Wigan by two goals in their penultimate league game of the season. A goal each from David Ball and Alex Nimely, both included in senior match squads in recent months, settled the game. City move above Liverpool into second.

The young Blues started the game extremely brightly and could have taken the lead within a minute, Alex Nimely threading through for Santa Cruz whose fierce strike was well pushed away by Nicholls. Nimely then sliced a chance from the resulting corner, and Scott Kay drove through the Wigan midfield, almost getting on the end of a great reverse ball from the big Paraguayan.

Robbie Mak, playing on the left, cut in and forced another good stop from Nicholls, and repeated the feat moments afterwards after a driving run down the flank from left-back Gregg Cunningham, this time scuffing his shot well wide after beating his man easily. Debutant 'keeper Loris Karius didn't have too much to do, easily saving a hopeful long drive from McManaman.

The deadlock was broken just after the quarter-hour. Tripper powered forward down the right and had looked to be taken out. The official played on and David Ball's speculative effort appeared to have nestled in the side netting. To the surprise of most of those in attendance the restart was signalled, and it has since emerged that the strike may have taken a deflection off a Wigan centre-half.

City certainly took their time getting going in the second half, and though the opposition's chances were extremely limited they at least began to keep possession and make it a bit of a contest. Kupisz and McManaman both called Karius into action with shots from outside the area, low saves on both counts, but the first twenty after the break were quite lifeless all round.

Santa Cruz was replaced on the hour having been in and out of a game without every really showing his class or experience. Some nice touches early on promised a productive evening, but he faded badly, possibly after a knock around the tenth minute, only showing occasional good link-ups with David Ball after the interval. Main thing is he's got a bit of gametime under his belt as the seniors season reaches the business end.

With Roque off, the side settled into their natural rhythm, and Alex Nimely ought to have extended our lead in the 65th minute, racing on to a high ball but his low shot just falling wide of Nicholls' left-hand post. At the other end McManaman again tested Karius from distance, and Serrano's left-footed free-kick dipped agonisingly wide of the upright.

Andrew Tutte's introduction saw Abdi Ibrahim push further forwards, and he began to make his mark on the game, getting into two or three good positions only for his finishing to let him down. A deep cross from the left found him at the back post but he scuffed his attempt at goal straight into Nicholls' arms.

As we approached the last five minutes Alex Nimely coolly controlled with one foot and smashed at Nicholls with the other from the edge of the box, heading comfortably for the top corner but for the save of the game. The same player put the game beyond doubt late on, going in bravely with the 'keeper after a ball over the top to prod home.

Team:
Karius, Trippier (Veseli '23), Cunningham, Boyata, Warbara, Kay, Ball, Ibrahim (Chantler '85), Santa Cruz (Tutte '63), Nimely, Mak

Brum brushed aside by clinical Blues

2010-04-11T20:02:00.004+01:00

A potentially tricky fixture against a resolute Birmingham side this afternoon resulted in an emphatic 5-1 home win as City made it eleven goals in two games to cement their place as favourites for the all important fourth Champions League place. Strikers Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor each grabbed a brace. Forty-one for the season now for the £50m pairing. Nedum Onuoha was also on the scoresheet.

The only surprise in the City line-up was the inclusion of midfield workhorse Nigel de Jong. Having amassed nine yellow cards so far this season it was expected he would be rested, but an injury to Pat Vieira in the warm-up forced Mancini's hand. Javier Garrido replaced Sylvinho at left-back, the veteran Brazilian injuring a calf at Burnley last week.

Alex McLeish made just the one change from the side which earned a point against Liverpool - Joe Hart unable to play due to the terms of his loan agreement. Former Fulham and Northern Ireland stopper Maik Taylor replaced him. Otherwise it was the back four that's served them so well this year; Carr, Ridgewell, Dann & Johnson. James McFadden played off top scorer Jerome, with Fahey and Gardner wide in midfield.

There was never really a point during proceedings that Birmingham looked threatening, though Cameron Jerome taking advantage of some Kolo Toure dithering early on should have resulted in the first chance. Nige de Jong typically smashed a shot miles wide as we began to put our foot down, but it was pretty tentative - Tevez and Bellamy both unable to find their range after good moves involving Emmanuel Adebayor.

It was Adebayor who had the better of opening chances, Johnson's cross found Tevez whose lay-off to de Jong was headed on by Barry, Ade pulling wide but not hitting the target. A Garrido shot was then pulled down brilliantly by the big Togolese forward but Johnson timed his saving challenge well.

The deadlock was broken from the penalty spot, Tevez keeping up his 100% record. The decision had gone our way after Johnson cut in past two men on the right flank and found Ade who tried to wriggle between the centre-halves to get his shot away and was nudged by Dann. It was a naive challenge but i'm not completely convinced it warranted a penalty, but Carlito sent Taylor the wrong way and that was that.

Two minutes later we extended our lead. Another goal from a corner, something we seem surprisingly adept at of late, Johnson from the left, Onuoha's diving header, Tevez getting the touch virtually on the line. All dead and buried it seemed, but not so. Toure gave McFadden too much space down our right and his dinked cross was easily headed home by Jerome.

To round off a madcap few minutes we put the game to bed before the interval. Less than a minute had elapsed before Gareth Barry picked up possession on the halfway line and looped a staggering pass over the Brum full-back to Bellamy. The striker-cum-winger only had to cut in and square to Adebayor who tapped into the half-vacant goal.

The second half continued as the first had ended, with us threatening and Birmingham looking constantly vulnerable. Barry's quick free-kick was volleyed just wide by Ade, and Onuoha almost grabbed a fourth, Bowyer doing his best to prevent him from dispatching the header from close range. Johnson broke from the left-back position and the splitting runs of Adebayor and Barry left us two-on-one, opting for the latter Barry failed to control.

After that there was a short lull as Birmingham pressured. We began to look rushed in possession and were pressed deep inside our own half. Keith Fahey should have pulled one back, shutting his eyes with the goal at his mercy after Given had flapped at a deep Gardner cross. On two or three occasions we allowed them far too much space down our left but luckily they couldn't make anything of it.

On the hour Tevez wriggled through and only had one defender in between him and yet another treble. Manu screamed for the ball to be played inside but Carlos went on his own, eventually stumbling into Johnson's challenge. Lee Bowyer, who had an awful afternoon, then gifted us a free-kick around five yards outside of their box, Tevez curling towards Taylor's top corner but the German-born goalie saving well.

Chances continued to come - Barry sprayed another ball over the opposition defence, Bellamy back-heeling into Johnson's path and the signing from Boro seeing his rising shot just go the wrong side of the bar. Ade again found himself through, squaring for his strike partner but El Apache having another attempt blocked.

Stand-in right-back Onuoha put any lingering hopes of a Brum rally to bed with fifteen left on the clock. The defender roamed into midfield and tried to find Adebayor. A fortunate bounce saw the ball return to him and he drove right through the centre of their defence coolly finishing with his unfavoured left peg for what he must have then thought was his second of the afternoon.

Shaun Wright-Phillips, Gregg Cunningham and Roque Santa Cruz were all introduced late on, none surprisingly for de Jong who managed to evade the tenth booking that would have meant he missed two games. As time wore down Ade turned the final defender, a trick he's demonstrated a few times of late, clear through on goal he took a touch and finished confidently. A Seb Larsson smash sailing just high of Given's goal late on being the only remaining scare.

As with the result at a drenched Turf Moor last week, today was a splendid demonstration of us at our scintillating best. Birmingham are no mugs, they're rarely beaten handsomely, but we dismantled them in third gear and there was very little fault to find at all. Ade led the line well and when he plays as he's starting to he looks every inch the £25m forward. The other attacking players continue to dazzle, too.

The goal conceded and the occasional lapses in concentration from Javi Garrido aside there wasn't too much to moan about at the other end either, though McLeish's men were short of ideas. Onuoha may have been given the Man of the Match award, but i personally thought Gareth Barry shone brightest. His tireless performance reminded us of the box-to-box, game-changing midfielder of his Villa days, and he appears to be shaking off his patchy form at just the right time.

Today was a game we had to win, and we did it quite easily. The mood seems positive at the moment, and results elsewhere, either in terms of Liverpool dropping more points or Spurs' getting a confidence knock ahead of three tough games, exiting the FA Cup at Wembley, went our way. Next up is a Derby which will be huge for both sides. Play like today and we should have enough to get the job done.

Team:
Given, Onuoha, Garrido, Toure, Kompany, de Jong, A.Johnson (Cunningham '89), Barry, Tevez (Santa Cruz '87), Adebayor, Bellamy (Wright-Phillips '81)

Slick academy lads make easy work of Bolton

2010-04-11T18:45:00.004+01:00

City's under-18s rode to a routine 3-0 victory over near-neighbours Bolton at Platt Lane yesterday. Norwegian youth international Omar Elabdellaoui grabbed two goals, midfield maestro Ahmad Benali notching the other and putting in a terrific Man of the Match display.

It was Benali who opened the scoring in the seventh minute somewhat against the run of play, rounding off a lovely move involving left-back Tom Smith and big striker Emerick Hippias. Smith burst forward and exchanged passes with 'Eric', crossing low for Ahmad to knock in with relative ease.

The lead was extended just after the half-hour, and again the goal involved some lovely touch passing. Centre-half Fredi Vaseli, who skippered Switzerland to under-17 European Championships glory earlier this season broke out of defence and another move involving Hippias and Benali was stuck away by Elabdellaoui.

Before half-time they should have had a third. Elabdellaoui was put through moments after the second goal but shot straight at the Bolton 'keeper. Hippias later turned his marker but saw his effort go wide. A bright opening five minutes aside it was a relatively routine first half's work.

Bolton did at least come into the game for a short period after the break. Their number eight lashed a shot at Wood's goal, the Welshman getting fingertips to it to stop fantastically. On the hour they should have had a penalty, Wood clearly taking out the onrushing forward but the ref being unmoved.

Sub Harry Bunn almost made it three, a roaming run infield by left-back Tom Smith seeing the ball fall to him but he couldn't finish. A cross from the right then made its way to Fredi Vaseli but his powerful volley was well saved. With only a couple of minutes left we did grab the deserved third, breaking from a Bolton free-kick and Smith forging forward once more, picking out Bunn who crossed for Elabdellaoui to grab his second and seal a comfortable victory.

All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable game. Bolton's occasional threats were well dealt with and like the first team the lads always looked at their most dangerous on the counter-attack. Most impressive, however, was Benali. He looks like a terrific prospect and turns possession well. From the centre of the park he ran the show and has a real eye for a pass.

It would be unfair to single too many out as it was a great team performance, and to a man they all played very well, but the left-back Smith was also outstanding - comfortable defending but always wanting to push on. Hippias, too, demonstrated a nice touch and strong work ethic and caused the opposition defence terrible trouble.

Team:
Wood, Mitchell, Smith, Vaseli, Wabara, Kapsalopodas (Grandison), Paris (Bunn), Benali, Elabdellaoui, Hippias, Olle (Robinson)

Friday mp3: Bloc Party

2010-04-09T23:26:00.004+01:00

When Bloc Party released their first couple of singles in 2004 they seemed like a genuinely exciting band. Sadly they never really pushed on and the lead vocalist was soon discovered to be a proper moany bastard and they quickly descended into unremarkable 'middle of the road' bores.

Their best work to date, a saving grace amongst albums of filler spoiled by the odd decent single, has been the surprisingly good remixes of two of their three records. This is from Silent Alarm Remixed.

Mp3: Banquet [Phones Disco Edit]
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Ireland must be ready to make an impact as climax draws near

2010-04-06T23:22:00.002+01:00

Over a dozen goals and God knows how many assists last season earned a certain young midfielder plaudits from fans of clubs across the country. This year hasn't quite gone to plan for him and for whatever reason the sparkle has gone from the eye of the boy who carried the hopes of an entire club and its support almost exclusively on his shoulders.

I still believe that Ireland is the most natural talent to emerge from our academy since its formation, and possesses a footballing brain as sharp as that of any other professional on the books. If rumours that he'll be looking to move on in the summer are true then it would be a sad, sad day for the club. I can't imagine a single Blue would like to see him plying his trade elsewhere, but there doesn't appear to have been much of a knuckling down, and when given games (twenty-nine so far) he's rarely, if at all, performed to the levels of last season.

The main obstacle in his progress this year is widely accepted as having been the arrival of Carlos Tevez. Whilst there are vast differences in many aspects of the two player's games, both are undeniably at their best playing in between the midfield and attack, and both excel as the main ball player. Fitting the two into the same side isn't really the problem, getting the most from both in their strongest roles, however, is.

Another blow to Stevie would have certainly been the injuries, poor form and eventual departure of his partner in crime last season, occasional world-beater Robinho. The two forged an immediate understanding, and were both at their devastating best when working in tandem. Just a few short months back it would have been impossible to imagine our first team without both.

Other issues for the Eire absentee have included a string of niggling injuries. Since the end of last season he's suffered with knee, ankle, hamstring and more recently shin problems. The knee has been troublesome for some time and is often heavily bandaged. Knocks to the knee and hamstring were picked up or at least aggravated in the victories over Arsenal and Wolves, respectively, and the shin during the recent home defeat by Everton.

Those rivalling him for a regular starting place in the centre have also had up-and-down seasons. Nigel de Jong tends to shine when called upon for the big occasion or against sides who line-up in a system which enables him to cling to an advanced midfielder, especially at home. Against sides who bypass the central midfield with long passes, either centrally or diagonally, he can begin to have less effect, and whilst i'm a fan of the player i see him more as an asset that can be employed when games suit than a must against all opposition.

Gareth Barry's form declined steadily over the middle months of the season. Initially looking like a deep role alongside de Jong might see him excel, he's gone on to do only an occasionally steady job in neither a holding nor box-to-box role. For City he often looks to lack both the mobility and physical presence to carry out the former of those two jobs well, though for England he's proved a vital cog in the role under Fabio Capello.

In theory the return to 4-4-2 may hinder a player such as Ireland even further, with the discipline needed to hold together the midfield as one of a two another excuse used for his dip in form earlier in the season. A side does need balance, and very few nowadays, Spurs being a notable example, succeed in playing an offensive midfielder centrally as well as widemen and more than the now customary lone forward.

Pat Vieira's initial performances in a blue shirt have also met mixed reviews, but in Ireland's absence he's certainly the closest thing we've got to a box-to-box midfielder, and though he at times appears leggy and off the pace, and he's struggled to find his passing range, you can see what he's trying to do, and i don't think it's any coincidence that our two better performances of late - Burnley and Fulham, have involved him taking a driving role.

The fact that we're beginning to rely on a battle-weary veteran such as Vieira perhaps makes the decreased gametime for Ireland even more galling. Criticism of the manager for using him sparingly, however, isn't really fair. It's up to the player to force his way into his plans and he's so far shown few signs, a couple of great assists aside, that he's up for that battle.

Should Mancini remain at the helm beyond this season, as is looking more and more likely, then midfield reinforcements will almost certainly be his first concern of the summer. In effect, Ireland has half-a-dozen games to prove to the Italian that he can play a vital part long-term. Yes, he's young, and the niggling injuries, squad rotation and change in systems are all valid points, but in proving himself as a player capable of making a significant impact in the Premier League he's been rewarded in terms of a vastly-improved contract, and as such i think we should rightly expect a bit more magic from the boy many still consider to be as good as we've got.

Preview: Burnley v City

2010-04-02T20:51:00.007+01:00

On a weekend in which the contenders for the final Champions League place all travel away from home, the short trip to neighbouring Burnley becomes the latest 'must win' game for the Blues. A happy hunting ground for us in the recent past, we can't afford any slip-ups as the season reaches its climax.

Pablo Zabaleta serves the first of a two-game suspension for earning his tenth booking of the campaign midweek. Micah Richards should take his place at full-back. Gareth Barry is also likely to return, most probably for Patrick Vieira whose performance last time out left a lot to be desired, though Mancini's appeal to the Frenchman this week coupled with Nige saling dangerously close to a suspension may mean he keeps his place.

Craig Bellamy ought to win his spot back, too, Shaun Wright-Phillips most likely to make way, though Mancini could well surprise. Joleon Lescott, Wayne Bridge, Stevie Ireland, Martin Petrov and Michael Johnson are all still missing.

Burnley's Chris McCann will miss around two months after surgery on a troubled knee. Richard Eckersley has an ankle injury, earned during a loan spell at Plymouth, and former Blue Stephen Jordan requires a late fitness test on a knock which saw him replaced by Daniel Fox in the derby defeat to Blackburn last weekend.

Even the most regular Burnley fan doesn't seem to have the slightest clue which side Laws will put out as he continues to struggle to make any positive impression at Turf Moor at all. Club captain Steve Caldwell returns from a groin injury but may have to make do with a place on the bench. Clark Carlisle's choice words for sections of his own support might make Laws' decision a bit easier, with Mike Duff, Andre Bikey and Leon Cort all pushing to replace the hapless brainbox.

The Clarets sole victory since they earned their only away point of the season at Eastlands in November saw them beat fellow relegation candidates West Ham. The short-lived days of Turf Moor looking like an intimidating place where the 'bigger' boys struggle appear well and truly over, and Pompey, Wolves and Blackburn all managing to take three points there over recent weeks should mean we fancy our chances.

Bottom three and heading for the drop or not, however, Burnley are reaching the stage of having to get points on the board. Our performances of late have been uninspiring if relatively fruitful. The 3-0 scoreline against another Lancashire rival, Wigan Athletic last week, flattered us greatly, and any repeat of that, where we were continuously flustered and struggled to retain possession could result in an unnecessarily uncomfortable evening.

Possible teams:
Burnley: Jensen, Mears, Jordan, Cort, Duff, Alexander, McDonald, Elliott, Nugent, Fletcher, Paterson

City: Given, Richards, Garrido, Toure, Kompany, de Jong, A.Johnson, Barry, Tevez, Adebayor, Bellamy

Prediction: Burnley 1 City 2

Carlos treble flatters borish Blues

2010-03-29T22:46:00.004+01:00

A soggy Eastlands tonight played host to an even damper display by City, who somehow came away having beaten a brave Wigan side by three goals. A twelve minute Carlos Tevez hat-trick sees us back up to fifth, and whilst job well done we again did the business at home without playing at all like a team worthy of Champions League football.

Roberto decided to risk wholesale changes to the side which lost against Everton last week. Craig Bellamy, Gareth Barry and Micah Richards were all relegated to the bench, and Stevie Ireland's shin injury meant he didn't make the squad. Javi Garrido came in, with Pablo Zabaleta moving back to the right. Pat Vieira partnered Nigel de Jong in a central two, with Adam Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips wide and Emmanuel Adebayor returning after his four-match ban.

Wigan lined up in a 4-5-1 as expected, with top scorer Hugo Rodallega left and promising youngster James McCarthy right of lone striker Marcelo Moreno. Diame, Thomas and Scharner formed a physical central three, with Serbian 'keeper Vladimir Stojkovic replacing Chris Kirkland in the only change from their recent 1-0 victory over Burnley.

The first half never really got going and in the end we were treated to more of the same old drab fayre we're slowing beginning to get used to at Eastlands as the flowing football that not so long back was earning us plaudits seems a dim and distant memory. The first half-chance came on ten minutes, Johnson finding Tevez down the left and his cross picking out Ade in the area but Bramble doing well to block. Tevez then forced a great stop from the stand-in goalkeeper, on the end of a great one-two with SWP. It never really got much better.

Though Wigan didn't have a clear-cut chance themselves they were certainly more confident in possession, Rodallega working the left channel well and Moreno proving an effective target in attack. Our defending was rushed and nervy, and as was our undoing against Everton, not to mention several other games this season, we were constantly lethargic picking people up from set-pieces. A last-ditch tackle from SWP prevented Rodallega making more of his unchallenged run in from wide, Given eventually tipping wide.

On the half-hour Vincent Kompany elbowed Rodallega in the jaw and was lucky to escape punishment. Moreno's free-kick was straight at the wall but Scharner's half-volley from the edge of the area forced a great stop from Shay. As the half ground to a halt and most struggled to stay awake, the home fans frustrations became more obvious as Patrick Vieira began to look every bit his fifty-three years, pass after pass woefully adrift of blue shirts.

Mancini bowed to public pressure and introduced Bellamy at the break, Sean Wright-Phillips making way after becoming less effective once moved to the left. Early on we looked bright, and the passing more crisp, occasionally even accurate. Vieira found Johnson who spotted the run of Tevez infield, the Argentinian unleashing a shot that rebounded off Stojkovic for Adebayor to prod home, but he was a yard off and it was correctly ruled out.

In the fiftieth minute Johnson went on a mesmerising run, his twinkle toes somehow preventing the ball going out for a throw and him then making the beating of four men look like playground stuff. Caldwell could have been penalised for handballing inside the area, one of around a dozen penalty shouts we had, almost all fanciful, and at the other end Rodallega's pace almost caught us out.

The game changed ten minutes into the second half, Caldwell's horrid start to his Wigan career continued as he was given his marching orders for a foul on Tevez. It was clearly mistimed, high and dangerous but probably not deserving off a sending-off, and though it certainly worked in our favour it summed up the official's evening quite well, as he was repeatedly off with decisions.

Still, down to ten men Wigan soldiered on, and could have taken the lead on the hour, Moreno exquisitely controlling a long ball from Scharner with one foot, splitting our centre-halves, and crashing a left-pegged volley just wide of Given's goal. The big Bolivian worked his socks off all night, and if Wigan can keep him, Rodallega and N'Zogbia fit i don't envisage they'll be lured into the battle just below them.

Both our full-backs were booked before the opening goal, and both were correct decisions. Garrido scythed down Rodallega on the halfway line, then Zabaleta blocked his man after being beaten for pace and will now serve a two-game ban having accumulated ten yellows.

The breakthrough came eighteen minutes from time, a move leading to a hopeful Vieira prod through, the hapless Serbian sticksman unwilling to put his body on the line due to a high Adebayor foot, and Tevez notching his nineteenth in as many games. It should have been two within a minute, Carlos lobbing over the Wigan defence to Adebayor, but he dwelled on it and Scharner made a good late block.

Before long it was two-nil, Tevez again. A corner was laid back to Garrido, the stand-in full-back sailed a cross in low, Vincent Kompany backheeled across goal and Tevez finished with ease at the far post. Not a lot else of note happened before Carlito had bagged his second treble in City colours, some great closing down from Johnson, a ball down the right channel to El Apache who took Scharner one way and the other before effortlessly beating Stojkovic at his far post.

Someone who didn't watch this evening's performance could be given the impression it was relatively comfortable. Not so. For the most part we were bloody awful. Three points and a clean sheet can't be sniffed at, but there was very little endearing about another soulless home display. The main point of concern was again the central midfield, which just doesn't seem to be working whichever formation or personnel the manager tries. For most of the game there was a forty yard gap between the midfield and attack, meaning our threat off second balls was virtually nil.

More than that, the general standard of passing was well below par, the bar set alarmingly low by Vieira. He did improve, and played a part later on, but at times it was as if he was blindfolded, and whilst you can understand a player losing pace with age he should still be able to spot a pass and even occasionally execute it. There's an obvious lack of creativity through the centre, something we often get away with due to moments of magic by Tevez or Bellamy. The former salvaged us tonight, but in possession we're a mile of a Spurs side that are so much easier on the eye.

Bottom line is a win's a win, and we'll take them every week until the end of the season irrespective of performance. The lack of confidence in the side is quite discouraging, though, and for all the money spent we don't look like a team, a side, a set of players pulling in one direction. The season as a whole has been peculiar, on the verge of our best finish in years it really feels like a bit of a damp squib. Let's not procrastinate for too long, however, we needed to win and we did. Well done, just.

Team:
Given, Zabaleta, Garrido (Sylvinho '88), Toure, Kompany, de Jong, Wright-Phillips (Bellamy '46), Vieira, Tevez (Onuoha '88), Adebayor, A.Johnson

City on Woman's Hour

2010-03-28T21:13:00.003+01:00

City were the subject of a feature on Radio 4's Woman's Hour this past Friday. The piece tells of the club's formation as St Mark's (West Gorton) by Anna Connell. Borne out of the need to both curb anti-social activity in East Manchester at the time, and enable players of a recently-formed cricket team to keep up their fitness, we're now thought of as being the only professional football club in the world founded by a female, something i was unaware of despite being familiar with the story.

Within two decades we had undergone two changes of name, first to Ardwick before becoming Manchester City in 1894, and had won the Second Division title, achieving our first major honour within a quarter of a century with a side that featured the prolific Billy Meredith.

Anyhow, if you didn't catch it at the time there's a link below. Excuse the clueless few outside the ground who the media often do such a great job in picking out. Best to forward to around 18:12 if you want to avoid listening to a studio of old ladies talking about biscuits.

Woman's Hour, 26/03/10

Preview: City v Wigan

2010-03-28T17:54:00.007+01:00

A fixture that would have been widely considered our most straight-forward of the season's remainder has now taken on extra significance in light of the recent reverse at the hands of David Moyes' Everton. The knives are out for Mancini again, and a general losing of cool as well as our undefeated home record means we approach the game not certain of three points as we might previously have.

Emmanuel Adebayor has now completed the four-match ban for his red card at Stoke. Stevie Ireland hurt a shin during that painful defeat and will have a fitness test. Other than that the bodies missing are the same as expected - Joleon Lescott (hamstring), Wayne Bridge (groin), Martin Petrov and Michael Johnson (both knee).

Wigan are likely to be without influential midfielder Charles N'Zogbia who has injured a hip. The former Newcastle man bagged the opener during the reverse fixture in October and has excelled in a right-sided role this season. Emmerson Boyce and Paul Scharner have groin and thigh problems respectively, but are both expected to make the Latics final eighteen.

The visitors have won only two away games in all competitions since a splendid opening day victory at Villa Park. Last time out saw them making the short drive back from Bolton having been on the end of a Lancashire Derby mauling. They do have a relatively good record against us, however, earning a couple of wins at Eastlands over recent years, and although those were against a very different City side, they generally prove stubborn opponents.

Now that Eastlands has been breached it will be interesting to see if the Blues can do what good sides tend to and put a poor result behind them and get back to business. I thought we lost the physical battle in midfield on Wednesday, and if Wigan line up with a central three as expected then we mightn't have it all our own way.

Though his form has been patchy this season i'm sure Mancini will opt to recall Manu. Seven points from twelve without him hasn't been a bad return, but on Wednesday especially we struggled to keep the ball upfield, and despite our better football of the season coming in his absence there's only so much work Carlos Tevez can do.

I thought Pablo did okay at left-back against Everton, and he should continue there. Hopefully we'll see a more mature performance from the centre-halves, too. Both were disappointing, and as has been covered several times both here and elsewhere, that came as a bit of a shock to the system after the progress Vince and Joleon had been making over previous weeks.

If Martinez does attempt a containment job on our midfield then impressive youngster James McCarthy and Rodallega could play wide of a lone targetman, ether new arrival Marcelo Moreno or Jason Scotland. Either still to open their Premier League accounts has the nerves atwitching. Livewire winger Victor Moses, allegedly a target for us before making a £2.5m move to the JJB, may also figure from the bench.

Given Spurs winning yet again, and Liverpool overtaking us, this is absolutely must-win, and i think we'll get a real clue about our credentials for a top four place. Several times this season the lads have proven us wrong when approaching potential 'typical City' trip-ups, and though this isn't the most exciting of fixtures we must make sure that we turn up, cut out the wobbles, and get the job done. A fixture that tends to be settled by a single goal, a repeat of last season's scrappy 1-0 will be fine.

Possible teams:
City: Given, Richards, Zabaleta, Toure, Kompany, de Jong, A.Johnson, Barry, Tevez, Adebayor, Bellamy

Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Figueroa, Bramble, Caldwell, Scharner, Diame, Thomas, McCarthy, Moreno, Rodallega

Prediction: City 1 Wigan 0

Friday mp3: Asobi Seksu

2010-03-26T23:51:00.003Z

Asobi Seksu are an American/Japanese MBV-schooled shoegaze band based in New York and consisting of Yuki Chikudate, James Hanna, as well as tour and session bassists and drummers. Describing them as a mix of Slowdive and Lush mightn't be completely accurate, but it's the best i've got.

The band's third LP, 2006's Citrus, is certainly the best starting point. This is a track from that splendid record.

MP3: Lions and Tigers
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Fourth or not, calm and humility needed

2010-03-26T19:38:00.006Z

So, eight games left, five of which are at the only-recently penetrated fortress that is Eastlands. The club in the best financial position it, or any other has ever been, a tried and tested foreign manager, a squad assembled at eyebrow-raising cost, a season which has seen us make an impression at least on those we hope to ultimately catch. You'd think we'd be dancing jigs, wouldn't you? You'd be wrong.

Perhaps it's natural that as the stakes get higher the tension increases, but i get the impression that a good number of Blues are enjoying following the side less than ever. A support well-known and generally respected for it's ability to not take itself so seriously now seems fractured, short-tempered and in lots of cases a bit too keen to play the kid hard done by, perhaps as much a complaint about top-level football nowadays as anything.

Attitudes from the outside changed pretty much overnight as the takeover came to fruition, i think that's quite natural. How we're thought of outside of the club and its support is certainly a bone for contention. As a football fan in general as well as a Blue a certain part of me is against money dominating the game, but you sweep those calls of conscience under the carpet in the hope of seeing the club you love and live through better itself.

My concern is that we're beginning to live up to the image that a proportion of others have of us, that we're demanding of success despite not having had sniff of it in almost two generations, gradual improvement not good enough, glory wanted overnight, and the financial position we now find ourselves in cause enough for a swagger that we really haven't in any way earned.

Not that our olde place as a favourite of the neutral wasn't borne out of a certain deal of sympathy. A formerly great club stifled by a stubborn chairman and dwarfed by the rise and rise of its nearest neighbours, we had little choice but to have a sense of humour, we didn't have a leg to stand on. Without wanting to come across all Schindler, i do feel that's ebbing away, but then again, in the modern game maybe that's to be expected, i'm sure there are those over the city who would agree.

As we approach the business end of what should prove our best season in donkeys years you'd think that there might be a celebratory mood around the club, a sense of relief that for the third consecutive year we've made obvious progress, and a general air of excitement at the possibility we could achieve Champions League football. Thing is, i don't feel it, more so an anticipation that we're bound to fail.

The midweek loss against Everton was our first defeat at home in any competition in almost a year. A year. Twelve months. Afterwards the 'typical City' tosh was trotted out as usual, despite the fact that the position we now find ourselves in is completely new to us. All our rivals, let's not forget, have suffered late season heartbreak and wobbles when competing towards the top of the table. We haven't, blips will occur, we'll be stronger for them, and lessons will be learned, it's a natural case of a club growing.

In the day of instant opinions it seems that any football club is one disappointing result away from its latest crisis, or an unexpected three points off temporarily being the best thing since sliced bread. A handsome victory at Stamford Bridge and we're "certs for fourth", Mancini a genius, three dropped and he's suddenly under pressure, criticised for making changes, mocked for losing his cool.

I'm always slightly uneasy when people hark back to our darkest times as reason for us to not be disappointed with occasional lapses in either form or performances at present, but ten, five, even three years ago we could have only dreamt about being in the position we find ourselves now - on the verge of a place in the elite club competition in the world, and with it all in our own hands. Though only mismanagement had us there in the first place our ascent up the top three divisions of league football in just over a decade means we should be especially proud of where we now find ourselves.

Our remaining eight games will quite rightly be billed as cup finals, so in that sense perhaps the pulling out of hair is understandable. You could argue that the next few weeks are the most important in our history, but that's not to mean that falling just short would be reason for ripping everything up and starting again, or that any result which goes against us on the way is a crisis, or decision a conspiracy.

I can only speak for myself, but though nervous to the extent of occasionally feeling physically sick as we approach such a vital run of games, can we not just sit back and enjoy the bloody ride, keep our sense of humour, win and lose with dignity, accept that we're moving forwards, not get on our high horse because we've got so much to lose, and should it come off or not then graciously take the plaudits or accept defeat, win friends on the way up and all that?

I sincerely hope we can.

Lescott sorely missed as workmanlike Everton sneak all three points

2010-03-24T21:45:00.005Z

A plucky Everton side tonight ended our unbeaten home record as a jaded City struggled to penetrate a well-organised defence. Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta grabbed the goals on a frustrating evening, the result leaving the race for fourth place well and truly in the balance.

Berto decided to bring Stevie Ireland back into the side after a period of bench-warming. Roque Santa Cruz made way as we reverted back to our favoured 4-5-1. Pablo Zabaleta filled in at left-back in the absence of Wayne Bridge, with Micah Richards returning on the opposite flank. Kolo Toure continued to deputise for Joleon Lescott. Nige de Jong replaced Patrick Vieira.

Everton started with Johnny Heitinga in a central midfield role, Phil Jagielka partnering former Blue Sylvain Distin in defence. Tim Cahill started off lone striker Louis Saha, with Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Yakubu having to make do with places on the bench.

The visitors pressed early, keeping the ball well for the opening ten as we tried putting our stamp on the game with several crunching tackles. The first incident of note was a booking for leading goalscorer Carlos Tevez. After forcing Jagielka into an error down our left flank, Phil Neville's saving clearance led to a 50/50 between Tevez and the former Sheffield United man, Carlos opting for a bit of an odd challenge with his head that was never either dangerous or unfair.

Neither side really created much in terms of clear-cut chances. Leighton Baines was having his fair share of luck down his wing, but it was Micah Richards who forced the first stop, Howard getting his fingertips to a header that seemed destined to test the woodwork. Tevez then had a good shout for a penalty, latching onto Ireland's hook over the defence he was clearly brought down by Howard, but Peter Walton, he who had such a poor game during the visit of tonight's city rivals last month, wasn't interested.

The incident came during a spell of around twenty-five minutes solid possession - Tevez almost beat Howard to a Johnson cross, Bellamy tested the American after a good move down the right involving Richards, Johnson and Ireland, then Carlos wanted one too many touches on a scrappy run through two or three defenders inside the area.

Completely against the run of play Everton hit us with a sucker punch. Whilst the tackle judged to be a foul by Walton was very soft, Barry adjudged to have brought down Cahill, there were a couple of bites on the way, so i'm not sure we can have any real complaints on that one, though the ref was awful overall. The ball was rolled back to Baines, completely unmarked to the left of the penalty box, and his cross found the head of Cahill, who has a habit of bagging goals against us.

Stevie Ireland was replaced five minutes short of the break, forced to hobble off just as he'd began to have some impact on proceedings. Shaun Wright-Phillips initially replaced him like-for-like, though he did move to his natural right side later on. Everton might have added to their lead after some sloppy defending gifted them a free-kick just outside our box. Pienaar was booked for a late challenge, Arteta somehow wasn't, yet Given was for protesting, summing up the official's kamikaze evening.

If anything it was the visitors who started the second period the brighter. A lethargic Vincent Kompany pass out of defence fell to Osman whose shot took a slight deflection and curled wide of Given's upright. Cahill then almost scored a goal worthy of sealing any game, chipping just left of the post. For a while Everton looked dominant, Johnny Heitinga proving especially effective turning defence into attack.

Just shy of the hour Mancini tried changing things again, taking off Adam Johnson and replacing him with Roque Santa Cruz in a switch to 4-4-2. It appeared to do us good as we again went on a twenty-plus minutes surge, wave after wave at the Toffees goal but with Tevez well taken care of by a surprisingly unrusty Jagielka we could turn little of our good possession into chances. For a while even Kolo Toure did his bit - galloping runs from one end of the field to the other, but we struggled to breach a solid Everton backline.

As much as you might argue that we had much more of the ball, the simple facts are that we did nothing with it in or around the area for the entire game. We were restricted to half-chances, and it's rare, if at all, that that's happened on our own patch this season. Santa Cruz blazed over, but we were never going to score, and with Everton by this point playing what in effect was a 4-6 formation, there was always a chance their extra midfield bodies would count as we wore ourselves out.

With five minutes left on the clock Mikel Arteta settled the game. Osman picked the ball up to the right on the halfway line and prodded forward to sub Rodwell. He went round Kompany with relative ease and pulled back for the Spaniard to strike home low right-footed past Shay. Moyes and Mancini were both ordered to leave the field later on, both probably unfairly, especially Moyes whose crime seemed solely being pushed by his opposite number.

I think we have to give Everton some credit. We were below par, but they made us look so. Our tempo is set, week after week, by two players, and as touched on before, the most dangerous of those, Tevez, was outdone by Jagielka. Bellamy had his fair share of possession but didn't look as lively as usual, and both of those things meant we were very blunt going forwards. We've seen Moyes send his teams here hoping to get lucky off a set-piece many times, and they were again, but you have to ask why no-one chose to pick Baines up knowing he can deliver pinpoint balls in like he did.

At the opposite end we again suffered from Toure Syndrome. His efforts going forwards can't be ignored, but the sheer presence of the Ivorian in the defence has us looking more like the Keystone Cops of the last days of Hughes than the disciplined pack that's matured under Roberto. The distribution of both centre-halves tonight was as big a negative as anything. Whenever we cut out an Everton attack the ball inevitably made its way back to a player in a dark blue shirt. With Joleon alongside Vince we'd drastically improved on that front.

Things, as they stand, are still in our hands, and hopefully tonight can prove a wake-up call. We're not as good at home as our record suggests, but neither are Everton anything less than a true challenger for fourth place only put back by serious injuries. Walton was poor, sure, but so were we. Everton didn't play particularly well, but they came with a game plan and stuck to it, we again assumed we'd wing it and were caught out. Fair cop.

Team:
Given, Richards (Vieira '75), Zabaleta, Toure, Kompany, de Jong, Ireland (Wright-Phillips '41), Barry, A.Johnson (Santa Cruz '57), Tevez, Bellamy

Preview: Fulham v City

2010-03-20T18:18:00.006Z

This week has been a historic one for Fulham Football Club - an unexpected mauling of Italian giants Juventus seeing them reach the last eight of the Europa League. On Wednesday they can reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup. A club writing its own history before our very eyes, and all whilst, since Roy Hodgson has been at the helm at least, winning the hearts of the neutral. How far they've come since them and Ray Graydon's very good Walsall side forced us to settle for a Play-Off place in what we then referred to as Division Two.

Truth be told, i bloody enjoy watching them, and there's very little of fault at all that i can find about the club, especially given the decreasing public profile of owner Mo Al Fayed. Roy Hodgson's reign as manager must have surprised even him. His appointment at the time was generally thought of as one of desperation, a minstrel whose early successes as a boss seemed well behind him, he's transformed Fulham into a splendid team.

Anyhow, enough of my increasing admiration for Roy and his lads, we've got a game to win. Wayne Bridge has had surgery on a troublesome hernia and is expected to miss four to six weeks. Emmanuel Adebayor serves the penultimate game of his ban. Martin Petrov is still missing with a knee problem, but other than Michael Johnson being out long-term Roberto Mancini has a full squad to pick from.

Fulham's injury problems are improving, though the game will come too soon for John Paintsil (knee), and David Elm (sickness). Andy Johnson is unlikely to play again this season after a serious knee problem. Danny Murphy, suspended for that brilliant victory midweek, will probably replace Stephen Kelly, though given the Cottagers' comfortable league position, and with the cup trip to White Hart Lane midweek, Hodgson could choose to freshen things up.

Javier Garrido seems most likely to come in as a direct replacement for Bridge as Mancini sticks with the midfield three of Barry, de Jong and Zabaleta. Another option would be to give Pat Vieira a start, with either Barry or Zab moving to full-back, both having played there of late. Adam Johnson, whose spectacular injury-time goal at Sunderland earned us a deserved point that day, should get the nod over Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Provided Hodgson doesn't choose to make changes as previously discussed, Zoltan Gera should continue to support in attack. Clint Dempsey, whose cruciate ligament injury in January was expected to keep him out for up to six months, is most likely to start on the bench, with Damien Duff and Simon Davies providing the width and sixteen-goal Bobby Zamora leading the line. Chris Baird, employed in various positions this season, is most likely to revert to a more familiar right-back in an otherwise rarely-changed back five.

The Mayor's Show line has been trotted out by all and sundry since that stunning dismantling of Juve on Thursday, and though Hodgson doesn't deny that the cups are now their priority, their players, though a few may well be leggy, will be as up for the occasion as ever, and their respectable home record, including a hefty win over our near-rivals, commands respect.

This afternoon's three points for Spurs at Stoke certainly puts even further importance on us getting a positive result. Redknapp's side now face Pompey and Sunderland, games where you'd imagine they'll earn at least four points, so it's imperative we don't lose ground. Where a point would have been credible before this afternoon's games, all three might be necessary if we're to hold on to our tag as favourites for that last Champions League berth.

Fulham's main strength at Craven Cottage has been a water-tight defence breached on only nine occasions so far this season, a record bettered only by the club currently in first place, their name escapes me. They come into the game on the back of three successive home victories, January's 0-2 defeat by Aston Villa the only time they've come off second-best in their last nineteen attempts, which perhaps proves just how tough a task picking up three points will be.

My main worry against a team like Fulham, who use their widemen to such good use, is that our full-backs will be terribly our of their depth. The problems on both sides, some steady Wayne Bridge form of late aside, get regular mention, and with good reason. At Sunderland again, despite being quite proactive in an attacking sense during the first half, Micah Richards continuously afforded Steed Malbranque far too much space.

The main problem at present, though, isn't so much tactical, more that we seem to lack motivation early on in games, only able to stamp our authority on teams after the interval, as witnessed at both Sunderland and Chelsea. The gaffer, then, is right in saying that a positive start is essential, though the stats show that the Cottagers are rarely early birds themselves.

It's a tough one to call, a very difficult place to go but by no means a game that's beyond us. I've learned to not write us off, but Fulham keep the ball much better than we do, have a better shape and are generally more well-drilled. With games running out and Spurs pushing on three points would be particularly welcome, but it depends whether we see the Jekyll or the Hyde of a side which continues to be unsure of itself on the road.

Possible teams:
Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Shorey, Hughes, Hangeland, Etuhu, Davies, Murphy, Gera, Zamora, Duff

City: Given, Richards, Garrido, Kompany, Lescott, de Jong, Zabaleta, Barry, A.Johnson, Tevez, Bellamy

Prediction: Fulham 2 City 2

Friday mp3: Flashguns

2010-03-19T23:26:00.003Z

Flashguns are a young four-piece from London who have toured with the likes of Jamie T and Bombay Bicycle Club during their relatively short time as a band. Quintessentially English lyrics and rolling stop-start chords have earned them (perhaps prematurely) comparisons to The Smiths, amongst others.

Their debut album, the shitely-titled The Beginning, is due out in the summer. Definitely one worth a punt.

This track is an early demo.

MP3: St. George
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Vieira has a role to play

2010-03-19T21:40:00.004Z

The signing of former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira from Inter Milan in January was met with a mixture of criticism and shrugging shoulders. The newspapers did their obligatory doubling of any new arrival at Manchester City's probable weekly wage, every idiot vaguely capable of stringing a few words together, and some not, were quick to label the signing as puzzling, bar a couple of his ex-Highbury teammates, and overall the cheaper of only two major arrivals in January was thought of as being underwhelming.

There are some things that can't be denied here. Vieira is thirty-three, and past his prime. When that 'prime', however, was almost a decade as one of, if not the best central midfielder in the country, possibly Europe, you can appreciate that emphasising that fact is pretty pointless. The body can only take so much before it begins to decline, and hunger levels will inevitably drop once any player is in the autumn of their career, particularly if they've been lucky enough for their time served to be decorated with major honours.

His City career so far hasn't involved a great deal that may prove the doubters wrong, but in my opinion there are signs that he'll prove a useful acquisition, that he brings something none of the other candidates for his position do, or at least are doing at present, and that he might possibly just have as much impact on the pitch as he's expected to have off it.

What he's blatantly not capable of is dominating a game like he once could. His body, after a tough fifteen-year slog in Europe's elite divisions, just isn't up to it. So far we've seen mistimed challenges and a depreciated reading of defensive duties in general, yet at times he has demonstrated that his football mind at least, when given time on the ball, is still as sharp as it needs to be.

With Stephen Ireland struggling to command a regular place in the starting eleven, Vieira is at least open to the idea of passing the ball through the middle of the park, something Barry, de Jong, even Zabaleta when he's shifted forward, seem incapable of doing. None of those three players are confident enough on the ball, willing to take a few touches or able to spot the run of a teammate. They're all there, very occasional instances excepted, to be spoilers, to break up play and give.

I honestly don't think Vieira is or has ever been, since he became a regular at Arsenal at least, a defensive or holding midfielder, yet his introduction is often met with grumbles from fans and talk of substitutions being defensive. If anything he's showing glimpses of being a player who can have an impact on games in an attacking sense, both in terms of occasional defence-splitting passes and as an extra bit of bulk in the final third.

Whats undeniable is that the next ten games will decide whether we achieve our goals for the season, and i think Pat can play a big part, especially given Wayne Bridge's recent surgery. Noise from the club seems to indicate that Javi Garrido will come in as a like-for-like replacement for Wayne, and although the Spaniard did okay in patches when called on earlier in the season, i'm not convinced he's the best option.

Ruling out the ridiculous calls for our best player over recent weeks, Joleon Lescott, to shift to full-back, i'd be more confident about either Gareth Barry or Pablo Zabaleta filling in for the short-term. Both have proved themselves capable when called upon to play there of late, and though neither are the most mobile of creatures, at least they're capable of putting their foot in now and again.

We'll see how things pan out, but i really think that Pat could prove a useful weapon over the final weeks of the season. I appreciate that most Blues want to see Stevie back in the side, but if Mancini doesn't fancy him, and more so when he's given the chance he doesn't impress, then that's that. Vieira, taking that into consideration, then, in terms of a central midfielder player being capable of changing a game, like it or lump it, and though many of us will have questions about if being fitting of the world's richest football club, is the next best we've got.

Patience needed with Johnson

2010-03-16T19:51:00.004Z

When Adam Johnson signed from Middlesbrough in January many doubted the role in the deal of manager Roberto Mancini. Linked with the club a couple of months before he arrived, being the only cash transfer of that window, and given the gaffer's likely limited knowledge of the Championship, it had been thought Johnson was more of a club signing than someone the Italian had identified.

Whatever the truth about that, no-one could argue that the player didn't impress during his brief appearance against us in that dreary and quickly forgettable New Year third round cup tie. There's the strong possibility that Berto could have been quite taken with what he saw that day - a player capable of effortlessly skipping past bodies, with an end-product better than that of any of his current crop in a traditional winger sense, and generally the sort of bums-off-seats wide-man loved by fans throughout the game.

On signing, given that the names in front of him included probable Player of the Year Craig Bellamy, first-team mainstay, until recently at least, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and the then in-form Martin Petrov, and with the shadow of our most expensive ever signing lurking somewhere, probably half-heartedly, Johnson had been expected to at best be used as a bit-part player.

Though i'm sure he had made an impression during his time at Boro, the boy who has rocked up at City looks far from the punt made out at the time. During his debut from the bench at Hull he showed more interest than the entire starting eleven combined. His home introduction versus Bolton was one that will live long in the memory, always looking for the ball and to take on his man, it was the single highlight of an appalling evening's football, and at Sunderland on Sunday he well and truly saved our bacon.

It's becoming quickly apparent that we've bought a special player, and not just that but one capable of making an instant impact. I'm quite sure of his ability, but i do have slight concerns that we may be putting too much on his shoulders too soon, and talk of him being the man to replace England's most high-profile modern-day international, albeit one well past his prime, strikes me as a bit of a double-edged sword.

With the World Cup edging nearer, and questions over either the fitness of form of pretty much all the candidates for the right-wing position, there's a real chance that if Adam continues to have an impact then he could sneak one of the final places on the plane. As much as a finals littered with City players would be exciting, Johnson, in my opinion, needs time, and i'd rather his rise into the ranks of the full England side be a more natural one, and he not be the latest built-up and inevitably knocked down tabloid wonderkid.

Examples can be easily found at both club and international level of too much being expected of promising young players far too early in their careers. For England, the obvious reference point would be Theo Walcott, lauded as the next big thing far too early, ridiculously included in the final twenty-three for the last World Cup, his career suffering since save the odd bit of unexpected magic - that great run at Anfield in the Champions League springs to mind.

Our own fans need only look at Stephen Ireland's disappointing season. Last year he was our complete driving force, key to absolutely everything we did, but due to several factors - the integration into the side of Carlos Tevez, changes in formation, position, manager, competition for places, he's now struggling to be involved at all. That should be neither as unexpected nor as much a problem as it is, he's a young lad still learning his trade, not the second coming.

To be fair to Adam, he comes across as an extremely level-headed young fellow. He'll know that his move here will involve a tremendous amount of hard work, and that there are a number of players ahead of him in the running for England. Whilst i'm certain he'd never let them down, and could provide that unpredictable spark few others possess, we all - Blues, the media, England fans, and those who manage him, need to be a bit patient. He's one for the future, what will be will be, but kid gloves will do for now.

Johnno breaks Sunderland hearts to earn deserved point

2010-03-14T21:20:00.004Z

A late pearler from new fans darling Adam Johnson this afternoon earned the Blues a valuable point at the Stadium of Light. Truly a game of two halves, the Mackems had put us under pressure for much of the first period, Kenwyne Jones bagging the opener. A change in formation and likely stiff words from Roberto at half-time, however, saw us return rejuvenated, and after much pressure sub Johnson snatched an injury time leveller.

Tigerish midfielder David Meyler earned a rare start in place of suspended captain Lorik Cana. Otherwise the opposition lined up as expected, with Steed Malbranque and Fraizer Campbell wide of their usual strikers, and Anton Ferdinand continuing as a makeshift left-back. Mancini made one change, Shaun Wright-Phillips replacing Adam Johnson on the right after his good performance from the bench at Chelsea a fortnight previously.

The home side started extremely brightly, backed by a capacity support whose continued vocal encouragement seemed somewhat unbefitting of the Stadium of Light. Steed Malbranque almost fed Darren Bent in inside three minutes, a late interception from Vince Kompany sparing our blushes. Moments later the buoyant Jones galloped down the left flank and cut inside his marker, firing tamely at Given.

With a mere nine minutes on the clock they took a deserved lead. Steed Malbranque, frequently a City tormentor when at Fulham but whose form for his clubs since could at best be described as fitful, turned in onto his preferred right peg and floated a cross into the penalty area where Jones rose like a salmon to head home with relative ease. It had certainly been coming.

Carlos Tevez, increasingly alienated in attack, picked up a booking for a late challenge on Michael Turner as we struggled to create any real efforts on goal. The half-chances that did follow were generally at the other end - Meyler's hopeful scuff trickled into Given's arms, Jones put another header wide and Malbranque went close, picking up the ball to the left of the area after Pablo Zabaleta appeared to have been unfairly felled.

The 4-5-1 patently wasn't working. With the threat of Bellamy nilled by Alan Hutton, SWP struggling to make the most of being up against a centre-half, and no obvious ball-player in the middle of the park, we were causing them few problems. To his credit, Mancini put his marker down quite early, introducing the still-not-fit Roque Santa Cruz and dropping Pablo Zabaleta back into the left of defence just after we'd created our first chance, Gareth Barry steering the ball wide after a tenacious run down the flank by Richards.

On another day Sunderland could have put the game to bed before the break. Darren Bent made a great run into the box, switching his feet but missing the ball completely when, given his form, you'd half expected him to drill home. Joleon Lescott then brought down Campbell and could have given away a penalty. The ref probably got it right but you wouldn't have been surprised to see it given.

If the first half had been relatively routine for Steve Bruce's side, the second was anything but. Trailing, we should probably have been expected to come out the brighter, but by the looks of it the Italian's half-time talk did the trick, as we relentlessly stalked their back five, pressuring them right from the off and gaining complete control of the game.

With Jones having been replaced at half-time, they became short of someone to hold the ball up in our half, much like we'd done early on. Santa Cruz should have levelled on fifty minutes, forcing a save from the impressive Gordon after being nodded in by Tevez. Almost immediately afterward, SWP was set away after a reverse ball into the area by Barry, but he chose to shoot low to Gordon's left instead of centring, the Scot again stopping well.

Either side of a bout of handbags between Meyler and Barry, both overreacting and earning yellows, but the Irishman showing some particularly unsporting behaviour trying to fire up the crowd to influence the official to dish our more severe punishment, Craig Bellamy almost beat Gordon with a dink off the outside of his foot. We were continuing to go close but as the heavens opened you began to wonder if it would be a barren afternoon.

Pat Vieira was introduced just after the hour, taking the place of Micah Richards, Zabaleta switching flanks and Barry becoming our third left-back of the game. Tevez had our best chance, beating his marker to the near post to get on the end of Bellamy's cross from the right, but again Gordon was equal to it.

With just shy of twenty minutes to go Mancini introduced Adam Johnson. Within seconds he'd gone on a mazy run, skinning two players and feeding Santa Cruz down the right channel, but the cross left a lot to be desired. Each time he got the ball he looked like doing something, with Sunderland having to double up to keep him at bay. Tevez blazed high and wide after a good turn from Santa Cruz, and Bellamy again tested Gordon.

As the game fell into four added minutes we continued to batter the home goal - a corner was smothered, Bellamy's goalward strike was somehow deflected off a defender, then Gordon and wide. Midway through the added time, however, we got our goal. A corner from the left ran long, Johnson picked up play, stopped the ball with his second touch and effortlessly curled into the top corner as the entire Sunderland defence stood stranded. A genuinely breathtaking finish.

For me, the positives of the second half far outweigh the poor performance first, and i stand by my opinion that a point at Sunderland is respectable. They bullied us early on, didn't let us settle and defended doggedly. Their centre halves did a real job on Carlos Tevez for large parts of the game, and their back five all did well enough. In the end quality told, and with rockets up arses and the change in tactics we began to play as we know we can.

No-one can really question the side Mancini started with, nor the formation given that it served us so well at Stamford Bridge. He was brave enough to make changes early, and again that's quite refreshing. We probably did deserve to sneak it, but enough encouragement can be taken from the last forty-five, where we demonstrated a hunger to take the game to the opposition.

The two substitutions after the break both had a positive impact. Vieira, though deemed a defensive midfielder, was at least willing to forge forward and also proved more useful as a body in the penalty area late on. Johnson's moment of magic won us the deserved point, but all round he seems more clinical in possession than Shaun, more capable of beating his man, has better movement, a far superior first touch and more of an end product.

Bar the penalty shout just before the break, Joleon Lescott again performed admirably, a steady head at the back, always in position, calm on the ball, generally reading attacks well, and on an afternoon where i thought Vince appeared a little irritable. A word for Santa Cruz, too, who despite not having his shooting boots on at least gave us some presence. He's some way off yet, and i doubt that he'll score consistently as at Blackburn without more direct play from the flanks, but he did okay.

How we go now is in our own hands. I believe we'll need around nineteen points to be sure of fourth position, and that's taking into account the worst-case scenario of Spurs getting the better of us at Eastlands as they tend to, though our results against the top sides so far should see us fancying our chances. If we play as we did post-bollocking today we've a real chance.

Team:
Given, Richards (Vieira '64), Bridge (Santa Cruz '33), Kompany, Lescott, de Jong, Zabaleta, Barry, Wright-Phillips (A.Johnson '73), Tevez, Bellamy

Preview: Sunderland v City

2010-03-13T19:42:00.004Z

A season which promised so much for the North-East's top club has somehow contrived to fall apart at the seams. With the funding of new-ish owner Ellis Short, a proven Premier League manager in place, albeit one with Geordie tendencies, and the additions of several decent players - Bent, Cana, Turner, Cattermole - the Mackems have somehow been lured into a relegation battle.

Though their form over recent weeks has been awful to the extent that they've gone from being considered a dark horse for a Europa League place to one for the drop, at the Stadium of Light they've done quite well, and the block of four successive home fixtures that they're currently in the middle of gives them a good chance to pull away from sides that, though sides are where they deserve to be, Sunderland are much better than.

Midfielder Lorik Cana is suspended, and the other contenders for the central roles - Lee Cattermole, Kieran Richardson and impressive youngster Jordan Henderson are all carrying injuries, though you'd expect at least one to be passed fit. Benjani is prevented from playing due to the terms of his loan agreement, and the leaner than he once was Andy Reid has a hamstring problem, but otherwise Steve Bruce would appear to have a fully available squad to pick from.

You would have thought that Roberto's team selection would be relatively routine given our last result. In a way it's a shame we've had to wait a fortnight for our next game, but the fantastic win at Stamford Bridge should still give us the confidence to improve results on the road. Pat Vieira returns from a three-game suspension, with Martin Petrov the only player likely to be missing from the squad due to injury. Emmanuel Adebayor remains banned.

I expect we'll stick with the three-man central midfield that served us so well that day. The main decision will likely be who lines up on the right wing. Shaun Wright-Phillips impressed during the second half at Chelsea, but Adam Johnson has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water since joining from Boro, so it's a tough call, but either will find themselves playing against an unorthodox full-back in Anton Ferdinand.

The omens are certainly good for us. Sunderland have been one of a select few sides we've regularly got the better of over recent seasons, with nine consecutive victories stretching back to December 2002. We've also won on our last four visits to their place, and have only been beaten once against sides occupying bottom half positions. The Mackems also haven't won two on the bounce in a year and a half, but we know that such stats can mean little come the day.

Despite most folk seeing this one as an away banker, i don't envisage it being anything other than a very tough game. I'm slightly happier to be playing them after they've finally ended their winless streak save the inevitable 'typical City' result, but last time round aside we've hardly been imperious on the road, and often find ourselves losing both our shape and the physical battles.

The key battle should be between our central defence - both of whom have played very well over recent weeks and seem to be forming a real understanding, and their main attacking threats, - the dominant Kenwyne Jones and nineteen-goal record signing Darren Bent, who's proving his form at Charlton was no fluke after a disappointing spell at Spurs. If Vince and Joleon are even half as effective as they were against Drogba and pals then we could have a good afternoon.

I've no choice but to sit on the fence. Their relatively solid home form (just one defeat in sixteen), our patchy away results, the inevitability of us following up perhaps our greatest ever Premier League away win with a televised 'after the Lord Mayor's show' non-event makes me fancy a draw. Three points would be huge given Spurs' win over Blackburn and Liverpool's home fixture on Monday, but a point wouldn't be a bad result. We know that how we do at Eastlands will ultimately seal our fate, and points on the road are merely a Brucie bonus.

Possible teams:
Sunderland: Gordon, Hutton, Ferdinand, Turner, Mensah, Cattermole, Campbell, Richardson, Bent, Jones, Malbranque

City: Given, Richards, Bridge, Kompany, Lescott, de Jong, Zabaleta, Barry, A.Johnson, Tevez, Bellamy

Prediction: Sunderland 2 City 2

Friday mp3: The Walkmen

2010-03-12T23:41:00.003Z

The Walkmen, a five-piece originally from Washington, are expected to release their sixth studio record this summer. 2004's Bows + Arrows is considered their best release to date.

In truth, this and the odd other track aside, i've always been a bit disappointed with the rest of the band's output, and this, their most popular track, is certainly not representative of their body of work. The two records i've bought are nice enough, but a bit plodding, whereas this track, 'The Rat', is pretty balls-out.

MP3: The Rat
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Race for 4th: Villa

2010-03-12T22:36:00.003Z

Whilst a top four finish would have been the aim at the start of the season, and especially given Liverpool's continuing awfulness, the prospect of a second cup final as well as a top six finish would surely represent another year of progress for O'Neill and Lerner. That defeat against United will have hurt, opinions on that particular competition aside. Villa were poor on the day and will want to make up for it. I think they've got a real chance against Chelsea.

Though we're above them in the league, and sit here with a bottomless pit of cash and able to attract most players in world football, i must admit a slight twinge of jealousy regards the Villa. They're more of a team than we are, and amassing a side of mainly likable and British players on a fraction of what we've blew really appeals to the football purist in me. Having to replace an entire defence doesn't seem to have slowed them down, and the moving of James Milner into a central midfield role has so far proved inspired.

Potential banana skins:
Their home run-in sees them playing none of the other European candidates. The majority of their dropped points at Villa Park have come against the sides near the summit, with the opening day defeat against Wigan and draw with West Ham the only exceptions. Wolves, Sunderland, and Blackburn should present few problems, but the visits of rejuvenated Everton and the third-city derby against the league's biggest overachievers this year, Birmingham, will both be tricky.

Sublime on the road last season, the Villains haven't managed to be as consistent this, although good wins at Old Trafford and Anfield shouldn't be ignored. The majority of their away fixtures are against sides who will most probably still have something to play for at the time, be it the title, fourth place, or maintaining their place in the division. Stoke are pretty much safe, but the Britannia remains one i'm sure no side looks forward to, and Pompey's inevitable points deduction could make that one an away banker, but Hull, Wigan, Chelsea, Bolton - all tough to call, plus they have to come here.

Verdict:
Despite the handbags between the two clubs over the summer transfer of Gareth Barry, i'm sure the majority of those who support either would count themselves in the 'if it ain't us, anyone but Liverpool' camp, and though them managing to outdo us would result in smugness from some considering we relieved them of one of their best players, and in turn sold them one not deemed good enough here who has since improved ten-fold, i genuinely wouldn't mind seeing them do it providing we don't.

Villa will be there or there abouts, and i don't imagine us, them and Spurs being separated by more than three or four points come the end. If they can stay solid at the back and keep Milner, Young and Agbonlahor fit then you can't write them off. Whilst i doubt we'll see a capitulation like last season i do see them going for broke in the FA Cup, a trophy that famously still eludes O'Neill, and hopefully that may work in our favour.

Remaining games and probable points:
H - Wolves (3), Sunderland (3), Everton (1), Birmingham (1), Blackburn (3)

A - Hull (1), Stoke (1), Wigan (3), Chelsea (0), Bolton (1), Portsmouth (3), City (0)

Prediction: 6th (65 pts)

City Vox Pops, part 9

2010-03-09T20:50:00.010Z

Fourth place. Who do you see as favourites, what will be the difference, and can we do it?

Gary, We've Got Robinho
"I honestly think that City are favourites for fourth. I am sure if you read my blog you will know I am very very biased at times when it comes to City but in this case I think it's there for all to see that we are favourites. We are level on points with Spurs with a game in hand and we still have to play them at home, we are a point above Liverpool with a game in hand and we are four points clear of Villa and we still have to play them at home as well, it is in our own hands!

My opinion is that we are better than all of the other fourth-place contenders and if we play well for the rest of the season the difference between us getting fourth and one of them getting it will be our class.

Of course, I am going to say that I think City can get fourth, the thing is my optimism this time round is actually backed up by the fact that we have a good team now. We will ultimately just have to wait and see but I am quite sure that we can do it".

Danny, Bitter & Blue
"Although there are four sides going for it, I think Aston Villa will fall away as they have done in previous seasons. I did think it would be a battle between ourselves and Liverpool, but Spurs have impressed (and surprised) me with their consistency.

It's amazing to think we are just six points and nine goals shy of setting new Premier League records and shows just what a good season we have had to date so far even if there has been a sense of underachievement.

People have pointed to our run in as being the toughest, but in our favour is we have to play both Aston Villa and Tottenham at home, plus some other big games in which we usually reserve our best form for. You have a feeling that when the Tottenham game is re-arranged, it will have a huge bearing on the final outcome such will be the tight margins involved.

It will take late 60's, possibly as high as 70 points to secure fourth. Of course we can do it, but from an outsiders point of view you might say Liverpool are favourites.

We had a big win over Chelsea which could be the result to really generate some momentum and if we can profit from the break we are currently on - with Mancini being a key component - then I wouldn't back against us to achieve fourth come the end of the season".

Jason, This Is Our City
"Looking at the four clubs fixtures I think Aston Villa are going to struggle. The Spuds don't have a bad fixture list but still tough and they have lost an influential player in Tom Huddlestone.

I think it's between Liverpool and City. What's needed is a run of wins as of now and I really do think we can do it if we perform like we did at Chelsea".

Alan, Blue Days
"Looking at the league table, we appear to be favourites, but that assumes all remaining games are equal - and in the Premier League that's patently not the case. I think we have the hardest run-in, which more than cancels out our game in hand. If Torres and Gerrard stay fit until the end of the season, then I'd make Liverpool favourites.

One advantage is we're not in any Cup competitions. Spurs and Villa will still be giving their all for the FA Cup while Liverpool are naming strong sides for the Europa League. This could be a costly mistake if fatigue and injuries affect their league form.

The Chelsea result can't be a one-off as we'll require a consistency in churning out victories that we've yet to show. We could do it as the manager's had time to settle in and we've now got Tevez back. Mancini was entitled to focus on the defence when he arrived and, having sorted that out, he needs to restore the attacking balance required to win rather than draw games.

I'd love us to pull away from the pack, but fear it's going down to the wire - which raises the dreaded prospect of a 'typical City' moment. I'll just close my eyes and hope for a Gillingham '99 rather than Luton '83!".

Wallace, ESPN Soccernet
"Can we do it? In a word, no. I thought sixth at the start of the year and I've seen nothing from Hughes and Mancini that ever gave an indication that the club wasn't going to end up in that position. With the exception of right-back, City are a completely rebuilt team over the past 14 months. Such a situation rarely ever generates instant success. Liverpool, for all of their troubles, remain my pick to take fourth. Spurs fifth, followed by City, Villa and Everton.

Injuries remain the key. If Torres is fit then Liverpool should be fine. Modric is critical to Redknapp's regime in North-East London and the fitness of Tim Cahill will help determine where Everton finish. Villa have to get over the psychological barrier of O'Neill's winless March syndrome.

City can play some magical football and are excellent on the counter attack. The diamond formation used in the first thirty minutes against Bolton has potential to open up the most challenging of defences, but our problem remains simple - there is no midfield play-maker and
without such a player we run the risk of drawing against sides they should beat, Stoke being the prime recent example.

Sixth would be a great success for the club and it is disappointing that we seem to be in a cycle of it's either fourth or it is failure. A strong top sixth position and some needed fine tuning in the summer and I would see City as the clear favourite for fourth next season with a points total much closer to the top three than those chasing the pack.

There is no quick fix. I disagreed with Hughes on a lot of issues, but in that point he was dead on".

Lloyd, Man City Issues
"I think it's between us and Liverpool. I'm not sure Villa have enough goals in them and Spurs (like City) are too inconsistent. Obviously, Liverpool slipped up last night at the DW, but it's definitely going to go down to the wire.

Torres has just returned and if he starts scoring again then Liverpool could start to pull away. However, don't write Villa and Spurs off just yet because they could easily go on a run and gain some confidence.

Fourth place is Mancini's to lose and I honestly think that we will can do it, with Tevez and Bellamy making all the difference in attack. But the most important factor will be the defence and to see if Kompany and Lescott can build on the foundations they have already set.

It'll be very interesting and our season will be defined on how we perform against the likes of Villa, Spurs and Everton in the coming weeks".

Boris, CityShout
"When people have asked me about City’s chances, my stock answer all season has been 'Ask me after the next two games' – not because I’m indecisive but because we always seem to be approaching some sort of hurdle or we’re in some sort of mini-crisis. The truth is that we are approaching the business end of the season and there’s nowhere to hide.

This fortnight has seemed like a year. Two weeks is a long time to go without football when all around others are still actively involved, after Sunday though it’s back to business and barring freakish weather or some other catastrophe, the matches will come thick and fast. This will suit City - as long as we get off to a flyer against Sunderland. Historically we’ve had mixed fortunes at the Stadium of Light but it has hardly been one of our graveyards. The trip to Fulham doesn’t usually bode well but they have to shoe-horn our visit in between trips to Old Trafford and Juventus, plus a cup replay against Spurs somewhere in the mix. I just wonder where we lie in Roy Hodgson's plans.

After that it’s more straight forward – nine games left, six at home. Could we remain unbeaten at home this season? Yes we can. The defence is starting to look resolute; the midfield has bite though it’s still missing the Stephen Ireland of last year. Adebayor still has three games left of his ban but Bellamy and Tevez seem to be running on horse adrenalin. The injury list gets shorter by the week and at last we’re starting to gel as a unit.

If you class Villa and Spuds as our true rivals we have to remind ourselves that they have cup distractions and we don’t. Noises from the club suggest we’re going to take a single-minded approach to finishing in the top four. I believe we can do it".

If you run or write for a city blog or website and would like to contribute to the Vox Pops, please send a quick email to norfstander[at]live[.]co[.]uk.

Race for 4th: Liverpool

2010-03-08T23:26:00.006Z

Until tonight's defeat at Wigan i had viewed Liverpool as favourites to grab that last Champions League place. Their run-in, on paper at least, has been said by the majority of those who have compared them thus far to be the most favourable. You'd certainly fancy them to pick up at least twelve points from their remaining home games, their form at Anfield strong as ever, just two defeats, both against sides nearer to the top of the table - Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Their performances away from home, however, will be both a cause of concern for their supporters as we approach the run-in, and of optimism for those of the clubs around them. This evening was another example of a shapeless and badly-coached side completely void of any ideas in the final third, and they'll have to improve greatly on the road to take maximum points at the likes of Birmingham, Hull or Burnley, the latter two of which will be fighting for their lives.

Injuries:
The return of Glen Johnson may just give them a bit of attacking drive. Hopeless in defence though he is, there's no doubt he's a real outlet going forward. Martin Skrtel is expected to miss at least another six weeks with a broken metatarsal. Fernando Torres will eventually regain fitness and put the fear of living god up all who mark him, but let's hope that happens later rather than sooner.

Potential banana skins:
The trip to Old Trafford stands out, United will have a point to prove, but should they get past Lille in the last sixteen of the Europa League the Dippers face Birmingham at St.Andrews the following weekend, most likely to be moved back to the Sunday. Any potential jaunt into the semis would mean European ties followed by games away at Burnley, and at Anfield against Chelsea on the penultimate weekend, which could see the Stamford Bridge side need a result to stay in the title race.

Remaining games and probable points:
H - Portsmouth (3), Sunderland (3), Fulham (3), West Ham (3), Chelsea (1)
A - United (0), Birmingham (1), Burnley (1), Hull (1)

Verdict:
An awful side, but never write them off. They were never as good as their position last year suggested, but neither are they as bad as they've been for most of this season. Well capable of having the last laugh by pushing on, and much more experience than the other contenders, but almost certainly the worst Liverpool side i've seen. They'll quite probably win the Europa League and paper over the obvious huge cracks. I know their lot get defensive when outsiders attack Benitez, but those who go week in, week out will tell you they think it's about time.

Prediction: 7th (64 pts)

Friday mp3: The Verlaines

2010-03-05T22:57:00.004Z

The Verlaines were/are from Dunedin, allegedly the most Scottish city in New Zealand. Formed in 1981, the band went through multiple line-ups before going on an extended hiatus after their nineties album Over The Moon. In 2003 a career retrospective You're Just Too Obscure For Me was released, earning them a new wave of fans. Two albums have since followed.

Still perhaps one of the most underrated bands of the last few decades they and their Flying Nun colleagues - The Chills, The Clean, and others, continue to be indie favourites. Their first record, Juvenilia, a collection of their early EP's, is especially worth delving into, though their best work, those early records, aren't all that easy to come by.

MP3 - Death and the Maiden
Myspace
Last.fm
Website
Youtube
Wiki

Ian Wright - Clearly a bit of a plank

2010-03-05T20:19:00.006Z

The paternal outrage of Burnley legend Ian Wright regards our enforced employment of his son hasn't come at the best time. With more than half of his four-year deal still to run SWP Snr has decided that now, as we approach the run-in of such an important season, is a suitable opportunity to run his mouth and try and earn his boy a few more measly quid.

Wright's opinions, much like those of almost every other presenter employed by Talk Sport, change with the wind. He's always struck me as an identikit gobshite, whose white van man shtick, as pointed out in this morning's Guardian, generally just involves him shouting a bit.

The idea that someone on £70,ooo each and every week is in any way being 'mugged off', which i assume means short-changed, is pretty ridiculous. Somewhere there probably is a valid point. Shaun is being paid tens of thousands of pounds less than players who contribute no more to the team, but i doubt he's in any danger of having to walk to the corner shop with a pocketful of shrapnel for a loaf any time soon.

SWP's return to the club he professes to love certainly came at an unfortunate one for him financially. Within days we were the richest club in world football, and Robinho had arrived on double-bubble. Whatever line of work you're in, it's natural that you'd feel some regret over agreeing your terms just before your employers were able to wipe their backsides on notes like there was no tomorrow.

As much as the phrase 'not about the money' has never sat well with me, Shaun's return to the club was viewed as one for the best in terms of his football, a homecoming to the place he truly felt most comfortable, the opportunity to play most weeks and enhance his chances with the national side. In those senses it's certainly been a success.

With the increase in competition for places now there's no surprise that those who don't perform week in, week out aren't pleased when they're left to gain splinters in their arse every now and again. Shaun has had some poor games, but it would be unfair and incorrect to label his season as as a whole a bad one given that he's bagged himself six goals and around a dozen assists in all competitions.

I think it's very important that we separate issues here. Shaun is a great asset to Manchester City, and has never ever done wrong by the club. On the other side of the scales, it must be said, is the fact that his dad is a balloon, and although i'm sure Cook and Marwood aren't the sort of people most would enjoy sitting around a negotiating table with, the fact that the lad probably does deserve parity with certain other players at the club shouldn't make a debate via press necessary.

I sincerely hope that this issue doesn't drag on. You would think that the logical step would be the club offering him a payrise to put him on the sort of wages the likes of Gareth Barry, Joleon Lescott and Wayne Bridge take home, an extra year or two, with the condition that the old man buttons his gob. All much easier said than done. Sadly, Wright's comments could lead to a stand-off between the parties involved. Cook and Marwood can quite rightly feel aggrieved, and you wouldn't blame them for being keen to not bow to the pressure placed on them.

It's a tough one to call, but the best way for Shaun to get what he wants is for him to do his talking where it matters, on the pitch. If he shows over the remaining games that he's vital to our future, as he did when brought on at Chelsea, then the club will have no option but to reward him. Despite some criticism, him staying is what most of us want, too, it's just a shame that what should have been a relatively straight-forward resigning has turned into a very public game of chicken.

February Player of the Month

2010-03-01T22:44:00.003Z

A month perhaps not quite as unsatisfying as it looks on paper, and improved drastically be a tremendous and completely unforeseen result at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. February's certainly seen us wobble, yet somehow end it still on course to snatch a place in the top four.

The defeat at Hull was every bit as disappointing as those at Spurs or Everton. At least we bagged a goal, but it was another case of no-one really playing very well at all. The tempo to the afternoon was set by some early erratic defending, and we never really settled. I thought Wayne Bridge coped admirably, but a cameo from Adam Johnson was about as good as it got. With him in the side at least we started to believe we could get something.

It wasn't all too dissimilar a tale against Bolton, the drabbest of drab home wins. Johnson's home debut was an excellent one, real bums-off-seats stuff. We've not been short of quality wingers in recent years, but his display had everyone i spoke to foaming at the mouth, and i'd say it was as good a first run-out as i can remember seeing at the new place. The defence, however, was again edgy, though Joleon Lescott certainly steadied the ship from the bench, and fellow sub Wright-Phillips provided a much-needed boost, not to mention a bit more balance to the midfield.

The first of three ties with saviours of football Stoke City started brightly but fizzed out. In a game that was billed as Wayne Bridge's big chance to impress watching England boss Fabio Capello, the former Southampton left-back stood up to the plate, by far the best player on the field, first half especially, bombing forward like his old self and looking assured in retreat. SWP was also generally bright, grabbing the only goal following some terrific defending from Ryan Shawcross.

I sadly didn't see the league game at the Britannia so can't really say too much bar what i've heard and read second-hand from those who did. Almost all agreed that Micah Richards was our stand-out performer, but again Joleon Lescott received a fair amount of praise.

The reaction of both the press and neutrals to the goalless draw with Liverpool was at odds with my own opinions of the game. I enjoyed it, and whilst there were few clear-cut chances it was relatively end-to-end, and a real tactical battle between the two managers. Slightly disappointed we didn't get the win and put further space between us and them, but there were enough good performers on the day for it to have been considered a successful afternoon at the office. Pablo Zabaleta was our best player, a real warrior-like showing on the back of a few hooky ones. He never relented for a single minute, and it was maybe even his best performance for the club. Honourable mentions to Nige de Jong, and once again Joleon Lescott.

Though the evening ended in disappointment and saw an end to our trophy hopes for yet another season, i agree with Mancini that we played very well at Stoke, probably as well as we did all month. The first half hour was an absolute joy to watch, and we looked more like the expensively-assembled squad we are than the conservative, tepid side we've generally seen as the new manager settles in. When Stoke did have patches of play our central defenders coped well (in ninety minutes at least), but if was Ade who stood out most for me. He ran his socks off, and his tireless evening's work was only undone by the red card that cost us the game. Craig Bellamy also showed signs of being back to his best, demonstrating fantastic movement and bursts from midfield, although sadly not being able to tuck away a great chance before the break.

What can be said about the mauling of Ancelotti's Chelsea on their own turf? Every single player came out of that with credit, from Given's key stops in the latter stages, Vince and Joleon's pocketing of Drogba save a couple of good early opportunities, the midfield three who stood firm all afternoon, Bridge's noble shift considering the circumstances, and obviously the attacking menace of Bellamy, Tevez and Wright-Phillips. It would be unfair to really single any one person out.

There are a few who have had mixed months; performing some weeks but not others. Adam Johnson has had a promising start so far, but it will be some time before he can prove a key player every week. Craig and Carlos are back on the goal trail but have missed games, Zab started the month poorly but ended it back to his best, Ade seems more motivated, and Bridgey's been a safe 7/10+ pretty much every week through a troubled time.

For sheer consistency, though, there were two real contenders this time round. Despite conceding five in the last two games the circumstances shouldn't be ignored. Down to ten men at Stoke and away at the side who are the best side in the land on merit this gone weekend. That general improvement at the back has come with us having our two most competent centre-halves back in the side, if neither are probably fully fit.

Vince has been a revelation since returning to the fold, but for my money Joleon has done enough to pip him as our best player over February. He's looked like a player worth an eight-figure fee, and as he regains his match fitness i've high hopes for the partnership that has already showed promising signs. Kolo might have a real battle on his hands to regain his place.

February: Joleon Lescott

One for Bridgey as Blues batter sorry Chelsea

2010-02-27T19:51:00.005Z

A masterful and completely unexpected performance from the Blues this afternoon saw us leap back into fourth spot and deal Chelsea's title hopes a real blow. Two goals apiece from Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy led to only our second victory at Stamford Bridge in Premier League history as we outwitted Carlo Ancelotti's men. Frank Lampard also grabbed a brace.

Nigel de Jong returned to the centre of midfield, with Vince Kompany shifting back into the defence and Nedum Onuoha making way. Winger Adam Johnson and returning top scorer Carlos Tevez came in for Stevie Ireland and the suspended Emanuel Adebayor in a 4-5-1. Indeed, Ireland didn't even make the bench.

Chelsea stuck with Florent Malouda as a stand-in left-back given the injuries to Ashley Cole and Yuri Zhirkov. Hilarious continued in goal, with Anelka and Joe Cole starting wide of Drogba. Sadly, Danny Sturridge couldn't add to his one full league appearance for the season.

The Terry/Bridge nonsense obviously continued as the biggest talking point of the day, the whole affair overshadowing the game to the extent that you wondered if folk were there to watch it at all, or just to see if two grown men would shake hands or not. Our lot went through the usual procedures, Wayne decided not to bother, fair play to him.

Chelsea dominated the majority of the first half, so much so that i'm sure i wasn't the only Blue anticipating us being on the end of a good hiding. Malouda's sweet strike from well outside of the area in the eleventh minute sailed over Given's bar, and some hesitant defending from Micah Richards followed; firstly giving Chelsea a free-kick in a dangerous area, then slipping to allow Ivanovic in before recovering.

An Adam Johnson free-kick was easily gobbled up by Hilario, but the £7m signing from Boro, despite struggling to find his feet, began to cause Malouda problems by drifting infield. Michael Ballack's punt upfield to Drogba sailed wide and found Cole who cut in onto his stronger right foot and forced Given to parry away. Ivanovic, who had an excellent first half, whipped a cross in with his left peg, but the off-colour Drogba headed over.

The home side continued to carve out chances, and on another day would have opened the scoring much earlier than they did, but our defence, including what to me looks like our best centre-half partnership of Kompany and Lescott, were resolute. Anelka roamed infield and shot straight at Given, Kompany sliced over his own bar, Drogba again fired over, and they began to get frustrated.

Just as the interval was in sight we conceded. Joe Cole collected in the centre of midfield and knocked a delicious weighted ball through to Lampard. Kompany's stepping out left the England man free in acres of space, and he made no mistake, firing across Given into the far bottom corner. It was a deserved lead, and the afternoon ahead suddenly felt like a longer and tougher prospect.

Almost out of nowhere, though, we managed to claw ourselves level. A hoof out of defence was misjudged by Mikel, his header back leaving Carlos Tevez to run at Terry and Carvalho. Turning the Portuguese international inside out Carlito's tame strike trickled across the face of goal and past the despairing Hilario. We might have even gone in ahead, Craig Bellamy's free-kick reaching the unmarked Lescott at the back post but his header fell disappointingly wide.

The first incident of note during the second half saw John Terry booked for a foul just outside his penalty box. The ground buzzed in anticipation as Bridge lined up the free-kick. Sadly it didn't make the net bulge, instead hitting the wall. Thankfully we didn't have to wait long to edge in front, Craig Bellamy away down the left, running at his marker, Mikel again, and lashing left-footed into Hilario's far corner. Questionable positioning again from the 'keeper, but a great strike.

SWP was introduced on the hour, Johnson replaced. A coming together between Tevez and Terry could have saw the philanderer receive a second yellow, raising his hand to the Argentinian and a bit of handbags followed as Chelsea typically forgot what sportsmanship is when trailing. Their afternoon should have got worse, Ivanovic making a great last-ditch challenge on Bellamy when through on goal.

From there on in Chelsea's attempts because desperate and half-hearted. A free-kick landed at Drogba's feet at the far post but he couldn't get an accurate shot off. Ballack tried from around thirty yards, straight at Given. They had the look of a beaten team, and the result was put beyond doubt in the 75th minute, Belletti bundling Barry over in the area when through and getting his marching orders. Tevez stroked home to send the thousand or so travelling Blues into raptures.

Bridge was allowed an early bath once we'd extended our lead, Mancini upsetting the naysayers by bringing on a striker when two up away at the best team in the country. Ballack's second booking, for a cynical challenge on Tevez saw then reduced to nine men, but if anything they began to play better despite that, as we allowed them possession far too easily and they bombarded our defence without too many real clear-cut chances.

Just as the afternoon couldn't get any better we bagged another, again a slick move on the break. Carlos Tevez found sub Wright-Phillips on the right, his driving run and low cross across goal tapped in at the far stick by Bellamy. Unbelievable. Frank Lampard, who missed a vital spot-kick in the Eastlands fixture, made no mistake late on after Gareth Barry had mistimed a challenge.

I can't recall the last time that Chelsea were beaten in such a way on their own patch. We absorbed all they had first half barring one moment of clocking off, and came storming out of the blocks after the break. We've not witnessed too much of the fluid, counter-attacking football so far under Mancini, but then we've rarely had Bellamy and Tevez both available and fully fit. Three of our strikes today came on the break, and at times we were at our devastating best.

It's hard to really pick faults with the team, or the boss. Mancini's tactics were again spot-on, he picked the best side and formation, as he did last week, and generally has, in my opinion. We got away with the odd bit of naive defending early on, and after being unable to string three passes together early doors grew into the game and earned a thoroughly deserved victory.

For me, today's result is as enjoyable as any i can remember. We showed bottle, organisation, work rate, and in the end battered one of the very best club sides in Europe. Tevez' bullying of both Chelsea centre-halves should receive special praise, ditto fellow doublist Bellamy. Barry, too, was exceptional, but everyone played their part. I never saw that coming in a million years, and whilst none of us would have been upset to see the Chelsea captain get clattered by all comers today, going to 'fortress' Stamford Bridge and giving them a whipping has proved much more enjoyable.

Team:
Given, Richards, Bridge (Santa Cruz '78), Kompany, Lescott, de Jong, Zabaleta, Barry, A.Johnson (SWP '60), Tevez (Sylvinho '89), Bellamy

Friday mp3: Friendo

2010-02-26T23:19:00.003Z

Don't know too much about the band more than they're a three-piece from Alberta, Canada, and that this is the opener of the debut LP, Cold Toads, initially self-released but now due for a release proper on an indie label.

It's a great track. Sort of a lo-fi, brooding Interpol number.

Both labels are probably worth checking out. Bart Records in particular seem to be a great, small, DIY label, selling cassettes of unsigned Canadian bands.

MP3: Counter/Time
Labels: Bart, St.Ives
Myspace
Last.fm

Bridge decision brave and sensible, not a cop-out

2010-02-26T20:56:00.005Z

In choosing to make himself unavailable for selection for the national team Wayne Bridge has received criticism from certain quarters, many of whom are probably the same sort who wouldn't have had him in their final twenty-three anyway. Turning your back on the Three Lions, in the eyes of a loud few, is an unforgivable offence, and by the sounds of it England's inevitable storming to the Quarter Finals and teary exit more important than someones moral standpoint, private life and happiness.

I don't think that being paid very handsomely and doing something most of us only dream about for a living should make Bridge super-human. No man would want to put themselves in the situation of being around the numpty who betrayed his trust in such a way day after day. Wayne has no more duty to put his pride and ethics to one side as a footballer than he would in any line of work.

Most of all, though, removing himself from the situation, even though he's done absolutely no wrong, is quite a selfless act, putting the morale of the squad before any chance he might have had of personal glory. Making himself unavailable, though he'd never admit it, and i expect is as disgusted by Terry's actions as anyone, does Fabio Capello a favour.

For the Italian, losing a backup left-back, all much of a muchness after Ashley Cole, and unlikely to figure unless the fellow philanderer suffers a relapse of his ankle problem, isn't such a great headache. It's another body missing, sure, and with Glen Johnson, Rio Ferdinand, and Cole all having injury-hit seasons we could do with as many fit and available as possible, but England's World Cup chances won't be altered for better or worse if it's Bridge, Warnock, Baines, or A N Other in that No.14 shirt.

The absence of our man, though, removes the risk of the whole affair causing further murmurs behind the scenes - no chance of a kick-off, or either player becoming ostracised from the group, or whispering games, or the whole drama generally overshadowing the fact that England's qualifying results, and the general decline in some top international sides, should mean we have some sort of chance of at least reaching the latter stages.

Not that the performance of our international side, or any side, should take priority, it most certainly shouldn't, but Fabio Capello was never going to stop considering Terry for selection completely, doing so would have been a huge risk, provided ammo for every journalist and fan come the tournament, and in the eyes of some would have probably been too harsh a punishment for a mistake that whilst unfitting of the country's captain, has come to be expected of those at the top level of his profession.

Whilst i'm sure most of us wouldn't blame anyone for wanting to throw a couple of fists in the direction of someone who had been sneaking around with one of their closest pals other halves behind their back, Wayne's conduct so far has been admirable. One short statement and not a peep since, just him knuckling down to his football. For that he should receive praise outside of those who follow our club. Any true football fan will want to see him getting back to what he does best.

Tomorrow at Stamford Bridge will be a huge test for him, tactically as well as emotionally. All the cameras will be on him and Terry, and everyone will have their say. I just hope the opposition fans appreciate both that Wayne served them very well, and that he's done no wrong in this tasteless escapade. It's one occasion that i'd encourage their most vocal supporters to drop their almost Millwall-like 'no-one likes us, we don't care' shtick. It won't happen, of course, your average Premier League-following loudmouth has to have their pantomime goodies and baddies.

Let's make no bones about it, Terry is a despicable cunt who has had more lives than a cat already. It perhaps sums up the win at all costs attitude of the modern football fan that he's still held in such high regard by those who watch him week in, week out. Were he here i honestly think i'd rather he be moved on, but then for me his prolonged holding of the club to ransom for a new deal would have been the final straw, ability wouldn't come into it.

From the point of view of the club, i don't think the retirement is necessarily a bad thing either, especially given the players we've lost through injuries sustained whilst on international duties in recent times, most notably Carlos Tevez, and the now-departed Robinho. Without the inconvenience of having to represent his country in meaningless friendlies, or sit on the bench for trips to Eastern Europe, he can give us his full attention.

Any criticism of Bridge at all, is, in my opinion, below the belt, especially journalists and those pundits who have never played the game, bleating on about how he's a 'bottler', or 'letting his country down'. They, and the papers publishing/fabricating words from 'sources' close to Terry should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. I wonder how they'd feel were a colleague up to no good with the mother of their kids. Some things are more important than football.

Preview: Chelsea v City

2010-02-25T21:23:00.006Z

The perfect chance to make amends for our FA Cup exit then, a commanding win over the champions-elect on their own patch. Oh, wait, no, i'm neither asleep nor a completely deluded balloon. We've about as much chance of three points as i have of bumping into Lucy Pinder on Friday night and charming her with my manbreasts, generally lairy manner and tales of Terry Phelan's splendid solo goal against Spurs at Maine Road in '93.

Chelsea will be without goalkeeper Peter Cech, ruled out for a month with a calf injury initially thought to be a ligament problem. Ashley Cole, the best left-back in the world over the last year or so, and probably even Chelsea's best player, will miss the majority of their run-in after fracturing his left ankle in a collision with Everton's Landon Donovan. Yuri Zhirkov has a calf strain, Deco a knee injury, and Michael Essien and Jose Bosingwa are out long-term with knee ligament issues.

We have a relatively clean bill of health compared to previous weeks. Mancini has a full set of defenders to pick from, although Vince Kompany's groin has proved an ongoing problem. Pat Vieira is still suspended, and Emanuel Adebayor starts a four-game ban for left-hooking Ryan Shawcross, but Martin Petrov is the only other doubt, barring Michael Johnson, of course. Carlos Tevez is expected to return to the side after flying back to the UK following his daughter's premature birth.

I think we'd all accept that there's little chance of us going to the Bridge and getting a result. Eighteen wins and two draws from twenty games means that barring something astonishing happening we'll come away from London having not added to our points tally for the season. Just ten conceded in those fixtures won't make a single Blue any more optimistic. Half of those came in two games, their two draws, against Everton and Apoel Nicosia, the latter after they'd already qualified for the latter stages of the Champions League, if i'm not mistaken.

Ashley Cole not playing will be a bonus in the sense that he's as productive an attacking outlet as they've had over the last eighteen months. His marauding runs at whoever we pick on the right would've been a particular cause for concern, and Yuri Zhirkov also likely to be absent means we might see their left-back position as an area we can take advantage of. We've nobody who can accurately cross a ball, like, but perhaps Adam Johnson can give whoever comes in a real run for their money, as him and Bellamy wide of a 4-5-1 would appear most likely.

The only other possible weak link we may try and target would be their change of goalkeeper. I've seen Hilario have decent games for Chelsea. Opposition escapes me but i recall two separate occasions on which he's taken the reins and anything and everything has bounced off him. Still, there's the slightest chance having to rejig the back-line could be a problem for them.

All eyes will of course be on Wayne Bridge, particularly in light of him today revealing that he wishes to play no further part for the national side. I hope he gets a suitable welcome given his six seasons service, but i wouldn't hold my breath. With Anelka drifting into the wide right position, and Ivanovic at home in either half, he'll almost certainly have a busy afternoon. Here's hoping he can play as well as he generally has since his return, or failing that simply sprint the full length of the pitch to boob John Terry full-on on the nose.

If we defend as we have done against Liverpool, and for most of the first ninety minutes at Stoke last night, then we've got a chance of keeping it from turning into a rugby score. Apologies if i'm being overly negative, but it's one of about three games that i still consider beyond us. I'd take a heroic 0-1 defeat if offered it now. Here's hoping the players don't see the afternoon as such a forgone conclusion.

Possible teams:
Chelsea: Hilario, Ivanovic, Belletti, Carvalho, Terry, Mikel, Ballack, Lampard, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda

City: Given, Richards, Bridge, Kompany, Lescott, de Jong, Zabaleta, Barry, Tevez, Bellamy, A.Johnson

Prediction: Chelsea 3 City 0

Better side for large spells, but undone by valiant Stoke

2010-02-24T22:38:00.004Z

The Blues this evening exited the FA Cup at Stoke in an interesting and fiery encounter at the Britannia. Sub Dave Kitson put the home side ahead, a lovely move involving a one-two with Tuncay. Craig Bellamy got us level, the full-time score 1-1, as you might expect given the two previous battles. A late Emanuel Adebayor red card pretty much ended out hopes of facing Chelsea, with Ryan Shawcorss and Tuncay grabbing extra-time goals.

The first half-hour was as well as we've played under Mancini. The football was incise, to feet, the movement of the forward players was terrific and we were thoroughly on top. Ade collected a good few yards outside of the area and smashed a shot at Sorensen, and a quick break out of our half involving Ade again and Stevie Ireland almost resulted in an opener. Positives can be taken, but we didn't take the chances carved and and so in one sense can't have many complaints that the opposition did.

For the majority of the first half we completely negated Stoke's aerial threat by keeping the ball on the deck and always looking for the quick ball. At that point it looked likely we'd get a break at some point, but it wasn't to be, and towards the end Stoke at least come into the game a little, although their chances were pretty much non-existent.

Tony Pulis shook things up ten minutes into the second period, Tuncay replacing midfield ratter Salif Diao, and in a more natural 4-4-2 Stoke contained us better, our passing game going a bit astray for a while. A Gareth Barry header almost saw us take the lead, but fellow sub Kitson combined superbly with Tuncay to put the Potters ahead, the two exchanging passes and the former Reading ginge sweeping home with his left foot.

Having got back on level terms through a terrific strike from Craig Bellamy, lashing in after Adebayor had headed down a Bridge cross, the impetus seemed with us, but raising your hands in the way of an opponent is always likely to be met with a red card. I'm sure Ade didn't mean to jab Shawcross, but his hand made contact after they partook in niggles and Bennett, as much as he had a poor game, didn't really have much of a decision to make. Naive at best.

From then on we lost any chance we had of progressing, though Mancini did at least go for it, bringing on Roque Santa Cruz for Bridge, but he had little impact. Adebayor had been imperious until that moment of madness, the best player on the park by some distance, and without him as our talisman we were only ever likely to go tumbling out. Stoke pushed on, and Tuncay gave them a real outlet, with him and the improving Fuller having as much time as they needed on the ball to make the most of their extra man.

Indeed, Fuller deserves special praise. They were losing the physical battle first half and both of their strikers were testing the referee's patience after receiving bookings. The Jamaican really upped his game as the match drew on, though, letting his feet do the talking rather than his strength, dragging our defence about and leading the line extremely well.

It's hard to really be too critical of any of our lads, i think the defence was generally solid, which may come across as a touch daft after conceding three goals. We passed the ball better, coped admirably with their direct style, and until the sending off had proved the better side in what, similar to Sunday's draw with Liverpool, was an entertaining game, albeit one with few clear-cut chances.

We can only blame ourselves for not being in the next round. Craig Bellamy had a great chance just after twenty minutes after Emanuel had brilliantly turned his marker on the half-way line, a heavy first touch preventing him from getting a clear shot on goal, and all our possession should have seen us ahead going into the break. The longer the game went on you felt we might get caught, and we did.

I don't think any criticism can be levelled at the manager tonight. He picked the right side and the system worked until we went a man down. As previously mentioned, the defence really didn't play badly at all, though question marks about Shay Given on crosses will perhaps rightly be raised once more. At Stoke you'll always have a storm to weather, and we did so admirably, but the red card did for us.

Fair play to the opposition, however, they sucked up our possession and made the most of their advantage. This tetralogy of games won't be remembered by many, but they've been battles. Both sides took one and shared the spoils twice. They were the better side during the first leg, and in all honesty that was where we blew it. I hope they do go to Stamford Bridge and get something, nobody wants to see Chelsea bore their way to another trophy.

Team:
Given, Richards, Bridge (Santa Cruz '86), Onuoha, Lescott, Kompany, Zabaleta, Barry (Sylvinho '108), Ireland (Wright-Phillips '61), Adebayor, Bellamy

Positives to be taken from Liverpool draw

2010-02-22T20:35:00.003Z

Yesterday's goalless encounter with fellow Champions League hopefuls Liverpool at Eastlands has, perhaps understandably given the scoreline, been written off as one sooner forgotten by journalists and fans alike. Although the stats don't lie in that it was a very tight game of few clear-cut chances, i personally think there are several positives to take from the afternoon, and for both sides.

It was a huge game for us, we can't deny that, and one that we probably had to win to add weight to the argument that we're favourites for fourth place. In that respect dropping two points is disappointing, but given the players we had absent, and the form of Rafa Benitez' side over recent weeks, a point and a clean sheet certainly can't be considered a bad result.

It's odd that a game that i saw as quite end-to-end finished with just three shots on target, and has been belittled by pundits both on screen, radio, and in the written press since. Both sides will feel that they didn't really do enough in the final third, but the two managers went head-to-head in a tactical battle, both aware that a defeat could have a huge impact on their futures, and both defences played very well.

On that last point, the biggest plus point, in my opinion, was that we looked a lot more settled at the back with what i believe is our strongest central defensive duo; Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott a while. After a wobbly start to his City career, Joleon was beginning to give the impression of someone worthy of his international caps before surgery put him back. Vince has been out best defender this season, not that there's too much competition, and neither are as unpredictable as current captain Kolo Toure. Agger and Skrtel were every bit as good.

With a steadier head to his side it's no surprise that Pablo Zabaleta improved a ten-fold, having his best game in a City shirt and looking confident, hungry and in control throughout after a couple of hooky performances of late. Nigel de Jong also lived up to the big occasion once more, and Adam Johnson was spellbinding for the first half although sadly wore himself out. Even Ade proved a real handful manning the front line on his own!

On another day we'd have turned one of our half-chances into a winner, but i thought we gave it all, and you can't really ask much more than that. In all honestly, the visitors could have just as easily snook it, being the more positive side for the first and last twenty minutes and regularly threatening to expose us on the counter-attack in between. I certainly thought they looked closer to the side who beat us last season than that widely said to have been terrible for much of this.

The two sides are obviously lacking a bit of confidence at present, but they'll both get back into their stride again, and next season i envisage both being a bit closer to the 'big two', albeit not perhaps challenging for the title itself. Sunday's game was far from 'dire' or 'dull', though, it was competitive, full-blooded, just lacking the three best attackers the two clubs possess (Torres, Bellamy, Tevez) there was a lack of cutting edge in both areas.

One thing i do feel quite strongly about, however, is that the referee's assessors should look at the performance of official Peter Walton and decide if he's fit to run games at this level. Liverpool's six bookings were only the ones he managed not to miss. It's an important game, played by men, no qualms with the odd meaty challenge, but i think that Liverpool were extremely cynical when not in possession, and Mascherano in particular again proved that he's an awful cunt.

Given that Gareth Barry should have been given a second booking for a handball around the halfway line, it would probably be hypocritical of us to bemoan Mascherano's continued presence on the pitch, but it was one of many, and at times it was like every single one of their offensive players were taking turns to sythe down their men. More annoying, though, Walton awarding almost every 50/50 their way, or even completely missing staggeringly obvious calls. He was shocking.

Anyhow, a decent tear-up, i thought. Now we're heading towards the home straight, and whoever is both the strongest mentally, and perhaps has that bit of luck, will probably take that final Champions League position. I think Liverpool are huge favourites given their run-in and experience of being here several times before. We now have a tricky cup tie, then the probable champions away, plus Spurs and Fulham in the next few weeks, so it might get worse before it gets better for us, but Sunday was another case of us proving we can mix it with the real big boys (four wins and two draws from eight games so far). Let's just hope the dropped points against the so-called lesser sides don't come back to haunt us.

Preview: City v Liverpool

2010-02-20T17:09:00.005Z

Rafa Benitez' Liverpool visit the home of football tomorrow afternoon, with the game perhaps our most important of the season so far. A win would make us big favourites to gazump the Merseyside club for fourth place, but the Scousers have to some extent recovered from their mid-season wobble, and both Maine Road and Eastlands have proven happy hunting grounds for them in previous seasons.

Carlos Tevez remains in his homeland as his second child was born prematurely. Craig Bellamy, rumoured to have had a disagreement with the manager over his injury rehab this week, is expected to at best make the bench. Pat Vieira is suspended for his stupid lunge at former Blue Glen Whelan during the draw at Stoke midweek, and Vince Kompany and Martin Petrov are rated as doubtful with groin and knee ligament injuries, respectively.

Full-back Glen Johnson is Liverpool's only certain absentee, still out with a knee injury. Yossi Benayoun is unlikely to start after a rib problem, and Fernando Torres still isn't fully fit. Sotiros Kyrgiakos serves out a two-match ban for a challenge in the Merseyside derby which in truth could have resulted in both him and Marouane Fellaini seeing red.

With Carlos and Craig unavailable, and given Roque Santa Cruz is still looking some way off full fitness, we're pretty certain to go with Adebayor up front alone, something that's not really paid off in recent weeks. I can't see anything other than Stevie Ireland replacing the suspended Vieira and a central midfield three. Providing the knock which saw him replaced at Stoke isn't a problem, Micah ought to continue on the right, with Wayne Bridge returning on the opposite flank.

Most of Liverpool's side is easy enough to predict, with the back five of Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger & Insua appearing fairly settled. Lucas and Mascherano should shield the defence, with Gerrard off a lone striker. I wouldn't rule out Rafa bringing back Fernando Torres, though statements earlier in the week say otherwise. Otherwise, Dirk Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez may start wide, with David N'gog leading the line, though Fabio Aurelio, Albert Riera & Ryan Babel are all pushing for starting places.

It's an especially tough game to call, but we certainly need to take all three points if we're to make ourselves favourites for that final Champions League spot. Liverpool's run-in is by far the easiest of the four sides in with a shout, and of late they've been getting back in the habit of winning without playing particularly well, a worrying sign. We're imperious at home, yet have an awful record against the Anfield side.

Dirk Kuyt has been the man making the difference over recent weeks, and wherever he starts, up front or to the right he'll drift and cause trouble. Keeping tabs on him will prove key, but responsibly marking Steven Gerrard is a must. He'll drop deep and ping crosses over the defence, trouble us from corners, and look to win free-kicks in dangerous areas around the penalty area. It might take a hatchet job by Nige and Gaz Baz, but deal with those two players, assuming Torres doesn't start, and we've a good chance.

I disagree with the 'neither side can defend so it could be a classic' stuff, and also the high-scoring draw predictions of pundits this week. Both sides are negative, missing key players, and struggling to find their feet for different reasons, and i can't see anything other than an awful game. If we can start brightly, hopefully get the first goal, then we should see them off, but fail to do so and the moans and groans that have met performances over recent weeks will build on the terraces once more.

Possible teams:
City: Given, Richards, Bridge, Toure, Lescott, de Jong, Wright-Phillips, Barry, Ireland, Adebayor, A.Johnson

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Insua, Agger, Skrtel, Mascherano, Kuyt, Lucas, Gerrard, N'gog, Rodriguez

Prediction: City 1 Liverpool 1

Friday mp3: Yo La Tengo

2010-02-19T22:55:00.004Z

Active for more than 25 years, Yo La Tengo formed in Hoboken, New Jersey, the band named after an infamous New York Mets anecdote. Before the turn of the nineties they would release three LPs, none of which sold well but were well-received by reviewers and enabled the band to build up a strong independent following.

Last year's Popular Songs was their twelfth studio album, and they show no signs of slowing down. 1997's I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One is their best and most popular work to date, and its mix of shoegaze, rock and more folky numbers best sums up their chameleonic nature. Compilation Prisoners of Love is possibly as good a place to start.

This is a track that features on both of those records.

Mp3: Sugarcube
Buy the records
Spotify
Website
Myspace
Last.fm
Youtube
Wiki

Early Mancini criticism particularly disappointing

2010-02-19T20:38:00.004Z

When Mark Hughes was sacked just before Christmas, a decision that in itself was viewed as the correct one by most, albeit awfully carried out, the 4-3 victory over Sunderland saw us jump into the top six, having sunk below Birmingham after the awful result at White Hart Lane the previous Wednesday. We stood six points behind Aston Villa in fourth, four behind Spurs who occupied fifth position, and had amassed only ten points from a possible thirty.

Under Roberto we've rarely played well at all in the league, spells of good possession against Wolves and Blackburn about as good as it's got. The eight games we have played, however, have yielded an admirable sixteen points, admittedly against sides who all occupied places in the bottom half of the division at the time. We've also managed to avoid potential banana skins at two tricky lower league grounds, and given the best team in the country a good test over two legs.

It's especially saddening then to hear that some sections of our support have already decided that the Italian isn't the man to lead the club, all of seven weeks into his tenure. There seems to be this view amongst some fans that we're a club renowned for all-encompassing, flowing football, and that because we've spent a few bob on players we should be royally entertained each and every week by a side resembling the Harlem Globetrotters. Nonsense.

Credit where credit's due, under Hughes we did sometimes play quick, incise, clever football, at home, when we felt like it. Maybe my memory's fading in my old age, but i don't remember that being ever week, even most weeks, and for every fluid performance there were two that could more accurately be described as completely spineless.

Also, those performances generally stopped with the end of last season, as the new signings forced an often change in formation and the addition of Carlos Tevez, plus several injuries, effected the progress of Stephen Ireland. With two or three exceptions we were only slightly less pedestrian under Hughes this term as we have been under his replacement.

Good sides are generally built on good defences. We don't have one, but we have players there who have been amongst the best in their positions in the country at some point. Though we've not looked a great deal less wobbly in that respect since Roberto's arrival, especially not over the last couple of weeks, you don't need a degree to work out that six conceded in eight is an improvement on twenty-seven in seventeen.

Stats don't tell the whole story, of course. The age old defensive problems are still our Achilles heel. Injuries don't help, but a general lack of organisation and discipline are in part down to the previous manager choosing a captain with limited leadership abilities. The goals we do concede tend to come from our own errors, and distribution; the age-old problem with previous defences, dealing with crosses, and giving away needless free-kicks in dangerous positions continue to haunt us. These are things that take a while to work on, a few set-piece tactics on the training ground aren't going to turn us into a tight defensive unit overnight.

The main beef of fans, though, from what i can gather anyway, is the opinion that Mancini's not getting enough out of us in an attacking sense by playing formations too negative. I'm not sure that's the case. We have to remember that Roque Santa Cruz is still about as much use as a chocolate hairdryer whilst not fully fit, Craig Bellamy's been injured, and more recently, Carlos Tevez away on family matters. We've also loaned out two wingers.

So far as i can see, Roberto has experimented with formations and systems, much more than the previous boss did, and i find it quite amusing that some of those slating him are those most vocal about the likes of Martin Petrov 'needing to pull his finger out', or Stevie Ireland being, a couple of recent assists aside 'not a shadow of his former self'.

I think we have to learn to appreciate that the entire mentality of an Italian manager is different to that of an English one. The days of Serie A sides being watertight defensively might be over, but there's no doubt that the tempo of the game is different, and the overall focus is less one of entertainment and more one of efficiency. Under Mancini we've generally been efficient, and that's all we can ask for during these early stages.

If we labour to a 1-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday i'll be over the moon, i'm sure most if not all of us will. It's a must-win game, in my opinion, not even a 'must not lose' given Liverpool's much easier run-in. Berto's call to arms earlier this week was spot on, and that goes for after the game, too, irrespective of result or performance. Now's the time to be pulling together, not arguing amongst ourselves or getting on the back of the new boss. We're better than that.

Like it or lump it, in deciding to change manager, the board, assuming there's nothing to rumours of Mancini's time here being no more than a seat-warming session for a certain Portuguese gaffer, which i don't believe for one second, have ended one regime and started another. Roberto, then, must be judged after a lengthy enough time period, and with the team he assembled, not Hughes, nor anyone else. Those on his back already need to have a look at themselves.

Preview: Stoke v City

2010-02-15T20:48:00.006Z

Tomorrow night Stoke and City will do battle in the second of three bouts within twelve days. The first was a drab evening which we ended lucky to still be in the FA Cup. Tomorrow is the first of four extremely tough games that will give us a better idea whether we're true contenders for the top four or this year's Spurs-like also-rans.

Key duo Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy will be missing, with Carlito back in Argentina on family matters, Craig out with a recurrence of his longstanding knee problem. Vince Kompany's groin may also rule him out, and Mancini has confirmed that Martin Petrov is unlikely to start. Micah Richards is around a week off a return, but Shaun Wright-Phillips and Stevie Ireland should both shake off knocks in time. Adam Johnson will return after two good performances so far.

Stoke will have to make do without in-form winger Matt Etherington, who suffered ligament damage to a knee during Saturday's game. Replacement Liam Lawrence picked up a less serious knee injury and is expected to start from the bench again. Abdoulaye Faye has recovered from a pulled back, and Dean Whitehead also returns.

I expect Pulis to make three or four changes from the side that started the first meeting. Etherington being missing will probably see Tuncay move flanks. Whitehead and Delap are thought pretty likely to come in, too, with Salif Diao perhaps most likely to make way after Glen Whelan's tireless performance at Eastlands. Andy Wilkinson's switch to left-back didn't really work out, and Danny Collins looked better once brought on. His inclusion should see the defence start as it finished on Saturday.

The biggest worry for us is that we're missing our two main goal threats, and away from home a 4-3-3 can soon become a 4-5-1, leaving Adebayor up front with little support once more. I can't see Mancini resorting to a more orthodox 4-4-2, and we don't really have the personnel anyhow given Santa Cruz' fitness, so we're quite likely to see Adam Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips wide of any three of four; Vieira, Barry, de Jong, Ireland.

Pablo Zabaleta's form of late has been a cause for concern. Etherington missing out comes as a slight relief, though nobody likes seeing players injured. Assuming he's match-fit i'd be tempted to give Nedum Onuoha a game. Kolo Toure continues to look extremely jumpy, Ned's calm head besides him could be just the tonic. Bridge and Lescott both played well during the Cup game and should keep their places.

We know what we're going to be met with tomorrow; a battling team, a narrow pitch, a boisterous crowd (as it should be at every ground, every week), triers kicking, harrying and harassing for the win. I'll just point out that i thought Stoke not only played valiantly but confidently in possession for large parts of our recent tie, not wanting to be one of those who perhaps a bit ignorantly makes out that they're a one-trick pony, a side only capable of playing the most direct football possible.

How we cope with set-pieces will obviously have a huge bearing on the result, a guide dog could point that out. Delap's throws will have arseholes quivering in our back five, and not only Fuller and Sidibe but Shawcross and Huth will have to be picked up each and every time. Our zonal marking under Mancini has attracted criticism, but i think i'm right in saying that Fuller's goal was the first we've conceded directly from a corner or throw under the Italian, though clearing our lines in general has obviously proved a problem.

I'm dubious as to whether we can contain the Potters, or match then in terms of the physical and mental battle. If we do so we could get something, but the fact that our two best attacking players will be missing doesn't fill you with confidence. I'd take a draw, and i don't feel overly negative saying so. It would edge us ahead of the pack and could give us a slight mental advantage. Certainly won't be a classic.

Stoke: Sorensen, Huth, Collins, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Whitehead, Delap, Whelan, Fuller, Sidibe, Tuncay

City: Given, Onouha, Bridge, Toure, Lescott, de Jong, Vieira, Barry, Wright-Phillips, Adebayor, A.Johnson

Prediction: Stoke 0 City 0

Senior players need to step up for five games that will define our season

2010-02-14T20:04:00.006Z

In the minds of some any 'honeymoon period' enjoyed by new gaffer Roberto Mancini is now over. We'd all agree that the side has offered some particularly lifeless showings in recent weeks, admittedly generally getting results, occasionally not doing, stuttering through what on paper was supposedly an easy run but being found out during the real 'tests'. However, i feel that criticism of the Italian is premature as he tries to learn on the job with another manager's squad.

Mancini will need time, and not just a few weeks, but a season or two, funds to bring in his own men, opportunity to assess what's here now, to try out formations, tactics, learn about opposition and the league in general, to school his troops on the training ground, and in order to to put his stamp on the squad and make it his own. The initial boost that tends to come with a managerial change aside, setbacks were always going to come, but i think he's done okay thus far.

In my opinion, the problem, not that there's a huge one as we sit on the verge of a top four place, is simply that the first few games aside, when people began to think we were much better than we are, we've never really got going all season, and assembling such a turnover of players into a side virtually overnight has proved as difficult as people told us it would do.

We've never really begun to build the side into any sort of framework, the defence has been cobbled together, suffered a staggering number of knocks, systems have been fiddled with under both managers, and we've pretty much been winging it all year. It shouldn't come as a huge surprise then that as we approach the business end of the season we're becoming increasingly wobbly.

Both our cup chances, already slim now we have two tricky away ties, and our hopes of finishing in the top four will all but be decided over the next three weeks. All five of the especially testing upcoming fixtures will require improvements in terms of effort, organisation and leadership. So far we've had no problems at home against the big teams, beating Chelsea, Arsenal and United, and the upcoming game against Liverpool is at least as important.

In truth, everything has been lacking of late, and the games in which we have managed to win we've tended to ride our luck. We spoke recently about results being more important than the performances themselves, that's certainly true, but when playing better sides we won't get away with the kamikaze defending that's began to haunt us again, or be able to grind out victories half-heartedly. Liverpool and Spurs won't dither around in possession showing us respect, they'll soak up what we've got and hit us when it matters.

The two trips to Stoke will also be huge tests of mettle and resolve. The Potteries side have failed to win half of their home games so far this season, but there's absolutely no question of them not being up for turning us over. They played very well yesterday, and Pulis fielded a strong side, but survival, although more or less guaranteed already, will be their primary target, and they'll see it as a chance to rattle a side who from the outside appear to be a bit too big for their boots.

To have any chance of winning at the Britannia, even earning a point, which wouldn't be a disaster, we need to prove ourselves to be more than an expensively-assembled set of players occasionally capable of playing pretty football. Games like Tuesday's are the sort which will ultimately decide our fate, and those players with experience of playing in and winning these sort of crunch encounters absolutely have to step up and scrap for the shirt.

As fans, though the hope of winning trophies is the pot at the end of the rainbow, you can ask nothing more than for people to give their all. If we go on to exit the cup and fail to finish fourth you take it on the chin providing the players have tried. Of late some of them haven't been doing. I don't think it has too much to do with the way the manager sets up the side, people aren't pulling their weight; Stoke, Bolton, Hull, Pompey, Everton - same story, and there are countless examples of it happening under the previous boss.

So far as the FA Cup goes it's black and white, we have to go to Stoke and not get beat. That done we have the near-impossible task of doing likewise at Stamford Bridge against the side who will almost certainly take the trophy for the fifth time in recent memory. Should anything unexpected happen then it would be a bonus, but i feel we ballsed up our big chance yesterday.

Stoke, Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs are make or break, our season will be defined by our points return from those games. Anything less than six or seven and the campaign would begin to look like one of wasted opportunities. It's time for the senior figures in the changing room; Toure, Vieira, SWP, though having gone through different kinds of turmoil of late, Adebayor, Bridge, and even those who may not have led quite as decorated careers but are big players at the club; Barry, Shay, Zab, etc, to stand up and drag us kicking and screaming to a positive end to the season. I'm beginning to wonder if we've really got the bottle.

Lacklustre City second best against battling Stoke

2010-02-13T20:04:00.006Z

Tony Pulis' Potters this evening held the Blues to a 1-1 draw at Eastlands in the FA Cup fifth round. A banker on the coupons of most, City started brightly, taking the lead through Shaun Wright-Phillips before completely capitulating and in the end being lucky to have earned a replay. The sides will now face each other three times in twelve days.

Roberto opted to rest Patrick Vieira after his start midweek, Carlos Tevez was missing after returning to Argentina due to personal reasons, Adam Johnson was cup-tied, and Vince Kompany's tweaked groin saw him out. Stephen Ireland, Martin Petrov, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joleon Lescott came into what initially looked like a 4-4-1-1, Ireland playing off Adebayor.

Tony Pulis opted to go with two big men up front in the shape of Fuller and Sidibe, with Tuncay dropping back to the left flank, Etherington switching to the right and lethal weapon Rory Delap having to make do with a place on the bench with Salif Diao and former Blue Glen Whelan being preferred in the centre. Right-back Andy Wilkinson surprisingly started on the left of defence, with Robert Huth to the right of one-time United duo Shawcross and Higginbotham.

You couldn't fault us for the first half hour. We really flew out of the blocks and appeared to be in the mood. We were knocking the ball around as well as we have done all season, and the result was looking a formality. Wayne Bridge, rejuvenated after the recent headlines, skinned Robert Huth, his cross smothered by Sorensen. Moments later Ireland slipped Petrov in down the same flank, but again the big Dane snuffed out a cross, this time with Wright-Phillips pressuring him.

The tenth minute saw us open the scoring, a comical goal resulting from another great pass over the top from Ireland. SWP stabbed clear of Sorensen but Shawcross was favourite to see it out of play only to mistime his swing, miss the ball all together, fall flat on his arse and head back into the path of the England winger, who pretty much walked the ball over the line. A comfortable home victory expected at this point.

Only a minute after the goal Stoke's star player of recent weeks, Matt Etherington, jarred a knee when tracking Wayne Bridge, but that piece of bad luck didn't really effect the visitors. Fuller and Sibibe exchanged passes on the edge of our area, the Jamaican blazing over as the Potters upped the pressure.

After a pretty commanding start we began to labour. Initial bouts of nice passing dried up almost instantly and the entire side seemed heavy-legged and aimless. Only a terrific last-ditch block from Bridge prevented an equaliser after Whelan had dispossessed Barry and Tuncay's cross fell to Fuller. The visitors began to sense something might be on the cards.

Not a great deal more happened before the interval. Wilkinson, given a torrid time by SWP, picked up a yellow card, Danny Higginbotham almost scored the best goal of his career, controlling and lashing a dipping volley just wide of Given's upright, and a superb flowing move involving Adebayor, Ireland and Petrov ended with the Bulgarian picking out the wrong final ball. Overall, Stoke looked in the ascendancy and would have been more confident at the sound of the whistle.

Mancini tried to make the most of a defensive change by Pulis. Wilkinson shifted to his preferred right-back role, with Huth moving across and Higginbotham to the left. SWP followed him, swapping flanks with Petrov, but we didn't go on to look any sharper. A half-hearted poke wide of goal by Barry five minutes in to the second half pretty much summed up the lethargy that had crept into the performance.

Stoke's final sub of the afternoon, following another knee injury to Lawrence, himself a replacement for Etherington, paid off when eleven minutes into the second period they drew level by the most direct means possible. A trademark long throw sailed freely over our entire defence and Fuller span off his marker to easily nod home. An extremely poor goal to concede.

I'd love to go into detail about how conceding inspired us to push on, but it really didn't. Mancini at least tried going more attacking, sticking another forward on after Emmanuel Adebayor had began to cut an increasingly desolate figure up top, but we were just off-colour again, and the creativity from the midfield virtually non-existent. If anyone was going to sneak it, you sensed it might be the visitors.

The introduction of Vieira with around twenty minutes left on the clock, though quite probably viewed as a negative change at the time, gave us a touch more impetus, and we at least began to retain the ball a bit better, but everything was flat, pedestrian and not really worthy of the fifth round of such a grand old competition. Barry forced a truly great save from Sorensen with a near post header, SWP drilled wide, and an injury time Vieira pass similar to the one which led to Adebayor's strike midweek almost paid off, Santa Cruz's effort cleared by Shawcross.

It's difficult to explain why we went on to look so poor in a game we started so brightly. We have to praise the opposition for their efforts; their front two worked tirelessly, in fact, their entire eleven did. It would be ignorant to say they solely played 'the Stoke way', though, they were better than us in possession for large parts of the game, and although they scored from a set-piece they broke well, retained the ball well, and could have even gone on to score a winner.

In my opinion, today was another case of the senior players in the side not stepping up and forcing the advantage. Toure and Zabaleta were both again far too uncomposed, the midfield was overran, and after the spells of great play early on we resorted to the ball long-ball tactics of yesteryear. If you'd have shown someone with no experience of Premier League football the last hour or so and asked him to predict which side of the two is noted for their use of the long ball they'd have quite probably said those in blue. We really need to buck our ideas up if we're to finish the season strongly.

To end on a high note, however, Wayne Bridge had his best game in a City shirt. He was rarely shaken defensively and drove forward at every opportunity, and before the watching England manager Fabio Capello. If he plays like that every week he'll be a certainty for South Africa, just a shame few of his team-mates could follow his lead. Joleon Lescott, too, did little wrong, but compliments to anyone else would be half-hearted.

Team:
Given, Zabaleta, Bridge, Toure, Lescott, de Jong, Wright-Phillps, Barry, Ireland (Vieira '72), Adebayor, Petrov (Santa Cruz '62)

Friday mp3: Swell Maps

2010-02-12T21:57:00.003Z

Swell Maps were an experimental rock group of the 70's from Birmingham, whose sound could probably completely inaccurately be described as glam-tinged, industrial, early post-punk. Debut LP A Trip to Marineville has since been championed by bands such as Sonic Youth and Pavement.

This track is from that first record, essentially the meat in the sandwich of a three-track mid-album jam.

MP3: Blam!
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Cole injury could prove welcome boost for Bridge

2010-02-12T19:50:00.004Z

The injury sustained by Ashley Cole during Chelsea's no-show at Goodison midweek means that the England left-back slot is, temporarily at least, up for grabs again. Despite his head probably being all over the shop at present, our very own Wayne Bridge, a relative favourite of the national team manager so far, could have returned from an injury of his own at exactly the right time, and he's expected to be selected for the upcoming friendly against Egypt.

The decision by England boss Fabio Capello to relieve John Terry of his captaincy was absolutely the right one, no question about that, and even were i a more hardcore follower of the national side i'd think that common sense had to come before any talk of our Finals chances. Basic discipline is a must, a duty should come with representing your country, and the rules shouldn't be bent going by a player's stature in the squad.

Bridge has a difficult decision to make. Whilst talk of ultimatums may be nothing more than rumour, standing side-by-side in unison with the man who committed the ultimate betrayal of sneaking around with one of his best pals other half would be asking a lot of anyone. I half hope Wayne tells them to do one, but when you've spent years dedicating yourself to a career and the ultimate goal of winning a World Cup is just a few games away, it must be a tough call.

All this said, our support of Bridge shouldn't cloud the fact that he perhaps shouldn't be at the head of the queue for Cole's position. Given that this unsavoury affair happened some time before hitting the press, in part due to Terry's solicitors, patchy form can to some extent be excused. Wayne had looked fitter and more consistent earlier in the season, but a couple of high-profile games in which the press went to town on him were followed by his injury, and having not completed a game since, he seems to be in contention more based on his experience than form.

Stephen Warnock, though himself out with a calf strain and expected to miss another two weeks, has excelled since Mark Hughes took him to Blackburn for a bargain fee of £1.5m three seasons ago. There he earned rave reviews in a number of positions before Martin O'Neill felt him worthy enough to part with four times that amount. Last year he was Blackburn's best player, and this year probably likewise for Villa. Wanting to see as many City players at the World Cup as possible aside for a moment, he should be in the squad on merit.

Leighton Baines has also been an integral part of Everton's revival over recent weeks. Like Warnock he's equally comfortable in either half, and though his Goodison career took a while to get going he's proven another solid acquisition by Gollum. I don't really feel that Wayne has produced a good spell of form for any substantial time over the last couple of years, and at the current time he would be fourth in the pecking order were it my call.

The early signs of Wayne post-injury, however, are positive. At Hull he was subjected to all sorts of unnecessary taunts from the crowd, and targeted physically by the opposition. I thought he did quite well, both in terms of defending and getting forward, especially first half. That's to be expected, as fitness takes its time to build back up, but against neither Hull or Bolton were i any more worried about Wayne defensively than anyone else, and if anything we looked more vulnerable in both games down the opposite flank.

Ashley Cole, for me, is the best left-back in the world at present. His form for Chelsea over the last eighteen months has been astonishing, and his decision to leave Arsenal for their rivals has, though money certainly played its part, proved a wise one. Even if not fully fit i think he'll travel to South Africa, and as number one in his position, but the rest of the season, and England's games against Egypt, and probably Mexico in May, give Wayne a real shout of ending an uncomfortable season on the highest of high notes. Good luck, lad!

Preview: City v Stoke

2010-02-11T21:27:00.008Z

This season's FA Cup has proven an especially interesting one for the purists, with three of the big four, if we're still including Liverpool, exiting in the early rounds. That in mind, it would be a shame if we ballsed up what looks like a favourable fifth round tie at home to the oatcake munchers. Progression and a favourable draw could have us dreaming of Wembley again for the first time since, well, last month.

Hard to say who Pulis will select given the league game days later. They certainly have options, though, and a squad that's surprisingly strong. Tuncay impressed in the home league fixture. Him and Sidibe might be the two favourites to start, but Ricardo Fuller already has two goals in the competition, and although his better work so far this season has been from the bench, he's the sort of unpredictable livewire that i'm sure defenders don't like playing against.

Matt Etherington's form of late has quite rightly been earning him plaudits. Given his recent performances i'd imagine he'll start, with Dean Whitehead and Glen Whelan (or Rory Delap) central of a very rigid 4-4-2. Tuncay could drop into a right-wing role, though Liam Lawrence is also available.

Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth will almost certainly be at the centre of the defence, with Asmir Begovic's appearances for Pompey in the earlier rounds of the competition meaning number one Thomas Sorensen ought to continue. Huth has played at right-back occasionally, however, and so Amdy Faye, if over a back injury, could force a rethink. Andy Wilkinson and either Higginbotham or Collins most likely, though, i'd have thought.

I anticipate Roberto will go with quite a strong side given that progression to the latter stages of the competition could increase his chances of staying on for next season. Craig Bellamy is perhaps most likely to earn another rest given our run of league fixtures, but otherwise i hope to see quite a similar side to the one that beat Bolton, with onlyAdam Johnson (cup tied) and Vince Kompany (groin) being replaced and some tinkering with the formation.

I'm sure Mancini will have noted both the clunky performance that night and the reaction to it from the terraces. Shaun Wright-Phillips did enough in his cameo to encourage a more attacking and fluid system and i think he'll come in for Johnson, and we'll hopefully see a return to the 4-4-2 with someone on the opposite flank more natural in the role, though Barry does seem to be one of Roberto's favourites.

The biggest question facing the manager ahead of the game could be who replaces the injured Kompany, who tweaked his problem groin midweek. Joleon Lescott looked quite comfortable when introduced on Tuesday, but two games in under a week may be a big ask. Dedryck had a poor game at Hull but his partnership with Kompany had generally shown signs of promise. Given that Stoke could start with two big lumps up front we'll have to get the decision right.

The Potters away form this season has been pretty terrible; only two wins and six goals on the road, with Tuncay's leveller at Wigan the first they've bagged on their travels since early November. They've little to lose by going for it on Saturday, especially given as they're well on their way to survival, and i don't think they'll be either paying us too much respect nor hoping for a replay.

With all due respect to the opposition, we should progress into the next round, but Pulis would have taken heart from our showing on Tuesday, and a side with both a bit more physicality and edge up front could have got something from that game. If Stoke come at us like Bolton did, or more so we let them, then the result mightn't be such a foregone conclusion. Positive team selection is key.

Possible teams:
City: Given, Zabaleta, Bridge, Toure, Lescott, de Jong, Wright-Phillips, Vieira, Tevez, Adebayor, Petrov

Stoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Collins, Huth, Shawcross, Whitehead, Tuncay, Delap, Fuller, Sidibe, Etherington

Prediction: City 2 Stoke 1

Points more important than performances

2010-02-10T19:59:00.005Z

Last night's 2-0 home victory over neighbours Bolton was a largely drab affair won by two moments of magic - a driving run from new winger Adam Johnson to earn a penalty that Carlos Tevez was fortunate to put home, and an exquisite pass from midfield veteran Patrick Vieira leading to a commanding finish from Emmanual Adebayor. Job done, admittedly, but another uninspiring spectacle where we rode our luck.

As others have already mentioned, the system was wrong and didn't enable us to play to our main strengths or attack Bolton with any kind of fluidity. We were unbalanced and not pressing the opposition as high up the pitch as we should. Ultimately, though, we saw off a side despite playing well below our capabilities.

Whilst Tevez and Adebayor have both proved themselves more than adept at dropping deep and starting moves, you want your forwards in the centre of the final third of the pitch, them drifting over to the flanks sends out a negative message to your opponents, and had we been playing a better side last night we might not have ended up with the three points.

Not that i have any real problem with us playing averagely, so long as we continue to pick up points. Bolton was a big game in the sense that it was, on paper at least, the easiest league fixture we'll have for some time. Given the poor result and performance at Hull it was important we got back to winning ways to boost confidence ahead of the tricky ties with Stoke, Spurs, Liverpool and Chelsea.

What people can't accuse Mancini of is being short of ideas or not testing his squad. He's already tried different formations - so far we've seen a 4-4-1-1, a 4-5-1, a return to a more orthodox 4-4-2, and last night's 4-3-3. Players are being tested in different roles; Barry on the left, for instance, Sylvinho being pushed into central midfield, and Petrov and Ireland trying their luck on the right. Then there are the youngsters being pushed into the senior side. He's certainly assessing his lot and trying different things.

Playing three 'defensive' midfielders (though i'm not sure i agree Barry necessarily fits that tag, but his best performance of the season, during the opening day win at Blackburn, certainly involved him playing that role) at home against a poor side was a decision that whilst negative was also quite brave. Anything less than a commanding performance and the half-empty lot would have been on his case.

From very early on last night it was obvious to me that we were very unbalanced. Adam Johnson played very well, was always looking for the ball and to run at his man, and had as good a home debut as i can remember in recent seasons. He provided the same sort of permanent outlet that Martin Petrov can on the other side when fully fit, and with the Bulgarian on the opposing flank and our forwards shoved up the field we may have had a bit more joy against a side who were missing three quarters of their first-choice defence.

That splendid pass aside, i thought Pat Vieira had a poor full debut, but his recent injury problems mean it will be a number of weeks before he gets back to anything resembling full fitness. His distribution was especially off, though that accusation could easy be levelled at most who started. I didn't feel we looked any tighter in the centre, but that's to be expected when you don't have any real possession players in the midfield.

The introduction of Shaun Wright-Phillips changed the game, i thought. He immediately livened us up and we both kept the ball better and shown an improved willingness to take the game to Bolton. At home you have to play either two wingers or if you must go with a front three, then an attacking-minded midfielder amongst the bank behind them.

In a sense, we're trying to have our cake and eat it. Our lack of activity in the recent transfer window indicates to me that Mancini's on an all-or-nothing mission for fourth place. If that's true then you can't blame him for a slightly cautious approach, and it's in his nature being a son of Serie A. My hope, however, is that he's here for the long haul, top four or not, and rather than concentrate on the negatives performance-wise, we should take comfort in the old adage that winning without playing that well is the sign of a top team. I'm sure we'd all take slight wins from now until the season's end.

Preview: City v Bolton

2010-02-08T20:28:00.008Z

Bolton's visit to Eastlands tomorrow night gives Berto and the boys a great chance of making up for a spineless showing at Hull on the weekend. Eighteen home games unbeaten versus no away win in eight. It's a banker, right, right? Hmmm...

New Trotters boss Owen Coyle has mounting injury concerns and may struggle to field an experienced eleven at all. The biggest blow will have come with the news that England World Cup possible, not to mention top goalscorer Gary Cahill will miss the rest of the season with a blood clot in his arm. Good luck to him on his road to recovery. As much as Bolton's defence have gone backwards this season he's proved a great acquisition.

The man who grabbed the other goals during the 3-3 draw at the Reebok earlier in the season, on-loan German forward Ivan Klasnic also misses out with a calf strain. Gavin McCann is recovering from ankle surgery, Vlad Weiss is unavailable due to the terms of his loan deal, and midfielders Sean Davis and Joey O'Brien are still out long-term with serious knee injuries.

Right-back Gretar Steinsson missed the goalless draw with Fulham due to a virus, but manager Coyle expects him to return to an already depleted defence. Former Newcastle centre-half Andy O'Brien is likely to play through the pain barrier after a knock to his calf, though i was quite looking forward to seeing Danny Shittu get a run out! Fabrice Muamba and Stuart Holden are both rated doubtful.

From what i've seen of Bolton so far they've already improved under Coyle. He'll get them playing, i'm sure of that, but whilst sticking with a 4-5-1 to me they've already looked more assured on the ball, if still shaky at the back. During their recent fruitless trips to Arsenal and Liverpool they started brightly, going two goals up at the Emirates and having chances at Anfield.

Kevin Davies will obviously continue to be key to how Bolton play, and he's had his fair share of luck against us over the years. Midfielders Cohen, Lee and Mark Davies can all play a bit, though, the latter especially, a bargain buy from Wolves a year ago, has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water, and such canny acquisitions perhaps prove that former boss Gary Megson wasn't quite as clueless as made out.

I expect Roberto to ring the changes after a very disappointing afternoon's work at Hull on Saturday. Most at threat, i'd imagine, might be Pablo Zabaleta; who had his poorest game in a City shirt, Dedryck Boyaya; who struggled against Altidore but who has generally impressed, and Stevie Ireland, who has never really be able to get back to his best this season after a combination of injuries.

The only player who really impressed at the KC was new signing Adam Johnson. I expect him to get his first start, a decision made easier by the news that Craig Bellamy will play no part. Another likely to make his full debut is Pat Vieira as Mancini looks to stamp his mark on the side. Nigel de Jong or Gareth Barry could make way. Roque Santa Cruz & Joleon Lescott have outside chances of places on the bench. Vince Kompany's groin injury isn't as bad as first feared, but he too might have to make do with a sub role.

Tomorrow's a huge game for us, in my opinion. The four fixtures post Tuesday will all be extremely tricky, starting with a probably uncomfortable trip to Stoke, then games against three clubs either already established in or circling around the top four; Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham. We should fancy our chances against anyone at home, but Liverpool are hitting form, Spurs a real bogey side of ours, and the trip to Chelsea's perhaps the only fixture we now half write off.

Three points against a struggling side at home is absolutely vital. Fail to win this one and suddenly people will be reminding us that it's only one in four, whereas if we can see them off, another round of favourable fixtures, including Liverpool and Villa both playing sides in the top three, could see us edge clear, if only by the slightest of margins, and still with games in hand.

At the risk of looking like a plank should we put on a show, i've a feeling tomorrow might be a flat and uninspiring affair, and not as straightforward as some might see it. An early goal would settle the nerves, but we've looked at our best with Tevez and Bellamy in tandem, using our pace on the break. Without Craig there's always the danger we'll lack that thrust, and with new signings having to bed in, the defence still looking off, and Emmanuel Adebayor bagging the odd goal but often posing little threat, the Welshman could be a big loss.

Possible teams:
City: Given, Onuoha, Bridge, Richards, Toure, de Jong, Wright-Phillips, Vieira, Tevez, Adebayor, A.Johnson

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Ricketts, O'Brien, Knight, Muamba, Cohen, M.Davies, Lee, K.Davies, Taylor

Prediction: City 1 Bolton 0

Blues outfought at struggling Hull

2010-02-07T19:15:00.003Z

The Blues were beaten for only the fourth time this season yesterday, suffering a 1-2 defeat at Phil Brown's 'Ull. A classic by no means, we never really looked like stamping our authority on the game, and Hull out-battled us to take the three points and pull themselves clear of the relegation zone.

Not that it was all doom and gloom. Kolo Toure's goal on the hour seemed to bring us to life, and i thought we'd go on to get at least a point, but it wasn't to be. As predicted it was Stephen Hunt and Jozy Altidore who made the difference, both putting in tireless performances to inspire their side to a much-needed win.

Wayne Bridge started his first game in two months at left-back, with Dedryck Boyata replacing compatriot Vince Kompany in the middle. Craig Bellamy returned to the starting eleven in place of Martin Petrov, but had a frustrating afternoon. The home side were unchanged from their impressive 1-1 draw with Chelsea midweek.

The first half was pretty forgettable, though i certainly thought we looked more comfortable for the first fifteen or twenty minutes, retaining possession well but as has been the case occasionally during poorer performances away from home, not being able to make a real difference in the final third.

Hull came to life midway through the first period, and in truth dominated until the latter stages of it. A booking for young Boyata, shortly followed by Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink dragging a shot wide from the edge of the area were the earliest warning signs. Bridge and Barry carved out half-chances, but there was only one side likely to open the scoring.

The on-loan American earned his side a lead just past the half-hour, scoring his first goal in eighteen Premier League games. He really pulled our defence about, as we discussed he might, but for once managed to remain composed in front of goal, curling a terrific low effort into Shay Given's far post after Vennegoor of Hesselink had done well to control and lay him off. The move came as a direct result of a free-kick being given away in a dangerous position. Not the first time this season that we've suffered following such errors.

We did manage to settle down towards the end of the half, finishing it the more offensive side, but wild shots from distance by Bellamy and Tevez gave us an inkling that it just wasn't going to be our day. Bridge, who i actually thought did okay on his return, played a great one-two with Tevez and forced a stop from Myhill, but we never really got into our stride.

It must be said that Steve Mouyokolo and Antony Gardner did a great job of keeping our strikers quiet, and with Tevez marked out of the game, Bellamy having an off-day, and Petrov and Wright-Phillips missing, we struggled to convert good build-up play into clear-cut chances. Adebayor's header wide, and Tevez' shot from long-range both lacked conviction.

The Tigers stretched their lead in the 54th minute, George Boateng smashing home left-footed from outside of the box after we'd failed to clear a corner. The Dutchman's first goal in two years, a pearler on his unfancied foot, just about summed up the day's events. He'll probably not score a better goal again in his career, but there was no fluke about it. At this stage we looked well out of it.

The introduction of new signing Adam Johnson at least appeared to give us a bit of sway in the final third, and the half-hour or so he played would have to be judged the main positive of a pretty dire afternoon. His tricky feet caused Hull problems, especially when bringing his full-back in onto his unnatural side. Several crosses were whipped in, at least two just about dealt with by Myhill.

It was the Sunderland-born wideman whose set-piece led to getting on the scoresheet. A long corner was somehow hooked back in by Gareth Barry, the ball ambled around the area for a while, Emmanuel Adebayor being credited with the finish which certainly won't be a contender for Goal of the Month. At 1-2 we must have fancied our chances of a point, but for all the increased possession we were no more clinical where it mattered.

Patrick Vieria, another sub around the hour, made his debut, initially looking commanding going forwards but latterly shaky when in retreat. His looping header was at least on target. Johnson continued to try and make an impression on the game, but a late Carlos Tevez scuff was about as good as we could muster, and in all honesty a late leveller would have probably been unjust.

On the day, and though at different ends of the table, i just think Hull wanted it a bit more. Their defence was resolute, their entire midfield unflagging, and Altidore really unsettled us. When you're struggling, as we've done many a time, you can only ask that your players give 100%, and Hull's did to a man, whereas a couple of ours didn't look to be up for the scrap.

Vince Kompany, as expected, proved a big loss, though that's no excuse. At times we came across as vulnerable, unorganised, idealess and uninterested. No disrespect to Hull, they're the type of side that anyone with hopes of challenging for Europe should be taking four, even six points from a season. Tuesday gives us a good opportunity to put the result right, but given our rivals fixtures this coming and last week, we might come to rue such a poor result.

Team:
Given, Zabaleta, Bridge (Petrov '85), Toure, Boyata, de Jong, Ireland (A.Johnson '56), Barry, Tevez, Adebayor, Bellamy (Vieira '60)

Friday mp3: Tapes 'n Tapes

2010-02-05T23:05:00.003Z

Formed in Minnesota in 2003, Tapes 'n Tapes first came to the public's attention a year later with a self-released self-titled EP. The Loon, their first album proper came in 2005 on Ibid Records. The band then signed to XL Recordings in the UK who re-released said record to favourable sales. Walk It Off followed two years later.

Tapes 'n Tapes' musical style, it's said "varies in tempo and in influence, ranging from fast-paced polka renditions to the slower, more blues-influenced songs". Fans of Arcade Fire, White Denim, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Low, Pixies, or Kings of Leon's earlier records may be interested in their second album especially.

This track was the standout of their debut.

MP3: Insistor
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Preview: Hull v City

2010-02-04T21:49:00.008Z

Without a win since the draw against us which ultimately cost Mark Hughes his job as manager, City will fancy their chances of three points against Phil Brown's Hullthis weekend. Last season's fixture resulted in an exciting 2-2 draw, Stevie Ireland with a double after the home side had promised to give us a going-over early on, helped by the now moved-on Tal Ben Haim.

Vincent Kompany and Micah Richards will both miss out with groin and calf strains, respectively. The loss of the Belgian will be an especially big blow. He's been superb for us since winning his place back in the side, and his assured head will be missed. I suspect Nedum Onuoha may get the nod over Dedryck Boyata, though either are more than capable of coming in and doing a good job.

Pablo Zabaleta will wear a protective mask after breaking his nose against Portsmouth. He should still start, but there's always the chance that Ned and Dedryck may both figure otherwise. Wayne Bridge could make his first start in two months after recovering from the ligament injury suffered against his former club Chelsea. Pat Vieira and Joleon Lescott are both expected to win places on the bench after also recovering following spells out.

I expect Brown will stick with the side that served him so well against probable champions Chelsea, with Steve Mouyokolo continuing in place of Kamil Zayatte (hamstring), and young Tom Cairney likewise for influential midfielder Dean Marney (calf). Jimmy Bullard is still out with the recurrence of his knee ligament injury, Algerian Khamel Ghilas doubtful with a thigh strain, and Iain Ashbee won't play again until next season.

Goalkeeper Boaz Myhill has been the undoubted hero of recent weeks, playing a huge part as his side have ground out three draws between heavy defeats at Wigan and United. Their fans will also have breathed a huge collective sigh of relief seeing the transfer window close and Stephen Hunt having not moved on. Like him or hate him, and i'm sure most are in the latter camp, i'm sure we can all appreciate he's the sort of player you would want lining up for rather than against your team were you struggling.

They'll likely go with a straight-forward 4-4-2, with the lively Jozy Altidore leading from the front, ably assisted by former Celtic marksman Jan Vennegor of Wotsit. Altidore, much as his goalscoring record isn't that impressive, is a player i've been impressed with, both for America previous to his summer move, and whilst at Hull. In patches against us in the 1-1 draw earlier this season he caused problems. He's strong, quick and on the big occasion well capable of dragging a defence around by the scruff of its neck.

What impressed me most about Hull's performance at Eastlands earlier in the season was the shifts put in by both wingers. Hunt and Garcia both worked their socks off both in our half and theirs, and whilst the latter is unlikely to play this time round, Craig Fagan is also a willing worker. They might need to play similarly well in order to stop Bellamy especially absolutely mullering the numpty that is Paul McShane.

We may well have to weather early pressure, but providing we keep tabs on Altidore and Hunt i think we should be able to cope. I can see them being a bit overconfident after their point midweek, and if they try playing against us rather than rattling us i imagine we'll have spells of heavy possession and be able to pick them off. It's a game where if we play well we should win.

Possible teams:
Hull: Myhill, McShane, Dawson, Mouyokolo, Gardner, Boateng, Fagan, Cairney, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Altidore, Hunt

City: Given, Zabaleta, Bridge, Toure, Onuoha, de Jong, Petrov, Ireland, Tevez, Adebayor, Bellamy

Prediction: Hull 1 City 2

Mancini so far...

2010-02-03T22:24:00.005Z

I'm sure the irony of 'moneybags' Manchester City's major signing of the most uneventful transfer window to date being a soon-to-be contract-free Championship winger hasn't been lost on anyone. What it says about the long-term future of boss Roberto Mancini isn't really clear at this point. His limited additions to an already strong squad might just as well indicate he's happy to play with what he's got, but one free transfer arrival and a young domestic player who we've been linked with since before the Italian's arrival are bound to at least raise the odd theory that he's keeping the seat warm for someone else.

Seven wins in his first nine games, though a generally easy run and the two defeats coming in the toughest tests, indicates that there was method behind the decision to get rid of former boss Mark Hughes. From a tactical point of view it's hard to really fault him so far. Players are being given their chance, systems tinkered with, altered, occasionally done away with as the meticulous former Sampdoria striker learns on the job crash course-style.

What i'm sure no fan is naive enough to believe is that it's all going to continue to click into place and we'll morph into this refreshed, clinical, commanding certainty for both the top four and cup glory. That'll take a while, and the mentality of the club must be changed over time. The best medicine for that is obviously results, but there will be poor ones, at times pressure will mount on the new gaffer, and we'll certainly have bigger tests than Boro, Blackburn, Scunthorpe or Portsmouth.

In my opinion, Hughes never really had the charisma to earn 100% respect from all of his players, nor the experience of having been there and done it at a management level. His position was also severely undermined by not being the appointed man of the new regime. Though the press' opinion that he was a dead man walking from day one wasn't proved immediately true, there was always the sense, both there and amongst fans, that he wasn't the man for the ultimate job. I'm sure some of the players, sensed that, too.

Truth is, top managers shouldn't need to spend big every time their side is looking vulnerable in a certain area, and part of me's glad that players who had previously looked on their way out of the exit door are now getting a second chance. Had Hughes still been here, injuries how they have been, i expect we would have added three or four more high-profile arrivals, ever papering over widening cracks.

The signing of Johnson makes complete sense to me. We had three available wingers, or at least players who play wide, given the recent loan outgoings; Wright-Phillips, Petrov & Bellamy. All have done quite well this season, in my opinion, the latter quite undeniably, but they are, respectively, coming back from a series of ankle knocks, out of contract, and a player with a history of bad injuries. Johnson will get games, certainly once Petrov leaves, as i'm sure he will, though i do imagine the signing may be one made more by the club than Roberto.

We'll have to wait until the summer before we know whether the board see Mancini as the long-term answer, but he's making all the right noises. His fate will probably depend on whether or not we finish in the top four or win a cup, but i'm not convinced it necessarily needs to. We need to do one or the other, there's no doubt about that, but so far he's proved the calm after the storm, as well as the right sort of face PR-wise, and for me that's enough for now given the last few months of Hughes, during which we were doing an extremely bad job of winning friends on our way up.

Barry a candidate for Terry's captaincy?

2010-02-03T08:38:00.000Z

Tales of the last few days have cast serious doubts over the future of England leader John Terry. We don't need to go over the gory details again here, but Mr Capello is expected to make a decision, or at least encourage the player to do the gentlemanly thing and make one for him, and as the World Cup looms the national team could have done without another case of an overpaid Premier League numpty acting like a spanner. Gareth Barry might not be high on the lists of possible replacements in the minds of most, but he's certainly worthy of consideration.

I feel that any recent criticism of Barry's club form is unjust. He has been patchy of late, but these are reasons. Firstly, it's no secret that he requires surgery on a problem groin injury. That should rule him out for a couple of months, and will almost certainly come before England fly to South Africa, unless of course he thinks his place is under threat long-term and wishes to establish himself in Mancini's plans, though risking his fitness over the summer.

Since the new manager arrived, Barry has also been required to play a number of roles. His stints on the left flank are most unnatural to him, though he's plenty of experience there. He lacks pace, there's no doubt about that, he's not a natural in the last third, lacks the natural instinct of a more offensive player, and i've seen lorries turn quicker. That said, i rate him exceptionally highly, but he's often tasked with the work of more than one man, be it helping out his full-back, moving left, or being neither a holding nor box-to-box midfielder.

What's beyond doubt is that his form for England over the last eighteen months has been solid, his slip-up in Holland aside. At Wembley especially he always strikes me as looking tremendously cocksure, and on several occasions i believe i've seen him lift and be the driving force behind the side. Injuries permitting, i think he'll go to South Africa as one of seven 'definites' for a place in Capello's strongest starting eleven, alongside Ashley Cole, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Stevie Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney.

It makes sense then that if a new replacement captain is needed than it ought to come from one of those regulars, and whilst Rio Ferdinand is deputy skipper his form over the last year has been questionable, most Reds will admit as much, and the niggles are beginning to become more and more frequent.

Don't get me wrong, of those candidates i think Barry is nearer to the back of the queue, but if we're talking about replacing a morally corrupt captain with one whiter than white then he shits on the others from a great height. Ashley Cole is still arguing over his latest brush with the law, and although i personally think he's the best left-back in the world, any candidate should lead by example in terms being a role model as much as doing the business once over the white line.

Stevie Gerrard was last year somehow not charged with either assault or affray despite CCTV footage indicating he may've been throwing his weight about, a gang of pals behind him, of course. His injury record of late also leaves a lot to be desired, and seven games in a month will be a big ask. Frank Lampard, well, best i've got is he's a moany, boring fat c*nt with daft ears. I'd be no more encouraged to go into battle for him than for Fred Dinenage.

One player who should absolutely not be given the armband is Wayne Rooney, and that's nothing to do with club allegiances or the occasional bouts of petulance we've become accustomed to over the years. England's hopes lie at his feet, and solely at his feet. We're no one man team, but Rooney's performances combined with some sort of miracle are our only chance. We don't need to burden him with such responsibilities yet, really.

Fabio's got a decision to make whether he thinks Wayne Bridge will be in his final 23 or not (i'd probably prefer Stephen Warnock at the present time). He's known as a strict disciplinarian and so risks being seen as a hypocrite for fining players for small indiscretions and turning a blind eye to ones as huge as this. The redtops would then inevitably jump on such a move as another victory for the players, whose power battles with the FA and previous managers have been well documented.

The simple fact is that John Terry, on the pitch and around it, is a bloody good captain, and if England have any chance whatsoever of winning the World Cup then he'll have to play some part. For me, even at the risk of harming our chances, the decision has to be made, you really can't go round boshing your best pals other halves and marching around the camp like King Dick after being caught.

Gareth Barry hasn't won a major honour as a professional footballer. Above all else that probably rules him out as a contender. Whether he's a really inspirational figure, as captains should also be, is also doubtable. Truth is Terry aside there are no real stand-out alternatives. They all have some sort of shadow hanging over them, either in terms of misbehaviour, injuries, inexperience. If Fabio's looking for a player who'll never drag the Three Lions over onto the front pages, however, than Barry is head and shoulders above anyone else.

January Player of the Month

2010-01-31T21:40:00.004Z

January was always going to be a key month in our quest for progression in all three major competitions. Overall it's proven a successful time, five wins from seven, and most encouragingly, wins in games when we haven't been playing particularly well, best summed up by today's three points, and us sidestepping tricky cup ties away from home, the sort we've tripped up in regularly during previous seasons.

The biggest headline of the month will ultimately be the League Cup exit to neighbours United, but progress in that competition was encouraging in itself, and though hugely disappointing to not make it to Wembley, this afternoon's mauling of title rivals Arsenal by Big Red indicates that to be edged out of a two-legged tie by an injury time goal perhaps isn't cause for anyone to be slitting wrists.

Roberto showed faith in his squad for January's first fixture, a tricky trip to the Riverside on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon. It was one of the worst games i've ever seen, but we managed to see them off after soaking up early pressure. We were aided that day by an injury to Adam Johnson, a player likely to make the move here tomorrow, and whilst we rode our luck and were terribly disjointed, a piece of magic from Martin Petrov and a great run and finish by the Zimbabwean Pele saw us home.

The most encouraging part of that afternoon, a place in the next round aside, was the full debut of Dedryck Boyata, who after initially looking a bag of nerves went on to have a towering game alongside compatriot and mentor Vincent Kompany. Both played very well, which perhaps indicates we were never really comfortable, but the partnership told of promise, and that continued over their following games together over the course of the month.

Berto kept faith with Benjani for the home clash with Blackburn Rovers, and he didn't disappoint, ending the evening with three assists, two quite accidental, admittedly, but there was no faulting his effort. An error for their goal aside Vicent Kompany was again solid, on this occasion alongside Micah Richards, whose goal showed us a glimpse of what his early career promised in an attacking sense. The evening belonged to Carlito, though, his first treble in a City shirt including two absolute blinders.

The game at Goodison was undoubtedly the lowest point of the season so far. They had a point to prove and did so, but we were awful, and save a couple of first-half chances were rarely in the game. Robinho's substitution grabbed the headlines, but the best compliment i could pay to any one of ours that day would be that Shay made the odd great stop. One best forgotten.

When the first leg of the League Cup derby finally arrived it wasn't quite the all-action affair many had predicted, although the ultimate result was splendid, if not enough to make the return comfortable. Between periods of United dominance during the first and last twenty minutes we managed to grab ourselves a lead that we somehow held onto. For all that Tevez got the plaudits, it was Bellamy who made the difference, in my opinion, and caused them the most danger all night. Nige put in some trademark crunching challenges, too, and Shay carried his good form over from the previous weekend.

The most frustrating thing about Mark Hughes' tenure as boss was that we didn't get to see too much of lads from the academy. That was understandable in a sense, the pressure heaped on him from the day of the takeover was immense, but the fact remains that constantly adding big-name players had a detrimental effect on the chances of those coming through. For a televised potential banana skin at Glanford Park, then, it was again nice to get a glimpse of the likes of Boyata and Norweigen/Somali midfielder Abdi Ibrahim. Both played well beyond their years, Dedryck again under the tutelage of Vince, but Martin Petrov was the player who made the important difference in the other half.

The all-Belgian central defensive duo were again the pick at Old Trafford in a game where conceding three doesn't really tell the true story of a back-line that looked quite resolute by and large after lots of pressure. We had our chances, and Bellamy and Tevez both worked tirelessly, but the game was lost due to a combination of no pressing in midfield and moments of clocking off.

Carlos Tevez may well get the vote in other quarters, averaging a goal a game over the month, but in my opinion Vince has been pretty imperious since returning to what i believe is his best position. It's unfortunate that he's picked up another knock, but although we're still conceding goals i believe we look more composed with him in the defence. He's been amongst our better players every week over January, barring the non-performance at Everton, and his calm head could make all the difference as we look to improve a defensive record that has so far left a lot to be desired.

January: Vincent Kompany

Blues make hard work of beleaguered Pompey

2010-01-31T19:07:00.004Z

A workmanlike but forgettable performance against Premier League whipping boys Portsmouth means we're still hot on the trail of the sides above us. Today was always going to be a test after the disappointing League Cup exit midweek, and the visitors gave it a real go, strikes from the returning Emmanuel Adebayor and defensive rock Vince Kompany deciding what was a relatively close-fought affair.

Captian Kolo Toure came back into the side at the expense of impressive youngster Dedryck Boyata, with Micah Richards being given the afternoon off as Pablo Zabaleta slotted into his natural right-back position. Craig Bellamy and Shaun Wright-Phillips were also rested, with Martin Petrov again starting on the right, with Barry on the left of a four as we reverted back to 4-4-2.

Avram Grant's starting eleven was at odds with those predicted by most people. David James surprisingly played after being ruled highly doubtful with a calf strain. Hayden Mullins got the nod as part of a three-man central midfield, and Danny Webber, scorer in midweek against West Ham, ploughed a lonely furrow up front alone in place of top scorer Frederic Piquionne.

The first ten minutes were pretty much all Pompey. John Utaka's driving run at goal was only halted by a late Garrido challenge, and a Webber cross was palmed half away by Given but the Nigerian skied his finish. Before the ten-minute mark they also had a soft penalty shout, Garrido nudging Webber, and later Spurs loanee O'Hara tested Given with a fierce drive.

We never really managed to get into gear throughout the game, but did begin to slowly take control of what was a very poor game as the half wore on. Gareth Barry turned two players and slipped Stephen Ireland in, but his attempt was deflected wide. Petrov cut halfway across the pitch and smashed wide with his favoured left peg, and Ireland forced a stop from James after being found unmarked in the middle from Tevez' cross.

The best effort of the half, however, fell to Portsmouth. Full-back Vanden Borre, who constantly pressed us for the first hour, played a one-two with Utaka and his speculative effort deflected on to Shay Given's bar, the retreating Ireland clearing off the line. Full-back Zabaleta had to be replaced before the break, suffering what looked like a broken nose. Nedum Onuoha the man to take his spot.

As the interval loomed we managed to get ourselves a lead. Stevie Ireland found himself free in the centre circle and delivered a terrific throughball over the top to Adebayor who effortlessly controlled and smashed home from the edge of the area to leave James stranded. It was an excellent strike, and the big striker had timed his run off his marker to perfection.

The game was pretty much won in injury time, but not before we had our own soft penalty shout, Garrido being felled, Tevez then forcing another strop from James, once again sporting a shocking pink outfit. Vincent Kompany was the man to grab the second, smashing home an unstoppable header from an outswinging Petrov cross to double his tally for the club.

The second half was even more uneventful. Pompey were still making a fist of it, and O'Hara particularly had quite a good game. Utaka switched to the left and continued to be given too much space, but with no real firepower up front their chances were largely from distance, O'Hara calling on Given to make a couple of straight-forward stops, but no real cutting edge.

Vince Kompany had to be replaced just before the hour after hurting his groin. Boyata again didn't let anyone down, but losing Vince will be a blow, he's played very well since his return to the side and two further defensive injuries leave us light at the back, with Wayne & Joleon still a couple of weeks or more away from returning.

Danny Webber should have brought his side back into thing, falling over when Given could only parry a Basinias scorcher from thirty yards. A late Boyata interception spared Emmanuel Adebayor's blushes after a terrible back-pass, and sub Piquionne could only thigh the ball into Given's arms when free a couple of yards from goal late on. Carlos Tevez hit the post after a Bellamy cross, but the second period was very much a case of us going through the motions.

I thought today was probably our flattest home performance of the season, but so long as we get the job done you accept that occasionally we'll be below par. A better side would have certainly taken advantage of our frequent sloppy defending, and we didn't seem able to up gear for a game seen by most as relatively routine. However, these are the types of results that could make the difference come May, and we're all familiar with the 'sign of a good team' cliches. Today was about getting a win, so you'd have to say it was another case of job done.

Team:
Given, Zabaleta (Onuoha '38), Garrido, Toure, Kompany (Boyata '59), de Jong, Petrov (Bellamy '73), Ireland, Tevez, Adebayor, Barry

Preview: City v Pompey

2010-01-30T20:04:00.005Z

South coast 'crisis club' Portsmouth visit Eastlands this weekend hoping to put in a better performance than they did last time round, being on the end of a 6-0 drubbing that included goals from such prolific stars as Jo, Richard Dunne, Chedwyn Evans and Gelson 'headless chicken' Fernandes. An absolute home banker according to the critics, you'd hope we'll manage another three home points.

Pompey really do sound like they're on their last legs, bowing out of the Premier League with a whimper after an arduous last year or so that's seen them lose their manager, half their squad, be handed from pillar to post, clueless owner to clueless owner, and finally losing any lingering self-respect they had this week by struggling to pay their basic bills.

Younnes Kaboul, their best player so far this season, has rejoined Spurs as Harry Redknapp's shameless pillaging of his former employer continues. Asmir Begovic is expected to join Stoke and so won't play. Usual No.1 David James has a calf injury and may yet move on, too. Michael Brown and Papa Bouba Diop are missing with back and calf injuries, respectively. Nadir Belhadj and Hassan Yebda are now back from Angola but are unlikely to play. Aruna Dindane could make the bench following Ivory Coast's earlier exit.

For us, Pat Vieira still sounds well off a full debut, but Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure should at least make the squad. Carlos Tevez is expected to be rested after another tireless performance at Old Trafford. Roque Santa Cruz will still be missing with his calf problem, and Wayne Bridge, Joleon Lescott and Michael Johnson with knee injuries of various severity. Competition for places on the flanks has obviously decreased with both Vlad Weiss and Robinho leaving on loan.

I imagine we might see Emmanuel Adebayor get his first start in six weeks tomorrow in a game that should prove a good chance for him to bed himself back in. Dedryck Boyata, who particularly impressed in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final, may get the afternoon off, though the partnership between him and countryman Vince Kompany shows signs of promise. Micah Richards is perhaps most likely to move central rather than Kolo making an instant return.

I'd like to see Stevie Ireland start, and am surprised that Gareth Barry isn't being used more sparingly given his groin problems that may quite possibly require surgery before the World Cup. We'll have plenty of the ball tomorrow, and Ireland's masterclass in last year's fixture is still fresh in the memory. Mancini might well continue with a three across midfield, with SWP and Bellamy supporting Ade, but Craig, too, could do with an afternoon off after having what by his standards would have to be considered a successful season on the injury front.

For all that they're weighed down by the doom and gloom of being bottom of the league and close to administration, Pompey are unbeaten in four, and at times this season have played some nice stuff. I was actually quite impressed by their football, albeit under Paul Hart, now gone to and been sacked by QPR, and they certainly aren't the worst side to watch in this league, though with the odds stacked against them as they are it's hard to see them escaping the drop.

Tomorrow will by no means be a walk in the park. We can't take an apparently easy fixture for granted, especially as the sides who have now gone above us have dropped points in recent weeks. The next four games represent a good chance for us to push on and make ourselves favourites for fourth place, and we must be as up for battle as we've been for 'bigger' games against more fashionable opposition.

I fancy us for the three points and a couple of goals at least against such a makeshift back five. I can only see them packing the midfield and hoping to frustrate us, but we should have enough. One concern of recent performances has been the narrow positioning of our full-backs, and if Utaka and new arrival Owusu-Abeyie do start wide of a five, they could have some luck. Let's hope not. Comfortable home win.

Possible teams:
City: Given, Zabaleta, Garrido, Richards, Kompany, de Jong, Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Bellamy, Adebayor, Petrov

Pompey: Ashdown, Finnan, Hreidarsson, Ben Haim, Wilson, Mokoena, Boateng, O'Hara, Utaka, Piquionne, Owusu-Abeyie

Prediction: City 3 Portsmouth 0

Friday mp3: Weezer

2010-01-29T23:36:00.003Z

Weezer formed in LA in 1992, playing their first gig as a support act for Keanu Reeves band Dogstar. Spike Jonze-directed Happy Days-influenced second single 'Buddy Holly' was their mainstream breakthrough, and a favourite of MTV.

Follow-up album Pinkerton, released in 1996, remains their best and most critically-acclaimed work. This is the opener from that record.

MP3: Tired of Sex
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Binning Cook would be harsh, but his role has to change

2010-01-29T21:53:00.004Z

As soon as Garry Cook's mouth wound its way open in the run-up to the return derby fixture you just knew that if any final motivational tool was needed by Ferguson it was right there. Not that the stakes weren't obvious anyway, they'd just had their noses rubbed in it by an ex-player and were on the verge of seeing their local neighbours end their trophy drought, but on hearing those naive words i'm sure Roberto's opposite number was rubbing his hands.

The fact that United players have admitted Cook's little speech was discussed before the game proves that it was against our best interests, and only backs up their claims that we're getting a bit too big for our boots. I'm not dead against any sort of tomfoolery. I thought the poster campaign was bob-on, and sly digs at those across the road are more than welcome, but when the stakes are so high, and there's little to be achieved further than a few slaps on the back from pissed-up ex-pats, why bother?

I've been a very vocal supporter of Garry in the past, and will carry on being so long as he doesn't continue to put his foot in it any time he's placed in front of a microphone. People are right when they say he's not a football man, i'm not sure he necessarily needs to be. I happen to think he's a great asset to the club, but each gaffe makes me wonder, and paints him to be a character well at odds with the quiet, dignified nature of the owners and chairman.

Whilst 'seen and not heard' might not be completely true for someone in Garry's role, i feel it should be so far as on-the-pitch matters are concerned. How often do you hear David Gill rabbiting on about United's performances? Truth is, you rarely do. As a club we're growing immensely in all sorts of areas, and so far as i understand Cook has been vital to that, but need we keep tripping ourselves up by having him as the club's spokesman?

In Garry's defence, he has had to learn 'on the job'. Those who have held similar roles at other big clubs have been around for years before being moved up into the role. David Gill was at United for four seasons, firstly as a Finance Director then Assistant Chief Exec before earning promotion, David Dein around Arsenal since 1983, and Rick Parry was central to the formation of the Premier League before joining Liverpool in 1998, staying for eleven years. Cook was hired by a crook and has been given a crack of the whip by our current owners, it's testament to him that he's still here.

I sincerely hope he stays at the football club, but it needn't be as black and white as him being here or being shooed aside. If we're making strides under him - pushing on in a business sense, 'building the brand', then let that carry on, but the face-palm moments have been too frequent for him to continue as the official face of Manchester City. I'm not completely sure why he has to fulfill those duties, or why he's not capable of engaging brain beforehand.

The Milan jibe could have easily been avoided. The Rosler introduction was, in my opinion, a case of him trying too hard, and should have been carried out by a more suitable candidate. You can't tell me a roomful of hundreds of Blues wouldn't have preferred an ex-player taking on those duties, and the same goes for this latest 'Mad Hatter' rant.

Without wanting to get all Newcastle, if people must speak football, then make them football people, and not only football people, like Brian f*cking Marwood, but City people. Mike Summerbee or Colin Bell could be making a better job of these sort of occasions. Let Cook get on with what he's proved good at - building the reputation of the club outside of what goes on on the pitch. He is after all a businessman, as people repeatedly seem keen to point out.

Premier League Team of the Season (so far) 3/3

2010-01-28T21:09:00.004Z

Picking the two strikers who have impressed most over the first half of the domestic season hasn't been too difficult. There were a few contenders, but the pair chosen would likely be in most of our thoughts if asked the question, and have both come face-to-face a couple of times over the last week or so in what's blew up into a press battle of who's really the goalscoring king of Manchester.

Rooney's form this season has made all the difference in United still being in the title race, and having got to another cup final. Twenty-one goals already has him well on course to achieve his best ever return, and he continues to mature as a player, stepping into the shoes of a certain Portuguese winger who moved on to a bigger club in the summer to allow the club's fantastic Yank owners to make the huge losses look a bit more digestible.

Without the ginger-chinned Scouser they'd be up shit creek, and reports of another blockbuster bid from Spain continue to surface. Love him or hate him, and i'm sure most are in the latter camp, he's grown from promising youngster to key asset of one of the biggest clubs in world football. It's just a shame that at international level we don't have the players, or at least the team, to really make the most of his abilities.

For all that Fernando Torres has bagged his fair share he's battled to regain full fitness, and in a struggling side hasn't been at his best. With little support it's easy to see how he might not be able to have the same impact as usual, and with main creators Gerrard and Benayoun both in and out of the side with injuries, too, he's never really got his season going.

Darren Bent will always score goals. His move to Spurs didn't really work out, in part due to the competition, but he also suffered from a manager who didn't really fancy him, and the pressure of such a big-money transfer took its toll. He's a twenty-goals-a-season man, no doubt about that, and fifteen already in a side whose initial momentum seems a distant memory, represents a good return. With his confidence up he's the complete striker; quick, strong, decent in the air, good movement, a poacher's eye for goal.

The love affair between the Chelsea fans and Didier Drogba has always struck me as being a little odd. There's no doubting his abilities, or his goalscoring record, but spells of indifferent form, threats to leave, well-documented on-the-pitch behaviour, genius followed by lethargy, i'm surprised he's still there after so long. A record swelled though it is by his extraordinary 33-goal haul of 06/07, he's still as good as there in in England and Europe. Ancelotti has worked his two strikers into a side, and this season more than any other they're entertaining to watch, and the January wobble forecast by so many has failed to materialise.

Since Spurs' November 9-1 mauling of erratic Wigan at White Hart Lane, Jermain Defoe has hit what for him would have to be considered a relatively barren run. He could and probably should have had a triple hat-trick that day, and under both Redknapp and Capello he appears to be living up to the promise of his early career, forcing himself up the pecking order for both Tottenham and England. He's been helped tremendously by the form of widemen Lennon and Kranjcar, two wingers whose delivery would give any forward half a chance. He's already achieved his most productive Premier League season.

Carlos' performances over the last three months, coupled with my blue allegiances, made him odds-on to get the nod. Not only has he been putting the ball in the net, but his engine and attitude are rarely rivalled in the modern game. Too often spoken of as a 'workmanlike' player, however, it's his skill on the ball and eye for a pass that have impressed most. He's the complete striker, save the odd bit of optimistic shooting, and with him in the side you feel we've always got a chance. Last time a City forward bagged 25 goals in a top-flight season?

Picks: Tevez (City), Rooney (Stretford)