This Sunday’s Eastlands clash between City and Liverpool has been billed as crucial in the race for a Champions League spot, and one which Rafa Benitez can’t afford to lose. If City do win, they would be four points ahead of Liverpool and have a game in hand.
Archive for February, 2010
Verdict: Stoke City 1 Manchester City 1
17th February 2010
A game that had threatened to be tempestuous didn’t disappoint, with City fortunate to come away with a point after going behind to 10 men for the second season running at the Britannia Stadium. Last season this fixture saw a desperate City performance and this wasn’t any easier for those blues who witnessed it.
Are play-offs for a Champions League place a good idea?
16th February 2010
News has emerged that the Premier League is considering a play-off system for the fourth Champions League place. This is a fascinating idea for those who want to see a break up of a ‘top four’ which has been formed on the back of Champions League participation.
Preview: Stoke City v Manchester City
16th February 2010
Here we go again, only this time on a smaller pitch tailored to Rory Delap’s long throws and with a vociferous home crowd against us. Can City do any better than the much cricised performance on Saturday?
FA Cup verdict: Manchester City 1 Stoke City 1
15th February 2010
Stoke came from behind to force a replay after comical defending had enabled Shaun Wright-Phillips to give City a first half lead in an FA Cup tie that left many City supporters frustrated.
FA Cup player ratings: Manchester City v Stoke City
14th February 2010
Given – Mancini may have exonerated him for staying on his line for the Stoke goal, but it was still a poor clearance that gave Delap the opportunity to hurl the ball in. 6
Zabaleta – Some wayward distribution let the Argentinian down, despite some strong tackles that had Fuller complaining. 6
FA Cup preview: Manchester City v Stoke City
12th February 2010
City begin a double-header against Stoke hoping to progress in the FA Cup and push the Carling Cup defeat by United further into the distance. Tony Pulis’ side will be no pushovers after defeating Arsenal in the previous round, and the match promises to be more of a full-blooded spectacle than our last two league games at Eastlands.
Verdict: Manchester City 2 Bolton Wanderers 0
11th February 2010
City emerged with three points thanks to moments of brilliance from Adam Johnson and Emmanual Adebayor, along with a defensive mindset that achieved a clean sheet. Like the previous two games it was far from pretty as this time Roberto Mancini sought to shore up the midfield with de Jong, Barry and Vieira.
Player ratings: Manchester City v Bolton Wanderers
11th February 2010
Given – Clearly under instructions to try and play the ball out to defenders, and not to be concerned about initiating attacks with a quick throw. The result was a few a sloppy clearances from the normally reliable Shay. 6
Zabaleta – A big improvement on his performance at Hull, where the broken nose must have affected his preparation. Very strong defensively and needed to be against Wilshere. 7
Preview: Manchester City v Bolton Wanderers
9th February 2010
City fans are set to see full debuts for Adam Johnson and Patrick Vieira as Roberto Mancini rings the changes following the disastrous showing at Hull. A win is essential to get our bid for a Champions League place back on track.