There’s little doubt that Arsenal fans will be looking for revenge for the Adebayor game at Eastlands earlier in the season, not to mention knocking their side out of the Carling Cup. City simply want the points to keep alive our challenge for fourth place.
Verdict: Manchester City 0 Manchester United 1
18th April 2010
Third time unlucky as once again City lost in injury time to United. This was merely the first part of a bad day as Tottenham went on to beat Chelsea and reclaim fourth place.
Player ratings: Manchester City v Manchester United
18th April 2010
Given – Aside from a Giggs shot that came straight into his arms, Shay had little to do as the opportunities United did create, sailed wide. No chance with the goal. 6
Onuoha – Solid in defence, which was vital as United seek to unlock teams down the flanks. Came close to a winner on two occasions. 7
Preview: Manchester City v Manchester United
16th April 2010
The fourth and final installment of this season’s Manchester derbies sees City in excellent form, while United are watching their trophy hopes disappear, but let’s take nothing for granted. Victory is far from a given against a side that could be close to full strength.
Verdict: Manchester City 5 Birmingham City 1
12th April 2010
Once Birmingham’s resolute defence was breached, the floodgates opened as City’s attack racked up five with Tevez, Adebayor and, more surprisingly, Nedum Onuoha running riot. This was another performance to put the pressure on our rivals for a Champions League place.
Player ratings: Manchester City v Birmingham City
12th April 2010
Given – One stop with his feet would have impressed all the watching keepers of City’s past. The failure to reach a cross that left an opponent with a free header would have left said keepers wincing. 6
Onuoha – Deserves to be credited with two goals, and deserves to keep his place for the derby because of his excellent tackling. Link up play with Johnson wasn’t great but more than made up for it with the goals. 8
Preview: Manchester City v Birmingham City
9th April 2010
Following the explosive victory over Burnley, City take on a contrasting Birmingham side. Renowned for their defensive organisation, Alex McCleish’s side will be a tougher nut to crack, even without Joe Hart.
Verdict: Burnley 1 Manchester City 6
5th April 2010
So much for our defensive Italian manager! After this six goal blitzing of Burnley, the only disappointment for Roberto Mancini was how the conditions prevented City from adding to our winning margin in the second half.
Player ratings: Burnley v Manchester City
4th April 2010
Given – Excellent reaction save in the first halft and did well to hold the wet ball in the second. Showed his professionalism in not making a hash of anything, which could have been easily done given the conditions. 7
Onuoha – Looking increasingly comfortable on the ball; the highlight being a nutmeg. Not as reckless as Micah and would deserve to keep his place. 7
Preview: Burnley v Manchester City
2nd April 2010
City head to Burnley in a game which is once again categorised as “must win” if we’re to reach a Champions League spot. With Carlos Tevez in hat-trick scoring form, and Burnley’s home fortress looking a lot less impregnable since Brian Laws took over, there’s a decent chance Roberto Mancini may get the result he wants.