Preview: Manchester City v Birmingham City

Roberto Mancini’s side will look to complete a satisfactory week of three Premier League matches with a second victory. Anything less and the Italian’s critics will once again be circling.

Such are the fine margins for City’s manager these days. In terms of Champions League qualification, there is as much riding on the Birmingham result as that against United.

Continue Reading

Verdict: Manchester City 0 Manchester United 0

City and United cancelled each other out to the extent that even Fergie time passed without incident. Despite the hype claiming the huge significance of this derby, the reality is different at this relatively early stage of the season. In the overall league campaign, a draw was acceptable to both sides.

No doubt it was a poor spectacle for the many neutrals who tuned in, and the manager has had plenty of criticism for his tactics. Mancini will be unmoved, the result was satisfactory. In this regard Roberto is very much the Italian manager.

Continue Reading