Following the disappointment of defeat to Everton, the need to start the Christmas period with a win at Newcastle is all the more pressing. It’s unlikely to be easy with Alan Pardew having had a winning start by beating Liverpool last weekend.
The St James’ Park crowd will no doubt add to the pressure on City with a hostile reception for Nigel de Jong following the media fuelled frenzy after his leg-break tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa.
Continue Reading →A disappointing performance was redeemed by a brilliant winning goal from substitute Adam Johnson. A result that takes City up to second place making the league table a better spectacle than much of this game.
Roberto Mancini reverted to the same midfield and attack that had defeated Chelsea, while at the back Boateng made his first Premier League start and Lescott came in for the injured Zabaleta at left-back. Two perfectly understandable changes.
Continue Reading →Hart – Made one spectacular fingertip save from Coloccini and showed good judgement in dealing with crosses. No chance with the goal. 7
Boateng – Left completely exposed in the first half thanks to the wandering David Silva. Jerome inevitably struggled to cope as Newcastle doubled up on him. Never really got into the pace of the game and we’ll be looking for more once he’s improved his match fitness. Did well in the final quarter defending crosses against Carroll. 6
Continue Reading →A second side in black and white stripes arrives at Eastlands this week. Only this time it contains Joey Barton rather than Del Piero.
Roberto Mancini will be looking for victory following last weekend’s morale boosting win over Chelsea. A repeat of the defeat to Sunderland which followed the triumph over Liverpool needs to be avoided.
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