Manchester City v Hull City: Who plays in the number 10 role?

A place in the Capital One Cup semi-final and a January trip to Wembley are likely to be found on the respective Christmas lists of Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini and Hull City boss Steve Bruce. On Tuesday night, the pair meet to discover who'll unwrap an early gift.


(Manuel Pellegrini and Steve Bruce will meet for the first time February on Tuesday evening - image via www.dailystar.co.uk)

Despite dismissing his most recent injury as 'a harmless bump', Sergio Agüero is unlikely to be risked after limping off with an ankle problem in City's 3-1 win over Southampton last weekend. Wilfried Bony shrugged off a hamstring problem to replace the Argentine and is likely to start. 

A place in the no.10 role behind him, however, is up for grabs. Yaya Touré, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Kelechi Iheanacho are the options available to Manuel Pellegrini and the Chilean must take rest, player development and game time into account when making his decision. 

Yaya Touré
The Ivorian has been criticised for a number of lethargic displays this season in which his defensive shortcomings have been ruthlessly exposed. For that reason, City can't afford to play Touré in a two-man midfield; but they can't afford to remove his attacking qualities either. 

With Fabian Delph and Fernando expected to start, Touré could be moved into a more attacking role where defending won't be on his list of responsibilities. Most City supporters agree that this is the best place for the 32-year-old, and given he's started in 19 of City's 20 fixtures this term, he could be chosen to operate behind Bony on Tuesday. 

Kevin De Bruyne 
Jesus Navas, a favourite of Pellegrini's, played no part in Saturday's win and will surely make a return to the starting eleven. And with Raheem Sterling in need of a confidence boost, City's Player of the Month for October could be moved into the centre. 

In 17 games for the Blues, the Belgian has an impressive seven goals and eight assists, but the 24-year-old could be rested ahead of Saturday's tie against Stoke City to make way for either David Silva or Kelechi Iheanacho. 

David Silva

(David Silva made a return from injury against Southampton on Saturday - image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The standing ovation the Spaniard received as he returned to the Etihad Stadium after a six-week lay-off goes some way to explaining how delighted City fans are to see David Silva back in the squad. The 29-year-old last appeared in the 6-1 win over Newcastle United at the beginning of October - he made two assists - and Pellegrini's side have missed his creativity since. 

With a challenging Christmas run facing the Blues, including games against Arsenal and Leicester City, Pellegrini will be keen to restore his key man to full fitness as soon as possible. 

Kelechi Iheanacho
The early-season hype surrounding City's 19-year-old striker has faded. After netting a last minute winner against Crystal Palace in September and putting in a destructive performance against the same opposition six weeks later in the 4th round of the Capital One Cup, Kelechi Iheanacho has been handed only 84 minutes to shine out of a potential 270. 

Substituted just 10 minutes into the second half against Norwich City last month, Iheanacho fell behind Wilfried Bony and Sergio Agüero in the pecking order and was an unused substitute against Aston Villa despite being the only striker in the squad when Bony limped off with a hamstring problem. The snub angered supporters who questioned Pellegrini's faith in the youngster. 

Defending his decision, Pellegrini insisted that "He’s [Iheanacho] not a striker. Normally he plays behind the striker.”After impressing in the last round, the Nigerian will be hoping the manager backs up those words by starting him behind Bony against Hull.

The players were poor, but Manuel Pellegrini also has to shoulder the blame for City's worst league performance since 2007

Manuel Pellegrini, referred to by Manchester City supporters as 'This Charming Man', launched an uncharacteristically violent attack on his players after a 4-1 defeat at home to Liverpool on Saturday. 


(Manuel Pellegrini watches on as his side crumble against Liverpool - image via Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“I am more than angry, it is difficult to understand why we played so poorly,” the City manager said. “In defence, in attack and in possession I have never seen my team play in the way they played tonight. It was not one name or another name who was to blame it was the whole team. I was not happy with the performance of all 11 players. It was a complete disaster.”

Those words will perhaps help to soothe the burns a little. An acknowledgement of this kind usually provokes a change, and after putting on a display comparable to the horror that unfolded seven years ago when Middlesbrough scored eight at the Riverside Stadium, that's exactly what Manchester City need. 

"I will not explain the starting XI, I would pick the same one again but this performance was not normal, we could have conceded three or four more," Pellegrini continued, and the searing pain began to intensify. 

The Chilean's failure to recognise the crucial selection errors he made only applies salt to the wounds inflicted by his side's second 4-1 defeat of the season. This was comfortably City's worst performance under Pellegrini - a day on which none of his players turned up - but tactical mistakes made the job even easier for Jürgen Klopp's side. 

In the red corner, the exact same team, bar Dejan Lovren who filled in for the injured Mamadou Sakho, that ripped Chelsea apart at Stamford Bridge three weeks ago. In the blue corner, a team missing Fernandinho and Nicolás Otamendi, two of City's best performers, and including Yaya Touré in a two-man midfield. While Klopp went with tried and tested, Pellegrini bafflingly went with a system that has failed on multiple occasions. 

(Nicolás Otamendi, City's best performer this month, was left on the sidelines - image via Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

The 62-year-old's decision to go with Martin Demichelis ahead of Otamendi alongside Eliaquim Mangala was his first mistake. Before this game, the Argentine had started just one league fixture and that was in the 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. Bereft of game time and quite clearly no longer able to cope with a demanding 90 minutes of Premier League football, the 34-year-old was tormented by Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino. The fact that Otamendi has been City's best player this month made the decision even more perplexing, especially with Vincent Kompany out injured. 

Mistake number two saw Fernandinho drop to the bench. The Brazilian has won more tackles and has completed more passes than any other City player this season, and given Liverpool's recently established ability to hassle and pressurise their opponents under Klopp's famous gegenpressing philosophy, his absence on Saturday was quite astonishing. 

Even more extraordinary was the sight of Yaya Touré in a two-man midfield - a sight that has gone hand in hand with defeat against quality opposition during Pellegrini's tenure at the Etihad Stadium. Much has been made of Touré's lack of defensive work - in fact, it's become a weekly talking point - so why does Pellegrini persist with a system that doesn't work? The introduction of both Fernandinho and Fabian Delph at half time indicates that he knows the system has its flaws, but the temptation of playing five attacking attacking players on home turf is still getting the better of the Chilean. 

(Yaya Touré was substituted off at half time after an ineffective first half display - image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Pellegrini dodged questions about team selection because he was embarrassed. He got it completely wrong, and his substitutions at half time showed that. With qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League already secured, surely Pellegrini wouldn't be ignorant enough to underestimate Liverpool and save the services of two of his best players for a chance to top Group D with a win against Juventus on Wednesday? 

Unfortunately, that seems to be the case. The club's hierarchy will not tolerate another Champions League upset and winning the group should set City up for a more manageable last 16 draw. Whether the fans or Pellegrini like it or not, City's league form could be comprimised as a result.

Preview: Manchester City v Liverpool

The Etihad Stadium will turn concert hall on Saturday afternoon as renditions of La Marseillaise, Blue Moon, You'll Never Walk Alone and a songbook stuffed with anti-Raheem Sterling jingles prepare to welcome back the Premier League.

(Raheem Sterling has been a hit at Manchester City, scoring six goals and making 3 assists in all competitions - image via Ian Walton/Getty Images)

La Marseillaise - the French national anthem - will be played before this weekend's matches to commemorate the 129 people who lost their lives in the Paris attacks. The infamous international break has long been the subject of castigation from football supporters who bemoan its ability to tear the hamstrings and twist the ankles of their club's best players; but on Friday 13th 2015, the superficial nature of football and minor injuries was laid bare. 

Manuel Pellegrini will be delighted to welcome back Sergio Agüero for the tie against Liverpool, but had some bad news on the condition of David Silva. 

“Sergio is fit – he’s ready to come back,” Pellegrini announced in his pre-match press conference.

“David continues with some small sprain in his ankle so it’s a risk for him to play.

Samir Nasri, Wilfried Bony and Vincent Kompany are also unavailable. 

(Sergio Agüero could be thrown straight into the starting line up after returning from injury - image via Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Former City striker Daniel Sturridge could return from a knee injury, but Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp indicated that the 26-year-old's inclusion will be based on a late decision. 

"He [Sturridge] is as fit as he can be after a long break. Of course he is not at 100% and we have to see," the German told journalists. 

James Milner will face his old teammates for the first time since departing Manchester for Liverpool in the summer despite missing international duty, while Dejan Lovren is expected to replace the injured Mamadou Sakho. 

The £49m man Raheem Sterling will be the centre of attention in this one after turning his back on abuse from his former fans still blinded by their club's success in the 70s and 80s; but sitting at the top of the Premier League table and with Champions League qualification already secured, it's safe to say Raheem is better off in sky blue. 

Possible line-ups

Wilfried Bony has impressed in Sergio Agüero's absence, but City will never replace the Argentine

Manchester City's treatment room could barely have been busier this season. The club's injury curse has afflicted no fewer than 10 senior players and has deprived Manuel Pellegrini's team of the qualities of David Silva and Sergio Agüero for the last month. It is by virtue of the Blues' strength in depth that they perch on top of the Premier League table heading into this weekend's international break. 


(Manchester City are ready to welcome back Sergio Agüero from a lengthy injury after the international break - image via Manchester City Official Facebook)

Wilfried Bony was the latest player to limp through the revolving doors of the club's injury room after sustaining a hamstring injury in City's 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday. Bony will miss the first leg of the Ivory Coast's World Cup qualifying tie against Liberia this evening and will play no part in the home leg on Tuesday. 

The news that Sergio Agüero is expected to return in next weekend's clash against Liverpool, however, will soften the blow of Bony's absence for City fans. The Ivorian has been the subject of criticism since stepping into the void left by Agüero five weeks ago, with an ample section of supporters questioning the striker's contribution to the team. 

Expectations for the 26-year-old were high when he joined City for a fee of £28m in January. A predator and a bully in the penalty area, Bony had scored 25 league goals in 54 appearances for Swansea City and had more goals to his name (20) in 2014 than any other Premier League striker. It's fair to say there was excitement surrounding the arrival of the proven goalscorer who could replace the physicality of Álvaro Negredo and reinvent the 'Beauty and the Beast' partnership the Spaniard enjoyed with Agüero.


(Wilfried Bony has been the subject of criticism from City fans since moving to the club in January 2015 - image via Getty Images)

Almost 10 months on, and the Etihad Stadium is yet to experience the potential profit of an Agüero-Bony alliance. Injuries, coupled with Pellegrini's dwindling affection for 4-4-2, has seen the partnership employed just three times and the two forwards have been judged on their individual performances over their ability to work in tandem with one another. 

And it's clear that Agüero remains the fan's number one choice - a reality that will never change until the South American leaves the club. Regardless of how well or badly the Argentine plays, the support and praise of the Etihad Stadium is guaranteed. That 93rd minute winner against Queens Park Rangers in 2012 certainly goes some way to securing Agüero's status as one of Manchester City's finest ever players; but the 115 goals, three major domestic trophies and the general likability of the former Atlético Madrid striker also have to be taken into consideration when trying to understand how special this individual is to City, both on and off the pitch. 

At City, Agüero is untouchable. Even Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would have a difficult time filling his boots. 

So imagine how difficult the task must be for Bony. With an excellent goalscoring record and Premier League experience behind him, the pressure on him to hit the ground running at his new club was already heavy; but hang the presence of a striker that will never be replaced over him and it becomes crippling. Bony had no such pressure in South Wales and must be given time by his new supporters to make the adjustment. 

He may not possess the speed and movement of his striker partner, but Bony has done an impressive job in Agüero's absence. Comparisons between the two have made the rounds on social media, but comparing two completely different players on the same attributes is fruitless. Agüero is a speed merchant - able to wrap his opponent's right leg round the left while Bony is excellent in making the ball to stick to the attack and bringing others into play. It is no surprise that Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne have shone alongside Bony in the last month. 


(A comparison of Sergio Agüero and Wilfried Bony this season)

Bony has not shown the same ruthlessness in front of goal as he did at Swansea City, but his contributions to City's attacking play this term must not go unnoticed. With five goals, three assists and an admirable total of 13 chances created to his name so far this season, the Ivorian has unquestionably played a lead role in City's bright start to the 2015/2016 campaign and criticism is undeserved. 

Aston Villa v Manchester City: A tale of two different reunions for Micah Richards and Fabian Delph

The inauguration of a new manager, a reunion between Micah Richards and the club he left the deep imprint of his personality on, and the return of the 'snake' that is Fabian Delph to Villa Park. On paper, Sunday's tie between 20th place Aston Villa and 1st place Manchester City looks set to be a cracker. 

Gabriel Agbonlahor is facing a race against time to be fit after picking up a calf injury in the 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday. However, after watching the Englishman manage just eight touches of the ball on his visit to White Hart Lane, new boss Rémi Garde may have already decided on the best place for the striker this weekend. 

Manuel Pellegrini welcomes back Gaël Clichy and former Villa midfielder Fabian Delph who is sure to receive a hostile reception should he feature. David Silva (ankle) will not be risked until after the international break and Pablo Zabaleta (knee) will also play no part.

Possible line-ups


Welcome, Mr Garde

(Rémi Garde will take charge of his first Premier League game on Sunday afternoon as he looks to save Aston Villa from relegation - image via Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

The evidence suggests that Aston Villa's new manager likes to play an attacking game, and that style of football could be effective in clearing up the crime scene at Villa Park along the season. Garde's Lyon side could not be described as being goal shy under his reign; in his last two seasons at the Stade de Gerland, Lyon were only outgunned in scoring charts by champions PSG.

A leaky defence, however, was also characteristic of his three year tenure in the South-East of France, and defending is something the 49-year-old must prioritise this weekend. Villa have conceded fewer goals than any other team in the bottom six positions in the Premier League this term, but must keep their wits about them to deny the division's top scorers. 

A vision of what could have been for Micah Richards

(Micah Richards was Manchester City's most promising academy graduate before injuries began to plague his career - image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Emotions will be riding high for both Micah Richards and Manchester City fans. For the travelling supporters, a reunion with a player that bled sky blue for nine years; for Richards, a chance to share a moment with those supporters and to greet old teammates, but also a glimpse at what could have been.

Unlike Joleon Lescott, who was able to fulfill his potential at the Etihad Stadium, Richards' long battle with injury prevented him from reaching his. Although Richards captained the Blues at the age of 19, was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year Award for 2007-2008, received his first international call up, and won three major trophies with the club, Richards had it in him to reach greater heights. He was that good. 

Only fond memories exist between City fans and Richards; the man who was known around Carrington for his contagious personality. 

Richards has been a bright spark in an otherwise miserable start to the campaign for Villa. His blocks, clearances, tackles and interceptions have contributed to the side's respectable defensive record and he can be found among the league's best defenders for those statistics. The 27-year-old is rebuilding, not seeing out, his career at Villa Park and form like this will attract clubs free from the threat of relegation.

 
(Image via www.skysports.com - link: http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12799/10054556/micah-richards-impressing-at-aston-villa-ahead-of-man-city-reunion)

Almost ten years ago, a 17-year-old Richards announced himself to City fans with a stoppage-time header and an infamous interview in a 5th round FA Cup tie against Aston Villa. Manchester City will be hoping a similar fairytale doesn't unravel this weekend.

The not-so heroic return of Fabian Delph to Villa Park

(Fabian Delph is set to receive a hostile reception from Aston Villa fans this weekend - image via Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Expecting a not-so warm welcome on Sunday is Fabian Delph. The midfielder infamously turned his back on pledges he made to Aston Villa by joining Manchester City this summer and the reception he'll receive, quite frankly, is deserved.

After expressing his loyalty to the club amid rumours he was set for a switch to the Etihad Stadium, Delph became a hero at Villa Park - a man who was more about playing time than 'paying time', if you like. 

“I love the club and I can’t wait to be captain next season,” the 25-year-old insisted in a very public showing of devotion to the Midlands club. But just one week later, Delph was pictured holding up a sky-blue shirt in Manchester. It was the ultimate betrayal to Villa who had helped him become one of the country's most improved players. 

Delph is unlikely to make his first start for his new team on Sunday after just returning from a hamstring injury, but could be given some minutes to improve his fitness later in the game. The reception won't be pretty, but instead of worrying about Villa supporters, Delph should focus on endearing himself to the fans of his new club who have seen very little of him thus far. 

Sevilla 1 - 3 Manchester City: Thoughts & Ratings

A chorus of boos met the sound of the Champions League anthem at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium on Wednesday night, but Manchester City danced off the field to raucous applause from 2,500 travelling supporters as they beat Sevilla 3-1 to progress into the knockout stages of the competition. 


(Manchester City supporters show their feelings towards the UEFA Champions League anthem prior to kick off - image via @MailSport)

And there was something unfamiliar about the way the Blues became the first English team to seal qualification. Propelled by the brilliance of Fernandinho and Raheem Sterling, City comfortably and confidently dismissed a side that have won their last 10 European home games. 

Within the first 11 minutes, the away side were 2-0 up and cruising. A central midfield trio of Yaya Touré, Fernandinho and Fernando acted as a barrier against Sevilla's attacking play and a platform on which City launched their own. With Touré occupying a deeper role, it was Fernandinho who was given the freedom to drive forward and his superb through ball into Sterling for the opening goal demonstrated how effective the Brazilian can be higher up the pitch. 

Manchester City have long deliberated who and how they will replace Touré when his glittering career at the Etihad Stadium eventually grinds to a halt, but they'll face a similarly insoluble problem finding a successor to the 30-year-old who has been their best player this season. 

Fernandinho's 90-minute stats

Shots: 5

Chances created: 3

Goals: 1

Assists: 1

(Fernandinho nods in his side's second of the evening - image via Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Sterling, who has been criticised for his conduct in front of goal this term, showed no signs of agitation as he coolly slotted past Rico with his weaker left foot. Questions were raised over Manuel Pellegrini's decision to leave Kevin De Bruyne on the sidelines, but the 20-year-old Englishman gave a performance that made the £49m transfer from Liverpool this summer feel like robbery. Sterling put on an exhibition of pure pace in a dazzling display that cemented his status as one of Europe's hottest prospects. 

His acceleration helped fire City into a 2-0 lead just after the 10 minute mark. Sterling skipped past his man and found Wilfried Bony. The Ivorian's effort was parried by Rico into the path of Fernandinho who headed in.

Sterling's 90-minute stats

Attempted take-ons: 10

Chances created: 5 

Shots: 2

Goals: 1

(Raheem Sterling proved his worth against Sevilla on Wednesday night - image via Ian Walton/Getty Images)

This was much easier than expected for Pellegrini's men.

But for all of City's early dominance, the first half still left time for them to take a foot off the pedal. Aleksandar Kolarov was beaten far too easily by Coke on the left-hand side and the Spaniard's looping cross was headed in by Benoît Trémoulinas.

City have been partial to a few defensive mistakes this term, but going forward, they were too strong for their opponents. Jesus Navas, enjoying his first experience of the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium in the colours of another team since his move in 2013, was toying with his former teammates in one of his better games in sky blue. After hitting the post just minutes earlier, the 29-year-old fed Wilfried Bony who netted City's third.

The Ivorian, desperate for a fix of morale coming into the game, was visibly relieved. 

A professional second half display ensured the Blues would avoid the drama that had characterised their last two Champions League victories and Pellegrini's men marched assuredly into the last 16 of the tournament.

This was a different Manchester City to the club that have made their tempestuous relationship with the competition, on and off the field, so public. This was an intelligent, aggressive and efficient Manchester City - the Manchester City we see squash trample their opponents in the Premier League week in week out. A switch may have been flicked. 

Player Ratings

Joe Hart 7

Bacary Sagna 7

Nicolas Otamendi 7

Vincent Kompany 7.5

Aleksandar Kolarov 6.5

Fernandinho 9

Yaya Touré 8

Fernando 8

Jesus Navas 8

Raheem Sterling 9

Wilfried Bony 7.5

Substitutes

Kevin De Bruyne 6

Fabian Delph 6

Martin Demichelis - no time to mark

Manchester City 5 - 1 Crystal Palace: 5 Talking Points

Manchester City continued their formidable run of home form with a 5-1 win against Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night. 

Wilfried Bony, Kevin De Bruyne, Kelechi Iheanacho, Yaya Touré and Manu García claimed the goals in a display characterised by youthful energy and intricate one-touch passing. City have now scored 25 goals in their eight home games in all competitions this season, an average of 3.1 goals a game, and advance confidently into the quarter-finals with another home tie against Championship outfit Hull City awaiting them.

After witnessing Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Leicester City crash out of the competition this week, the Blues will be hopeful of adding silverware to their trophy cabinet in March. 

Kelechi stakes his claim for a lead role.

(Kelechi Iheanacho and Kevin De Bruyne celebrate City's third of the night - image via @Squawka)

It was always going to be Kelechi Iheanacho's night. 

With his face on the front cover of the matchday programme and a chorus of City supporters demanding that he be included in the starting eleven, the 19-year-old was under pressure to perform after impressing in various cameos across the season. But with a cool combination of confidence and composure well beyond his years, Iheanacho delivered the goods; scoring a goal and registering two assists in the 5-1 victory. 

The Nigerian's link up play with Kevin De Bruyne gave the Etihad Stadium an exciting view of the future. The pair connected brilliantly to provide one another with goals - Iheanacho's unselfishness for the Belgian's tap in showcased his maturity in front of goal - and could be given the chance to intertwine again against Norwich City on Saturday. 

Fernando the unsung hero.

(Fernando has looked a different player this term after a disappointing first season at the Etihad Stadium - image via MCFC Official Facebook)

Iheanacho will snatch the headlines, but the best player on the pitch was Fernando. Maligned last season for his sloppiness in possession and clumsiness in the tackle, the former Porto midfielder has reinvented himself as one of City's more assured individuals this term. 

With Yaya Touré operating in a deeper role against Palace, it was Fernando who bombarded forward and joined in with City's attacking play. The Brazilian created two clear cut chances and spawned a number of counter attacks for the Blues on Wednesday night in a dominant midfield performance that will leave Manuel Pellegrini with selection issues ahead of the weekend.

Kevin De Bruyne; the machine.

(De Bruyne netted City's second goal of the night - image via Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Judging by Kevin De Bruyne's start to life in Manchester, it would have been impossible to find a better fit for this City side in the summer transfer window. 

The 24-year-old, signed from Wolfsburg for £54m in August, raised his tally to six goals and five assists in his first nine appearances with a goal and an assist against Palace. Interestingly, the Belgian's enormous fee has been absent in the weekly match reports lauding him for his brilliance on the field; but with a record like that, there's no need to mention it. 

De Bruyne has hit the ground running since landing at Manchester airport two months ago and is already being touted as a future legend by enthusiastic City fans. 

Caballero isn't a man after our own Hart.

(Willy Caballero failed to impress once against on Wednesday evening - image via Tom Dulant/Getty Images)

City's second choice goalkeeper hasn't had many opportunities to stake his claim for a starting spot in Pellegrini's side since signing for the Blues in July 2014, but he has failed to take the few chances he has been given. 

His unsteady display in the 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in September saw Joe Hart reclaim his place immediately and the Englishman will have no concerns over returning to the eleven this weekend after watching the Argentine fail to impress yet again on Wednesday. 

The 34-year-old failed to deal with a number of crosses throughout the 90 minutes but was spared embarrassment by some questionable finishing. His poor positioning, however, was punished by Damien Delaney who headed in a consolation goal for the visitors in the dying minutes.

Can City win the cup?

(City won the Capital One Cup in 2014, beating Sunderland 3-1 - image via www.standard.co.uk)

After being handed a favourable quarter-final home tie against Hull City, the answer has to be yes. 

Manchester United were the latest Premier League giants to crash out on Wednesday night and join Arsenal, Chelsea and high-flying Leicester City in the graveyard of the competition. Bar an unlikely upset, City will be expected to go on and claim the trophy with the talented squad they have at their disposal.

Manchester City 2 - 1 Sevilla: Thoughts & Ratings

Money can't buy you happiness, but it can buy you Kevin De Bruyne; and for Manchester City fans on Wednesday evening, one stroke of the Belgian's left boot in the final minutes against Sevilla was enough to provide a night of total euphoria. 

It was a case of déjà vu for the Blues as yet another late winner disguised what was a highly problematic display characterised by slovenly defending and an openness in the midfield that begged for punishment. Fortunately for Manuel Pellegrini, his Spanish opponents managed to find the back of the net with only one of their 12 shots on goal. 

This was not quite vintage City in Europe - apprehensive in style and too slow going forward - but it was a City unrecognisable to the force that trounced Bournemouth 5-1 just four days earlier. 

Unai Emery's men spent most of the first half probing unfamiliar opposition before sending Yevhen Konoplyanka and Vitolo on snatch and grab missions down City's flanks. This was the first meeting between the two sides, but it didn't take long for the Spaniards to become aware of City's vulnerability at the back. Thirty minutes in and the pair came away with the goods as Vitolo's cross was turned in by the unmarked Konoplyanka at the back post. 

Pellegrini's decision to leave Vincent Kompany on the bench drew murmurs from anxious supporters before the game. Before his injury, City had not conceded a goal in 525 minutes with the Belgian commanding their back line, but without him, the side had leaked a goal every 56 minutes. Was this punishment for disobeying his manager's orders and playing for Belgium nine days ago, or was Pellegrini truly satisfied with an Otamendi-Mangala partnership?

Whichever line of thinking the Chilean had gone with, it was hurting his side and City's openness required a plug in the form of their captain or an extra midfielder. BT Sport pundit Paul Scholes took the opportunity to once again castigate Yaya Touré for his defensive ineptitude before the game, but the Blues' were struggling because of their manager's tactical mistakes rather than Touré's weaknesses. 

And just six minutes after Sevilla took the lead, Touré called upon his vast repertoire of strengths to wrestle his side back into the game. The Ivorian muscled his way past Timothée Kolodziejczak on the byline and fired into the box where Wilfried Bony's hopeful swing ricocheted off Adil Rami and past Rico. 

And it was Touré again, the man who had revealed his irritation at the lack of recognition he receives from the British media earlier this week, who ensured a memorable evening was to be enjoyed by City fans. With seconds remaining, the 32-year-old bombarded forward on one of his acclaimed runs and fed the ball into Kevin De Bruyne who cut inside and slotted in the winner in the 92nd minute.

Champions League lift-off at last? It's still unclear, but with world class ammunition there is always a chance. 

Fernando on, Bony off
Strangely, this was an offensive move designed to change the angle of attack. By introducing Fernando, Pellegrini was able to push Touré forward and move De Bruyne, the team's biggest threat going forward, into the no.9 role. The move puzzled spectators who questioned the logic of bringing off the side's only striker, but Bony had been ineffective and ultimately, the change paid off. 

Is Bony good enough?
Comparing any striker to Sergio Agüero is often a pointless task, but with the Argentine set to be sidelined for the next month, City must rely on Wilfried Bony as the only experienced striker in their squad. The 26-year-old played his part in the equaliser, but lacked awareness and mobility in the penalty area that Agüero provides so consistently.

On a night where Jesus Navas's delivery into the box was uncharacteristically faultless, Bony failed to present himself as a target and as a result, 15 crosses were left to trickle into nothingness. The former Swansea man certainly has the credentials to lead City's line and showed his worth with two goals against Bournemouth last weekend, but in more important fixtures, the Ivorian is yet to, and must begin to, show his worth. 

Kevin De Bruyne is worth every penny
There is something so complete about City's new Belgian. Whether it's a 30 yard pass into a striker, a cross from the byline or a shot on the goal, the 24-year-old executes the task with composure and precision. 

De Bruyne, who has five goals and four assists to his name in his first seven appearances in all competitions, is already a fan favourite and could be the difference between trophies and runners up medals this season. 

Player Ratings

Joe Hart 6

Pablo Zabaleta 5

Nicolas Otamendi 6

Eliaquim Mangala 7

Bacary Sagna 6

Fernandinho 6

Yaya Touré 7.5

Kevin De Bruyne 8

Jesus Navas 7.5

Raheem Sterling 5

Wilfried Bony 5

Substitutes

Aleksandar Kolarov 6
Fernando 7

Vincent Kompany - no time to mark

Borussia Mönchengladbach 1 - 2 Manchester City: Thoughts & Ratings

Champions League football and Manchester City - the married couple that brawl and bicker profusely. The relationship is a confused one. Everything is in place for a prosperous romance, but the flowers never seem to bloom. Dissension has polluted the five-year affair. 


(Sergio Agüero nets a late winner from the penalty spot - image via Manchester City Official Facebook)

On Wednesday night in a modest German city west of the River Rhine, they kissed and made up. Manchester City came back from a goal down to beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-1 at Borussia Park and it was the least Champions League-like thing to happen to Manuel Pellegrini's team ever. 

Things didn't run so smoothly, however. Things rarely do in this competition. Sergio Agüero missed a catalogue of chances as his poor run of form continued and the partnership between Nicolas Otamendi and Martin Demichelis in the centre of City's defence exhibited a number of sizeable cracks. Within the first five minutes Raheem Sterling's terrific cross was met by a not-so-terrific attempt from Agüero who tapped into Yann Sommer's arms from a yard out. Ten minutes later, his Argentinian compatriot Otamendi brought down Raffael in the 18-yard-box and the hosts had a penalty. Joe Hart, City's Man of the Match and serial top performer in the competition, saved expertly. Raffael continued to pepper the Englishman's goal throughout, but Hart made a series of stunning stops to deny the Brazilian and keep his side in the game. The first 45 minutes had travelling fans singing the Argentinian Blues, but with frowns, rather than smiles, on their faces. 

Yaya Touré was hooked at half time and Gladbach's ferocity on the counter attack diminished as a result. With a fully fit squad available to him, Manuel Pellegrini is likely to go with a four-man attacking unit made up of Agüero, Sterling, De Bruyne and Silva as he did on Wednesday evening. However, playing the attacking-minded Touré behind that quartet hands Fernandinho the job of two men sweeping up in front of the defence. In the Premier League, that tactic may pay off on occasion, but in Europe it very rarely does. Fernando's impact in the second half may provide a wake up call to the Chilean.

(Yaya Touré passed a late fitness test ahead of City's tie against Borussia Mönchengladbach, but was not 100% according to his manager - image via Getty Images)

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes voiced his concerns over Touré in the build up to the match. "He is one of the best midfielders going forward but he switches off defensively," the BT Sport pundit said. Scholes was correct. 

In the aftermath of the victory, Pellegrini admitted that he had doubts over the Ivorian's fitness ahead of the clash. “Yaya was not 100 per cent from the beginning,” he said, which begs the question: "Why did he start?"

Touré's lack of defensive work was not solely to blame for the threat Lucien Favre's men carried on the counter, though. Otamendi and Demichelis were having poor games and allowed Lars Stindl to go unchallenged as he slotted in the opening goal of the game ten minutes into the second half. The pair had struggled in City's 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend and the absence of Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala, who had formed such a commanding alliance in City's first five Premier League games, was beginning to ache a little more. 

This was pure Manchester City in the Champions League. Hopeless.

But there was a fight about the side in the last half an hour of the game. Otamendi redeemed himself with a volley that cannoned in off Andreas Christensen with 25 minutes left on the clock after Sommer clawed Demichelis's effort from De Bruyne's corner out of his goal. Replays showed that Demichelis had actually put the ball into the net and the fifth official was fortunate that his incompetence went unnoticed. 

(Nicolas Otamendi is congratulated by Raheem Sterling after netting City's equaliser - image via Manchester City Official Facebook)

There was fire in the belly of Pellegrini's side. They knew they had to win after a disappointing week and that any chance of qualification would rest heavily on this result. Agüero, fuelled by his desperation for a goalscoring fix, continued to assault Sommer's net, but to no avail. The Argentine's movement was typically excellent, his ability to spin defenders still there, but his finishing way off. The 19 shots City failed to hit the target with go some way to describing the 27-year-old's fortunes in front of goal. 

Agüero's persistence did pay off, though, and City were awarded a penalty in the final minute of the game. As they say, form is temporary, class is permanent, and the striker's poise was there to be seen by all as he rolled in the winner and sent the Blues into second position in Group D behind leaders Juventus. 

Agüero's stats

Shots: 8

Shots on target: 5

Goals: 1

Chances created: 2

Take ons: 4

Relief and elation made a rare appearance on the faces of City's stars. Their fighting spirit had been rewarded.

Player Ratings

Joe Hart 9

Bacary Sagna 7

Nicolas Otamendi 6

Martin Demichelis 6

Aleksandar Kolarov 5.5

Fernandinho 7

Yaya Touré 5

Kevin De Bruyne 6

David Silva 6.5

Raheem Sterling 6

Sergio Agüero 6

Substitutes

Fernando 7
Jesus Navas 7

Pablo Zabaleta - no time to mark

Manchester City must use their next three fixtures to provide a reaction

As Erik Lamela, the man who I had publicly taunted for being a complete and utter waste of time and money, brought both Willy Caballero and Martin Demichelis to their knees and rolled in Tottenham's fourth goal of the day, I smiled.


(Erik Lamela tussles with fellow Argentine Martin Demichelis - image via Julian Finney/Getty Images)

It was the smile of a Manchester City fan who had just watched a comedy sketch worthy of north Manchester's Sunday league - the sniggering pointing in the direction of an Argentinian duo who earn more in five minutes than the entire population of that league do in a year. On Saturday afternoon, they, and Manchester City's side in general, were earning the tag of the Premier League's bottlers.

"Why are you smiling?," I was asked by a friend. 

"Because I'm not surprised," I replied. 

Any City supporter would have issued you with the same response. After winning our first five league games with not even a smudge to rub off Joe Hart's gloves, a catastrophe was always more likely to follow over continued success. Successive defeats against Juventus and West Ham United were briefly consoled by the 4-1 mauling of Sunderland in the Capital One Cup, but City suffered a similar fate to that of the Black Cats when they visited White Hart Lane last weekend. Harry Kane and Erik Lamela scored in the 4-1 win over Pellegrini's side - two players you could have bet your family's wellbeing on scoring before the game - and two of the goals were offside. And by offside I mean "has the linesman fallen asleep?" offside. 

It was a bad day for the linesmen, but even worse for the Blues who look to be running out of steam after an excellent start to the campaign. Manchester United now sit at the top of the table and, even worse, David James is beginning to show his face again.

Not all is gloom and doom, though. If anything was going to derail City's sizzling start to the season, it was going to be injuries. It's no coincidence that injuries to David Silva, Vincent Kompany, Sergio Agüero and Joe Hart - our best players - have run parallel with poor results. Money has been spent on the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling who have certainly made a significant impact on the team, but no amount of money can compensate for a spine that has been integral to City's success in the last five years. Without the leadership of Hart and Kompany, the mind of Silva and the incisiveness of Agüero, any team, regardless of their other assets, will struggle. 


(City have missed the leadership skills of their captain Vincent Kompany - image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

City have shown that, with that spine, they are capable of dismantling any side. No team in the division is yet to play the entertaining football that City have played so far this term and no team in the division has the same luxury of talent we currently have at our disposal. With a point to prove, Pellegrini's men must take advantage of their next three fixtures to provide a reaction. 

No fixture is easy, but City will expect to win their next three games should the services of Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany and David Silva become available to them once again. Kompany was on the bench in the weekend defeat and both Hart and Silva have a chance for Wednesday according to their manager. The Blues travel to Germany in the week to face Borussia Mönchengladbach who have won only twice in seven Bundesliga games this season. The Germans, in their current form, present City with their best chance of getting their first Champions League points on the board and it's an opportunity they must take if group qualification is to be secured. 

Home fixtures against 19th place Newcastle United and newly promoted Bournemouth follow. City haven't lost a home league game against the Magpies since 2000 and have never lost a domestic game against Bournemouth in their entire history. These are must win games.

Both the Champions League and the Premier League has a tendency of throwing up shock results on occasion, but Manchester City must ensure they are not the victims of that infamous 'magic' in the next month if silverware is on the agenda this season. 

Sunderland 1 - 4 Manchester City: Thoughts & Ratings

A good, old-fashioned trouncing was what Manchester City required to suffocate the misery of two consecutive defeats and that was exactly what the Blues entertained their fans with in a 4-1 Capital One Cup win over Sunderland on Tuesday night. 

(Manchester City ran riot against Sunderland on Tuesday night - image via Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

After respective losses to Juventus and West Ham United last week, City needed to prove to themselves that the early hype was justified. Imperious displays from Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling proved that it probably was.

Manuel Pellegrini fielded a strong eleven at the Stadium of Light, a team that the club itself admitted would "promote a lot of debate". Sergio Agüero, Nicolas Otamendi and Yaya Touré were selected among eight other senior players, whilst Patrick Roberts, Pablo Maffeo and Manu García could only make the bench.

As predicted, a nauseating debate ensued with one pathetic fan wishing defeat upon the side in response to Pellegrini's decision not to include any of the academy in his starting eleven. But the Chilean's decision was a sensible one. It would be irresponsible to underestimate a Premier League team - especially one that reached the final of the tournament two seasons ago - regardless of their form.

City took a 4-0 lead within 36 minutes and the same supporter that threw his dummy out an hour prior to kick off celebrated every single goal with capital letters and exclamation marks. 

It was an efficient performance that saw the 2013/2014 cup winners march on into the fourth round without a scratch. Sergio Agüero, who will have been relieved to find the net after an unfortunate display against West Ham, Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling (2) provided the goals for the Blues, whilst Patrick Roberts, Manu García and George Evans all enjoyed brief, but profitable, spells towards the end of the game. 

For me, Manuel played this one perfectly. 

De Bruyne - Sterling link up play

(Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling were signed for a combined £100m this summer - image via Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

For £100m, one would expect at least a taste of brilliance from Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne. The pair have scored four goals and provided three assists in domestic competitions this season and are still yet to play in a trio with David Silva. 

The combined speed and creativity of the duo tormented Sunderland all evening. Sterling's perfectly weighted through ball set De Bruyne up for City's second after 25 minutes and the Belgian repaid the favour ten minutes later with a similarly precise pass. 

Both finishes were spectacular, De Bruyne firing in with his left foot from a tight angle and Sterling opening up his body to curl past Mannone and into the far corner. 

Both player represent huge outlays for the club, but the goals, assists and ferocity going forward they'll provide could mean it's money well spent. 

Taking chances

The 4-1 scoreline was representative of City's efficiency in front of goal. Bar one uncharacteristic Agüero miss, City were composed in the 18-yard-box and hit the back of the net with 57% of the shots they had on target. 

With the same composure last Saturday, the club's unbeaten Premier League run would surely still be in tact.

Stats

Shots: 14

Shots on target: 7

Goals scored: 4

Player Ratings

Willy Caballero 7

Bacary Sagna 7

Nicolas Otamendi 7

Martin Demichelis 7

Aleksandar Kolarov 6

Fernandinho 7

Yaya Touré 7

Kevin De Bruyne 8

Jesus Navas 7

Raheem Sterling 8

Sergio Agüero 6

Substitutes

Patrick Roberts 6.5

Manu García 6

George Evans - no time to mark