Friday 31 January 2014

January Transfer Window: Deadline Day

It's Deadline Day! Plenty of Manchester City transfer news and gossip today, but let's hope some deals are done 11pm tonight. 

For now though, get your hands on these juicy rumours...

According to the Daily Star, Julian Draxler's proposed moved to Arsenal is off. It is believed that the quoted £37m fee put off Wenger, despite many believing the hefty price tag would be repaid by the talented midfielder in the future. However, Norwegian journalist Jan Åge Fjørtoft, who specialises in Bundesliga football, insists the 20-year-old will move from Schalke in the summer and Star suggest that Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea will all make bids for Germany's 'next big thing'. 

In more peculiar news, the Daily Mail believe Atlético Madrid will make an attempt to sign out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell on loan before the window slams shut tonight. The midfielder has made just three appearances for this club this season and has been plagued with injuries, however, a move to Spain could reignite the promising midfielder's career. 

(Jack Rodwell could make a shock loan move to Spain on Deadline Day)

No, the Mangala and Fernando rumours have not gone away, but the Sun claim Deadline Day deals for the pair are looking increasingly unlikely. City are keen on securing the double-swoop before the window slams shut at 11pm tonight, but FC Porto are believed to be holding out for a higher fee. The Manchester Evening News suggest that Javi García could be used as bait in the deal with the blues prepared to offer the Spaniard on a loan deal to seal the move for Fernando, but Porto's decision remains yet to be heard.

In Other News
In other news, Joleon Lescott is set to stay at Manchester City and see out the remaining six months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. The news from the Mirror casts doubt over a Deadline Day swoop for Eliaquim Mangala. 

(Joleon Lescott is set to see out his contract with the club)

Thursday 30 January 2014

January Transfer Window: Day 30

According to Tribal Football and Portuguese journalist Goncalo Lopes, Manchester City are in advanced talks with FC Porto over a move for Fernando Reges. The 26-year-old holding midfielder was linked heavily with Manchester United this month, but reports suggest the player has chosen the blues over their red rivals. The midfielder is seen as an alternative to Blaise Matuidi who was denied a move to City by Paris Saint Germain chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi. 

However, City's pursuit of Eliaquim Mangala could rage into the summer if reports from Sport Witness are to be believed. A late £38m bid was made for the defender according to various sources, but as the transfer window approaches its final days, it's becoming increasingly unlikely that a deal will be finalised. 

In Other News
And finally, the Daily Mirror have revealed that Manchester City spent £639,000 per day on employee wages during the 2012-2013 season.

Wednesday 29 January 2014

Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 5 Manchester City

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1 - 5 MANCHESTER CITY
Capoue 59'                                                                          Agüero 15', Yaya Touré 51′ (pen)                                                                                                                     Džeko 53', Jovetić 78', Kompany 89'

Roses are red, but the Premier League table toppers are blue. 

It was pain at the Lane for Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday as they suffered a crushing 5-1 defeat at the hands of a riotous Manchester City side. A red card for Danny Rose in the 50th minute instilled the impetus into Manuel Pellegrini's men, but the blues took full advantage of their numerical advantage and sailed to the summit of the Premier League.

Six goals separated the sides at the Etihad last November, and the blues looked eager to increase the aggregate in the early stages. A sumptuous strike from Sergio Agüero smashed against Hugo Lloris's far post in the opening four minutes as the visitors looked to replicate their expeditious start to proceedings in the 6-0 reverse fixture, but luck pursued the Argentine just 11 minutes later when he provided City with the lead. 

A penetrating ball from David Silva found the striker in the box who delicately chipped past Lloris to score his 26th goal of the season.


(Sergio Agüero provides his side with a vital early lead)

The visit to White Hart Lane promised to be a prickly one for Manuel Pellegrini's men, but their might and unrivaled majesty on the ball earned them the majority of the first half. However, a continuous stream of skewed chances threatened to pollute the impressive start, and the home side began to knock on City's door. A whipping free-kick from Christian Eriksen almost leveled the tie late in the first half, but Michael Dawson was controversially ruled offside.

But the blues were denied a satisfied stroll into the break as Sergio Agüero pulled up with a hamstring injury in stoppage time. The South American has scored seven goals in five games since returning from a calf injury but could be set for some more time on the sidelines.


(The striker pulled up with a worrying looking hamstring injury just before half time)

The second half was tackled with the same energy by the visitors who burst into the box and won a penalty after just five minutes. Danny Rose's tackle on Edin Džeko was deemed illegal by Andre Marriner and the resulting red card and penalty issued Spurs with a double-helping of disaster. Yaya Touré coolly stepped up to dispatch the penalty and put the blues 2-0 up.


(Yaya Touré slots from the spot)

With just ten men on the pitch, Tim Sherwood's side were at mercy to the overwhelming pace of the Premier League title chasers and Edin Džeko got his name on the score sheet just two minutes after Rose's departure. A fizzing effort from David Silva was tremendously tipped onto the post by Lloris, but the Bosnian striker was on hand to smash past the Frenchman from the rebound.


(Edin Džeko nets his 7th goal in 7 games to put the blues 3-0 up)

The Bosnian's goal marked his 5th goal in five games against Tottenham Hotspur, but the home side weren't about to relinquish their chase for a goal in awe of the striker's impressive record. Étienne Capoue provided his side with a rapid response on the 59 minute mark, but the goal proved to only be a consolation.

Sergio Agüero's replacement and returning forward Stevan Jovetić vowed to impress Manchester City fans in the build up to Wednesday's game, and the Montenegrin kept his promise with a curling finish after 78 minutes to effectively seal the tie as a thrashing. With Samir Nasri and Sergio Agüero now occupying the physio room, Jovetić has the perfect opportunity to nail down a first team place.


(Stevan Jovetić announces himself to the Premier League goalscoring charts)

But sensing the approach of some déjà vu, Vincent Kompany tapped in a late fifth to replicate the same scoreline Manchester City achieved at White Hart Lane back in August 2011. 

Another goalscoring masterclass fired Manuel Pellegrini's minions to the top of the Barclays Premier League table on Wednesday night, and by the look of things, their march is going to take some stopping.

Player Ratings
HartJoe Hart 6 -Will have been preparing his gloves for a busy night, but fortunately, the keeper had nothing to get his hands on.

ZabaletaPablo Zabaleta - Offered plenty in both attack and defence, but made a number of misplaced passes in the first half.

KompanyVincent Kompany 9 - A monster of a performance from the Belgian who captained the blues to yet another famous win on White Hart Lane. Dominant in the air, impenetrable on the ground and lethal in front of goal!

DemichelisMartin Demichelis 7 - Far more comfortable than he was against Watford and his excellent pass success evidenced how relaxed he was.

Clichy Gaël Clichy 7.5 - Best performance in a City shirt so far this season. Defensively solid and put in some wicked balls. 

SilvaDavid Silva 9 - Mesmerising in the middle, keeping City ticking and creating throughout. His ball for Agüero's opener was sublime

Fernandinho Fernandinho - As he often does, allowed the attacking circus in front of him to go about their business.

Toure YYaya Touré 7.5 - Could have been sent off in the first half, but the Ivorian steadied himself and played a key role in City's attacking masterclass.

Navas Jesús Navas 7 - Got forward and tracked back with admirable determination.

DzekoEdin Džeko 7.5 - Missed too many chances in the first half and his numerous failures in front of goal may have cost the blues, but scored and won the penalty in the second.

Aguero Sergio Agüero 8 - Looked unmarkable in the first half and provided City with their biggest threat. However, his exquisite opener was marred by yet another injury that forced him off before half time.

Substitutes
Stevan Jovetić - Replaced the Argentine and started quietly, but gradually grew into the game and got himself a confidence-boosting goal

Matija Nastasić - Prevented Spurs from pushing for more goals

Aleksandar Kolarov - Helped City see out the win

Match Stats
Shots on target: Tottenham Hotspur 2 - 10 Manchester City

Shots off target: Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 11 Manchester City

Blocked shots: Tottenham Hotspur - 3 Manchester City

Corners: Tottenham Hotspur 3 - 5 Manchester City

Fouls: Tottenham Hotspur 11 - 10 Manchester City

Pass Completion: Tottenham Hotspur 79% - 89% Manchester City

Tackle Success: Tottenham Hotspur 42% - 57% Manchester City

Possession: Tottenham Hotspur 40% - 60% Manchester City




January Transfer Window: Day 29

According to a number of reports this morning, Manchester City have made a late €40m offer for FC Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala. Portuguese journalist Goncalo Lopes broke the news on his Twitter account last night, and reports from both the Manchester Evening News and Goal.com have strengthened the journalist's claims this morning. The agile, strong, and tough tackling Frenchman is seen as a perfect partner for Vincent Kompany by Manuel Pellegrini and the hefty price tag does not seem to be an issue for the Chilean.

However, his defensive partner Nicolas Otamendi is unlikely to join the blues. The Express report that Manchester City have withdrawn their interest in the Argentinian centre-back to focus on his French teammate. Otamendi, however, is still hopeful of leaving 
the club despite seeing a loan move to Valencia collapse this week.

(No go: Otamendi is unlikely to join City)

Sports Direct News believe Manuel Pellegrini is interested in signing Benfica's 19-year-old full back Joao Cancelo. Manchester City scouts have alerted the Chilean about the Portuguese defender's ability and a late bid could be made before Friday's deadline.

In Other News
In other news, Paris Saint Germain chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifa has warned the blues off making a bid for 26-year-old midfielder Blaise Matuidi. The Frenchman's future at the club was thrown into the air this week with the announcement that Yohan Cabaye would be joining the club, but recent quotes suggest he remains in their plans. (Sky Sports News)

Tuesday 28 January 2014

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City

                                                                                         

Preview
Sherwood's revengeful roster aim to put a blue battering behind them.

Six scathing goals will be reverberating round the revengeful heads of Tim Sherwood's Tottenham Hotspur side on Wednesday night as they welcome their November assailants to White Hart Lane. The North Londoner's were treated horrendously on their visit to the Etihad Stadium just two months ago, but will be plotting pain at the Lane for the blues this week.

The 6-0 defeat back in November sent former boss Andre Villas Boas on a rocky road to resignation, but his successor has admirably piloted the club through some unexpected turbulence. Tim Sherwood, a coach at the club since 2008 and a known 'Gooner', was appointed head coach in the aftermath of Villas Boas's departure and has guided his team to four wins in their last six games. The guile and gab of the crafty cockney has evidently lifted spirits in the Spurs' camp and an unbeaten run of five Premier League games has steered the Champions League chasers back to normality. 

But it's one familiar face that can be credited for Tottenham's renaissance in particular, and that unlikely name is Emmanuel Adebayor. The former City frontman has a habit of performing wonderfully in his first five games for any club he joins, but as history has shown, his appetite for the game dwindles destructively and his form flops as a result. Nevertheless, the Togolese striker's return to first team football has seen Spurs' goal tally acquire six new slashes in the last seven games and the African just loves to score against his old suitors. 

(The striker has shone under the management of Tim Sherwood)

With just five wins from 11 fixtures at White Hart Lane so far this season, Manchester City's Wednesday night hosts have the worst home record in the top six of the Premier League. However, a resurgence in form and a ravenousness for revenge could see Spurs' put an end to City's impressive run.

Fresh from an uncomfortable victory over Watford on Saturday are Pellegrini's title pursuers, and lessons must be learnt if they are to record an impressive double-whammy over Tim Sherwood's side. The blues went down to two early goals from their weekend visitors and were stung by the Hornet's vibrancy in the first half of the tie. Fortunately, Sergio Agüero's hat-trick heroics rescued Pellegrini's men from an unthinkably embarrassing defeat and maintained City's 100% domestic record at the Etihad Stadium this season. 

(Saviour: Sergio Agüero has scored 25 goals for Manchester City this season)

The rickety display called into question the true depth of Manchester City's squad as Agüero huffed and heaved his team to the win, but with just three days of the window left to go, many top European clubs are no longer open for business. However, one man who could be in the sky blue of City come next week is Paris Saint Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi. The Frenchman's future at the club was all but erased after the Parisian giants agred a £19m deal with Newcastle for Yohan Cabaye on Monday and the 26-year-old could join City in a deal as low as £3m. 

The deal would supply the ever-present duo of Yaya Touré and Fernandinho with some welcome breathing space, but with Jack Rodwell returning to action against Watford, the Chilean manager has a tough decision to make. 

City's strength in depth will be analysed, assessed and maybe even scrutinised on Wednesday evening, but Pellegrini will be hopeful of inflicting a Sherwood shambles.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 2 Manchester City

Line-Ups
Strength in depth doesn't matter too much when you have the quality of Manchester City, and the blues are definitely welcoming back some quality on Wednesday night. David Silva and Álvaro Negredo have been declared fit to play after missing City's 4-2 FA Cup win over Watford on Saturday, although their involvement in the starting eleven remains yet to be seen. Stevan Jovetić could make his second Premier League start of the season should either of the two be unable to start, whilst Javi García and James Milner miss out with respective muscle and groin injuries.

(Álvaro Negredo and David Silva have been named in Pellegrini's squad for Manchester City's trip to White Hart Lane)

Paulinho and Jan Vertonghen are expected to be fit for the tie after sitting on the sidelines with ankle injuries. Erik Lamela and Andros Townsend are unavailable.

Head to Head Stats
  • Manchester City's last win at White Hart Lane came in their 2011/2012 title winning season. The blues won 5-1
  • Gareth Bale's terrific performance gave Spurs the win in their last home fixture against City when beat the blues 3-1 in April 2013
  • In 64 Premier League matches between the two teams at White Hart Lane, Tottenham have won 36 whilst City have walked away with the three points on just 15 occasions
  • In the last 5 clashes between the clubs, Manchester City have won four times. Spurs have won only once. 

Premier League Stats
  • Manchester City (63) have scored 31 more goals than Spurs this season (32)
  • The blues (25) also have a better defensive record, conceding two less goals than their Wednesday night rivals (27)
  • City (15) have proven deadly from set pieces this season, but Spurs also pose a threat with 9 goals
  • The two teams have the highest shot accuracy percentages in the league. City with 49% and Spurs with 48%
  • The sides also lead top the table in chances created, although the blues (305) have created 26 more chances than their opponents (279)

January Transfer Window: Day 28

Just three days to go, and we have news!

It's been a rather mild window for the blues, but if today's reports are to be believed, Manuel Pellegrini could be set to make a late dip into the market. 

According to talkSPORT, Manchester City are targeting 19-year-old Italian striker Domenico Berardi. The forward, co-owned by Sassuolo and Juventus, has scored 12 goals in 19 games this season including a stunning quadruple in Sassuolo's 4-3 victory over AC Milan earlier this month. However, with 64 goals to show from Sergio Agüero, Álvaro Negredo and Edin Džeko already this season, City's reported search for a striker may not be necessary.

In the aftermath of Yohan Cabaye's late £19m switch from Newcastle United to Paris Saint Germain, the French giants could be ready to accept a cut price bid for midfielder Blaise Matuidi. The 26-year-old is out of contract this summer and Manchester City are said to be keen admirers of the combative holding midfielder.

(Yohan Cabaye's move to PSG could open the exit doors for Matuidi)

One midfielder who could make way for Matuidi's arrival is James Milner. The Englishman has failed to hold down a first team place under Manuel Pellegrini so far this season and is attracting interest from Liverpool according to Sports Direct News. The media outlet believe Brendan Rodgers will test the blues' resolve with a loan bid in June which will include an option to buy the midfielder for £10m. However, sources suggest that Milner is happy to remain at the club.

Another piece of speculative reporting suggests Manchester City could be one of the Premier League clubs ready to trigger Arda Turan's £33m release clause. The Turkish winger has been in exquisite form for Atlético Madrid this season and are set to battle with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United in a late January tussle. 

(Tug of war: Arda Turan is wanted by several Premier League clubs)

But City's interest in midfielders doesn't stop there this morning. No, because according to givemesport.com, Benfica's Andre Gomes is on Manuel Pellegrini's wishlist. The 20 year-old midfielder is set to follow Nemanja Matic's steps to the Premier League in the near future with Liverpool also interested.

In Other News
And finally, our very own Spanish 'Beast' Álvaro Negredo has revealed his softer side in an interview with the Daily Mail. The 23-goal striker claims he is very different off the pitch, and told the newspaper 'I'm very affectionate as a person. I like to chill out with my family'. 

Monday 27 January 2014

Manuel or Mancini: Who Really Built The Team?

Good old Bobby Manc, putting his nose in where it shouldn't be. But to be honest, his antics supplied us City fans with a few laughs during his successful three-and-a-half year tenure at the club.

Whether it was mocking Fergie's habit of harrassing referees or screeching at Steven Gerrard during a post-match interview; the flamboyant Italian always had an element of mischief tucked away behind his blue and white scarf. But Roberto's more recent remarks have had City fans scowling rather than sniggering as the Galatasaray boss sat down with BBC Sport to discuss Manchester City's ferocious form.

In a controversial interview, Mancini claimed responsibility for his old side's gluttonous goalscoring habits.

(Roberto Mancini chats with BBC Sport and discusses his impact on the current Manchester City team)

'I'm happy that Manchester City is one of the best teams in England because I built this team,' the Italian contentiously revealed. 

He added, 'The players that score the goals are players that I bought - Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Samir Nasri.'

Although Roberto may have a point, the tutting of current boss Manuel Pellegrini can be heard loud and clear. Be it forgetfulness or just plain ignorance, Mr.Mancini obviously hasn't been watching Álvaro Negredo, Jesús Navas and Fernandinho this season. However, the Chilean's stamp on the side hasn't just been limited to signings, and a refreshing placidity has been sprinkled over the club since his arrival. 

Yes, Mancini may have instilled that vital winning mentality; but Manuel has moulded individual class into collective quality. Below, we take a look at City's big name players who have played under both managers and assess who has had the better impact.

Joe Hart
Mancini impact: 8/10
Roberto Mancini unarguably transformed Joe Hart into one of Europe's best keepers during his stint with Manchester City. After watching the English prodigy record a successful year on loan at Birmingham City, Mancini consulted goalkeeping coach Massimo Battara and asked whether he should keep Hart at the club. Advice was positive, and the Italian drafted in Hart as a long term replacement for Shay Given. Two Golden Gloves later, Hart established himself as England's first choice stopper and arguably the brightest goalkeeping talent in the Premier League.

Pellegrini impact: 8/10
A series of unimpressive performances forced Manuel Pellegrini into dropping the England No.1 back in November. His decision was greeted with ums and ahs by City fans who struggled to put their utmost faith in Costel Pantillimon, but the Chilean's decision proved to be an inspired one. Three weeks later, Hart reclaimed his first team place and produced a number of glimmering performances that matched his undoubted potential. The keeper is now back to his best.

Pablo Zabaleta
Mancini impact: 7/10
The sidelines used to be familiar territory for the most Mancunian Argentinian in the land, but an injury to Micah Richards in late 2011 introduced the South American's terrific tenacity to the City faithful. After nailing down a starting place in Micah's absence, Zabaleta established himself as a fan favourite and sent the blues on their way to a famous title-winning victory over QPR. Although Zabaleta's first team place may have been a result of injury, Mancini certainly helped him become one of the best right-backs in the division.

Pellegrini impact: 8/10
With the threat of Micah Richards sadly sliding away with injury trouble, Zabaleta has been able to hold down an unrivaled first team place under Manuel Pellegrini. The Argentine's grit and persistence was always there, but Pellegrini's attacking intent has seen Zaba bomb up and down the flanks and play a crucial part in many of City's goals this season. With five assists already this season, Zabaleta is no longer just a right back. 

Vincent Kompany
Mancini impact: 9/10
Signed as a holding midfielder by Mark Hughes in 2008, the Belgian would have never dreamed of becoming one of the world's most impenetrable centre-backs. The cool midfielder was magnificently moulded into a dominant defender by Mancini who also rewarded 'Vinny' with captaincy in 2010. Since then, Kompany has been a figurehead of Manchester City and an authoritative role model to everyone at the club.

Pellegrini impact: 6/10
With his role as captain set in stone, Kompany has given Manuel Pellegrini no reason to alter his style of play in any way.

Matija Nastasić
Mancini impact: 8/10
Making his debut against Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu, the £8m 19 year-old was thrown straight into the deep end. However, the decision proved to be a shrewd one from Mancini who saw the Serbian usurp Joleon Lescott in the centre of defence and rapidly become a fan favourite. His age may suggest otherwise, but the centre-back developed an uncanny maturity under the guidance of the Italian.

Pellegrini impact: 6/10
Injuries haven't helped, but nevertheless, Nastasić has looked shaky under his new boss. There's no doubt that Kompany's presence helps the Serbian, but Pellegrini seems unwilling to allow the partnership to flourish with Martin Demichelis his preferred option.

Aleksandar Kolarov
Mancini impact: 5/10
The £19m man never really lived up to his hefty price tag under Roberto Mancini and rapidly became the player every City fan loved to mock. A frightening left foot and unrivaled abilities from dead ball situations evidenced some class, but his defensive attributes were never seen under the Italian. Kolarov was never given the vote of confidence he craved under Mancini, and his performances suffered as a result.

Pellegrini impact: 8/10
Pellegrini's arrival at the club saw Kolarov turn from flop to favourite; a title that no City fan would have assigned to the Serbian 12 months ago. With more first team football and the backing of his new manager, Aleksandar has welcomed attacking intent, superb delivery and defensive solidity into his game.

Samir Nasri
Mancini impact: 5/10
The £24m signing had Manchester City fans rejoicing in August 2011 as they celebrated the arrival of one of the Premier League's top talents. The Frenchman's form at Arsenal had attracted both of the Manchester giants, but Roberto Mancini's persistence saw the blues win the battle for his signature. Unfortunately, Nasri was unable to replicate the brilliance he had shown in London and fell out of the Italian's favour who claimed he'd like to give Nasri 'a punch'. Mancini's sarcasm didn't sit well with Nasri, however, and their prickly relationship never allowed the promising talent to flourish. 

Pellegrini impact: 8/10
The Nasri of old has risen like a phoenix at the Etihad Stadium this season and the Frenchman has rightfully solidified his place in a magical Manchester City midfield. Tantalising and teasing defenders on a regular basis, Nasri has blossomed under the guidance of his new manager and will be sorely missed after picking up a serious knee injury against Newcastle United two weeks ago.

Yaya Touré
Mancini impact: 8/10
From makeshift Barcelona defender to arguably the world's most powerful box-to-box midfielder, Roberto Mancini certainly made a significant impact on Yaya Touré. Presenting him with a free role in the heart of Ciy's midfield, Mancini allowed Yaya to both spring and prevent attacks with his brute force and exceptional technical ability. The Ivorian is now considered as Manchester City's most deadly component and his transformation has to be attributed to the Italian gaffer.

Pellegrini impact: 7/10
Like Vincent Kompany, Yaya hasn't given Pellegrini any extra work to do and his incredible level of performance has been maintained under the Chilean. The one improvement? Free kicks, of course!

David Silva
Mancini impact: 7/10
Mancini cast a spell on the ex-Valencia playmaker and morphed David Silva into a Mancunian magician. Arguably Manchester City's best ever player, his arrival at the club marked Roberto Mancini's best piece of business during his three-and-a-half year tenure with the blues. A mouthwatering title winning season saw Silva take the lead role, but the Italian did little to prevent his star man dropping off the pace somewhat just one year later.

Pellegrini impact: 8/10
Although Roberto Mancini can be credited for shaping David Silva into the classiest Premier League midfielder around, his motivational skills were found out just one year later when Silva exhibited a worrying dip in form. Whilst the Spaniard was not playing particularly badly, his importance in the side was fading and the Italian did little to stop the decline. Fortunately, the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini injected some magic into the little wizard who is unarguably back to his best under City's new manager.

Sergio Agüero
Mancini impact: 7/10
Manchester City's record £38m signing has proven to be worth every single penny since his move from Atletico Madrid in 2011, and Roberto Mancini indubitably got the best out of his star man with the Argentine netting 30 goals in his first season at the club. The Italian's impact on the player is unquestionable; he made him his number one forward and together with Carlos Tevez, the South-American pair formed a ruthless partnership. However, like Silva, Agüero suffered a dip in form just one season later which throws into question Mancini's motivational skills once again. 

Pellegrini impact: 9/10
25 goals in 24 games is quite an impact, and Sergio Agüero has responded rampantly to the attacking mind of his new manager. Even after suffering a four week injury, the prolific Argentine has been the highlight of a magnificent Manchester City season so far and he clearly revels in the dynamic and fast paced approach of Manuel Pellegrini. 

Edin Džeko
Mancini impact: 6/10
After breaking the Bundesliga record transfer departure fee, the Bosnian promised big things for Roberto Mancini at Manchester City. However, an opening season of just 6 goals deflated the vast hope surrounding the striker who struggled to settle into life at City under the Italian. As a regular benchwarmer, Džeko never truly experienced the full confidence of Mancini and he played second fiddle to an Argentinian couplet of Sergio Agüero and Carlos Tevez for the majority of his first three years in Manchester.

Pellegrini impact: 8/10
There's no better way to announce your faith in a player than saying 'you're my number one striker'. Fortunately for Edin, Manuel Pellegrini did just that and the Bosnian made an impressive start to the season under the Chilean. However, in typical Džeko-fashion, the forward fell off the pace immediately, giving way to Álvaro Negredo and Sergio Agüero to take the goalscoring charts by storm. But Agüero's recent injury came as a blessing in disguise for Pellegrini who was forced into re-selecting Džeko in the Argentine's absence. Six goals in four games later, Pellegrini has a real conundrum on his hands.

The verdict
Roberto Mancini: 70/100
The legend of Roberto Mancini will live on in the hearts of City fans until the day they die, but to undermine Manuel Pellegrini's effect on the current team is ludicrous. Yes, Roberto transformed average looking players such as Vincent Kompany and Yaya Touré into world beaters, but his ability to motivate proven players into bettering themselves lacked significantly. Mancini failed to push the team on after 'that' title winning season and his communication with the players became increasingly forced. His achievements with our beloved blues will be remembered forever, and we extend our gratitude, but it's time to keep your nose out, Bobby.

Manuel Pellegrini: 76/100
After just seven months at the club, Manuel Pellegrini's cool approach to the game has indubitably suited the undoubted class in the ranks of Manchester City. His attacking intent has seen Pablo Zabaleta and Aleksandar Kolarov mould into potent wing-backs capable of affecting the game at the other end of the pitch whilst still attending to their defensive duties. 

Freedom in midfield has allowed Samir Nasri to exert his creative brilliance whilst Sergio Agüero has enamjoyed a healthy diet on the numerous chances created by his teammates. Throw Fernandinho, Álvaro Negredo, Jesús Navas, Martin Demichelis and the returning Stevan Jovetić into the equation and you have a Manchester City side much more potent than Roberto Mancini's misfiring magicians last year with drama kept strictly on the pitch.

January Transfer Window: Day 27

Five days of the window left and Manchester City's transfer news continues to retreat into the shadows, but there are a couple of stories worth reading this morning.
According to the Daily Star, the blues will attempt to sign Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna when his contract runs up in the summer. The Frenchman has been a key component of Arsenal's impressive season so far and is attracting interest from the likes of PSG, Real Madrid, Galatasaray and Fenerbache. However, with Micah Richards reportedly unsettled at the club and a known favourite of Arsène Wenger, do City have the perfect weapon in signing the 30 year-old?

In Other News
In other news, Stevan Jovetić has had his say on his unfortunate start to life at Manchester City. In an interview with Sky Sports News, the Montenegrin forward expressed his desire to make up for lost time and promised City fans that they will love him.

(The forward is determined to put his injury troubles behind him)

'It's much easier when you play and score goals but unfortunately for me it's not been a good way to start,' said the £22m man. 

He then added, 'I know my value and that the fans will love me.'

With Sergio Agüero, Álvaro Negredo and Edin Džeko already firing on all cylinders, Jovetić's return may mean even more goals for Manuel Pellegrini's men.

Sunday 26 January 2014

January Transfer Window: Day 26

According to the Sun, Manchester City are set to offer PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi a whopping £8m signing on fee to sign for the club at the end of the season. Matuidi's contract expires in the summer and Manuel Pellegrini is believed to be a huge admirer of the player. With Fernandinho and Yaya Touré featuring in the majority of games this season, cover in midfield is seen as a necessity by the Chilean and Matuidi could be a perfect cover option.

Despite reportedly agreeing a deal with Manchester United, Luke Shaw could still be in the sky blue of Manchester City in the summer. The Daily Mail report that Manchester City remain interested in the 18 year-old left back, but will have to fork out £30m for his services.

(Luke Shaw could be on his way to Manchester in the summer)

The Daily Mail also believe that Everton manager Roberto Martínez is keen on signing Gareth Barry on a permanent deal at the end of the season. The loan signing has been instrumental in Everton's success so far this season and the Spanish manager is a huge admirer of the English midfielder.

In Other News
In other news, Yaya Touré is contemplating retirement from International football after the World Cup this summer. The Mirror report that the Ivorian wants to go out on a high and would be likely to hang up his boots if the Ivory Coast performed well in Brazil. 

(Hanging up his boots: Yaya Touré could play his last game for the Elephants in Brazil)

And finally, Manuel Pellegrini says he would have made eleven changes to his side at half time in their 4-2 win over Watford. The blues slumped into the break two goals down to the Championship side but a Sergio Agüero managed to save the day.