Wednesday's MCFC Transfer Gossip

Stevan Jovetić has been receiving his plaudits recently after making an impressive return to first team football. The Montenegrin endured a painful three months on the sidelines with an ongoing injury, but his goal against Tottenham Hotspur and energetic cameo against their rivals Chelsea this week has given City fans a glimpse of the forward's much talked about talent. 

If that wasn't enough, quotes from the ex-Fiorentina ace this morning will definitely have City fans purring.

In an interview with beIN Sports, Jovetić revealed that he chose Manchester City over Real Madrid in the summer and cited City's ambition as the major factor behind his move.

''I decided to come here because this is a major project with many players. I should have come here the year before but I had a nice season with [Vincenzo] Montella and Fiorentina.''

I, and City fans alike can't wait to see what the tricky £22m man has to offer in the next few games.

In Other News

In other news, Jesus Navas has backed his side to bounce back from their home defeat to Chelsea according to Goal.com. Navas insists the blues are not worried by their performance on Monday night and has called on his teammates to get back to winning ways in pursuit of first spot in the league.

Manchester City 0 - 1 Chelsea

MANCHESTER CITY 0 - 1 CHELSEA
                                                                                Ivanovic 32'


Mourinho masterclass maims Manuel's home record

José Mourinho can certainly talk the talk, but the Portuguese boss proved he can also walk the walk with a laudable show of tactical perfection on Monday night. A solitary strike from Branislav Ivanovic inflicted an excruciating wound into the seemingly impenetrable flesh of Manchester City's 100% home record and applied an extra coating of sugar onto a tantalizing title race.

It was a case of Plan A for Pellegrini's side who were bruised by the news of a late injury to Fernandinho and despite having experienced central midfielders Jack Rodwell and James Milner at his disposal, the Chilean's decision to employ Martin Demichelis in the vacancy played a significant role in Monday night's downfall. 

Early predictions of Chelsea's bus driver steering his vehicle onto the pitch were rapidly dismissed as Eden Hazard and Willian galloped down City's deserted flanks and capitalised on the host's natural attacking intent. The calm head and solidity of Fernandinho were sorely missed, and the absent energy Sergio Agüero allowed John Terry and Gary Cahill to enjoy a relaxed evening.

(The hosts missed the influence of their £30m signing on Monday night)

However, early missed chances would later be regretted as David Silva and Yaya Touré squandering mouthwatering opportunities to give their side the imperative first goal. But Pellegrini's appetite for attack was perfectly punished by his Portuguese foe, and the visitors countered with untameable pace. Ticking to the trickery of Belgian winger Eden Hazard, Chelsea began to dominate proceedings and claimed a deserved opener on 32 minutes. An excellent block by Vincent Kompany fell cruelly into the path of Branislav Ivanovic who smashed in an exceptional 20-yard half-volley past Joe Hart. 

(Ivanovic celebrates his stunning opener)

The battle of the league's top scorers v's the league's meanest defence promised to fascinate a frantic 47,364 man audience, but an unanimated partnership of Álvaro Negredo and Edin Džeko never threatened to assault Petr Čech's goal. The Spaniard's recent recovery from a shoulder injury raised questions over his fitness, and in truth, the 'Beast' never looked at his sharpest. 

As the Etihad began to roar in frustration, the blues were treated to more of Mourinho's coruscating counter-attacking football and the visitors were denied a second when Samuel Eto'o's effort thundered against Joe Hart's cross bar. The break couldn't come quick enough for Manuel Pellegrini's men, and an extra 15 minutes of Chelsea domination forced the Chilean into summoning Stevan Jovetić for the unfit Álvaro Negredo. 

Desperate to defend their 100% home record and a 20-game unbeaten run, the hosts huffed and puffed their way up the pitch, but to no avail. Speculative efforts from David Silva and Stevan Jovetić were divinely dealt with by Chelsea's Czech stopper and the Mancunian machine cried out for a fresh filling of oil. 

(David Silva watches a perfect opportunity trickle wide)

Jovetić's introduction certainly added a spark to City's play, but Pellegrini's decision to throw on just the one substitute ultimately forced his side into surrender. Outwitted and outclassed, the blues slumped into the tunnel as the 'Special One' basked in an incredible achievement at the Etihad.

Player Ratings

Joe Hart 7 - Could do nothing for the goal and made an excellent stop from Ramires to keep the blues in the first half.

Pablo Zabaleta 7 - Beaten by Hazard on a couple of occasions and unfortunately found the Belgian in a menacing mood. However, attacked and defended with typical aggression and passion.

Vincent Kompany 7.5 - Did most of City's defensive work and martialed an out of sorts Matija Nastasić with a frightening ferociousness. Did not deserve to be on the losing side.   

 Matija Nastasić 5 - His confidence seems to have taken a huge blow in recent weeks and it was another nervy performance from the Serbian on Monday night. Rollicked by his captain and escaped a certain sending off.

 Aleksandar Kolarov 6.5 - City's main attacking threat down the flanks and his delivery was exceptional once again. Unfortunately, he couldn't defend as he attacked.

David Silva 7 - I hate criticising the Spanish magician but his conduct in front of goal is becoming laughable. Two easy chances were swiped at, but his free kick and overall effort in midfield made up for his mistakes.

 Martin Demichelis 6 - His inclusion in central midfield had City fans worried in the build up, and rightly so. Started well with a few crunching tackles but became overwhelmed by the pace of the game.

Yaya Touré 7 - A powerhouse in the centre but couldn't get forward without Fernandinho sweeping up the play behind him. 

 Jesús Navas 7 - A constant threat down the right with his pace, but his delivery lacked and he was rapidly sounded out.

Edin Džeko 5 - A frequent criticism of the Bosnian is that he misses too many chances, and it was the same old story on Monday night.

 Álvaro Negredo 5 - Looked unfit and wasn't able to influence proceedings. Excellently manned by Terry and Cahill.

Substitutes

Stevan Jovetić 7 - Provided City with the spark they needed and forced Čech into making a top save.

Match Stats

Shots on target: Manchester City 3 - 6 Chelsea

Shots off target: Manchester City 17 - 8 Chelsea

Blocked shots: Manchester City 5 - 4 Chelsea

Corners: Manchester City 12 - 6 Chelsea

Fouls: Manchester City 11 - 13 Chelsea

Pass Completion: Manchester City 83% - 74% Chelsea

Tackle Success: Manchester City 44% - 34% Chelsea

Possession: Manchester City 58% - 42% Chelsea

  
                                          

Tuesday's MCFC Transfer Gossip

On a morning that will see many City fans shy away from the tabloid headlines, I have to say it's been a difficult round up. However, the gossip must go on and as a special treat, there's only one mention of Mourinho in today's collection of news.

According to the Sun, Jack Rodwell had a Deadline Day move to former club Everton blocked by Manuel Pellegrini. The 22-year-old was denied a reunion with his former team-mates as City watched a last ditch swoop for FC Porto midfielder Fernando fall to pieces. Rodwell has been on the fringes of first team football ever since moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2012 and will be desperate to warm up his boots in the near future.

Whether blues like it or not, our beloved City stars were certainly outfoxed last night and Paul Hayward of the Telegraph described Mourinho's masterclass brilliantly. 

''Mourinho was back to his Inter Milan days, when the plan was to absorb pressure, compress the play and counter-attack with unanswerable speed and force. For the second time this season City’s penchant for open, orchestral play, was exposed as decadent.''

(José Mourinho put on a tactical masterclass to end Manchester City's 100% home run on Monday night)

Well, that sums it up rather well, not let's move on...

In Other News

In other news, Italian newspaper Tuttosport believe Mario Balotelli is set for a return to the Premier League, but with Arsène Wenger's Arsenal. The Frenchman was criticised for his lack of action in the January transfer window but is believed to have named Balotelli as his number one summer target as the Gunners look to cement their lead at the top of the table. 

And finally, Birmingham City's 17-year-old starlet Reece Brown has reportedly caught the eye of Manuel Pellegrini. The midfielder has impressed for the Brummies this season and may join up with Patrick Vieira and co in the summer.

Monday's MCFC Transfer Gossip

It seems José Mourinho just can't stop talking about Manchester City in the build up to Monday night's game, and you guessed it, there's more from the Portuguese manager's mouth this morning!

In an interview with London24.com, the 'Special One' continued his mind games by revealing how exactly he'd line his Chelsea side up for the big game. Amid claims that he would be tempted to deploy similar 'park the bus' tactics utilised by Sam Allardyce in Chelsea's 0-0 draw with West Ham United on Thursday night, Mourinho smirked and insisted his title chasers would be going for the win. 

'Chelsea is going in one direction. Of course little details. We want to go in a certain direction. Are we going to play with one striker? Yes. We are not going to play without a striker,' the Portuguese boss said, before adding 'Are we going to play with three central defenders because they have two fantastic strikers? We’re going to play with two. We think more than us than them.'

Despite reiterating that his focus remained solely on his side, Mourinho went on to describe his Monday night rivals as 'complete' and praised the likes of Fernandinho, Yaya Touré and Edin Džeko who he was rumoured to be interested in signing last month. Of course, Manuel Pellegrini will be hopeful of giving his rival more reason to admire on Mourinho.

In Other News

According to the Mirror, Former England manager Glenn Hoddle believes Southampton's Luke Shaw should jump at the chance to make a move to one of the Premier League giants. Shaw has been a reported target for City, Chelsea and Manchester United and Hoddle believes the left back will move this summer.

(On his way? Luke Shaw is expected to leave the Saints this summer)

Manchester City v Chelsea

                                               

Preview
'Lucky' City look to multiply Mourinho's misery.

'Underachieving', 'lucky' and 'benefiting from too many decisions'. We've heard it all now, but the grumblings of a miserable Portuguese manager are unlikely to faze Manchester City's easy-going Chilean.

Manuel Pellegrini has endured the whines and wails of José Mourinho this week in the build up to arguably the biggest Premier League fixture of the season so far, but despite the awkwardly desperate attempts of his opposite number, City's Chilean chancellor refuses to be drawn into mind games.

In an interview with BBC Sport, the quirky Chelsea manager said that Manchester City have underachieved since their takeover by Sheik Mansour in 2008 and proposed that Pellegrini's side had benefited from their fair share of poor refereeing decisions throughout the season.

'They won one title, won a couple of cups,' Mourinho said, before adding 'The reality is they have many crucial decisions in their favour'. But whether it's the three points that separate the two blues or some residual anger from Chelsea's recent bore draw with strugglers West Ham, the Portuguese boss has certainly been rather miserable this week.

(Down in the dumps: José Mourinho has had his say on Manchester City this week)

Nevertheless, the threat Mourinho's side pose is undeniable, and a blue, barbaric and breathtaking clash of the titans will commence at the Etihad Stadium on Monday night. The Londoner's are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games and managed to shine admidst the mediocrity of the recent January transfer window.

The high-profile £37m sale of Juan Mata to Manchester United outlined Mourinho's craving for pace as he welcomed Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah to Stamford Bridge as the Spaniard's replacement. However, with just 10 goals to show from a regular forward partnership of Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto'o, questions will be raised over the blue's decision not to bring in a striker. 

Fortunately, goalscoring hasn't threatened to deflate the 'Special One's' bloated ego and the brilliance of Eden Hazard and Oscar has ensured the Premier League title remains in Chelsea's reach. Fifteen goals and seven assists between the pair have somewhat justified José Mourinho's focus on his midfield and their magic has provided a rare twinkle in a rigid Chelsea side this season. 

Although the blues haven't soared into the top four with the grace seen under the Portuguese manager in his first stint at the club, they definitely know how to win a game and will be looking to prove that Manchester City's 100% home record this campaign has just been a by-product of luck. 

(Terrible twosome: Manchester City will have to nullify the threat of both Eden Hazard and Oscar if they are to continue their perfect home run)

Strolling his way through Mourinho's contemptuous comments, Manuel Pellegrini sat down to discuss the importance of his side continuing their fine run. 

'I'm not concerned about these things [Mourinho's comments], I'm concerned about the amount of games we have to play, the Chilean said before insisting 'it would be a very important win but after that game we have 42 points more to play for'.

It seems Pellegrini has finally adressed his mathematical weaknesses and a 12 game unbeaten run in the league suggests the South American's title chasers have the required ammunition to dispose of Chelsea's threat on Monday night. 

However, City's pre-match preparations suffered an irritating wound on Wednesday when Sergio Agüero limped off with a hamstring injury in City's 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. The Argentine's return to first team football saw him net 7 goals in 5 games as he launched a fresh bid to blast Luis Suárez off the perch of the Premier League goalscoring charts, but the forward's most recent set-back has shone the limelight firmly over the heads of Álvaro Negredo, Edin Džeko and Stevan Jovetić. 

(Sergio Agüero has been ruled out of action for a month with a hamstring injury)

However, the striker's absence isn't likely to scrap Manuel's mission for goals as the blues netted 22 times in 8 games when the Argentine last acquainted himself with Manchester City's physio room. His blue buddies Álvaro Negredo and Edin Džeko have a measly combined total of 40 goals this season, and with Stevan Jovetić netting his first league goal of the season against Spurs on Wednesday night, the Etihad Stadium shouldn't be expecting their side to relinquish their rampant form in front of goal on Monday. 

With a certain Portuguese manager to prove wrong and a sickening Hart-Nastasić mistake to put right, Manchester City will be hoping for all the luck in the world on Monday night.

Prediction: Manchester City 2 - 1 Chelsea

Line-Ups

Sergio Agüero's latest set-back will see the sky blues without their star striker for another month. The Argentine provided City with the equaliser at Stamford Bridge before Fernando Torres secured a crucial late winner for Mourinho's team. However, Álvaro Negredo has fully recovered from a shoulder injury suffered in City's 5-0 FA Cup win over Blackburn Rovers and is expected to lead City's line. James Milner, Javi García and Samir Nasri are out of Monday's tie.

(Thumbs up: The Beast is set to return for the blues on Monday night)

Fernando Torres misses the game for Chelsea.

Possible line-ups

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy, Fernandinho, Yaya Touré, Silva, Navas, Džeko, Negredo

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Lampard, Matic, Ramires, Oscar, Hazard, Eto'o

Head to Head Stats

• Chelsea have not beaten Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium since September 2008. Goals from Ricardo Carvalho, Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka spoiled Robinho's debut
• The sky blues ran out 2-0 winners in last year's fixture thanks to goals from Yaya Touré and Carlos Tevez
• In 78 league games on home turf, Manchester City have beaten Chelsea 31 times. Chelsea have won 21 of those games with the other 16 ending in draws

Premier League stats

• Manchester City (68) have scored 25 more goals than Chelsea (43) this season
• However, the sky blues (26) have conceded 6 more goals than their Monday night opponents (20)
• Both sides have an impressive pass completion rate of 86% and 83% respectively
• City (325) have created 30 more chances than Chelsea (295)

Sunday's MCFC Transfer Gossip

Ahead of their monumental last 16 clash with Manchester City in the Champions League, Barcelona have reportedly registered their interested in the one of the blue's star players. 

The Sunday People believe Barcelona want Spanish midfielder David Silva to replace Xavi when their captain retires. Manuel Pellegrini does not intend to sell, but fears his prized asset will be ambushed when he joins up with the Spain squad this summer. Barcelona value the player at around £50 million. 

However, the blues may have already sought out a suitable replacement if reports from the Mail on Sunday are to be believed this morning. According to the newpaper, City will go head to head with their Manchester rivals for the signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos in the summer. The player was heavily linked with a deadline day move to David Moye's side but his availability is sure to attract a number of top clubs when the window re-opens.

(Toni Kroos could be on his way to Manchester in summer)

In Other News

In slightly more worrying news, the Mail on Sunday report that Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool may challenge Manchester City's right to play in the Champions League next season by questioning their adherence to Financial Fair Play regulations. The Independent also believe the club may face expulsion from the competition as the new rulebook has placed added pressure on the club's finances.

Saturday's MCFC Transfer Gossip

After an abysmal anti-climax of a deadline day, many will be questioning the details of Manchester City's double bid for a certain FC Porto pair...

According to the Manchester Evening News, City's bid to sign Eliaquim Mangala and Fernando collapsed after the Portuguese club slammed a £46m price tag on their heads. A private jet from Porto was booked by the Manchester club in the hope of a late deal, but it seems Manuel Pellegrini shook his head at the huge quote.

However, the Telegraph report that the Chilean will reignite his interest in Mangala in the summer in the hope of strengthening his defence. Paris Saint Germain and Manchester United are likely to put up a fight.

In Other News

The Mirror claim that Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has held talks with John Guidetti after recent comments from the Swedish striker. The on-loan Manchester City starlet voiced his anger at not featuring for the club despite seeing them trailing to both Chelsea and Sunderland in recent weeks, however, recent discussions between the pair could see his start against Manchester United on Saturday.