Roberto Mancini’s approach to the big games is holding Manchester City back
This season’s Premier League is the tightest and most open it has ever been. The entire bottom half of the table are in a relegation dogfight, the European places are going to go down to the wire, and the title race has got plenty of twists and turns left it in yet.
The way the season has panned out has meant there are gaps in the table where there usually wouldn’t be. Chelsea have been far from their efficient best, Manchester United have flattered to deceive, while Arsenal continue to shoot themselves in foot. Factor in Tottenham’s inconsistency and you’ll see a very flawed top five. The other member of this group that have created something of a gap from the rest of the league is Manchester City, a team who have had the chance to capitalise on all of this to not only secure Champions League qualification, but perhaps even challenge for the title.
Their bid to be in next season’s Champions League is on track, although it will be a close call with Spurs breathing down their neck. However, their fans will be forgiven for thinking that this season has been an excellent chance to really push their way into a title race. With no stand-out contenders, City could, and probably should still be in with a decent shout at Premier League glory.
However, yesterday’s game at Stamford Bridge was all the evidence needed to show just why they are not nipping at their arch-rivals United’s heels. Once again Roberto Mancini adopted a conservative approach, as has been the norm against top opposition. They went to Spurs and tried to shut up shop from minute one on the opening day of season - coming away with a very fortuitous goalless draw. They did a similar job on Arsenal at the Emirates, with their goal living an equally charmed life there too, although couldn’t repeat the trick at Stamford Bridge yesterday.
Indeed their only away goal against any of the other top five was at Old Trafford, where they were eventually beaten 2-1. The game against United was a perfect example of how Mancini’s approach to these games seems to be holding his team back. They were content at 0-0, but had to chase the game when they lost the first goal, which they did incredibly well . The late sucker-punch of Wayne Rooney’s spectacular overhead kick was harsh overall, but the game itself should’ve showed Mancini that his side can match anyone in the division. However, the Italian is more scared of his quality opposition than he is of expressing his own side’s clear attacking quality.
In City’s seven Premier League games against the other teams in the top five this season, they have gained five points, scoring just two goals. A game against someone you are directly challenging with is referred to as a six-pointer, but Mancini simply hasn’t been brave enough to approach these matches head-on. If he had, City could well be still in with a shout for the title.
Man City players complain of laser attack at Chelsea
Manchester City players have complained about being targeted by a laser during last night's defeat at Chelsea.
City players say they were targeted by a fan at Stamford Bridge armed with a laser.
Chelsea later confirmed they were "looking into" allegations City's players and referee Chris Foy were the victims of a laser pen attack.
Man City “in advanced talks” for Ibrahimovich
It has been reported this morning that the Man City manager Roberto Mancini is in the process of arranging Zlatan Ibrahimovich’s arrival at the Eastlands for next season, while Mario Balotelli will be going back to Italy as part of the deal.
The Metro reports that Man City are in “advanced talks” with AC Milan to ensure that Ibrahimovich can arrive, but the talks are complicated by the fact that the Swedish striker is on-loan at the San Siro from Barcelona, but they have an option to purchase him for £24m.
Mancini has had enough of Balotelli’s temper, and blamed the 20 year-old for Man City’s exit from Europe this week, and has now decided to cut his losses and send him back to a league that more suits his style of play.
Balotelli’s team-mate Nigel De Jong reckons that the Italian will be a marked man in the Premiership after his antics against Dynamo Kiev. He said: “He has got to realise he has to change how he plays because he is always going to be a marked man. He knows that,”
“Tomorrow is a new day and I am sure we are going to sit down with Mario.”
It is certain that Roberto Mancini has had a few words to say to his bad-boy striker as well, and one of them may be “goodbye” if this report is true!
BRIAN WOOLNOUGH BOLLOX
Never before has so much expensive talent produced so little. Manchester City were pitiful at Stamford Bridge yesterday.
A team without attacking ambition, they came for a point and, thankfully, got nothing.
This result was good for the game. Negativity has no place in the Premier League, especially when you spend a fortune on so many players.
No wonder Jose Mourinho is heavily linked with Roberto Mancini’s job next season. This Italian is scared of losing.
Four days that have seen City go out of the Europa League and put their top four place in danger will not go down well with their impatient billionaire owners.
Mancini gambled on 0-0 and was exposed. Only when Chelsea took the lead after 78 minutes did he throw on more attacking options, Mario Balotelli and Adam Johnson.
Too little, too late. What is the point of buying so many forwards if you don’t use them?
Chelsea richly deserved the three points. Captain John Terry produced an immaculate performance. It was, however, easy for him because City never put Chelsea under pressure.
Terry was greeted with chants of “There is only one England captain” and coach Fabio Capello was here to see it.
There was a scare after 53 minutes when Terry went down clutching his right leg. He carried on after treatment and limped through the rest of the game.
That’s all Capello needs in the build up to Wales on Saturday – to fi nd another captain.
It would serve him right after treating Rio Ferdinand with such contempt. City began with willing carthorse Edin Dzeko up front and all alone. The rest put up a barrier in front of goal.
They passed the ball neatly yet where was the intent, the attacking flair?
This was such an important afternoon for City to shape the rest of their season and they blew it, big time they blew it.
Gareth Barry hardly got out of his own half, James Milner was shocking, David Silva just neat and tidy and Yaya Toure created nothing.
It looks as though it will come down again to City or Spurs for fourth spot and who would you rather watch: the attacking excitement of Harry Redknapp’s team or the turgid organisation of City?
Chelsea clinched victory in the closing moments when Ramires ran through to make it 2-0.
By that time Fernando Torres was off the pitch, after looking a shadow of the player worth the £50m Chelsea paid.
He had promised us a goal on his 27th birthday, although he again lacked confidence, conviction and penetration.
In the end it was a new Blues hero, centre-half David Luiz, and a welterweight midfi eld player who clinched victory.
Since Torres arrived from Liverpool, he, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka have all failed to score in the Premier League.
No such problem for Luiz, who has become an instant hit.
The Brazil international makes things happen and his enthusiasm and determination is infectious. Terry will enjoy playing alongside him. The players now head off for an international fortnight.
Chelsea are happy – they are back in form and winning again.
City are worried they could end up with nothing this season. It will be a surprise if Mancini remains in charge come August.
If he is replaced, then he will only have himself to blame. He has become petrified of failure. Star
Youngsters to benefit from Manchester City training
THE Etihad Airways Manchester City Football Club Soccer Schools returns to Abu Dhabi today, with youngsters from across the UAE set to receive top training tips and advice from Manchester City coaches.
More than 600 children, aged between seven and 14 years old, have been selected from local and international schools in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain to participate in the event.
Abu Dhabi's Al Jazira Football Club will host the first three days of action starting today. The schools then head to the Al Ain English Speaking School on Thursday, before returning to Abu Dhabi on Friday.
New to the 2011 Soccer Schools will be a special session each morning specifically for children from the Zayed Higher Organisation.
There will also be the first girls only session in Al Ain.
Excitement continues to build with the news that Manchester City and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given will attend the first day of the Soccer Schools. Shay is one of Manchester City's most popular players and is renowned for his ability to coach youngsters.
Shay will also make a special appearance at the Official Manchester City Football Club Store at Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall, tomorrow.
WANKER OF THE WEEKEND
City Do My Head In & Boring Says Paul Merson
Sky Sports Soccer Saturday pundit, Paul Merson went on a rant yesterday in front of millions of TV viewers about how he doesn't enjoy watching Manchester City. The former Arsenal stalwart said he hated watching Manchester City and added, 'there're boring and do my head in'.
[youtube]7rYSw1_5f-8[/youtube]
OTHER BOLLOX
Manchester United are set to beat rivals Arsenal to the signature of talented Southampton youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is being lined up for a £10m move to Old Trafford. Daily Mirror
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is ready to outbid Tottenham for Blackpool skipper Charlie Adam this summer. Daily Mirror
Tottenham are hoping to lure Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson to White Hart Lane at the end of the season, with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp willing to spend £12m on the England international. Caught Offside
Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell and Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero have been linked with Chelsea as Blues owner Roman Abramovich plans another summer spending spree, despite having spent a combined £73m on Fernando Torres and David Luiz in January. Metro
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has not been put off by the £25m price tag Bolton have placed on their centre-back Gary Cahill because the Scot wants to increase his defensive options. Caught Offside
Wolves are tracking St Johnstone midfielder Murray Davidson. The 23-year-old was called into the Scotland squad for their friendly against Brazil on Sunday. Daily Mirror
Chelsea defender John Terry says he is "honoured and proud" to reclaim the England captaincy, adding: "Anyone who ever asks me about Fabio [Capello], I can only say good words about him and that's the truth, regardless of what people might hear." the Sun
In the wake of Manuel Almunia's weekend calamity - when he gifted West Brom a goal by rushing out of his area - Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has said goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is a long way off being ready to play in the Premier League. Daily Mail
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has called for video technology to be used in the Premier League after the Black Cats were the victims of a penalty blunder in Sunday's game against Liverpool. Daily Mirror
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher concedes Liverpool did not deserve their penalty at the Stadium of Light, which gave the Reds an early lead en route to a 2-0 victory. Daily Mail
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that he is lucky to be still in a job after the Blues' poor performances of late. Daily Mirror
Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon could make a shock return in Sunday's friendly against Brazil at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. (Daily Record)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who was at Cheltenham to see his horse What A Friend finish fourth in the Gold Cup on Friday, is set to send the same Paul Nicholls-trained horse to the Grand National on 9 April, where he could be partnered by top jockey Ruby Walsh. Ferguson also had the 8-11 favourite in the opening race on the Flat at the Curragh on Sunday but Lost City finished last of the five runners. Daily Telegraph
The mancityfans.net football forum
The BEST FORUM in all the land and all the world
