ROUND-UP
We all know what David Silva’s contribution is to the City team and what he’s achieved in his three and a bit years with the Blues.
But this season, he’s raised the bar even higher – and we now have the stats to prove it – thanks to EPL Index.
Their statisticians have been compiling lists of most chances created, most frequent chances created during games and… well it goes on, but it’s never dull.
Taking a few lines from their article, they write: “Let’s break some of these numbers down further and look at which players are creating most frequently in open play. No surprises that David Silva comes out on top here creating a chance every 32 minutes in open play and three other players are similar to the most frequent list above: Eriksen, Ozil and Nasri.”
Well worth a look, particularly as David is either top or near the top of almost every list they’ve produced.
If Silva’s well on the way to City legend status, one player who has been well established as a fan idol for more than 15 years – Shaun Goater – is this morning being linked with the vacant Bury job.
Mike Keegan writes: “Manchester City legend Shaun Goater wants to enter management – and kick off his career at Bury.
“M.E.N. Sport can reveal that the 43-year-old has thrown his hat into the ring for the job at Gigg Lane.
“Ronnie Jepson is the Shakers’ caretaker manager until January but the League Two club have been deluged with applications.
“And one of those has come from Maine Road hero Goater, who plundered 103 goals in 189 appearances for the Blues. It is understood that the Bermuda international, who returned to the UK this year, wants to follow former team-mates Uwe Rosler and Paul Dickov into management.
“He has spoken at length with the pair, who manage Brentford and Doncaster respectively, and believes he has what it takes to succeed in the hot-seat.”
Dickov is again mentioned in our final story which links John Guidetti with a loan move to Championship side Doncaster Rovers.
Daniel Cutts, writing in the Daily Mirror reports: “Doncaster boss Paul Dickov is lining up a second loan swoop for Manchester City striker John Guidetti.
“Former Feyenoord loanee Guidetti, 21, wants to leave City in January after not being able to secure a place in Manuel Pellegrini’s first-team.
“Ex-Burnley forward Guidetti, who has just recovered from knee surgery, almost joined Championship side Rovers in the summer.
Aguero can join Messi & Ronaldo at the top
M.u.E.N Sport's City reporter Stuart Brennan believes Sergio Aguero is not far off matching Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi was injured, and Argentina boss Alex Sabella had no hesitation when it came to handing out the iconic number ten shirt.
He gave it to City ace Sergio Aguero and was repaid with a Messi-style display of match-winning brilliance, as El Kun scored twice to sink Bosnia-Herzegovina in a friendly match played in St Louis.
It was no morale-booster, or patronising reward. Sabella believes that Aguero is very close to joining the elite club of two players who are universally recognised as the best on the planet – Messi himself and Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
City manager Manuel Pellegrini, who has helped to bring the best out of Aguero this season, is of the same mind-set – he rates his man as the third best striker in the world.
And that is why City will not countenance the idea, emanating from Spain, that Real Madrid are lining up a swap deal involving Isco, who the Blues were keen to sign in the summer.
City have no desire, or need, to get rid of Aguero – they are now in the business of adding to the complement of world-class players at the club, not selling them, or swapping them. Real can be an insistent presence once they set sights on a player, but Aguero has repeatedly stated his happiness with life at City.
The test of a player’s true feelings often comes during international breaks, when they speak of homesickness and unhappiness.
But Aguero, on a US tour with his country, has done the opposite, and stated that life in Manchester suits him down the ground.
“The truth is I’m very happy,” he told the Argentine media.
“The club treats me very well. I can live quietly, it’s different to Spain or Argentina. All I like to do is enjoy football, rest and stay home, then go out for a walk or eat in peace.
“For a player it’s good not to live in a crazy place, because it’s important to have a clear head when you play.”
Aguero has begun this season in frighteningly good form. In 13 starts he has scored 13 goals, the kind of statistic we have come to associate with the free-scoring exploits of Messi and Ronaldo in recent seasons.
He also has four in six for his country, helping them qualify for the World Cup finals and bagging two more in Tuesday’s exhibition match.
After the win over a Bosnian side which included Aguero’s City team-mate Edin Dzeko, Sabella was effusive in his praise: “He’s our greatest striker, one of the best in the world, playing for one of the best teams in the world,” he said. “We are lucky he plays for us. We hope that he can keep at this level.”
The biggest Argentine newspaper, Clarin, described him as ‘the other Messi’, as he stepped into the number ten shirt and took on the mantle of being his country’s match-winner.
That shirt is iconic. Indeed, the Argentine FA tried to retire the shirt number in honour of Maradona, but were forced to back-track by Fifa when they omitted it from their squad list for the 2002 World Cup.
Pellegrini is in no doubts about the standing of Aguero, and his importance to his City team, saying: “I think we have four or five important players in the team and without doubt Sergio is one of them.
“I think that after Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi the third best striker is Sergio Aguero.”
Whether Aguero can make the big step up, and join Messi and Ronaldo on their exclusive pedestal, is another matter.
Aguero is not the same type of player as Madrid’s pretty boy or Barcelona’s modest little genius. Those two, like Maradona before them, have made their names by an ability to score from anywhere.
Messi’s brilliant footwork, and Ronaldo’s pace and power, allow them to go past defenders from deep positions, while both have the ability to score from distance, as well as being deadly from closer range. Aguero is a different animal. He has a burst of pace which takes him away from defenders over short distances and most of his goals come in and around the box.
The stunning goal which announced him to English football two years ago, when he smashed in a 30-yard shot against Swansea after making his debut as a substitute, was a rarity.
More typical was the goal which has already staked its claim to be the most iconic in City history, and possibly in English club football, the winner against QPR.
If there is any criticism of Aguero, it is churlish. But he does occasionally let the ball bounce off him, perhaps his brain out-thinking his feet.
If he can cure that habit – and he is still only 25 – he could easily go on to be an all-time great of world football.
Aguero is on course for his best season in goalscoring terms, with his 30-goal debut season at City, which fired them to the Premier League title, in his sights.
The partnership with Alvaro Negredo has helped him. It is a more natural fit than the double act with Carlos Tevez, a pairing which Argentina shied away from.
Successive managers of his national team felt that Aguero and Tevez were too similar in some ways – both liked to sometimes drop deep to pick up the ball and play through the defence and both also liked to play off the shoulder of the last defender.
At times they clicked for City – the 6-1 walloping of Norwich at Carrow Road, in the title run-in, being one such memorable moment.
But at other times they were strangers, both falling back into similar areas, making it easy for defences to compress space.
With Negredo and Aguero, defences have a problem, especially as the two men, both intelligent footballers, have struck up a good understanding.
Negredo’s physicality, coupled with a deft touch, also means that he has to be dealt with every time a ball is played up to him – he ruffles defences, and that creates space for a strike partner.
When that strike partner is Aguero, that means big problems for the opposition.
The fact that David Silva has been in imperious form and Samir Nasri has come to the party under Pellegrini, has also helped Aguero.
City move the ball well in the final third – the defeat at Sunderland being an exception – and Aguero knows that his movement, and turn of pace, will earn him a goal chance with Silva, Nasri, Negredo and Yaya Toure operating behind and around him.
With his confidence soaring, Aguero will be itching to have a go at Tottenham on Sunday – and City fans will be itching to see him.
GOLDEN BOLLOX - 21 November 1981
John Bond’s City thrash First Division leaders Swansea 4-0 at Maine Road courtesy of two goals each from Dennis Tueart and Kevin Reeves. A crowd of 34,744 watches the Blues turn in a master class against John Toshack’s side who had risen from Division Four to the top of the top division in successive seasons.
Joe Hart set for City recall against Spurs
MANUEL PELLEGRINI will consider reinstating Joe Hart as Manchester City’s goalkeeper after his performance for England against Germany.
Hart was left out of City’s past four matches following errors, but Pellegrini could name him to face Tottenham on Sunday following his confidence-lifting display at Wembley.
The manager’s problem is that No2 Costel Pantilimon has done little wrong, despite conceding twice against CSKA Moscow and once at Sunderland. Express
Man City rumoured to be on the verge of signing Joe Hart replacement
Brazilian international Goalkeeper Julio Cesar could be released by Queens Park Rangers in January according to media reports, thereby sparking rumours of a possible move to Manchester City.
QPR boss Harry Redknapp was infact quoted in the Fulham Chronicle as saying, “We wouldn’t stand in Julio’s way and we aren’t asking a fee for him. He needs to play and he could play anywhere for any team. He’s just been unlucky. Rob’s been fantastic and I can’t take him out of the team. However, Julio’s a great guy, and he needs to play soon, so he can play in the World Cup.”
QPR haven’t been able to hand Cesar regular football as English Goalie Robert Green has been impressive in the Championship so far, keeping 9 clean sheets.
With QPR declaring their willingness to release the player in January, reports are emanating from the top division that Premier League big shots Manchester City might want to land the experienced Goalkeeper. Man City’s No.1 Joe Hart has been the centre of criticism given his recent dip in form that has cost City dearly so far this season and a move for the Brazilian no.1 could help keep City’s title hopes alive over the second half of the season.
Abdisalam Ibrahim keen for Manchester City chance
Manchester City midfielder Abdisalam Ibrahim has said that he is desperate for a chance to impress at the Etihad Stadium following his loan spell with Stromsgodset.
The 22-year-old picked up a league winners' medal during his time in Norway, and with his contract expiring next summer he revealed that he has been already been approached by other clubs.
However, the Norway Under-23 international, who joined City's youth academy from Fjellhamar in 2007, said that now he is back in Manchester he is keen to impress manager Manuel Pellegrini.
"I am very happy with my successful loan spell at Stromsgodset and helping them to win the title," Ibrahim told Sky Sports News. "Several clubs have been in contact, but I still don't know what's going to happen in January.
"I am back in Carrington this week and want to meet Manuel Pellegrini. I would love to get a chance in the first-team, get games and prove myself to the boss that I can play at the highest level from January as my loan agreement doesn't finish with Stromsgodset until December 31.
"I've been at Manchester City since 2007, I became a supporter of the club and feel like a local boy. I would love to be given a chance and give everything for this special club."
Real Betis have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Ibrahim.
Dietmar Hamann is still tipping Manchester City to regain the title
Dietmar Hamann is still tipping Manchester City to regain the title despite their early season travails.
Having invested heavily again this summer, and brought in Manuel Pellegrini to replace Roberto Mancini in the dug-out, many installed City as pre-season title favourites.
Four defeats in six away games has seen some pundits rapidly revise those predictions, but former City midfielder Hamann still believes they have enough talent to turn it round.
"They have to keep their home form and they have to start winning away games," Hamann told Sky Sports News. "It has been very disappointing to watch them in games that you did not expect them to struggle in.
"Probably at Aston Villa they were a little hard done by by the referee. They were well on top in the first half and probably should have won the game but I don't think there were too many complaints at the end.
"But at Sunderland and Cardiff they also lost and they have been beaten four times away from home this year. You would think they can probably only afford to lose two, maybe three, more if they want to win the league.
"For me they are still the most likely Premier League champions, but they have to start improving their away form. If they don't do that, once you get six points behind the team at the top - and the way Arsenal is going now - it could be very hard to claw them back."
Tottenham have also struggled for consistency under Andre Villas-Boas - and while they may not be title challengers, Hamann still believes they can still challenge for a top-four finish.
"As for Spurs, they do not score enough goals," Hamann added. "I still think they have every chance of finishing in the top four because they have a very talented squad.
"If you look at their bench it is better than most other teams apart from maybe Manchester city. They have a host of players there that are 20-22 top international players.
"If they were to beat at City on Sunday - which I think they will do - they get further and further behind and you just wonder, once you are six or seven points behind the top four spots, it is not that easy to make up."
City legend Goater wants Bury job
Former Manchester City striker Shaun Goater has launched an application for the vacant Bury manager's job, M.E.N Sport can exclusively reveal.
Manchester City legend Shaun Goater wants to enter management – and kick off his career at Bury.
M.E.N. Sport can reveal that the 43-year-old has thrown his hat into the ring for the job at Gigg Lane.
Ronnie Jepson is the Shakers’ caretaker manager until January but the League Two club have been deluged with applications.
And one of those has come from Maine Road hero Goater, who plundered 103 goals in 189 appearances for the Blues. It is understood that the Bermuda international, who returned to the UK this year, wants to follow former team-mates Uwe Rosler and Paul Dickov into management.
He has spoken at length with the pair, who manage Brentford and Doncaster respectively, and believes he has what it takes to succeed in the hot-seat.
Goater, who was at the Shakers’ disappointing 0-0 FA Cup draw with non-league Cambridge United on Tuesday, has been working to improve his coaching skills and a source close to him said he is desperate to land the job.
“He’s determined and he’s got his eye on Bury,” the source said. “He’s been to see them a couple of times and he thinks it’s perfect for him.”
Former Bury striker Jepson has been told he will remain in charge until January.
He took over after Kevin Blackwell was axed and has overseen one win, two losses and three draws.
Others to be linked with the job include Bury-born former winger David Lee who is coaching Bolton’s Under-18s.
Manchester City manager Pellegrini visits budding players
Manchester City FC manager Manuel Pellegrini gave young players in Abu Dhabi the surprise of a lifetime when he took a coaching session with them this week.
The English Premier League boss visited the official Manchester City School of Football in Abu Dhabi and headed out onto the pitches — giving advice and guidance to boys and girls.
Working with the team of coaches at the School of Football, located at Zayed Sports City, he took a tour of the facilities and also posed for pictures and signed autographs. “It’s great to see so many young players enjoying their football in the Abu Dhabi sunshine,” said Pellegrini.
“We are a long way from Manchester but they have real passion for the club and also there is plenty of skill on show here.”
[spoiler]Alice Goodwin, Jermaine Pennant's Wife
[/spoiler]Italian champions Juventus are determined to keep France midfielder Paul Pogba, 20, for at least another 18 months, despite interest from his former club Manchester United plus Manchester City and Arsenal. DSSC
Newcastle could add a ninth signing from France's Ligue 1 to their squad as Magpies boss Alan Pardew is interested in Bordeaux forward Cheick Diabate, 25. Metro
Manchester United winger Nani, 27, has re-emerged as a target for Juventus as the Serie A champions look to defend their domestic crown for a third successive season. TalkSHIT
Liverpool are preparing a £7m bid for Greece striker Kostas Mitroglou. The Borussia Monchengladbach forward, 25, scored three vital goals in his country's two-legged World Cup play-off win against Romania. Daily Mirror
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger must wait until after the World Cup to sign Germany and Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler, 20. Sun
Nigeria international Eddy Onazi, 20, has handed Everton a blow by revealing he would "jump at the chance" to play for their Merseyside rivals Liverpool. TalkSHIT
Cardiff City look set to battle it out with La Liga side Elche for Braga striker Hugo Vieira, 25, in January. Daily Express
Manchester United midfielder Anderson, 25, insists he wants to fight for his Old Trafford place, despite being linked with a January loan move to Fulham. Manchester Evening News
England boss Roy Hodgson risked a row with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after midfielder Jack Wilshere, 21, sustained an ankle injury in Tuesday's friendly defeat against Germany. Daily Mirror
Former England captain John Terry, 32, would not make an international comeback for next summer's World Cup finals, even if the defender was asked to reconsider his retirement. DSSC
Germany coach Joachim Low has tipped 18-year-old Arsenal forward Serge Gnabry, who has made just five Premier League appearances, to be a shock inclusion in his World Cup squad. Metro
Arsenal expect to learn this week whether their Champions League tie against Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo will be played behind closed doors. Crowd trouble marred the Italian side's home win against Marseille two weeks ago. Guardian
Stoke target Juan Agudelo, 20, has been denied a work permit. The Potters had hoped to land the United States striker on a free transfer in January. Sun
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes having to deal with controversial Reds striker Luis Suarez, 26, has made him a better manager. Liverpool Echo
Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in an eight-year-old Argentine. Left-footed Claudio Gabriel Nancufil is said to possess impressive dribbling and control and has already drawn comparisons with Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi. Daily Mirror
Hull City's owner, Assem Allam, has offered to refund any season ticket holder who is unhappy about the company name change to Hull City Tigers. Independent
more bollox soon
