The Manchester derby is always interesting and somewhat unpredictable and this one was to be no different. City went into the game on the back of a four match unbeaten run with United having just demolished Arsenal in the Champions League semis. With Mark Hughes at the helm in the blue camp, facing former manager Alex Ferguson in a derby was always going to pose an interesting face-off.  Hughes had spoken in the run-up to the game about ‘spoiling the party’- actions speak louder than words and it was down to his troops to go to battle. With a place in Europe up for grabs and the chance to make the title race interesting again, the stage was set for a classic derby encounter at Old Trafford.

If only it had have been. The match turned out to be a disappointment and, in all fairness, was over before half time. It didn’t really feel like a derby day; the match lacked the passion, controversy and carnival frivolities that are generally associated with same-city clashes. Stephen Ireland seemed to be the only City player fired up, but his exuberance resulted in misplaced passes and questionable tackles. Robinho really didn’t get the chance to make any impact on the game- that was until his chance early in the second half. With a through ball from Nigel De Jong, the Brazilian showed excellent control but blasted inexplicably wide from eight yards out with the goal at his mercy.

The game itself started quite evenly, with both teams enjoying spells of possession. However, City’s passing was often sloppy and intercepted, with Elano proving to be a main culprit. But City were just beginning to enjoy a consistent spell of passes when a free kick was awarded for Ireland’s tackle on Dimitar Berbatov. It was in perfect Ronaldo territory, 25 yards from goal, and he duly scored, albeit it took a deflection on its way into the net.

That swung the momentum back into the home side’s favour. Carlos Tevez, who was inspirational and clearly wanted to make an impression in time for the summer transfer market, hit the post before Berbatov set him up for an effort that flew into the net off the post minutes before half-time.

After the break City came out determined, but as soon as Robinho somehow missed a sitter, it became obvious that the two-goal deficit was a bridge too far for City. But the blues can take positives from the game: Wayne Bridge and Richard Dunne looked improved and De Jong put in a solid performance. But the likes of Elano, Ireland and Robinho struggled against a resolute United defence; Hughes needs to question playing Felipe Caicedo in a lone striker role as the Ecuadorian would surely benefit greatly from having a partner upfront.

The result leaves United in pole position to claim yet another Premier League title and City having to rely on other results if Hughes’ blues are to be back in Europe next season.

Robinho broke his goal drought in spectacular style with a sublime volley to fire City ahead during the club's 4-2 thriller against West Bromwich Albion.

The Brazilian hadn't scored this year until a pinpoint cross from Stephen Ireland fell to his feet. Robinho struck the ball immediately- and his crisp volley fired into the back of the net to give City the lead.

Nedum Onuoha's header from a corner made it 2-0 before Chris Brunt pulled one back for the relegation-threated visitors just before the interval.

Brunt struck again just after the break to level the match but almost immediately Elano scored from a penalty to gave City the advantage again.

The Baggies were desperate to get back in the game and pushed forward for an equaliser, but their attacking left them exposed at the back. Substitute Daniel Sturridge made the three points certain for City in injury time with a tap in goal.

The score-line flattered City during a game where some of Mark Hughes' blues looked lethargic and, at times, very sloppy. Wayne Bridge and Richard Dunne were exposed regularly and a couple of times Dunne was forced to make last-ditch tackles to make up for his earlier errors. Even Vincent Kompany seemed out-of-sorts and consistently surrendered possession.

City's main threat came from their creative players. The likes of Ireland, Robinho and Elano looked lively and, during various attacks in the game, a potent threat. Ireland's work-rate is tireless; always searching for an opening or an opportunity, he always gives the team options and is a huge influence in the middle of the park.

Robinho looks to be finding his form again after a damp squib and his fellow country-man Elano hit the spot again with a penalty.

West Brom deserve credit though- they worked constantly to add pressure and expose City's weaknesses. The score-line wasn't really a fair reflection of the game and Tony Mowbray will feel aggrieved to be going back to the Hawthorns empty-handed. But the visitors did have plenty of chances to score, with poor finishing letting them down. Any chances created needed to be taken- and they wasn't.

After the Hamburg game on Thursday, this was always going to be a bit of an anti-climax. But in reality the game turned out to be a bit of a thriller, despite City looking lacklustre and very tired in the final quarter.

 

Martin Petrov had another appearance in the second half and looked a threat with his lightning-fast late charge during the final 10 minutes. Perhaps with a bit of match fitness and confidence he would have buried his chance. Sturridge got on the score-sheet again but didn't celebrate his goal, maybe suggesting that his future lies elsewhere after recent contract talks had stalled.

With City four points behind West Ham in the race for the final spot for Europe, the run-in will now be very interesting. City's next game, against Everton on Saturday, will prove crucial if Hughes' men are to qualify. They will have to overcome a sustained bout of travel sickness if they are to pick up anything from Goodison Park against a David Moyes' side that are still riding on a euphoric tidal wave having just secured an F.A. Cup Final spot and virtually cemented their place in Europe next season. It will be a very intriguing 90 minutes of football between the blues that's for sure.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

So...a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Fulham and chaos all around the City of Manchester Stadium. A manager that’s stood on the touch-line and running out of ideas fast, the easy target and subject of abuse from thousands of incensed blues who decide to vote with their feet and leave 10 minutes before the end of the game. A mega-money Brazilian whose season has gone from hero to zero in a matter of months and a captain that fails to rally his troops time and time again on the pitch. Pick the bones from that...

 

It’s actually quite hard to. Mark Hughes was forced to make changes for the game, with injuries a-plenty and one eye on the UEFA Cup tie on Thursday that will inevitably a) decide his future at the club and b) make or break City’s future, certainly their season. No pressure then. It was good to see Martin Petrov making a long-overdue comeback although he did look fatigued during his time on the pitch. To be expected after being out for so long really. Javier Garrido stepped in for the injured Wayne Bridge and I thought he did a decent job. I think Garrido comes in for a lot of undeserved stick off City fans- there were worst players on the pitch.

 

Richard Dunne and Micah Richards had absolute howlers. Right from Dunne’s slip at the beginning nearly gifting Fulham an opener, the pair made mistake after mistake and played like a pair of schoolboys, not grown professionals. What has changed so much in a season? Apart from the money arriving, and that should encourage the pair to play better in order to ensure their survival in the team come summer.

 

The irrepressible Stephen Ireland and fellow academy graduate Nedum Onuoha were possibly the only two figures on the pitch that actually looked like they cared and who were putting the effort in. Ireland’s goal, possibly a speculative effort in his mind at first, was sublime. The fact that he even attempted it in the first place shows how confident the player is right now and his non-stop running and tackles are evidence of his commitment to the team.

 

Onuoha spoke out before the game praising the attitude and progress of Ireland, and stating that he would personally love to become ‘City’s John Terry’, and with his progress so far there is no reason he won’t achieve his goal. Having won City’s player of the month award for March, Onuoha continued to impress against Fulham, despite his team’s shortcomings. He’s definitely one to watch.

 

Robinho and Elano warmed up down the touch-line in front of appreciative and expectant fans eager to see their arrival onto the pitch. Chants directed at Hughes included ‘We want Robinho’ and ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’. When City lost their lead and fell behind, Robinho was delivered onto the field of play, but it was too little too late- what did fans actually expect, for the inconsistent Brazilian to wave a magic wand and pull two goals out of the bag? He is capable of that, but the expectation from Robinho and City was phenomenal.

 

Fulham are a side that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Roy Hodgson’s team aren’t where they are in the Premier League for no reason and credit should be given where it is due. But City were poor and Hughes should be the first to admit that. Whether he would or not is another matter.

 

When Fulham came round behind to win 3-1, City fans poured out of Eastlands, deciding to vote with their feet and direct abuse at the constantly under-pressure manager Hughes. The Thursday night game, against Hamburg, will undoubtedly prove to be his ‘Waterloo’; a game where the Welshman faces a certain Catch-22 situation- damned if he wins and damned if he doesn’t. The relentless, passionate if not frustrated fans remain positive and optimistic that the two goal deficit can be made up and with a 46, 000 sell-out crowd guaranteed at Eastlands, they will bring the atmosphere. However, it remains to be seen whether the City team can recover from Sunday, regroup and seek some spirit from 1999 to progress through to the semi-finals. As the final English team in the competition, the whole country should be behind Hughes’ side. Fingers and toes crossed, it’s going to be an emotional one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TAKING THE MICAH

Manchester City 1-0 Sunderland

Richards on target as City sink 10-man Mackems

A goal from man of the match defender Micah Richards was enough for Manchester City to beat a 10-man Sunderland side at Eastlands.

Sunderland's George McCartney was shown a red card early in the game after beign adjudged to have held Shaun Wright-Phillips back in the penalty area.

Minutes later Steed Malbranque hauled Richards down in the box but Robinho failed to net the resulting penalty, with Martin Fulop saving comfortably.

City had plenty of chances to take the lead, but it was the impressive Richards who broke the deadlock, heading home from Elano's free-kick.

It was the home side that started the brightest and the in-form Wright-Phillips almost gave Mark Hughes' side the lead after a delightful ball from Valeri Bojinov, but his shot went just wide.

Wright-Phillips broke with pace down the right again but this time it seemed that Sunderland defender McCartney had held him back. Referee Steve Tanner immediately consulted his linesman to obtain a better perspective of the incident, and decided to issue McCartney with a red card.

Sunderland, down to 10 men, then suffered another set-back when Malbranque fouled Richards in the area. Tanner awarded City with a penalty, but Robinho failed to convert, opting to try to trick Fulop. Instead, the tame effort almost rolled into Fulop's arms.

Sunderland coped well with the loss of McCartney and limited City to lofting hopeful through-balls over the midfield- a tactic that didn't pay off. Ricky Sbragia's side remained resolute and strong against a City side that looked tired following the drama of their Thursday night UEFA Cup penalty shoot-out.

City did always pose a threat and on 50 minutes the break-through came. Elano's free kick fell to Richards, who out-jumped Anton Ferdinand and headed the ball home for his first goal since 2006. Mark Hughes' side nearly doubled their lead when Richards found Elano but his effort went inches agonisingly past the post.

Shay Given was rarely called into action but it was Richard Dunne who prevented Andy Reid from netting an equaliser, making a superb block tackle just as Reid was about to strike at goal from a dangerous range.

City needed a second goal to calm the nerves, but shots from Elano and Robinho forced Fulop into making superb saves. Although, it was a game where City had to grind the result out against a Sunderland side heading towards a relegation battle.

The result leaves City in 10th spot in the Premier League on 38 points heading into the international break. Up next is Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium...

Instead of writing my usual match report, I thought that I would offer my opinions of Manchester City of late. The 2-0 home victory against in-form Aston Villa was a superb if not surprising result. Given the inconsistency of City lately the result was a welcome tonic and provided City with a much-needed three points. Shaun Wright-Phillips was man of the match-a much-deserved award as he produced an inspired display of influential football. He provided City with both the width and creativity that had been lacking for them against West Ham.

The controversial figure that is Elano put in an impressive performance. His penalty was buried deep into the net and he was unlucky not to get a second later in the second half. Yes he is very temperamental and hot-headed, it’s clear to see that he doesn’t see eye-to-eye with Mark Hughes, but he is a nifty player to have. He’s a talent that is capable of producing moments of subliminal skill, despite his inconsistency.

I have been so impressed with both Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta. The pair conduct their business seemingly unnoticed, but they have been crucial additions to City’s squad. Zabaleta was a revelation in midfield against Wigan at home, and he continued to provide the grit and tenacity that City have needed to balance out the flair of other players. Kompany in my opinion, should be City’s captain. Like Zabaleta, he’s a flexible player in terms of whether he is playing in defence or midfield, I prefer him in defence. These two keep their heads down and put in consistent, impressive performances on a regular basis.

Stephen Ireland has had his best season to date at City. Although he has been slightly off the boil recently, it is fair to say he has played a key role in City’s matches and has warranted being in the position of being one of the first names Hughes will put onto his team-sheet. He is capable of creating something out of nothing and some of the goals he has scored this season have been captivating (anybody remember his goals against Hull at the KC stadium?). He’s a dedicated play-maker who has proved that with overcoming difficulties and working hard you can be successful. Other players would do well to take a leaf out of Ireland’s book.

City’s hopes of silverware this season have come in the form of the UEFA Cup. A home tie against Aalborg on Thursday will be tricky and City will be looking to go into the second leg in Denmark with the advantage. So far though, the side’s performances in the UEFA Cup has overall been quite inspired, particularly the 2-0 victory against Schalke. Progression to the quarter-finals is well and truly there for the taking.

Realistically, achieving 7th spot in the Premier League is within City’s grasp. However the away form of the Eastlands outfit has been appalling and City still have to play the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United on their travels. Home games against Sunderland, Fulham, West Brom, Blackburn Rovers and Bolton will be crucial in increasing City’s points tally and improving on last season’s 9th position finish.

KOP IDLE

United's rivals City earn draw to dent Liverpool's title hopes

Liverpool's hopes of winning the Premier League title were dealt a huge blow after stumbling to a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at Anfield.

City took the lead after the break when Craig Bellamy's shot took an influential deflection off Alvaro Arbeloa.

After controlling possession in the first half, under-par Liverpool equalised through Dirk Kuyt to set up a grandstand finish.

Shay Given was forced to make a superb reaction save to a Yossi Benayoun effort late on but City left Anfield with a well-deserved point, leaving Rafa Benitez's men seven points adrift of Manchester United.

The telling statistic of six draws at home will prove vital in piecing together where Liverpool's title challenge went wrong, but without the injured skipper Steven Gerrard, the home side didn't look as convincing and threatening.

In fact, despite the dominance of Liverpool in the first half, City's tactics nearly proved to be a winning formula. Hughes played Nigel De Jong, Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta in midfield, providing the tenacity and grit that has been lacking previously. This allowed Stephen Ireland, Robinho and the lively Bellamy to venture forward and City were unlucky not to take all three points back to Eastlands.

The best chance of the first half fell to Ireland. His pass to Robinho allowed the Brazilian to venture forward, providing a perfectly timed ball to Ireland whose sidefooted his shot tamely at Jose Reina.

The home side had half-chances that were scuppered by Albert Riera and Benayoun but were left stunned when City took the lead early in the second half. Robinho, whose form has been indifferent of late, passed to Kompany who in turn set up Bellamy. His shot was deflected past Reina off Arbeloa to give City an unexpected lead.

Anfield was stunned into silence as the home fans watched their title dreams slip out of their grasp. But Liverpool rallied and pushed for a leveller and, once Kuyt had netted, City fans faced a nervy finish. But, despite all City's defensive frailties this season, Hughes' side played out the 90 minutes for a draw.

Despite City's abysmal away form, they showed character and purpose against a Liverpool side that lacked leadership and creativity. The absence of Gerrard was significant, illustrating just how important a player he is for Benitez's side. Robinho looked happier, suggesting that he relishes playing in a 'big occasion' game, but was substituted late on. The midfield presence of both De Jong and Kompany proved crucial in City earning a point, and they will now look to the UEFA Cup, with the second leg against FC Copenhagen at Eastlands on Thursday night. Benitez will be left wondering if Liverpool's title challenge can be salvaged- and when Gerrard will be fit again.

 

CITY GIVEN A HELPING HAND

Sparkling debut for Shay as Bellamy gives Boro the Blues

Debutante goalkeeper Shay Given pulled off a string of saves to help guide Manchester City to a 1-0 victory over troubled side Middlesbrough.

The Irishman, signed from Newcastle United for £8 million, denied Afonso Alves four times to keep his first clean sheet for the Eastlands outfit.

Craig Bellamy fired the home side into the lead with a low 20 yard shot on 50 minutes after a spell of persistent and stubborn pressure from City.

The result leaves Gareth Southgate's side joint bottom of the Premier League with City moving to 9th position towards Europe.

The Blues started the brightest and Bellamy went close straight away following Stephen Ireland's through ball.

But the game lost any spark and energy during the first half hour with both sides surrendering possession far too easily and lacking in ideas and creativity.

Given was called into action on the half-hour mark, producing an impressive shot-stopping save from Alves from six yards out.

Bellamy went close again following a deflected pass from Shaun Wright-Phillips, but was denied by Boro goalkeeper Brad Jones.

At the other end Given notched up another fine save, reacting well to Alves' tricky 20 yard effort.

But City went closest in the first half to taking the lead. Wayne Bridge's cross into the area was met by Ireland, whose strong header beat Jones and smashed against the bar.

Despite Alves' efforts, City edged possession and on 50 minutes Bellamy's powerful shot was delivered deep into the bottom left corner of the net. Bellamy had always posed the biggest threat for City and was deserved of getting onto the score sheet.

Alves still had a say in the game, striking an effort that had Given at full stretch to deny the Brazilian yet again.

With Given in such fine form, Boro found it impossible to penetrate City's goal, despite the sloppy errors made by Vincent Kompany and Micah Richards. City recorded their third win in four games and pushed Southgate's side further into the relegation mire.

The game wasn't pretty and it was far from entertaining in huge spells, with Robinho going missing for the majority of the match, eventually being substituted for the lively Felipe Caicedo. But it is another three points towards safety for Mark Hughes' side, and potentially Europe judging by how close the Premier League table is this season. Three points have never been so vital, what with City facing a run of difficult and testing away days to Portsmouth, FC Copenhagen and Liverpool coming up.

SCRAPPY DHABI WHO

Lacklustre Manchester City sunk by 10-men Potters

A goal from James Beattie was enough to give Stoke City a 1-0 victory over Manchester City, despite having Rory Delap sent off in the first half.

Delap was shown the red card following a tackle with Shaun Wright-Phillips, but Beattie headed the home side ahead from a Matthew Etherington cross just before the break.

Mark Hughes' blues dominated possession but couldn't break down the Stoke defence, having only one shot registered on target.

The visitors went into the game on the back of a two game winning streak, with Tony Pulis' side suffering a dire run of form.

The Eastlands outfit started brightly with efforts from Robinho and Stephen Ireland looking encouraging.

As always, Stoke's main threat came from Delap's renowned long throws into the penalty area, with Glenn Whelan and Ryan Shawcross being troublesome in the box but failing to really test Joe Hart.

The home side went down to 10 men on 36 minutes, after a crunch tackle with Wright-Phillips produced a rash reaction from Delap, with the player taking an unnecessary swipe at the ball. The referee instantly flashed the red card to Delap, who had been Stoke's main form of attack.

Immediately Manchester City bossed possession to a chorus of boos from the Britannia stadium, with many fans feeling that Wright-Phillips was just as to blame in the incident as Delap.

But just as the game looked to be swinging into Manchester City's favour, Etherington's deep ball into the box met Beattie, who outjumped Wayne Bridge to head the ball past Hart and into the net. The crucial goal came on the brink of half time and against the run of play.

The second half saw Hughes' men continue to control and maintain possession, but really struggle to have any form of impact in the final third of play, with Stoke's 10 men remaining resolute. Robinho's early effort was harmless and Ireland failed to connect a flying header to substitute Elano's cross-come-shot.

It was a testiment to Stoke's defending that their one goal lead remained intact despite the intense period of pressure from Manchester City, but the blues were hugely disappointing despite their mega-money line up. The impressive Pablo Zabaleta was sacrificed for the flair of Elano as the blues searched desperately for a winner.

But in all fairness the equaliser never looked likely and Pulis' side were worthy winners of a match that was both frustrating and ill-tempered. The cauldron of atmosphere seemed to make up for Delap's sending off and the win meant that Stoke moved out of the relegation zone, whereas City slipped to 10th in the Premier League.

ZAB A LOAD OF THAT!

Dunne off as City clinch first victory of 2009

Richard Dunne received the eighth red card of his playing career as City claimed a much-needed 1-0 victory over their North West rivals Wigan Athletic.

Dunne saw red on 54 minutes for kicking out at Amir Zaki following a collision between the two.

The red card had come just seconds after a strike from Pablo Zabaleta had given City the lead in a closely-fought match.

Wigan made every effort to find an equaliser, with goalkeeper Chris Kirkland venturing up for a corner in injury time, but it was to no avail.

Before the game, all talk had been surrounding Kaka's potential £100 million move to Eastlands, but Mark Hughes needed his 11 outfield men to do the talking for now- and that is exactly what he got. The first half was littered with chances for City, with Brazilians Elano and Robinho linking up well and going close to breaking the deadlock.

Robinho came closest on 21 minutes but his volley was blocked on the line by Titus Bramble. In an audacious move, Zabaleta had been moved from right back to central midfield- and proved to be a revelation. He provided the grit and determination that had been lacking from previous performances, dominating the midfield and linking up well with City's creative options. Wigan's attacking opportunities were limited to a couple of long-range efforts as City's defence looked to be more convincing and buoyant of late, with Wilson Palacios registering the Latics only chances of the first half.

The game was crying out for a goal and it came on 53 minutes. Daniel Sturridge did well to overcome the Wigan defence and his cross fell to Zabaleta, whose swerving shot flew past Paul Scharner. City were deserved of their lead, but only a minute later Dunne received his marching orders from referee Lee Mason following a collision with Zaki. The Republic of Ireland defender's reaction was hot-headed and immature to say the least and Hughes looked frustrated to see his team, having just taken the lead, reduced to 10 men for the third time at home this season.

This was the cue for Wigan to attack relentlessly, with City battling against a succession of corners for the visitors. Their best chance fell to Zaki, who headed over the bar from just six yards out. With time running out, Kirkland ventured forward to add another option but his efforts were unsuccessful and nearly led to City doubling their lead. The result was deserved for Mark Hughes' men, whose performance was battling and encouraging. Man-of-the-match Zabaleta was outstanding and defender Nedum Onuoha put in a mature and resilient performance in defence. Elano looked more committed and is clearly relishing playing with his fellow countryman, Robinho. With Newcastle United at home next, it remains to be seen if Kaka will sign on the dotted line and feature among the line up...

ROB-BED!

Brazilian ace snatches last-gasp equaliser for City

Manchester City striker Robinho scored a vital goal deep into injury time as Mark Hughes’ side grasped a 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

It was Sam Allardyce’s team who took the initiative, and the lead on the stroke of half time through Benni McCarthy. Jason Roberts gave Rovers a two-goal advantage with a strong header on 84 minutes.

But City never gave up hope and the introduction of youngster Daniel Sturridge paid dividends when he scored and then set up Robinho for the equaliser with almost the last kick of the game.

The late clinical strike saved Hughes’ blushes after returning to his former club for the first time since he began his career at City in the summer. The Welsh manager had been faced with chants of ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ from his former fans but Robinho’s goal silenced the home contingency.

Coming back from two goals down, City demonstrated a passion, fight and desire that had been severely lacking of late. Apart from Nedum Onuoha replacing Micah Richards, Hughes had stuck with the same side that beat Hull City so majestically on Boxing Day and both teams started lively and vibrant.

It was the visitors that had the best of the early efforts, with in-form Felipe Caicedo and Robinho both guilty of missing superb chances to give City an early lead. Robinho could have had a penalty when Andrew Ouijer fouled him inside the box, but Howard Webb remained unconvinced and waved the sky blue protests away.

Rovers closed City down consistently and the visitors surrendered possession time and time again through sloppy and inaccurate passes and bad timing. Hughes’ flair players were being successfully marked out of the game and the home side looked dangerous on the break with Roberts and Brett Emerton looking hungry.

It was City’s inability to keep possession that led to Rovers taking the lead right on half-time. Emerton and Roberts linked up and it was McCarthy’s strike that gave Rovers the advantage and changed Hughes’ team-talk.

After the interval City created chances, with a Shaun Wright-Phillips’ header bouncing off the post from an Elano cross and chances from Stephen Ireland and Robinho proving to be opportunist. Hughes’ blues piled on the pressure and pushed forward. A double substitution from the under-pressure City manager saw the arrival of Darius Vassell and Sturridge to the game as City searched for an equaliser.

But with City pushing forward, Rovers struck again and increased their lead as striker Roberts headed a Christopher Samba cross over Joe Hart. It looked to be game over for City until Sturridge’s strike late on gave the blues hope. The Rovers defence looked shaky and it was Sturridge who set up Robinho, who calmly struck home to give City a much-needed point.

Rovers were well-organised and did a superb job of keeping City’s flair players at bay. But a player of Robinho’s calibre only needs one chance and the home side’s shaky defence late on made the mistake of gifting the Brazilian too much room on the left. With the Premier League being so close this season, the point for City was vital to avoid another embarrassing defeat.