City vs Chelsea: Match Preview

City to give Benitez the Blues

By Dave Walker

Two contrasting football cultures clash in London’s west end when the champions of Europe meet the champions of England.

                       

Whereas Chelsea’s chances of retaining their title are slim, Manchester City have high hopes – neigh – expectations, of winning consecutive Premier League crowns.

Such an outlook goes some way to explaining the actions of the respective mega-rich owners as the royal blues and sky blues front up to Champions League adversity.

City vs Real Madrid: Match Preview

Special night if City 'do' one & Ron

By Dave Walker

Manchester City will be hoping Jose Mourinho’s pre-match prediction comes true and Ronaldo chalks up a hat-trick with a difference in City’s do-or-die Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Ronaldo returns to Manchester tomorrow night
Photo: Denis Doyle/Getty Images Europe

Even the most rabid, sky blue tinted spectacle wearing City fanatic would be hard pressed to believe their beloved team can wriggle Houdini-like out of their Champions League straight jacket and concrete boots.

With a paltry two points garnered from away trips to Madrid and Amsterdam and home ties with the Dutch champions and Borussia Dortmund, it will take one of the biggest and most unlikely turnarounds in European history for City to grace the knockout stages.

It doesn't however, stop Roberto Mancini’s men going out in a blaze of glory and inflicting serious damage on Madrid’s aspirations for a record 10^th Euro crown.

Reflection: Five star City claim top spot

Aguero fires back at City critics
Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe

City 5 - 0 Aston Villa

By Archie Barnett

Manchester City, a club in crisis. After only 11 games gone, City were second in the league, yet labelled a club in crisis.

Of course, there seems to be a Champions League exit on the horizon, barring a miracle, but does that really warrant the media reaction we have been receiving?

However, after a prosperous weekend for the Blues, where both Manchester United and Chelsea lost against Norwich and West Brom respectively, those same critics seem to have been very quiet as City claimed top spot off our neighbours for the first time since lifting the trophy in May.

So, where have those critics gone? There were many that were justified in saying we were not at our best, but a brilliant 5-0 victory over Aston Villa seemed to have stopped the ridiculous "club in crisis" and "Mancini out" claims as City look to hit top form.

City vs Aston Villa: Match Preview

City to capitalise on familiar prey

By Dave Walker

In the unpredictable hurly burly world of the Premier League there simply is no such thing as a home banker – but when Manchester City take on Aston Villa it’s the next best thing.

City have triumphed in nine of the last 10 top flight encounters in Manchester -racking up 23 goals to just six conceded – and nothing suggests things are about to change any time soon.

City vs Spurs: Match Preview

City press for media recognition

By Dave Walker

So the media darlings of Spurs will roll up at the Etihad Stadium with all the jaundiced anti-Manchester City journalists hoping Andre Villas Boas’ team can end the champions’ near two year unbeaten home run.

It was even worse when Harry Redknapp was indulging in an appreciation society with the journalists, but even the demise of Redknapp hasn’t stopped the Spurs adulation society.

The contrast as to how the two clubs are portrayed in the press is staggering. City remain unbeaten in the Premier League and are cheated out of the Champions League by a dodgy Danish ref and yet still court negativity.

Spurs lose at home to unfancied Wigan and then beat a bunch of Slovenian no hopers – NK Maribor – but are still lauded for their wonderful free-flowing play. Pathetic.

Reflection: Controversial referee costs City

By Aaron Leggott

City's chances of Champions League qualification from Group D were all but over after last night's disappointing draw at home to Dutch champions Ajax.

After the 3-1 defeat in Amsterdam a fortnight ago, City knew that defeat last night was unthinkable, as was a draw. Whilst it is still not mathematically impossible, we are relying heavily on our rivals dropping points in the final two group games, which is unlikely.

Two goals from Siem de Jong in the first 17 minutes gave City a mountain as the Blues were once again unable to deal with the Ajax threat from set pieces. After Niklas Moisander exploited the weakness in zonal marking a fortnight ago, it was de Jong's turn last night, as he scored two of the easiest goals in his career.

City vs Ajax: Match Preview

City need to 'pep' up for Mancini

By Dave Walker

Manchester City are no different from the overwhelming majority of teams in the world in that they would love to play like Barcelona and emulate the success of the Spanish giants.

Unlike most teams though, City have appointed the top executive team of Ferran Soriano and Txiki Bergiristain. The duo that, along with President Joan Laporta, led Barca to their glorious recent history.

The Catalan connection is destined to take City to the ‘next level’ in their meteoric rise under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour. The big question is whether ex-Barca boss Pep Guardiola – presently on a self imposed sabbatical in New York – is destined to join to make it a Manchester-Barcelona 1-2-3?

Reflection: Misfiring City draw first blank in 11 months

BY AARON LEGGOTT

Can Nastastic take Lescott's place?
Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Europe

It has been 42 matches since City failed to score in a competitive fixture, but West Ham were finally able to stop the Premier League champions from finding the net, thanks to a rearguard display by Sam Alladyce's men.

Upon reflection, I am happy with the point. Considering our current form, a trip to the Boleyn Ground was never going to be easy, and despite not scoring, I thought their was a lot of improvement within the side.

Defensively, we looked a lot more secure, and it wouldn't surprise me if we saw more of Matija Nastasic as the season progresses. He looks a far better player than Stefan Savic, and at the moment you would have to say he's looking a safer bet than Joleon Lescott in the heart of the back line. In fact, I hardly noticed him on Saturday which proves how calm he played alongside the captain.

City vs West Ham: Match Preview

Mancini's men to show their mettle

By Dave Walker

The Premier League’s only undefeated team could make a Saturday night charge to top the table if they can hammer the ‘Irons’.

Manchester City may have lacked the swagger of champions in recent games but, with a quarter of the season gone, Roberto Mancini’s curiously maligned men are within striking distance of the PL summit.

A reflective view: City 1 - 0 Swansea

Balotelli helps gain a valuable three points

By Tom Kennerley

Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe

There were many questions following the humiliation in Amsterdam, with fans and pundits alike dissecting recent poor performances. The performance was no rembrandt picture for the purists. There was exaggeration amongst the press once again regarding Roberto Mancini resigning, which all Manchester City fans glanced upon momentarily and laughed off.  But in ESPN’s coverage of the game, Robbie Savage was sensible with his view afterwards as he said:

"Manchester City's first target this season is defending the title."

On we went to Swansea, our third game in seven days, was it too much for the players? In the first half, the effects of the Champions League and the game at the Hawthorns clearly showed as fatigue played a part in seeing the first effort of the game come just seven minutes before half time. Swansea were creating the better chances, despite our domination in the possession department.

Aleksander Kolarov, who was risked in a midfield role ahead of Scott Sinclair, was forced off injured at half time. Now it was Mancini's chance to prove himself again after being heavily criticised by the British press, who would he bring on to improve things to win the game? The answer was to be Mario Balotelli. 

City vs Swansea: Match Preview

City in crisis? Don't be daft!

By Dave Walker

Manchester City should be ok today as long as it’s made clear to Roberto Mancini and his first team squad that a team from a ‘foreign’ country does NOT always represent insurmountable European opposition!

Forgive the sardonic comment but it’s odds on City will contrive to deliver a singularly underwhelming performance if there’s even a hint of the continent about their opponents. Non-English Swansea, thankfully, don’t qualify.

Manchester City: The season so far

Edin's form is sending chills through defenders across the country.

By Aaron Leggott

After Saturday's win at the Hawthorns, City are sitting pretty in third place after eight games played, but it hasn't been as simple as it looks on paper.

Despite an unbeaten start to the season, there have been many occasions where that record has looked under threat. Performances at Anfield and Craven Cottage pop into mind, where late goals from Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko helped prevent any blushes on Roberto Mancini's part.

G'Edin there! Dzeko's late goals have won City vital points already this season
Photo: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images Europe

And some out of sort Champions League performances has meant that, barring a miracle, City are facing an early exit from the elite competition.

If I was to describe the start to this season, it would be a mixed bag of performances. At times, we have looked unstoppable (Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium comes to mind, in particular), whilst at points we have looked to have been suffering from a title winning hangover.

City vs Ajax: Match Preview

"Dambusters": City on a European mission 

By Dave Walker 

As reigning champions of England and the Netherlands, Manchester City and Ajax are waging almost carbon copy defences of their domestic crowns.

Both remain undefeated and yet both are perceived to be under-performing in their respective leagues.  Ajax have won four and drawn five of their nine games so far, whereas City have won five and drawn three of their opening eight fixtures.

Whether that is a harsh judgment - based on games in the Eredivisie and the Premier League - is debatable.  City are, on a game-by-game comparison,  six points ahead of last season’s haul of 89 - so much for perception and reality.

But the criticism carries weight in Europe,  when it comes to results – if not performances - in their Group D Champions League campaign.

Match Report: City 2 - 1 West Brom

The Edin Dzeko show
Photo: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images Europe

City's garden of Edin 

By Dave Walker

Manchester City’s thoroughly deserved 2-1 win at The Hawthorns was undoubtedly the late Edin Dzeko show as 10-man City persevered in adversity.

But it was a victory built on resilience, self belief and strength of purpose stemming from that memorable, last minute, title-clinching win over QPR last May.

Has there ever been a team more aware of the rewards to be had by keeping going until the final whistle, than Roberto Mancini’s men – I think not.

This was as dramatic a win as you’ll see all season as City kept their composure, stayed patient and ultimately triumphed after being a man down for 75 minutes of play. 

City vs West Brom: Match Preview

Deja vu... but with a different outcome!

By Dave Walker

For the second time in the space of five weeks Manchester City face a tough domestic spat quickly followed by a more cultured contest on the continent – but they’ll need to do better this time out.

City’s star spangled squad has to cope with the blood and thunder of West Bromwich Albion and the subtle sophistication of Ajax in the next few days. It’s almost a carbon copy of away matches with Stoke and Real Madrid last month, but Roberto Mancini cannot afford a similar outcome.

Match Report: City 3 - 0 Sunderland

AK's 'foots-a-heaven'

By Dave Walker

Serbian hitman Aleksander Kolarov’s lethal left foot weapon fired champions Manchester City up to second place in the Premier League in a display of precision shooting.

Kolarov celebrates after opening the scoring
Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe

All action Kolarov dispelled the ubiquitous notion that the reigning English Champions have somehow lost their way, as City annihilated previously unbeaten Sunderland.

The three goal margin in no way reflected City’s total domination. 

City vs Sunderland: Match Preview

Keep it clean!

By Dave Walker

An inability to keep clean sheets is the main talking point surrounding Manchester City, as they prepare to face the team that did them the most damage en-route to becoming champions last season.

Martin O’Neill’s ‘Black Cats’ come to Fortress Etihad ready to pounce on any opportunity to compound the discomfort of City’s back line and go one better than the point they snared in a spectacular 3-3 draw in March.

Match Report: City 1 - 1 Borussia Dortmund

It's the Joe and Mario show

By Dave Walker

A superlative showing from Joe Hart and a sting in the tail from Mario Balotelli kept Manchester City alive in the Group of Death as Borussia Dortmund swarmed all over them in the Champions League.

Three elements emerged from a lopsided contest at the Etihad Stadium; Hart is the best goalkeeper in the world, there’s no better penalty taker on the planet than Balotelli and, sadly, City are nowhere near ready to being acclaimed as Europe’s top club side.

A worrying sense of déjà vu is beginning to envelop City’s CL aspirations as a mirror image of last year’s valiant, but ultimately doomed, campaign unravels. 

City vs Borussia Dortmund: Match Preview

Mancini needs win on home front

By Dave Walker

Defeatists might suggest that Manchester City’s encounter with Borussia Dortmund will, at best, help decide who finishes as runners-up in the Champion’s League ‘Group of Death’.

The clever money is on Real Madrid to emerge as Group winners and Dutch champions Ajax finishing bottom, leaving City in a straight dogfight with the Bundesliga & German Cup double winners.

City vs Fulham: Match Preview

City must stem goal flow beside Thames...

By Dave Walker

For the first time in nearly six months, Manchester City go into a match off the back of a domestic defeat and four games without a win - an unpalatable scenario for perfectionist Roberto Mancini.

Equally unfamiliar is the prospect of kicking off against higher placed Premier League opposition with Fulham one notch above City in sixth position.

Match Report: City 1 - 1 Arsenal

Koscielny's strike gives Arsenal deserved point against the champions

By Aaron Leggott

Laurent Koscielny's first start of the season saw the Frenchman steal two points from the Blues as he struck late on to secure a point for Arsenal.

Despite taking the lead, City looked to be suffering from a Champions League hangover after the defeat in Madrid on Tuesday night, and their efforts showed as Arsenal really should have took all three points.

Koscielny nets on his first start of the season
Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe

Arsenal hoped to have been the first team in almost two years to win at the Etihad Stadium in the league, since David Moyes' men left with a 2-1 victory to give their fans a happy Christmas in 2010.

However, despite numerous chances falling to the Gunners, they weren't able to make their domination pay, and had to travel back to North London with only a share of the spoils.

City vs Arsenal: Match Preview

City go gunning for glory...

By Dave Walker

Who will ever forget the incredulous scenes as Sergio Aguero wheeled away triumphantly, stripped to the 
waist, shirt whirring in the air proclaiming Manchester City as Premier League champions after the winner
against QPR?

Amid wild celebrations - seen the world over - City clinched the title accompanied by the now legendary ‘Agueeeerrroooooo’ commentary and iconic footage. 

Match Report: City 2 - 3 Real Madrid

Late comeback denies famous City victory

By Aaron Leggott

In 1998, Manchester City were the laughing stock of English football. A combination of poor management, terrible ownership and a less than average playing staff meant this historic club were rotting in the depths of the third tier. 

From Bootham Crescent to the Bernabeau: It's been a big transformation
Photo: PacificCoastNews.com

There seemed to be no way out, and the club were going backwards. And to think that 14 years later, City fans were planning a trip to the Santiago Bernabeau to play the world's most historically decorated football team is a fairy tale story.

And despite a 3-2 loss last night in our opening Champions League game against the Spanish champions, we can hold our heads up high and be proud to have played so well on such a big stage.

Goals from Edin Dzeko and Aleksandar Kolarov saw the Blues take the lead twice against Madrid, only to be pegged back each time, and lose all three points with minutes to play.

City vs Real Madrid: Match Preview

From Macclesfield to Madrid...

By Dave Walker

When Manchester City step out to face Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium tomorrow night it will arguably be the high point of the club’s 118 year history.

The clash of the champions of Europe’s two most prestigious leagues – La Liga and the Premier League - comes almost 14 years to the day since City were at their lowest ebb, languishing in the third tier of English football.

City vs Stoke: Match Preview

Premier event before Real deal

By Dave Walker

As a summer of outstanding UK sporting success draws to a close Manchester City will be hoping that it won’t be a case of Rule Britannia when they travel to face Tony Pulis’ ‘pugilists’ from the Potteries.

The exciting escapades of Andy Murray, Bradley Wiggins and Team GB will be the last thing in the minds of Roberto Mancini’s men as they take on the hostile surroundings of the Britannia Stadium, and opponents renowned for their ‘fighting characteristics’.

One can but admire the tenacity of the home support and, with just four junctions of the M6 separating the two cities, it will be an especially intense affair.

The Sky Blue View Podcast: No. 1

Welcome to our first ever podcast with site owners Archie Barnett and Aaron Leggott. It is something we hope to integrate into the site to make it an enjoyable experience for our viewers. 

This week, Archie and Aaron discussed our previous match against QPR, our Champions League group, as well as some discussion regarding Carlos Tevez and the new signings brought in by Roberto Mancini this summer. 

As usual, any feedback is greatly appreciated, enjoy the podcast!

Remember to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

You can also follow Aaron on Twitter: @aaron_leggott

You can also follow Archie on Twitter: @ArchieMCFC

(c) The Sky Blue View 2012

Match Report: City 3 - 1 QPR

Tevez with another majestic display helps City to three points

By Aaron Leggott

An injury time goal from Carlos Tevez ensured City beat QPR in a result which didn't reflect the domination that the Blues had throughout the 90 minutes. 

A revitalised Carlos Tevez once again delivered another brilliant performance
Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe

A goal from Yaya Toure in the first half helped City on their way to a seemingly comfortable victory, but a period of sloppiness from the Blues meant Bobby Zamora equalised for Rangers before an immediate reply from Edin Dzeko ensured City weren't going to drop points for the second game in a row.

Despite a late flurry by Roberto Mancini on transfer deadline day, only Scott Sinclair was named in the squad, but had to accept a place on the bench whilst Mancini named 4 changes from the team that grabbed a fortunate point at Anfield last weekend.

Nigel de Jong, sold to AC Milan on Friday, was replaced by Jack Rodwell, whilst James Milner, Kolo Toure and Mario Balotelli made way for David Silva, Joleon Lescott and Edin Dzeko respectively. 

City vs QPR: Match Preview

City need to clock up champion performance 

By Dave Walker

When Manchester City step out against QPR at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow  2,665 hours will have elapsed since the final whistle and the glorious conclusion of their last encounter.

How time flys when you’re enjoying yourself. City are now the Kings of English football and QPR will be virtually unrecognizable from the team which narrowly avoided relegation on that stupendous crazy and exhilarating May 13 afternoon.

Match Report: City 2 - 2 Liverpool

City rescue point despite disappointing performance

By Aaron Leggott

It seems like Vincent Kompany and co. are so happy at the heroics performed against Queens Park Rangers, that they would like to perform it time and time again. 

In fact, it only took a poor effort from Edin Dzeko five minutes from time to prevent another 3-2 scoreline in City's favour for the fourth game in succession, and complete another unlikely victory for Roberto Mancini's men at Anfield yesterday. 

Mancini, who decided to stick with the 3-5-2 formation that worked so well for him during pre-season, was quite clearly caught out by a Liverpool side who were gunning for a victory against the Premier League champions in their first home game of the season. 

Tevez rescues a point for City
Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe

And despite a dominant performance by the home side which saw goals from Martin Skrtel and Luis Suarez, they were unable to contain a City side, who pounced upon two unforgivable defensive mistakes at the heart of Liverpool's defence in the second half. 

City vs Liverpool: Match Preview

Liverpool's luck set to run out

By Dave Walker

Roberto Mancini was dubbed ‘Uno Fortunato’ – ‘The Lucky One’ throughout his glittering playing and managerial career with the likes of Sampdoria, Lazio and Inter Milan.

It wasn’t intended to undermine his achievements with Serie A titles and Coppa Italia’s aplenty, it was just the Italian media’s way of saying he was somehow blessed with good fortune as well as outstanding ability.

Match Report: City 3-2 Southampton

A small reminder of that sacred day... 

BY ARCHIE BARNETT 

The start of the season was eagerly anticipated by all fans of Manchester City, a day that would mark the start of City's defence of the premier league title.

Kick off couldn't come soon enough, as the ground slowly filled and the atmosphere grew, and at 4 o'clock the Argentine duo of Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero began City's Premier League campaign.

City vs Southampton: Match Preview

Now where were we... same again please City.

By Dave Walker

As ‘Super Saturday’ Olympic euphoria subsides, Manchester City supporters will be reliving ‘Sublime Sunday’ when they return to the Etihad for the first time since that fateful afternoon in May.

The Champions flag will flutter proudly over the stadium amid a plethora of gold Barclays badges proudly displayed on thousands of replica shirts as City begin the defence of their title. 

The Sky Blue View Fantasy Football

Get involved, The Sky Blue View League.. 

BY ArchiE barnett 

As we try and continuously encourage fans to get involved with The Sky Blue View, we have created our own fantasy football league open to all Manchester City football fanatics.

The league is simple, just sign up on www.fantasy.premierleague.com and create your own team, it really is that simple!

Once you have chosen your team out of £100 million spending money, just enter our league code and you're ready to go. Unfortunately for us all, you can only choose 3 Manchester City players, so choose wisely. 

Who is it going to be? The lethal Argentine double act of Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez, or simply the defensive duo of Joe Hart and Vincent Kompany, it is all up to you to choose the best team capable of winning "The Sky Blue View League".

The person who is leading the group at the end of each game week will receive a shout out on Twitter, as well as feature in our article. The person who has collected the most points each game week will also receive the same 'prize'.

It's not much of a prize, but lets get everyone involved in Fantasy Football and The Sky Blue View for an enjoyable season ahead.

Enjoy and good luck. 

The Sky Blue View League - 1625945-359675

Wesbite - www.fantasy.premierleague.com

Match Report: City 3 - 2 Chelsea

Our third trophy in three years... it's good to be a City fan! 

By Aaron Leggott

People (including myself), have always described the Community Shield as a "glorified" pre-season friendly, but the spectacle viewed by 36,000 at Villa Park yesterday challenged the popular opinion, as City got the better of Chelsea in an entertaining match.

And despite the dismissal of Chelsea's Branislav Ivanović on the stroke of half time, City proved to the viewing public that they remain the team to beat, thanks to a man of the match performance from Yaya Touré.

City vs Chelsea: Match Preview

Carry on drinking...

By Dave Walker

It’s fair to say that all Manchester City fans are extraordinarily well hydrated as the Community Shield showdown with Chelsea beckons… well, we have been ‘drinking it in’ for the past three months, haven’t we?

Pre season 12-13: Review

Some solid results, but no signings for Mancini

By Aaron Leggott

Sunday afternoon sees City contest against the Champions of Europe and FA Cup holders, Chelsea, at Villa Park for the first piece of silverware of the season. 

It is of course the Community Shield, and after pre-season tours of Austria and China, as well as trips to Germany and Ireland, it is fair to say Mancini is ready and raring for the new campaign. 

The pre-season results have been impressive, seeing only one defeat in our opening fixture against Al Hilal and one draw against Dynamo Dresden.

Premier League: 2012-2013 Build Up

Who will be our key players ahead of the new campaign?

By Aaron Leggott

So, it has been around two and a half months since *that* goal from Sergio Aguero which will be forever remembered in the terraces, but will Aguero and co. be able to repeat last season's heroics and deliver our second Premier League trophy on the 19th May at home to Norwich City?

Vincent Kompany lifts the Premier League trophy. Can he repeat that feat this season?
Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe

In this build up piece, I will have a look at the key players that we will be relying upon to produce consistently whilst also looking at a possible XI capable of winning the league and progressing in the Champions League.

England: Progression or Regression?

By Aaron Leggott

After Sunday's quarter final defeat at the hands of Italy, something inside got me thinking about the past couple of years since the disastrous few weeks under Fabio Capello in Bloemfontein.

Before that World Cup, England were in great form under Capello. Losing just two friendlies, the Three Lions won their first eight qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, ensuring qualification with two games to spare.

Have things really improved since Germany humiliated us two years ago?
Photo: Tom Jenkins

EURO 2012: Group D Review

A Ukrainian fairy tale see's the co-hosts top Group D

Match day 1: By Aaron Leggott

The fourth day of Euro 2012 saw possibly the biggest shock of the tournament so far, as co-hosts Ukraine saw their idol Andriy Shevchenko strike twice to create a night to remember in Kyiv.

Shevchenko creates a fairy tale ending for the Ukrainians
Photo: Martin Rose/Getty Images Europe

Sweden, who boast a squad of fine talent, including AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, were the clear favourites but were unable to deliver as Ukraine used home advantage to deliver a spectacular win.

EURO 2012: Group C Review

Italy grab a deserved point against Spain whilst Croatia dampen Irish hopes

Match day 1: By Jamie Hepburn

This was the second game in the Euros that featured two of the big teams, and unlike the dull game between Germany and Portugal, this game was exciting from the start. 

Both teams were set up in a strong and attacking manner, leading to an interesting spectacle. From the start Spain were keeping the ball, passing it around how they usually play, but this wasn’t working against an Italian defence which stood up to Spain and made it difficult throughout the game for them to make a clear chance. 

EURO 2012: Group B Review

Netherlands bombardment not enough whilst Gomez pushes lacklustre Portugal aside...

Match day 1: By Archie Barnett

The start of “the group of death” was an eagerly anticipated one, with Netherlands taking on Denmark. The expectations for Netherlands are high, being one of the favourites to win the tournament.

With this expectation on their shoulders, they started with a high tempo and great attacking flair. Robben had a chance within the first 20 minutes, having the opportunity to shoot at close range, however he opted for the square ball which resulted in the attack being squandered.

EURO 2012: Group A Review

Questionable refereeing, dodgy goal-keeping, but certainly a thrashing.

Match day 1: By Tom Smart

Robert Lewandowski opens the
EURO 2012 scoring
Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe

The opening day of the European Championships without doubt sent messages of enthralling excitement to fans that have waited for football since the end of the domestic season. The day began with the early kick-off where co-hosts Poland took on a supposedly weaker Greek side including ex-City striker, Georgios Samaras.

The game burst into life with the hosts firing on all cylinders and certainly in the mood to impress the home crowd. A quick tempo took the Greeks by surprise and in the 17th minute a whipped cross in by Jakub Blaszczykowski found the soaring head of Robert Lewandowski to put the Poles in the lead.

The Greeks were stunned and hung on for the rest of the half despite being reduced to 10 men. Sokratis Papastathopoulos was initially booked for what seemed a fair challenge, before then being booked a second time for bringing down Polish attacker Ludovic Obraniak. A harsh decision on the Greek side who within minutes also had seen a debatable decision be ruled against them when the were shouts for a handball inside the area by a Polish defender.

Exclusive interview with Rodney Marsh

"Football was my life, it is my life."  Marsh speaks to TSBV

By Aaron Leggott (Interview by Archie Barnett)

Born in October 1944 in Hertfordshire, Rodney Marsh is arguably one of the greatest football players to ever grace this planet. After making over 500 appearances in his career, he had the honour of playing with and against the likes of Johan Cruyff, Pelé, Eusébio, Gerd Müller, Carlos Alberto, Franz Beckenbauer and Bobby Moore. 

Photo: Bob Thomas/Getty Images

EURO 2012: Day One Preview

Lewandowski to grab vital goal for Poland...

By Archie Barnett

The start of the prestigious EURO 2012 trophy beckons, with the first game set to take place in a few hours between co-host Poland and previous EURO champions Greece. Later on this evening, the second game of group A will take place between Russia and Czech Republic.

Richer than God: Manchester City, Modern Football and Growing up by David Conn

The Sky Blue View's book review

By Aaron Leggott

When Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan took over Manchester City in the summer of 2008, nobody knew what to expect. 

Following decades of hurt, misery and gradual decline, a Sheikh with bottomless pockets decided to make the historic club from east Manchester his new business venture, and in turn raise the hopes of those who had been repeatedly let down for generations. 

David Conn, an award winning writer from the Guardian, has studied the "Manchester City story", from the ultimate highs to the downright spectacular lows, resulting in lifting the Premier League trophy in May.

Exclusive Interview with Ben Riley

The day to day life of a physiotherapist

By Aaron Leggott

At the age of 23, Ben Riley will not be the most famous person we will ever interview. Just two years after graduating from the University of Huddersfield, he is trying his utmost best to fulfill his ambition of one day being the physio at Manchester City. We love people who have high targets, and couldn't resist asking him about his hopes and dreams.

"Ideally I would love to end up on the City bench. That would be a pretty cool job. But in reality, City can employ anyone they want on a worldwide scale, and I can't ever see myself being that lucky."

Rewind...

This is how it feels to be City..... #champions

Remember to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

City 3 - 2 QPR: Match Report

Late Aguero winner secures historic league title 

By Tom Smart 

Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe

Two dramatic goals from Edin Dzeko & Sergio Aguero in injury time secured the most spectacular come-back in the final few moments of the 2011/2012 Premier League season as City were crowned Champions. The finish was reminiscent of the play-off final in 1999 against Gillingham with City coming back from a 2-1 deficit to beat QPR 3-2. The victory ended a 44 year wait with the 44^th Manchester City shot on target being the winner in the 95^th minute before the mayhem erupted in and around the Etihad Stadium.

City vs QPR: Match Preview

Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe

Let's not forget Yaya's birthday present!!

By Dave Walker

There’s a birthday party with a difference being planned in Manchester this weekend – 47,000 invited guests but the onus is on the host to supply the perfect present.

Birthday boy Yaya Toure hits 29 years of age on Sunday, yet it’ll be down to him to bear gifts for the partygoers who descend on his ‘house’ in M11 3FF and send them home happy. 

Newcastle 0 - 2 City: Match Report

Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe

Is the Premier League finally heading to East Manchester?

By Aaron Leggott

To say being a City fan these past few decades has been tough would be an understatement. After our infamous League Cup victory way back in 1976, there were signs of cobwebs starting to appear in our trophy cabinet. That was until Yaya Toure secured the FA Cup at Wembley against Stoke last season, and it seems that the Ivorian giant has done it again to clinch the Premier League for the Blues barring a miracle. 

City vs Newcastle: Match Preview

Same again please... 44 years on!

By Dave Walker

If history repeats itself at St James’ Park tomorrow afternoon, Manchester City will be just one step away from being proclaimed Premier league champions.

It’s 44 years since a marauding City, under Joe Mercer & Malcolm Allison, took Tyneside by storm winning the last game of the season 4-3, and with it the old Division One Championship.

The parallels between then and Roberto Mancini’s team are uncanny; if City win it will be their 10^th away victory of the season – the same as 1968. Thus far City have recorded 17 home wins – the same as 1968 – but that will surely change to 18 with a win over QPR on 13 May.

City 1 - 0 United: Match Report

From heaven to hell? Another title twist put's United's title ambitions in doubt

By Dave Walker

Kompany jumps for joy as he score's the winner
Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe

A Glaswegian pensioner edged closer to meeting his maker as Sky Blue heaven appeared on Manchester City’s horizons at a turbo-charged Etihad Stadium.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping a derisive put down of the blue side of Manchester is not a self-fulfilling prophecy come the Premier League finale on 13 May.

He famously retorted ‘not in my lifetime…’ when asked if City – flush with Sheikh Mansour’s riches – would ever finish above United.

City vs United: Build up

Photo: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe

My top 5 most memorable derbies....

By Aaron Leggott

With the big day almost upon us, I have decided to count down my all time most memorable Manchester derbies. Just so it is made clear, my top 5 will feature games I have been alive for, so anything before 1993 will not be included in the list! I start off at Number 5 with a game that we will all want to forget, but still a classic nonetheless....

City vs United: Predicted Line Up

Carlos and Sergio will be lethal...

By Archie Barnett

With the biggest Manchester derby in my life time fast approaching, here is the third part of our build up to the game.

I believe that we have nothing to fear going in to derby day. Realistically, we have the bigger and better side. With various players hitting form, we have knocked up 9 points from the last 3 games and scored an impressive 12 goals. Sergio Aguero has recently linked back up with international team mate Carlos Tevez, and this partnership is proving to be lethal.

Manchester City vs Manchester United

The greatest derby yet...

By Archie Barnett

No doubt about it, this year’s Manchester derby will be the best ever, with possibly the Premier League title riding on it. This year, the two teams have played each other 3 times, with Manchester United winning 2 of those clashes. However, no one can and will forget that memorable day in Stretford, at Old Trafford, where Manchester City came out 6-1 victors on United’s home soil. Will we be able to carry out a win of epic proportions again come Monday night? Only time will tell...

We have put a few stats together for our readers, take a look, what score do you predict on Monday night?

Tweet us your match predictions on Twitter: @SkyBlueView

City vs United: Match Preview

Back from the dead?

They think it's all over... not quite yet.
Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe

By David Walker

At 6pm on Easter Sunday it appeared that nothing short of divine intervention could resurrect Manchester City’s stumbling bid to become Premier League champions.

The faith of even the most devout City followers had all but withered, as Roberto Mancini’s misfiring troops were gunned down by a rejuvenated Arsenal and left trailing eight points behind Manchester United with just six games to play.

City Talk: No. 4

Is Carlos Tevez cashing in or chequeing out?

By Dave Walker

When it comes to football enigmas, where genius and sublime skill are compromised by flawed personal characteristics, George Best was in a class of his own.

The Irish wing wizard from the ‘Dark Side’ had it all before he washed away his career in a torrent of alcohol at the ridiculously early age of just 26.

Wolves vs City: Match Preview

City to claw back ground against toothless Wolves

By Dave Walker

Manchester City’s end of season ‘Wildlife Tour’ rolls into the Black Country this Sunday as Roberto Mancini’s Premier League title-chasers face rock bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Having roasted and stuffed the Canaries at Norwich last Saturday, City will be out to tame the Wolves pack before the final away game at Newcastle when they’ll be out to shoot down the high-flying Magpies.

City vs Norwich: Match Report

Tevez is getting back into the swing of things
Photo: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images Europe

Tevez hat-trick helps keep faint title hopes alive

By Tom Smart

A Carlos Tevez hattrick helped City recapture their early season away form as the blues thrashed Norwich City 6-1 at Carrow Road to reduce Manchester United’s lead at the top to 2 points.

Title rivals Manchester United are expected to beat an Aston Villa side on Sunday evening and extend their lead at the top back to 5 points, but today the blues proved they wouldn’t go down without a fight.

The game began with the same team that started against West Brom on Wednesday minus Micah Richards who was replaced with Pablo Zabaleta at right back.

City vs Norwich: Match Preview

Can we narrow the gap at the top to just two points? 

By Aaron Leggott

After a hugely disappointing fortnight for City fans, a rainbow of hope shone across the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night after a Sergio Aguero inspired performance helped lift the Blues closer to United, who coincidentally slipped up at the DW Stadium as Wigan beat them 1-0.

City vs West Brom: Match Report

Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe

Back to the future for mission not so impossible!

By David Walker

Manchester City went into re-wind mode to go fast forward and put their Premier League title challenge back on track, with a rampant second half display against West Bromwich Albion.

Roberto Mancini’s marauders turned back the clock to their all-conquering form of the first five months of the season and annihilated a painfully negative Albion at the Etihad Stadium.

City vs West Brom: Match Preview

I have a feeling City will bounce back... 3-0 to the Blues

By Andy Leggott

With the press now having declared the title race over City entertain the side whose Boxing day, rear-guard performance prompted a run of mystifying away form from which City are yet to recover. In scenes now ever familiar to travelling blues, the Baggies celebrated their 0-0 draw with all the gusto of a World Cup winning side. Indeed such was the magnitude of the achievement that serious thought was given to ending the Premier League season there and then!

City Talk: No. 3

April Blues?

Both Tevez and Balotelli have not helped matters
Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe

By Mike Bray

April is a very strange month. Many questions floating about; will they make it to Europe? Will he get the sack? Is he signing in the summer? Will that famous team actually be relegated? Of course, with City, we have had all of these at some point. This season, however, it’s all about that elusive Premier League title. Is that fair though? Now I know we have spent a lot of money, and I realise the absolute quality in that side; but are we expecting too much of our once media-shy club

Arsenal vs Manchester City: Match Report

Arteta's late strike sink's City's title bid

By Archie Barnett

If Manchester City's title hopes weren't already dead, it seems they are now. City started the day five points behind rivals Manchester United, however the Reds had extended that lead to eight points before the Blues kicked off after a 2-0 victory against QPR thanks to a dubious penalty decision.