Match Reflection: West Brom 2 - 3 Manchester City

City break away duck with solid victory

By Jack Mumford

City slayed their away demons last night, powering past a shell-shocked West Bromwich Albion to win 3-2, with a late onslaught from West Brom making the scoreline a more respectable one. After losing four of the six away Premier League games so far this season, City knew they had to improve their away form to stand a chance of winning the title. 

Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

West Brom have already won at Old Trafford and drawn at Stamford Bridge this season so City’s comprehensive victory is no mean feat.

Manuel Pellegrini made three changes from Sunday's victory over Swansea. The major news was captain Vincent Kompany returned to the side after two months out with a thigh injury. Joleon Lescott was the unfortunate man who had to make way for the returning Belgian. 

In the Spotlight: Newcastle United

No. 11: A Derby defeat, Loïc Rémy and Sammy Ameobi

By Aaron Leggott

Following Sunday's catastrophic 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea, the Blues turn their attention to domestic cup football as they travel to the North East to play Newcastle. The previous meeting between the sides saw City come out 4-0 winners. I spoke with Newcastle fan Adam Johnson (@ajnufc) to get an update on our opponents. 

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

In the Spotlight: Cardiff City

No.2: Cardiff’s survival chances, the home fortress and top four predictions.

By Adam Bailey

Ahead of Sunday's game against newly promoted Cardiff City, we spoke to Bluebirds fan Barry Murphy as his team are set to play their first Premier League game at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Photo: Flickr

Cardiff have been promising promotion from the Championship for a number of years now and you're finally here! How excited are you about seeing The Bluebirds in the Premiership after all this time?

Barry:  I’ve been watching Cardiff for twenty-six years so after spending many of those years in the bottom two divisions, the Championship was a breath of fresh air. Now we are in the Premiership, it’s a whole new world. I’m looking forward to seeing world class players every week and hopefully it won’t be a one season wonder for us.

Match Preview: Manchester City vs Newcastle

Manuel Pellegrini set to kick off new era at Manchester City

By Aaron Leggott

After just over two months into his new post as Manchester City manager, Manuel Pellegrini will be itching to finally see his new look side take their place on the Etihad turf to kick off their Premier League campaign on Monday night.

With changes in senior management at Chelsea and Manchester United as well, Pellegrini has kept himself away from the spotlight, helping the Blues get about their transfer business with minimal fuss.

Fernandinho, Jesús Navas, Álvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetić have all made the moves to the Etihad Stadium to play for one of Europe's biggest clubs, and Pellegrini has strengthened well in potentially weak areas.

Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

And whilst rivals have stuttered in the transfer market, City got their business done early and with that they have got a settled squad seemingly capable of challenging on all fronts. 

Blue Review: How are the new boys doing?

Are Pellegrini's signings up to the task? 

By Adam Bailey

As part of a new feature on The Sky Blue View, each writer will get their chance to bring their in-depth opinions to the table. From analysis to exclusive interviews, we are hoping to create a greater connection between ourselves and Manchester City. First up, Adam Bailey analyses the impact that Pellegrini's new players can bring to the table.

August the 19th. 

The date we've all penned into our diaries. The only date that matters this summer. The reunion with the love our lives; Manchester City.

Long gone is the summer of 2012. Regretfully, the Blues bought poorly and didn't replenish themselves with the necessary nutrients required to defend a Premier League crown. Fortunately, Mr.Pellegrini has ensured we'll have four new exciting players to keep our beady eyes on come Monday night. 

In preparation for the new season, myself and three of my top Twitter followers Leslie Owens, Will King and Adil Hussain got together to discuss what we think of the new recruits so far...

A lesson learnt from last season's misfortunes?

By Alex Mason

Manchester City have certainly learnt their lesson from last years transfer catastrophe, that evidently cost them the Premier League title.

Last summer City signed five players on transfer deadline day, with former City manager Roberto Mancini admitting he only signed one of his transfer targets, Matija Nastasić. It was a transfer window that saw City lose out on Eden Hazard, Daniele De Rossi, Javi Martínez and of course Robin van Persie.

So it's safe to say that after winning the Premier League title in 2012, City's transfer strategy was ineffective in the close season.

Pellegrini's transfer strategy has been a stark difference compared to last season's.
Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

However, this summer has been a lot different. City have definitely pushed up a few gears by signing Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho, speedy Spanish winger Jesús Navas, Spanish forward Álvaro Negredo, who I might add finished Europe's seventh top goalscorer last season and Montenegrin striker Stevan Jovetić, a player who shipped in 13 goals in 25 appearances for his former club Fiorentina.

Profile: Álvaro Negredo

Spanish forward follows Navas to the Etihad Stadium

By Aaron Leggott

Manuel Pellegrini is quietly overseeing the beginning of a new and exciting era at Manchester City. Following the purchase of midfielders Fernandinho and Jesus Navas, the Chilean has  finalised the transfer of Álvaro Negredo from Sevilla for around £20 million pending a successful medical.

Photo: Official Sevilla Facebook

The 27 year old, who was Europe's seventh top scorer last season, has been seen by many to be a steal at just £20 million. 

So what can he bring to the Blues? Here's a quick lowdown on the man who has spent the last four years at Los Rojiblancos:

Name: Álvaro Negredo

Age: 27

Position: Striker

Club appearances (Sevilla): 139

Club goals (Sevilla): 70

Pellegrini speaks to the media

Gaffer 'not concerned' about title pressure

By Aaron Leggott

After speaking to the English media for the first time, new boss Manuel Pellegrini has insisted he feels no pressure to win the Premier League with the Blues.

But whilst he is confident in his ability, the Chilean knows that immediate success is the aim, whilst also producing an academy capable of rivaling that of FC Barcelona.

Official MCFC Facebook

He said: "I'm not only here to win trophies, I'm here to work with young players.

"As a coach, we want immediate success. I'm trying to have a strong squad that can bring us trophies."

Profile: Fernandinho

Brazilian set to follow Navas to Manchester

By Aaron Leggott

It seems that Manchester City have learnt their lessons from last year as they look to seal their deals as soon as possible this summer. With Navas all but a City player, it looks like Fernandinho will also be wearing Sky Blue next season, pending a medical.

Sky Sources have quoted a fee of £34 million has been agreed between City and Fernandinho's current club Shakhtar Donetsk, but figures are believed to be nearer the £25 million mark. 

Fernandinho looks set to leave Shakhtar after seven years
Official Shakhtar Facebook

After making an impressive 184 appearances for Shakhtar, the Brazilian holding midfielder is set to bolster City's midfield as the Blues look to make a serious statement next season. For those who don't know much about him, here are some facts for you:

Name: Fernando Luiz Rosa (Fernandinho)

Age: 28

Position: Defensive midfielder

Club Appearances: 256 

Club goals: 45