Match Reflection: Viktoria Plzeň 0 - 3 Manchester City

Yaya Touré helps City record first win in Champions League since 2011 

By Aaron Leggott

Manuel Pellegrini's men strolled to a convincing 3-0 victory in the Czech Republic last night, with goals from Edin Džeko, Yaya Touré and Sergio Agüero securing the win.

It probably would have had Roberto Mancini scratching his head as he sat at home - with only two new summer additions starting in a team that failed so badly under him in Europe last season.

The Italian will argue that his successor has been given a much kinder draw, but City played brilliantly during the whole 90 minutes and produced a European performance that was simply lacking far too often under Mancini.

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In truth, the first half was very 50/50, but City were very patient and except for Vincent Kompany's mis-hit back pass to Joe Hart midway through the first half, the Blues were very comfortable, with the hosts rarely troubling Hart's goal.

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.
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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.

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.

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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."

Navas excited by City move

By Aaron Leggott

Jesús Navas has expressed his eagerness to finalise his move to Manchester City as he looks set to be the first player to sign this summer:

Navas, who previously turned down a move to Chelsea in 2006 thanks to chronic homesickness, is set to get his chance to prove himself on one Europe's biggest stages. He said:

"It's a good project and it was the moment to make the step. 

It was my choice. I'm very happy with the decision."

Navas in action for Sevilla against Real Sociedad
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Match Preview: Manchester City vs Norwich

Can the Blues end the season on a good note?

By Aaron Leggott

At this point last year, both Manchester City and Norwich were in jubilant moods following a Premier League title for the Blues, whilst the Canaries recorded their highest top flight finish for 18 years. 

Both managers who led the two teams to success have now departed, albeit Paul Lambert a lot earlier than Roberto Mancini, who lost his job on Monday night following a breakdown between himself and the dressing room.

Aguero and Bassong clash in the reverse fixture, with City winning 4-3
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Perhaps both sides will be happy to see the back of this season now. City will be hoping for a fresh start under seemingly new manager Manuel Pellegrini, whilst Chris Hughton will be looking to build upon his mixed debut season at Carrow Road.

Match Preview: Reading vs Manchester City

City hope to bounce back after difficult weekend

By Aaron Leggott

Cup final defeats and managerial departures are just two of the things that wouldn't seem out of place at Manchester City, as the tag of "Typical City" came to rear it's ugly head these past few days in Manchester.

Of course, the misery started at Wembley on Saturday following a shock defeat in the FA Cup final as Wigan fully deserved to lift the trophy. A lot of people pointed to the leaking of Roberto Mancini's impending departure as to the reason for the defeat, and the Italian eventually left his post as manager of Manchester City last night.

Gutted: A tough weekend for all...
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It has left Brian Kidd as the stand in gaffer for the remaining two games, with the first a trip to the Madejski Stadium to play already relegated Reading.

Match Preview: Manchester City vs Wigan Athletic

City head to London in hope of second FA Cup in three years

By Aaron Leggott

Any other year, the FA Cup Final would be the main focus through all media organisations as the world's oldest cup competition reaches it's finale at Wembley - but this year is different.

Of course, the news of Alex Ferguson retiring as manager of Manchester United has led headlines, but this game could prove pivotal in the future of Roberto Mancini as his team get ready to face Wigan in the final. 

Can Yaya repeat his Wembley heroics once again?
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On paper, this is a complete mis-match as relegation favourites Wigan face an uphill task if they want to win the FA Cup for the first time in their history. Their rise from non-league football in 1978 has been admirable, and it is a great occasion for fans who have been Latics fans since the beginning. 

Match Reflection: Manchester City 1 - 0 West Brom

Dzeko secures Champions League football for third successive year

By Aaron Leggott

Edin Dzeko's 13th league goal of the season ensured Manchester City were to reach the Champions League for a third successive season following a hard fought win at home to West Brom.

Dzeko, who has been slated for his recent performances, silenced his critics with a fine effort in the 35th minute.

Edin Dzeko fires in City's only goal against West Brom
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The opener was against the run of play after the Baggies started well and should have been ahead early on. Romelu Lukaku, on loan from Chelsea, was causing problems to a makeshift Manchester City defence which saw Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott make rare appearances. 

Match Preview: Manchester City vs West Brom

Mancini expected to rest key players ahead of FA Cup Final

By Aaron Leggott

Ahead of the penultimate home league game of the season, Roberto Mancini has once again expressed his frustration at his team's league campaign, but knows that they must finish the season off as strongly as possible.

The Blues face three more league fixtures as they bid to cement second place - whilst also competing in their second FA Cup final in three years this weekend. Mancini said:

"I am not satisfied as I wanted to win the Premier League, but now we cannot do anything about that, we cannot change it.

"But in the end we are in the cup final and we are in second position, so we can be satisfied. But when you start the season you want to win the league."

Late but great: Dzeko celebrates injury time winner against West Brom in October
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Despite Mancini's hopes to secure second in the Premier League, he is expected to make a number of changes ahead of Saturday's game against Wigan.

Match Reflection: Swansea 0 - 0 Manchester City

Drab draw as City fail to win in Wales again

By Aaron Leggott

Roberto Mancini and Michael Laudrup came face to face once again as their teams produced a fairly uninspiring game in a typical end of season performance.

Manchester City's season ended a fortnight ago after Manchester United secured the title, whilst the Swans have faded off ever since their Capital One Cup success in February. 

Both sides had a number of chances but the lack of incisiveness from both parties ensured that Joe Hart and Michel Vorm were rarely tested.

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Manchester City 2 - 1 West Ham: Thoughts and Ratings

By Aaron Leggott

My thoughts

Superb goals from Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure gave us a comfortable 2-1 victory on Saturday against West Ham and in truth, we were rarely tested throughout the 90 minutes.

The first half started as I expected, with City having the majority of the ball - whilst West Ham seemingly employed a formation of damage limitation. Their season is all but over and Sam Allardyce knows that his team were extremely unlikely of getting a result, so why didn't they just go for it?

Obviously against the Blues you need to find a sensible formation which allows you to attack and defend otherwise we'd just rip you on the counter attack - but the Hammers just sat back and let us play, which I think is the worst thing you can do.

Carlos Tevez in action against his former club. See what rating I gave him below.
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Just look at the teams who have given us problems this season. Dortmund, Southampton, Liverpool - all three employed a system of high pressure and quick counter attacking football, and it worked. 

Match Reflection: Manchester City 2 - 1 West Ham

Superb Yaya Toure goal secures three points

By Aaron Leggott

Despite it being almost a whole calendar year since we beat Queens Park Rangers in the final game of last season, the team named by Roberto Mancini to play West Ham was identical to the XI that won the title in dramatic fashion.

Think of this what you will, but it is a bold statement from the Italian to show just how little we strengthened last summer and despite the capture of teenage sensation Matija Nastasic - a lot of the purchases by the club were clearly inadequate for a successful title challenge.

Yaya Toure celebrates scoring City's second goal against West Ham
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However, this City team, who have only dropped seven points at the Etihad Stadium this season, produced a performance similar to those deserving of them becoming league champions last season.

Match Preview: Manchester City vs West Ham

Emotional day ahead as Foe set to be remembered

By Aaron Leggott

With the Premier League title race being wrapped up on Monday night, this game doesn't really have anything hanging on the line with West Ham having comfortably consolidated themselves as a Premier League club thanks to some good form in the past few weeks - whilst the hosts have second place all but secured.

However, perhaps the stand out moment tomorrow will be the remembrance of Marc Vivien Foe, who tragically passed away 10 years ago. The campaign was started from a City fan on Twitter and he is set to be properly remembered as both a wonderful person and an asset when he played for both City and West Ham.

A truly brilliant person and footballer. We will all remember him tomorrow. RIP Marc
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The Hammers have recently grabbed a point at Anfield as well as holding Manchester United to a draw at Upton Park to complete a run of five unbeaten games which has topped off a good few months for the club as they successfully won the battle to the call the Olympic Stadium their home from the start of the 2016/17 season.

Tottenham 3 - 1 Manchester City: Thoughts and Ratings

By Aaron Leggott

My thoughts

It was probably a good idea to leave this post to today because I was extremely frustrated at some individuals yesterday following the defeat.

I shall not name anybody but I was extremely disappointed to see some of the overreactions from Manchester City fans. Of course, everybody is allowed their opinion but when I am seeing people who are supposedly willing to create "hate societies" for certain members of our squad then I am incredibly bemused.

One person who was targetted specifically yesterday was a certain Bosnian named Edin Dzeko. Now, let me get this straight - I am not his biggest fan at all. In fact, I have been one of his biggest critics this season for his inability to win headers consistently.

Carlos Tevez was my City MoTM, click "Read More" underneath to see why
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Match Reflection: Tottenham 3 - 1 Manchester City

Tottenham comeback all but ends title race

By Aaron Leggott

Three goals in seven minutes from Tottenham Hotspur all but ended City's league campaign for this season as Spurs strengthened their Champions League hopes with an emphatic win against the Champions. 

Manchester United can secure their 20th league title with a win at home to relegation candidates Aston Villa tonight and it is a disappointing way to concede defeat to our rivals with five games yet to play.

City, who were without both Sergio Aguero and David Silva through hamstring injuries, started off the better side and took the lead inside the first five minutes thanks to a Samir Nasri goal.

Samir Nasri opens the scoring
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The Frenchman finished off a brilliant counter attacking move originating from the individual brilliance of Carlos Tevez, as he wriggled away from Jan Vertonghen before finding James Milner with a reverse pass as the English winger's cross found Nasri unmarked. 

Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City

City travel to London in hope of securing second place

By Aaron Leggott

Manchester City travel to North London for the second consecutive weekend - but this time it is Premier League duty for the English Champions as Tottenham entertain the Blues at White Hart Lane.

Attacking duo David Silva and Sergio Aguero are expected to miss the game through hamstring injuries whilst Spurs will be handed with a big boost with Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe all set to feature after recovering from injuries.

Edin Dzeko celebrates after scoring the winner against Tottenham last November.
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City come into the game as arguably the league's form team after eight wins in their last nine games and they will be hoping to grab another victory to reduce the gap at the top to 10 points for at least 24 hours.

Manchester City 1 - 0 Wigan: Thoughts and Ratings

By Aaron Leggott

My thoughts

We were far from our best yesterday and I think we were extremely fortunate to finish the game with a win. Wigan really impressed me last night and Roberto Martinez has proven that if used correctly the 3-5-2 formation is one of the best in the business.

In truth, as soon as I saw the starting line-up I was sceptical as to how easy this game was going to be. With Javi Garcia and Gareth Barry playing in holding midfield roles, I knew that we were going to be run over by Jordi Gomez, James McCarthy and Shaun Maloney and I was proven right.

Edin Dzeko tussles with the Wigan defence
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I don't know why Mancini persists with picking Barry and Garcia in the same team because it just doesn't work. They are both too slow and you need some pace and energy, especially against a team like Wigan. For this reason, I'd have started James Milner alongside either Barry or Garcia.

Match Reflection: Manchester City 1 - 0 Wigan

City scrape past Wigan despite unconvincing performance

By Aaron Leggott

Game winner Carlos Tevez in action against Wigan
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A superb solo goal from Carlos Tevez ensured City grabbed their eighth win in nine and continued their impressive run against Wigan in recent years.

The Blues have now won seven games in a row without conceding, but this performance was probably the most unconvincing yet and the visitors will be wondering how they left the Etihad empty handed.

Match Preview: Manchester City vs Wigan

Dress rehearsal as Wigan take on the Champions

By Aaron Leggott

Following both teams FA Cup semi final victories at the weekend, Manchester City and Wigan face each other in different circumstances in the Premier League. 

Many have dubbed this game as a dress rehearsal for the FA Cup final on May 11, but those involved with both parties will put a lot more value upon this League clash. 

Aguero grabs the eventual winner in the FA Cup semi final
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City can further solidify their place in second whilst Wigan are still fighting for survival as they currently sit three points away from safety in 18th. 

Match Preview: Manchester City vs Chelsea

Wembley awaits as City and Chelsea clash in FA Cup semi final

By Aaron Leggott

Two managers come up against one another with a heap of media pressure on their shoulders. Perhaps this game could either make or break Roberto Mancini's and Rafa Benitez's season. 

Of course, the circumstances surrounding the two managers couldn't be any different. Mancini, for example, has a future to fight for at City - with some commenting that tomorrow could be his final chance. 

Under pressure? Mancini doesn't look like he's feeling the heat
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Benitez on the other hand knows of his future at Chelsea and it isn't one that will last long. The Spaniard has even admitted that he will be out of the door come May but you can imagine that he would love to silence his critics and deliver a trophy back to Stamford Bridge.