Showing posts with label roberto martinez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label roberto martinez. Show all posts

Saturday, 5 October 2013

Match Reflection: Manchester City 3 - 1 Everton

City continue their 100% home league record against Everton

By Jack Mumford

Goals from Álvaro Negredo, Sergio Agüero and a Tim Howard own goal made it four victories from four home Premier League games for City this season as they overcame an in-form Everton side 3-1 this lunchtime. 

This result improved a bad week in which City have lost both to Aston Villa and Bayern Munich. The impressive win came despite playing the last hour without inspirational captain Vincent Kompany who walked off with a suspected groin strain. Kompany was joined on the treatment table by Aleksandar Kolarov who disappeared down the tunnel midway through the second half.

Boss Manuel Pellegrini elected to stick with the same 4-4-2 formation that was so convincingly beaten by European champions Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.  However, there were several changes in personnel as Pablo Zabaleta came back into the side, Joleon Lescott came in for Matija Nastasić to slot in alongside Kompany - albeit only for half an hour - and Kolarov started ahead of Gaël Clichy at left back.

Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

Friday, 4 October 2013

Match Preview: Manchester City vs Everton

Does Pellegrini have the Hart to keep number one between the sticks?

By Aaron Leggott

Everton will be travelling to the Etihad Stadium for the early lunchtime kick off with realistic hopes of putting a further dent in Manchester City's title hopes. 

After Wednesday's defeat at home to Bayern Munich, City have endured a mixed start in all competitions - whilst Everton come into the game in a rich vein of form after winning all their games in September under the guidance of Roberto Martínez.

Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

It seems like the Spaniard's deadline day signings have made an immediate impact. Romelu Lukaku, James McCarthy and Gareth Barry all made the decision to move to Goodison Park - with the latter missing out tomorrow as he can't play against his parent club.

In the Spotlight: Everton

No. 8: Keeping Leighton Baines, new signings and a bold prediction!

By Aaron Leggott

Following two consecutive defeats against Aston Villa and Bayern Munich, the Blues are set to face Everton in the day's early kick off. We caught up with Toffees fan Nick Bailey (@nbabsolutely) to get a perspective from our upcoming opponent.

Photo: Official Everton Facebook

Friday, 10 May 2013

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?
Official MCFC Facebook

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. 

Thursday, 18 April 2013

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
Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

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.

Wednesday, 17 April 2013

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
Official MCFC Facebook

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.