Match Reflection: Manchester City 2 - 0 Hull City

Pellegrini's men triumph despite unconvincing display

By Aaron Leggott

As ever, the three points are the most important thing in every Premier League match, but Manuel Pellegrini will have hoped to obtained them in a better fashion than his team did against Hull City on Saturday afternoon as the Blues achieved a 2-0 victory.

Goals from Álvaro Negredo and Yaya Touré in the second half ensured the victory, but Steve Bruce will be kicking himself that his team didn't take their chances to cause a second shock in consecutive weekends against City.

Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

Match Preview: Manchester City vs Hull City

Blues looking to bounce back after shock defeat

By Rebecca Halliwell

After the disappointment of losing away to Cardiff last weekend, Manchester City are set to face the second of three promoted sides on Saturday when they host Hull City at the Etihad Stadium. The Tigers finished second in the Championship last season and have made a good start to their first season in the Premier League for three years, beating Norwich 1-0 last week thanks to a penalty from Robbie Brady on 22 minutes.

Many fans expected Manuel Pellegrini's side to take all three points against the Bluebirds last weekend but the Blues were overcome by the roar of the home crowd, eventually losing 3-2. City’s defence has been the tightest in the league for the past two seasons, and while we lacked goals last season, I think it’s fair to say that Cardiff had most of their men behind the ball which didn’t allow for movement of players like David Silva to create scoring opportunities for others.

A memorable moment from City's 5-1 victory against Hull in December 2008
Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

In the Spotlight: Hull City

No. 3: New signings, relegation predictions and Hull's chances at the Etihad Stadium

By Rebecca Halliwell 

Ahead of Saturday's second home game of the season against newly promoted Hull City, we spoke with Tigers fan Andy Dalton (@Amber__Nectar) as they hope to produce yet another shock against Manchester City.

Photo: Flickr

Cardiff City 3 - 2 Manchester City: Thoughts and Ratings

By Archie Barnett

My thoughts

I think it's fair to say that despite losing to newly promoted Cardiff on Sunday, Manuel Pellegrini's team didn't necessarily play that badly. 

Of course, it is never encouraging when you get beaten by a much weaker side, but on the day we were just beaten by a more determined side and it was clear that they wanted the victory more than City did - sometimes these kind of results happen in football.

A bad day at the office defensively.
Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

Match Reflection: Cardiff City 3-2 Manchester City

Newly promoted side take headlines

By Archie Barnett

Manchester City went into the game at the Cardiff City Stadium in high spirits, travelling to Wales on the back of a 4-0 victory against Newcastle. However, it wasn't to be the day that many City fans imagined, with a poor general team display and a lack of anything special - other than the goals.

In general, I think I may have fallen asleep during the first half due to a severe lack of entertainment. One shot on target from David Silva (even that didn't challenge), and a few attempts off target is all I can really remember - other than a Joe Hart save. The only other thing I remember is seeing Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan on several occasions - who wins my award for the worst dressed owner in football - a replica football shirt over a normal shirt whilst tucked into trousers, really? I'm really not going to bore you with the minute details that the first half consisted of, so straight onto the second.

The second half saw five goals, two from Manchester City and unfortunately three for Cardiff. It was City who took the lead after 52 minutes, as a forward pass from Yaya Toure was touched back by Sergio Aguero, to find Edin Dzeko. A vicious strike from the Bosnian striker was too much for David Marshall, who's sprawling dive couldn't stop the ball from nestling into the corner of the goal.

Edin Dzeko shapes up for first goal of the game
Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

Match Preview: Cardiff City vs Manchester City

Pellegrini's boys go hunting for the Bluebirds

By Adam Bailey

Pellegrini's men are on the hunt and with the Magpies already slayed, it's time to butcher the Bluebirds.

The opening day of the Premier League allowed the Chilean godfather to assess his main title rivals. Liverpool almost paid for missed opportunities; Mourinho's Chelsea tika-taka'd their way past Hull and United ruthlessly disposed of Swansea. But the weekend launch was just a support group for Monday's main act. 

Yaya Toure was in great form against Newcastle.
Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

City disposed of Pardew's French legion in a task as straight-forward as putting the bins out. New signing Jesús Navas had Newcastle chasing him like an owner of an escaped dog and the blues looked irresistible in a 4-0 thrashing. Consistency will be key this season, so can we do it again?

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.

Blue Review: Blast from the Past

Part 1: Nedum Onuoha

By Aaron Leggott

After last week's analysis of the recent signings this summer, I decided to go for a lighthearted look at some memorable names from City's past. Every five weeks, I will look back at one name from each year, starting the first part with a name from 2010. The first edition sees me look at one of our academy's products in Nedum Onuoha. 

Manchester City 4 - 0 Newcastle: Thoughts and Ratings

By Alex Mason

My thoughts

Last night’s game against Newcastle United was a walk in the park for many of the City players. This is mainly because Newcastle had 10 men for 45 minutes, and when your team is up against the likes of David Silva, Sergio Agüero and Yaya Touré, your team is in for a long game.

Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

There were a lot of positives out of last night’s game for City. However, an injury to captain Vincent Kompany will have City sweating, as they only have one fit centre-back in Joleon Lescott. Young prospect Matija Nastasić is out with an ankle injury, but he is expected to be back in training this week. City will need to recruit another centre-back if they are to win the Premier League. It will be very hard to play 38 Premier League games alongside the FA Cup, Capital One Cup and Champions League with only three recognised centre-backs. Of course Micah Richards and Javi García can fill in at centre-back, but I believe that they play better football in their regular positions.

Match Reflection: Manchester City 4 - 0 Newcastle

Manuel Pellegrini’s era starts with an emphatic win over Newcastle

By Alex Mason

Manchester City have got off to a fantastic start to the Premier League season as they brushed away ten man Newcastle. The game was the first for new boss Manuel Pellegrini as he watched his very impressive City side bully Newcastle in a very one-sided game.

City began the game very brightly and could have scored within the first 3 minutes. Jesús Navas' cross went straight to the path of Sergio Agüero, whose shot was well saved by a very busy Tim Krul. A minute later it was Edin Džeko's turn to test Krul after his shot was brilliantly saved by the Dutchman. The goal City deserved came on the 6th minute when Džeko's cross met the head of little Spaniard David Silva.

City then could have had a penalty when Mathieu Debuchy tangled with Yaya Touré on 12 minutes. New signing Fernandinho then found Džeko in the box but his shot went inches wide. Only a minute later Džeko played a clever flick to Sergio Agüero whose pace beat Newcastle defender Steven Taylor before stroking a precise finish past Krul.

Sergio Aguero celebrates scoring City's second goal of the night
Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

On the 30th minute Džeko, who had a brilliant game, was then booked for tangling with Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa. Minutes later Fernandinho was in the referee’s book after sliding in on Yoan Gouffran. Referee Andre Marriner then booked Moussa Sissoko for hacking Agüero down in what was a busy night for the referee. City’s free-kick was awarded to Navas as his shot went inches wide of the post.

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. 

In the Spotlight: Newcastle United

No.1: Joe Kinnear, Newcastle's pre-season and City's danger man

Josh has strong words on Kinnear

By Aaron Leggott

Alongside "Blue Review," we will be bringing yet another new feature to our readers during the 2013/14 season as we put the spotlight on a fan from upcoming opposition. This week was the turn of Josh Pinchin, a keen follower of the Magpies...

A new season and a fresh start for both teams. Can you see Newcastle getting a positive result at the Etihad on Monday? 

Josh: I can’t see Newcastle winning the game. City are too strong defensively and realistically we will have to score at least twice to win because there is no way we will keep a clean sheet at the Ethiad.

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...

Match Reflection: City 1 - 2 Bayern Munich

Encouraging display from City despite defeat to European Champions

By Adam Bailey

There was spirit, there was creativity and there was a goal from a new signing - but Manuel Pellegrini will have to wait for his second trophy at Manchester City after seeing his side lose 2-1 to Bayern Munich in the Audi Cup Final.

The Blues approached the tie with all the energy of an aging Nissan Micra. The European Champions boasted an impressive 72% possession rate at the end of the first half and City were struggling to piece together any meaningful pieces of play.

Stevan Jovetić and Álvaro Negredo did have chances to put their new club ahead at the break but honestly, a furocious defensive display from Vincent Kompany at the heart of the defence ensured City went into the break on level terms.

Negredo celebrating after grabbing the opener for City
Photo: Official MCFC Facebook