Manchester City 6 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur: Thoughts and Ratings

By Jack Mumford

Well another scintillating performance against one of the best teams in the league at the Etihad Stadium. Many fans must now be dreaming of where we would be if only we could produce this form away from home.

The ghost of Sunderland felt like it was hanging over the club at the start of the day but City certainly showed they have moved on by putting six past one of the meanest defences in the country.

Many City players had their best game for a long while and Tottenham just couldn’t deal with it. If a side as good as Spurs struggled to deal with us then the rest of the Premier League must fear their trip to the Etihad Stadium. Such an emphatic performance only makes it more baffling that City aren’t running away with the Premier League this season.

Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

In Sergio Agüero Manchester City have a player that is simply on top of his game, and potentially the world, right now. Every time he received the ball yesterday he glided around any defender in front of him - leading to Pellegrini calling him the “third best player in the world." Agüero has defenders constantly running scared at the moment and it is simply a joy to watch such a talent playing in a City shirt. 

Match Reflection: Manchester City 6 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur

Six of the best sees City climb up the table

By Aaron Leggott

Yes, you read the title of that post right. Tottenham not only beaten, but humiliated. It is very rare (in fact, unbelievable) to see a scoreline between two top sides that reflects such a dominant performance, but in truth City should and could have had even more against an embarrassing Spurs side at the Etihad Stadium yesterday.

Goals from Sergio Agüero, Álvaro Negredo and Jesús Navas secured another historic victory for the Blues on home turf, and leaves critics questioning the reasons why Manuel Pellegrini's men can't replicate these performances away from home.

Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

Match Reflection: Manchester City 5 - 0 Wigan Athletic

Revenge is sweet! City smash Latics for five to progress in Capital One Cup

By Aaron Leggott

There were plenty of broken hearts when Ben Watson headed home during injury time to clinch the FA Cup for Wigan in May, but there is an increasing feeling that the Wembley wrongs are being rewritten after Jesús Navas smashed in City's 12th goal in three games, and the fifth of the night yesterday as the Blues pushed the Latics aside with ease.

Goals from Edin Džeko and Yaya Touré, as well as a brace on his home debut for Stevan Jovetić secured a comfortable route into the fourth round of the Capital One Cup as Manuel Pellegrini looks to fight on all four fronts this season.

Jovetić was in great form as City produced yet another emphatic win
Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

There was also rare first team appearances for Marcos Lopes and Dedryck Boyata, whilst Micah Richards returned from injury to play a full 90 minutes.

In the Spotlight: Stoke City

No. 4: Mark Hughes, Stoke's home "fortress" and new signing Erik Pieters

By Alex Mason

Ahead of this weekend’s clash against Stoke City, we caught up with Potters fan Niall Cope (@copiee), as he talks about Manchester City’s chances of winning the title and how Stoke will fair on Saturday against the Blues. 

Photo: Flickr

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?

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 5 - 3 AC Milan

City triumph in Audi Cup semi final

By Aaron Leggott

A frantic first half which saw all eight goals scored was the decisive factor in this entertaining friendly at a humid Allianz Arena. 

City were looking in devastating form and gave themselves a five goal lead after 35 minutes, before the Rossoneri replied with three goals of their own within seven minutes.

Manuel Pellegrini named a strong eleven with the Blues lining up with just over two weeks to go until they kick off their Premier League season, and made an immediate start after David Silva tapped home from close range past Marco Amelia in the Milan goal.

Debut: Stevan Jovetic made an impressive debut for City vs AC Milan
Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

In truth, Milan named a much weaker team than City, namely down to them being in the early stages of their pre-season - but the defending on show was similar to that of a park team, rather than a Champions League outfit.

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

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
Official Sevilla Facebook

Profile: Jesús Navas

Sevilla winger moves to City - but who is he?

By Aaron Leggott

In the last hour, Sevilla announced that Jesús Navas was set to have a medical with City on their official site, with the deal to bring the Spaniard to Manchester all but done.

After spending the last 10 years at Los Rojiblancos, Navas has decided that it is time for a new challenge as he sets to make the trip to the 2011/12 Premier League champions. 

Official Sevilla Facebook

So what can he bring to the City team? Here is a quick profile on Navas for those who haven't seen much of him during his decade at Sevilla:

Name: Jesús Navas

Age: 27

Position: Winger

Club Appearances: 284

Club goals: 23