The Manchester City (The Citizens) | Special Thread
The Manchester City (The Citizens) | Special Thread
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ndetichia
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As you might expect, the build-up to this evenings eagerly-awaited Manchester derby dominates the media reports this morning. Analysts are keen to predict the key battles and personnel which will influence the result when City face Manchester United at Old Trafford, and the Metro have identified Yaya Toure as the man who could make the difference. The Ivorian signed a new four year contract with the Blues last week , keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2017.
The papers James Boylan writes : Toures new four-year deal at the Etihad Stadium was a real signal to United that City have serious designs on becoming a long-term super-power of English and European football. Part-playmaker, part-enforcer, the Ivorian is arguably the most complete midfielder in the world, never mind the top flight. Without his services, City are liable to switch off and slip up four crucial points were dropped against QPR and Liverpool during his Africa Cup of Nations absence this year, for instance.
But in his box-to-box prime the Blues are irresistible. United will rely on a certain amount of hustle and bustle to stifle the 29-year-olds influence but theyll be more focused on finding their own groove in the middle than any strong-arm tactics. Key to this, as per usual for United this season, will be the performance of Michael Carrick. Elsewhere, Owen Hargreaves, who has spent time on both the red and blue sides of Manchester , is predicting an intense encounter.
The midfielder, who spent a season with City after four years with United, is currently without a football club. He is quoted in Australian FourFourTwo as saying: "Every game's relevant," he said."You've got bragging rights, you've got people playing for jobs, you could argue, next season - players and potentially even coaches - so I think it's always going to be an exciting game.
"It's a Manchester derby, which is a pivotal fixture in the Barclays Premier League and the worldwide audience. "And hopefully there'll be goals in it early on and it'll create quite a spectacle, because obviously, with United being 15 points clear has taken a tiny bit of sting out of the game."
Finally, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to relive last seasons 6-1 thrashing at his recent press conference. Martin Blackburn writes in the Sun : When asked about last seasons fixture he said: Do you think Im going to mention that? Jesus Christ. I can talk about our form this season, I think I will concentrate on that.
But has he ever watched the video back? No, he added. Why would I? Im not into self- flagellation. It happened, we threw it away, committed suicide in the game. We were the better team until they scored just before half-time. Mario Balotelli will be backing his ex-City teammates.
The papers James Boylan writes : Toures new four-year deal at the Etihad Stadium was a real signal to United that City have serious designs on becoming a long-term super-power of English and European football. Part-playmaker, part-enforcer, the Ivorian is arguably the most complete midfielder in the world, never mind the top flight. Without his services, City are liable to switch off and slip up four crucial points were dropped against QPR and Liverpool during his Africa Cup of Nations absence this year, for instance.
But in his box-to-box prime the Blues are irresistible. United will rely on a certain amount of hustle and bustle to stifle the 29-year-olds influence but theyll be more focused on finding their own groove in the middle than any strong-arm tactics. Key to this, as per usual for United this season, will be the performance of Michael Carrick. Elsewhere, Owen Hargreaves, who has spent time on both the red and blue sides of Manchester , is predicting an intense encounter.
The midfielder, who spent a season with City after four years with United, is currently without a football club. He is quoted in Australian FourFourTwo as saying: "Every game's relevant," he said."You've got bragging rights, you've got people playing for jobs, you could argue, next season - players and potentially even coaches - so I think it's always going to be an exciting game.
"It's a Manchester derby, which is a pivotal fixture in the Barclays Premier League and the worldwide audience. "And hopefully there'll be goals in it early on and it'll create quite a spectacle, because obviously, with United being 15 points clear has taken a tiny bit of sting out of the game."
Finally, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to relive last seasons 6-1 thrashing at his recent press conference. Martin Blackburn writes in the Sun : When asked about last seasons fixture he said: Do you think Im going to mention that? Jesus Christ. I can talk about our form this season, I think I will concentrate on that.
But has he ever watched the video back? No, he added. Why would I? Im not into self- flagellation. It happened, we threw it away, committed suicide in the game. We were the better team until they scored just before half-time. Mario Balotelli will be backing his ex-City teammates.
Wacha1
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Hongera kwa kuwazaba kibao Mashoga wamezidi ufuska.
ndetichia
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chaivi kimyaaa safi sana kesho sijui watasema nini..
Wandugu Masanja
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hongera kwa kukata kidomo walikuwa tayari wanasema eti wanachukuwa ubingwa kwenye mgongo wa Man city
Ushindi mzuri magoli matatu yote yamefungwa na Man city inaonesha vipi Manu walivyokuwa butu kule mbele
Ushindi mzuri magoli matatu yote yamefungwa na Man city inaonesha vipi Manu walivyokuwa butu kule mbele
Belo
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Ufuska wetu tutauendeleza kwako ,wewe lazima tukubake endelea kugombania nafasi ya 3 na 4 ndio ubingwa wako
Belo
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Tunajua last season ulihamia City kwa mkopo,wenzio walirudi Arse8 wewe umehamia moja kwa moja?
Wandugu Masanja
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siwezi kufanya kosa hilo, leo nilikuwa city kwasababu Manu wakicheza na timu yoyote basi mimi niko against na wao
Arsenal forever
Arsenal forever
ndetichia
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punainen-red
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Hongereni wakuu, naona hali iko kimyaaaa! shetani yuko chali...
ndetichia
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what media says about city!
Ahead of Sundays semi-final showdown, media reports today have identified Citys defensive prowess as a vital contribution to the Blues cause. Website the Bleacher Report points to a back line stuffed with talent which has proved to be the meanest in the Premier League so far this term just 27 goals conceded in the league. In Vincent Kompany , City have a leading centre- back capable of dealing with just about any striker in the world, likely on this occasion to be either Fernando Torres or Demba Ba, whos struggling with injury but expected to be fit according to The Daily Mail, the website reports.
Looking out wide, Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy have contributed significantly to the City cause this season, helping to earn their club the bragging rights of best defence in the English top flight. Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar undoubtedly pose the biggest threat to Joe Harts goal but the Citizens' full-backs are among the best in Europe right now and have the capacity to neutralise such threats, as they have done twice already this season. In a similar vein, Kevin Keegan has been singing the praises of young centre-back Matija Nastasic, and reckons he has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the country.
The Independents Simon Stone writes : The 20- year-old has been one of the stand-out performers for City this season and seems certain to partner skipper Vincent Kompany in central defence for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea.
Keegan has certainly been impressed with the £12million signing from Fiorentina. "I really like him," said Keegan. He has come in and played as if he has been there for ever. ...Kevin Keegan... "
In five or six years time you could see him developing into a Vidic. He could become even bigger than Vidic, who has probably been the best centre half in this country for the last five or six years. Finally, the Edinson Cavani story is back in the papers once more this one looks set to run and run! Napoli forward Goran Pandev has now urged his club not to sell the reported City and Chelsea target, according to TalkSport .
The website notes: The Premier League pair both want to sign Cavani in the summer and a bidding war is expected. Napoli's biggest star is valued at over £50million but money is no object to the cash-rich duo. The situation has worried Pandev, who says the club need to keep their stars and coach together if they want to be successful. "If Napoli want to continue growing then Edinson Cavani, Marek Hamsik and boss Walter Mazzarri need to stay, the Macedonian told Il Mattino.
Remember, well be the first to bring you any confirmed transfer news this summer on mcfc.co.uk
Ahead of Sundays semi-final showdown, media reports today have identified Citys defensive prowess as a vital contribution to the Blues cause. Website the Bleacher Report points to a back line stuffed with talent which has proved to be the meanest in the Premier League so far this term just 27 goals conceded in the league. In Vincent Kompany , City have a leading centre- back capable of dealing with just about any striker in the world, likely on this occasion to be either Fernando Torres or Demba Ba, whos struggling with injury but expected to be fit according to The Daily Mail, the website reports.
Looking out wide, Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy have contributed significantly to the City cause this season, helping to earn their club the bragging rights of best defence in the English top flight. Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar undoubtedly pose the biggest threat to Joe Harts goal but the Citizens' full-backs are among the best in Europe right now and have the capacity to neutralise such threats, as they have done twice already this season. In a similar vein, Kevin Keegan has been singing the praises of young centre-back Matija Nastasic, and reckons he has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the country.
The Independents Simon Stone writes : The 20- year-old has been one of the stand-out performers for City this season and seems certain to partner skipper Vincent Kompany in central defence for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea.
Keegan has certainly been impressed with the £12million signing from Fiorentina. "I really like him," said Keegan. He has come in and played as if he has been there for ever. ...Kevin Keegan... "
In five or six years time you could see him developing into a Vidic. He could become even bigger than Vidic, who has probably been the best centre half in this country for the last five or six years. Finally, the Edinson Cavani story is back in the papers once more this one looks set to run and run! Napoli forward Goran Pandev has now urged his club not to sell the reported City and Chelsea target, according to TalkSport .
The website notes: The Premier League pair both want to sign Cavani in the summer and a bidding war is expected. Napoli's biggest star is valued at over £50million but money is no object to the cash-rich duo. The situation has worried Pandev, who says the club need to keep their stars and coach together if they want to be successful. "If Napoli want to continue growing then Edinson Cavani, Marek Hamsik and boss Walter Mazzarri need to stay, the Macedonian told Il Mattino.
Remember, well be the first to bring you any confirmed transfer news this summer on mcfc.co.uk
Saharavoice
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All the best Man C, at least tupate hili la FA maana EPL ni ngumu kulipata
ndetichia
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Luiz calls for Aguero apology
David Luiz believes Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero should "apologise to everyone" after his late challenge in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley went unpunished by referee Chris Foy. - City,
Chelsea put on great show - Brewin: Mancini closes on Cup - Curtis: Football redeems itself But David Luiz said he forgives Aguero for the tackle which came eight minutes from the end of a tie that was littered with robust challenges, with the Brazilian believing his Argentine rival may have lost his temper in the seconds before he lunged into the tackle.
Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez urged the game's authorities to look at the video before making their judgement on Aguero's feisty challenge, but the man on the end of his challenge was more forthcoming in his condemnation. "I would apologise to everyone," stated Luiz, when asked about the challenge he received from City match winner Aguero. "I didn't see if it was a bad tackle because it was in my back and even though I don't like to think about bad things, he needs to be honest with himself.
Sometimes you can be angry for five seconds and do bad things and you have to say this sometimes. "I forgive everyone in my life. People are happy when Aguero is scoring goals, doing things in the game. Many people have said to me this is not me and not good for the football. Many kids see the game, watch the game and want to see good things and not bad things." Luiz insisted
Chelsea's season would not be derailed by their Wembley disappointment against City, as he believes their second half performances will fuel belief for the challenges ahead. "In the first half it was difficult, but the team come back in the second half and we showed what Chelsea is about," Luiz added.
"We showed we are a big club, we created a lot of chances and their goalkeeper did well in some big moments. "Now we have to finish as high as possible in the Premier League and try to win the Europa League. We are confident moving forward. I am always positive."
David Luiz believes Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero should "apologise to everyone" after his late challenge in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley went unpunished by referee Chris Foy. - City,
Chelsea put on great show - Brewin: Mancini closes on Cup - Curtis: Football redeems itself But David Luiz said he forgives Aguero for the tackle which came eight minutes from the end of a tie that was littered with robust challenges, with the Brazilian believing his Argentine rival may have lost his temper in the seconds before he lunged into the tackle.
Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez urged the game's authorities to look at the video before making their judgement on Aguero's feisty challenge, but the man on the end of his challenge was more forthcoming in his condemnation. "I would apologise to everyone," stated Luiz, when asked about the challenge he received from City match winner Aguero. "I didn't see if it was a bad tackle because it was in my back and even though I don't like to think about bad things, he needs to be honest with himself.
Sometimes you can be angry for five seconds and do bad things and you have to say this sometimes. "I forgive everyone in my life. People are happy when Aguero is scoring goals, doing things in the game. Many people have said to me this is not me and not good for the football. Many kids see the game, watch the game and want to see good things and not bad things." Luiz insisted
Chelsea's season would not be derailed by their Wembley disappointment against City, as he believes their second half performances will fuel belief for the challenges ahead. "In the first half it was difficult, but the team come back in the second half and we showed what Chelsea is about," Luiz added.
"We showed we are a big club, we created a lot of chances and their goalkeeper did well in some big moments. "Now we have to finish as high as possible in the Premier League and try to win the Europa League. We are confident moving forward. I am always positive."
Burton86jm
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They have stern examination to end into big 4.Just take a look at the fixture they have then compare to other contenders like Arsenal,Tottenham and Everton
ndetichia
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CHELSEA 1 MANCHESTER CITY 2
CITY ARE SPENDING £45M ON A STEAMROLLER OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
AND WHEN YOU SEE YAYA TOURE FLATTENING ALL AHEAD OF HIM AT WEMBLEY, HE'S WORTH IT FINAL CELEBRATIONS ...
Aguero enjoys doubling City's lead MANCHESTER CITY are spending £45million on a steamroller over the next four years.
And when you see £220,000-a-week Yaya Toure flattening all ahead of him the way he did at Wembley, the midfield wrecking machine is well worth the eye-watering investment. SunSport revealed how Toure gave the club an ultimatum about a new deal and threatened to quit.
Citys Arab owners knew they could not afford to let their driving force go and caved in. Happy again and who wouldnt be with that deal Toure will be a vital part of Citys bid to regain the Premier League title and mount a serious Champions League challenge next season.
For now he will be happy with another FA Cup winners medal when City will be overwhelming favourites against Wigan in next months final. Toure was the stand-out performer and without him City could have lost. He was immense as Roberto Mancinis side dominated the first hour and were cruising at 2-0 up.
Then he was vital in taking the pressure off his embattled defence as holders Chelsea finished strongly and threatened to take it into extra-time. In the quarter-final they looked dead and buried against Manchester United but recovered to draw 2-2 and win the replay through Demba Bas stunner. And this time, trailing to goals from Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero, Chelsea found new life again as Ba hooked in another cracker.
Substitute Fernando Torres was screaming for a penalty in the dying minutes, claiming he was held back by skipper Vincent Kompany. And Chelsea were also fuming that Aguero stayed on the field after clearly stamping with both feet on David Luizs backside when they tussled. With Chelsea having only got back from a sapping trip to Moscow on Friday, boss Rafa Benitez made seven changes to freshen up his side.
But the replacements were way off the pace as City absolutely battered them during the first half. Keeper Petr Cech made a brilliant save from Aguero and then beat out a narrow angled drive from Carlos Tevez.
Kompany did have to head off the line from Eden Hazard but, by and large, it was all one-way traffic. Excuses about Chelseas tiredness and having to play a 59th game of the season were trotted out by their apologists. And it was no shock when City took the lead on 35 minutes. Toure went on one of his surging runs, swatting aside what passed for tackles and played the ball to Aguero.
The Argie striker laid it on for Nasri, who got lucky as his attempted return pass rebounded off Cesar Azpilicueta and the Frenchman fired home. Right on half-time City should have made it 2-0 when Azpilicueta, who had a bit of a nightmare, lost control and James Milner took off. The England midfielders cross-cum-shot was pushed out by Cech straight to Kompany but the Belgian shot wide.
City doubled their lead in the 47th minute as Gareth Barry picked out Milner, got the ball back and crossed deep for Aguero to loop a header beyond Cech and in off the post. That seemed to be the end of that as Chelsea were showing next to nothing. But the moment John Obi Mikel was replaced by Torres, Benitezs side were a different proposition.
As the Spaniard trotted on to the pitch, Luiz launched a kick forward and, although Torres could not reach it, the bounce deceived Kompany and Ba turned and volleyed in off the post. It was game on and when Hazard wriggled his way to the goal-line and pulled it back, Ba got there first but his shot was blocked by City keeper Costel Pantilimon.
A dipping free-kick from Luiz was not far away and then came the controversy. Luiz tangled with Aguero and thrust an elbow into the Argies chest but, as he fell over, Aguero jumped on him and left the Brazilian writhing on the turf. Aguero escaped even a booking, which annoyed Chelseas fans.
But they were fuming not long after as Torres went racing into the area and Kompany wrestled him for possession. Torres was convinced he should have had a penalty, claiming his shirt was pulled, but the protests got nowhere with referee Chris Foy.
City may be about to surrender their Premier League crown but they are on course to regain the Cup they won in 2011. The question is, will it be enough to keep Mancini in a job? Judging by how loudly the City supporters were singing his name yesterday, they clearly think it should be.
DREAM TEAM STAR MAN YAYA TOURE (Man City)
CHELSEA: Cech 7, Azpilicueta 6, Ivanovic 5, Luiz 6, Bertrand 6, Ramires 6, Mikel 5 (Torres 7), Hazard 6, Mata 7, Ba 6, Oscar 5. Subs not used: Turnbull, Lampard, Moses, Terry, Benayoun, Ake. Booked: Ramires.
MAN CITY: Pantilimon 6, Zabaleta 7, Kompany 8, Nastasic 7, Clichy 6, Milner 7, Y Toure 8, Barry 7, Nasri 7 (Lescott 5), Tevez 7 (Garcia 5), Aguero 7. Subs not used: Hart, Dzeko, Sinclair, Kolarov, K Toure. Booked: Barry, Y Toure, Kompany.
REF: C Foy 6
CITY ARE SPENDING £45M ON A STEAMROLLER OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
AND WHEN YOU SEE YAYA TOURE FLATTENING ALL AHEAD OF HIM AT WEMBLEY, HE'S WORTH IT FINAL CELEBRATIONS ...
Aguero enjoys doubling City's lead MANCHESTER CITY are spending £45million on a steamroller over the next four years.
And when you see £220,000-a-week Yaya Toure flattening all ahead of him the way he did at Wembley, the midfield wrecking machine is well worth the eye-watering investment. SunSport revealed how Toure gave the club an ultimatum about a new deal and threatened to quit.
Citys Arab owners knew they could not afford to let their driving force go and caved in. Happy again and who wouldnt be with that deal Toure will be a vital part of Citys bid to regain the Premier League title and mount a serious Champions League challenge next season.
For now he will be happy with another FA Cup winners medal when City will be overwhelming favourites against Wigan in next months final. Toure was the stand-out performer and without him City could have lost. He was immense as Roberto Mancinis side dominated the first hour and were cruising at 2-0 up.
Then he was vital in taking the pressure off his embattled defence as holders Chelsea finished strongly and threatened to take it into extra-time. In the quarter-final they looked dead and buried against Manchester United but recovered to draw 2-2 and win the replay through Demba Bas stunner. And this time, trailing to goals from Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero, Chelsea found new life again as Ba hooked in another cracker.
Substitute Fernando Torres was screaming for a penalty in the dying minutes, claiming he was held back by skipper Vincent Kompany. And Chelsea were also fuming that Aguero stayed on the field after clearly stamping with both feet on David Luizs backside when they tussled. With Chelsea having only got back from a sapping trip to Moscow on Friday, boss Rafa Benitez made seven changes to freshen up his side.
But the replacements were way off the pace as City absolutely battered them during the first half. Keeper Petr Cech made a brilliant save from Aguero and then beat out a narrow angled drive from Carlos Tevez.
Kompany did have to head off the line from Eden Hazard but, by and large, it was all one-way traffic. Excuses about Chelseas tiredness and having to play a 59th game of the season were trotted out by their apologists. And it was no shock when City took the lead on 35 minutes. Toure went on one of his surging runs, swatting aside what passed for tackles and played the ball to Aguero.
The Argie striker laid it on for Nasri, who got lucky as his attempted return pass rebounded off Cesar Azpilicueta and the Frenchman fired home. Right on half-time City should have made it 2-0 when Azpilicueta, who had a bit of a nightmare, lost control and James Milner took off. The England midfielders cross-cum-shot was pushed out by Cech straight to Kompany but the Belgian shot wide.
City doubled their lead in the 47th minute as Gareth Barry picked out Milner, got the ball back and crossed deep for Aguero to loop a header beyond Cech and in off the post. That seemed to be the end of that as Chelsea were showing next to nothing. But the moment John Obi Mikel was replaced by Torres, Benitezs side were a different proposition.
As the Spaniard trotted on to the pitch, Luiz launched a kick forward and, although Torres could not reach it, the bounce deceived Kompany and Ba turned and volleyed in off the post. It was game on and when Hazard wriggled his way to the goal-line and pulled it back, Ba got there first but his shot was blocked by City keeper Costel Pantilimon.
A dipping free-kick from Luiz was not far away and then came the controversy. Luiz tangled with Aguero and thrust an elbow into the Argies chest but, as he fell over, Aguero jumped on him and left the Brazilian writhing on the turf. Aguero escaped even a booking, which annoyed Chelseas fans.
But they were fuming not long after as Torres went racing into the area and Kompany wrestled him for possession. Torres was convinced he should have had a penalty, claiming his shirt was pulled, but the protests got nowhere with referee Chris Foy.
City may be about to surrender their Premier League crown but they are on course to regain the Cup they won in 2011. The question is, will it be enough to keep Mancini in a job? Judging by how loudly the City supporters were singing his name yesterday, they clearly think it should be.
DREAM TEAM STAR MAN YAYA TOURE (Man City)
CHELSEA: Cech 7, Azpilicueta 6, Ivanovic 5, Luiz 6, Bertrand 6, Ramires 6, Mikel 5 (Torres 7), Hazard 6, Mata 7, Ba 6, Oscar 5. Subs not used: Turnbull, Lampard, Moses, Terry, Benayoun, Ake. Booked: Ramires.
MAN CITY: Pantilimon 6, Zabaleta 7, Kompany 8, Nastasic 7, Clichy 6, Milner 7, Y Toure 8, Barry 7, Nasri 7 (Lescott 5), Tevez 7 (Garcia 5), Aguero 7. Subs not used: Hart, Dzeko, Sinclair, Kolarov, K Toure. Booked: Barry, Y Toure, Kompany.
REF: C Foy 6