2012/2013 End Of Season Review

Runners up in the Premiership. Runners up in the FA Cup Final. Champions League group stages. 


Ten years ago, those statistics would have scribbled an everlasting grin onto the faces of dreaming, sleeping City fans. But wake up, this is reality. To my mind, too many blues like to live in the past. Losing to teams like Norwich and Sunderland does not make us the club we are. Nor should we accept these results with a casual smile and treat the wounds with that infamous slogan; 'Typical City'. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not sitting here wallowing in an overwhelming bubble of misery. The club is rapidly making its way up the slippery ladder that is the footballing hierarchy and our success, along with Manchester United's, has made Manchester one of the most formidable footballing cities in the world. We're not doing badly, but when one compares our squad to the squad that won the Premier League by eleven points this season, there's no wonder why the 'rags' are aiming their chuckles in our direction.

Maybe the season has been a blessing in disguise. Although Roberto Mancini must be commended on the success he brought to the club, his direct style of management didn't sit well with the players. Ultimately, the decision to let him go was correct and will benefit us significantly in the future. A fruitful relationship needs to exist between manager and player. Pellegrini is known for his ability to establish this sort of relationship and he looks to be the man who will replace Mancini.

The 2013/2014 campaign will be a test of strength and desire. The players need to show how much they want that trophy back and they need to respond to whoever our next manager will be. We know big signings are coming and we know that our owners will do all they can to supply the armour necessary for the club to achieve the success we're capable of.

It's become my trademark saying, but it's onward and upwards for City, and I think every fan knows that. 

Player Of The Season
Pablo Zabaleta

The Argentine's blood definitely runs blue and we've seen that in his incredible work ethic and dedication to the club this season. The £5m defender, signed from Espanyol in 2008, has earned himself the title of Premier League's best right back this campaign and Micah Richards will have a job on his hands if he wants to regain his place in the team. 

Best Newcomer
Matija Nastasic

It can only be one man. The 20yr old Serbian walked into the squad like a veteran European defender, shutting out the likes of Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure to cement his place alongside Vincent Kompany. How he wasn't shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, we'll never know, but 'Nassy' definitely shone amongst Mancini's bog standard signings last year. 

Fantasy Premier League Leader
Carlos Tevez (170 points)

City's stand out performer in most games this season, Carlos Tevez has returned to footballing action in style. After going AWOL, the Argentine's effort has definitely not declined and his effort doesn't go unnoticed by the fans. 

Biggest Flop
Samir Nasri

It's a moment that will haunt him for the rest of his career at City, but the Frenchman's conduct in the wall during City's 2-3 loss to Manchester United sums up his season. Although he made a real effort to boost his performance levels after criticism from Mancini, Nasri often went missing in big fixtures and offered little to the side. Needs to step up next year otherwise his place will be taken. 

Most Promising
Jack Rodwell

His season has been plagued by injury, but the young midfielder treated the City faithful to some dazzling displays towards the end of the season. He looks to be a genuine box to box midfielder like Yaya and possesses some blistering pace (as seen in his second goal against Norwich City on the final day of the season). With Barry and Garcia likely to move on in the near future, Rodwell could find himself occupying the holding role on a regular basis. 

Manchester City v Norwich City: Match Review

MANCHESTER CITY 2 - 3 NORWICH CITY
Rodwell 28, 59                                                        Pilkington 25, Holt 54, Howson 65



Thank God it's over.

The blues ended their disappointing season with a Howson induced howler in front of a baffled home crowd. After a comfortable victory against Reading last week, Kidd's men continued their season long trait of complacency and were deservedly punished by a hungry Norwich side.

The Canaries took the lead on 25 minutes through Anthony Pilkington after some shoddy defending by the sky blues. But there was to be no complaints, Hughton's side had dominated possession and looked the more threatening out of the two teams. Unfortunately for them, Jack Rodwell was on hand to equalise three minutes later with a fine driven finish from inside the box. 

As cries and chants of 'Mancini' echoed from the stands, the fans expected City to kick on. But it wasn't to be. Inside ten minutes of the second half, Grant Holt finished off a fluent Norwich move to put his side ahead once again. City's seemingly solid defence was collapsing in the absence of Vinny and Nastasic and things began to look worrying. 

Jacky boy was having none of it. The young midfielder, giving the lethargic Yaya Toure a lesson on how to run, sped past Steven Whittaker and slotted in from a tight angle. 2-2 and the fans were hopeful of another end of season 3-2 victory.

Norwich continued to dominate the game, however, and on 65 minutes, Jonny Howson was given a guided tour into City's 18 yard box before tucking the ball past Joe Hart. Terrible defending was to blame.

And so the season has ended. A manager departed, two trophies given away. They say defending the title is harder than winning it, and that has definitely been the case this year. It's not been disastrous by any stretch of the imagination, but it's been below the standard we now come to expect from our beloved blues. As fans, it would be stupid to dwell on the 2012/2013 season, we need to look forward to new signings, a new manager and the top football we know our team can play. Next years campaign could be our most exciting one yet, and I can't wait.

#IrPellegrini

Player Ratings
 Joe Hart 6
His defenders were terrible and put him under unneeded pressure. He'll be disappointed to have been beaten three times inside the box, but ultimately, the defence was to blame.

 Pablo Zabaleta 6
Always shows plenty of attacking intent and did so again on Sunday.

 Micah Richards 6
Needs more game time if he is to hold down a regular spot next season. Generally he was solid, but put in a comical attempt to stop Howson for his third.

 Joleon Lescott 5
Had a role in all three of Norwich's goals and struggled with the Canaries attacking line.

 Aleksandar Kolarov 2
Is this really a harsh rating when he told his own fans to 'f*** off'. Was urged all game by his supporters to close down, he responded with obscenities. It's a sin to even put this man on the bench and he will go down in history as City's worst ever left back. Awful.

 Yaya Toure 5
Hardly moved apart from assisting Rodwell's second with a perfectly weighted ball.

 Jack Rodwell 8
Earned himself a call up to the England squad with a fine performance capped off by two well taken goals. Ran himself ragged and suggested to City fans that he could be the next Yaya Toure. 

 James Milner 6
A typical effortful performance from Milner. Always tries his best but did little to influence the game.

 Samir Nasri 5
Couldn't influence the game.

 Carlos Tevez 7
Vibrant performance from the Argentine who was given a standing ovation when he was substituted. Gave his fans an extended wave which all but confirmed his departure. 

 Edin Dzeko 4
Forgot he was playing.

Manchester City v Norwich City

DATE: 19/05/13

KICK OFF: 16.00pm

VENUE: Etihad Stadium

PREDICTION: 3-0

                                                                                                                                                                         

Preview

Norwich City visit the Etihad on Sunday afternoon as Brian Kidd's 'holistic' army prepare to close the curtains on a fairly disappointing season.

But at least City fans can relax. This time last season, the blues were heading into the final day needing three points to secure their first league title in 44 years.

However, I think we'd take last seasons scenario any day of the week. If both Manchester clubs end their season with victories, 10 points will be the title winning gap. So what went wrong? 

On paper, United's team looks ridiculously inferior to ours, but they played for their manager, they played for the shirt and they played for ultimate revenge on the team that broke their hearts last year. Unfortunately, we adopted a style of play full to the brim with complacency. We went into the season thinking we'd already won it. Lethargy and sloppiness saturated our style of play and we most certainly did not play for our manager. Although many fans will disagree, Roberto Mancini is to blame for a number of these problems, and that's why he is no longer here with us. 

But it's onwards and upwards for City. As we prepare to welcome proven player pleaser Manuel Pellegrini and an additional 12,000 seats into the Etihad, we definitely have something to look forward to next season. Players such as Edinson Cavani, Fernandinho and Isco have been linked with the club and could be running around in sky blue come August. It is a time of change for City, and a time we as fans must get excited about. 

Talking of excitement, seven goals were scored the last time these two sides met. Edin Dzeko netted after just two minutes and his goal sparked a flurry of attacking football that made for a phenomenal spectacle at Carrow Road. The blues finished the game as 4-3 winners, however with Hughton's men safe from relegation, Kidd's side will be expecting a much more comfortable game this time round in front of a full home crowd. 

COME ON CITY!

Line-Up

Zabaleta returns from suspension whilst Kolo Toure is ruled out due to an injury he picked up against Reading.

Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic were rested against Reading and could partner each other in defence once again on Sunday. City fans will be expecting their money's worth and will want to see the best eleven on show. 

Head to Head

In the last four meetings between the sides, City have knocked a staggering total of 18 goals in 4 games past the Canaries. 

Norwich last beat the blues in August 2001 with a 2-0 win at Carrow Road. Maybe a Delia Smith 'let's be 'avin' you' pre match speech will plug a leaky Norwich defence. 

Key Men

David Silva

The Spaniard looked back to his sparkling best against Reading with a skillful man of the match performance. His assist for Dzeko's goal was reminiscent of his magical 2011/2012 season and will hopefully be a sign of things to come for an all important 2013/2014 campaign.

Robert Snodgrass

The Scot will have felt aggrieved not to have been shortlisted for PFA Player of the Year. Although he would have been unlikely to win it, his performances this season have kept the Canaries firmly above the relegation places.

Fantasy Premier League Leaders

Carlos Tevez 168 points

Joe Hart 156 points
David Silva 146 points

Robert Snodgrass 147 points

Sebastian Bassong 121 points

Javier Garrido 102 points

Top Scorers

Sergio Aguero & Carlos Tevez

 

                       17                                                   17

Grant Holt

                              7

Reading v Manchester City: Match Review

READING 0 - 2 MANCHESTER CITY
                                               Aguero 40, Dzeko 88


Manchester City waltzed to second place on Tuesday night to the sound of their fans favourite soundtrack. 

Brian Kidd's 'holistic' army offered the perfect response to their woeful week with a convincing 2-0 win over relegated Reading. 

City began the game like a house on fire and could have been three nil up in the first ten minutes. Efforts from Aguero and Milner were excellently stopped by £20m rated keeper Alex McCarthy; the lack of ruthlessness summing up City's season. 

The travelling fans voiced their opinions on Mancini's sacking through song and bellowed out their trademark chant 'Mancini woah'. The team responded and on 40 minutes Sergio Aguero finished off a mesmering move reminiscent of the blues title winning 2011/2012 season. 

With the pressure off, Reading went into the second half all guns blazing. Robson-Kanu warmed up the hands of Joe Hart early in the second half and Pavel Pogrebnyak was denied a point blank header by the England stopper seconds later. The Royals continued to up the anti, doing everything to could to treat their fans to an almighty upset. And they didn't stop there. The surprisingly quiet Carlos Tevez was on hand to clear off the line from a Mariappa header that would have surely given Reading an equaliser and City were in need of another.

With 27 minutes remaining, City's leading Premier League scorer Edin Dzeko was introduced into the fray and as he often does from the bench, he scored. With two minutes remaining man of the match David Silva took out four players with a dazzling ball for Dzeko who slotted home.

Onwards and upwards.

Player Ratings
 Joe Hart 7
Looked his usual, trustworthy self and made a number of saves that will boost his confidence.

 Micah Richards 7
Attacks the flanks better than Zabaleta and frightened Reading with his pace.

 Kolo Toure 6
Picked up an injury early on.

 Joleon Lescott 7
Controlled the defence in Kompany's absence and continues to look solid.

 Gael Clichy 7
Much better than his Wembley showing. Defended well.

 Yaya Toure 8
If he'd have played like this in the final, City would have probably won. Marshalled the midfield with his skill and power which intimated Reading.

 Gareth Barry 7
The ultimate broom. Sweeped up calmly and confidently.

 James Milner 8
Whenever he plays, we have width. Whenever we have width, we look better. Our new manager, whoever it may be, needs to pick up on this. 

 David Silva 9
His skill and vision was too much for Reading and his ball for Dzeko's goal was sublime.

 Carlos Tevez 7
He can't score at the moment but you can't knock him for a lack of contribution.

 Sergio Aguero 7
The tricky South American finished his goal well but worryingly went off injured midway through the second half. 


                                

Reading v Manchester City

DATE: 14/05/13

KICK OFF: 20.00pm

VENUE: Madejski Stadium

PREDICTION: 0-1

                                                                                                                                                                    

Preview

An FA Cup lost. A manager 'relieved of his duties'. City have a lot of questions to answer on Tuesday evening.

Brian Kidd begins his short reign as City boss against an already relegated Reading side. The wicked saga of rumours finally came to a close yesterday evening as the club announced that Mancini was to leave. Citing failure to achieve any of the clubs stated targets as the main reason for his dismissal, Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak explained to the fans via the club's official website that the club needed to develop a 'holistic approach to all aspects of football'. 

Although they're already Championship bound, the news will excite the Reading faithful who will be craving another Craven Cottage-like performance. The Royals thrashed a disappointing Fulham 4-2 ten days ago after going eleven games without a win. Spirits will be undeniably low in the City camp and Adkin's men will look to capitalise.

Brian Kidd's blues on the other hand will be hopeful of brightening up one of the most woeful weeks in the club's history. The Mancunian has been given the responsibility of leading the team into their last two league games and taking control of their summer tour in the USA at the end of the season.

There will be an interesting atmosphere in the City end of the Madejski tonight. They'll inevitably voice their opinions and sing the name of Mancini one last time. Let's hope it spurs the team on.

COME ON CITY!

Line-Up

Kidd will need to field his best XI if City are to guarantee 2nd spot. The blues only need a point tonight, but will demand that the likes of Yaya Toure, David Silva and Sergio Aguero (all of which failed to impress on Saturday) put in a performance. 

Pablo Zabaleta is banned following his red card in the FA Cup Final, Micah Richards is in line to take his place.

Head to Head

Gareth Barry's injury time header was the difference between the two sides in the reverse fixture at the Etihad earlier in the season. The blues will be hoping to put in a better performance this time around.

In terms of history, the teams are fairly even. Reading have won three of the last five games between the sides; City have won twice.

Key Men

Hal Robson-Kanu

The Welshman has been instrumental for the Royals this season with 7 goals in 28 appearances from midfield. Although he hasn't been able to prevent them from relegation, his tenacity and eye for goal have characterised Reading's performances.

Carlos Tevez

Effort is key for City tonight and no one puts in more of that than Carlos Tevez. He was the stand out performer for the blues in their FA Cup Final loss and will need to drag his deflated teammates with his energy this evening. 

Fantasy Premier League Leaders

Adam Le Fondre 99 points

Jobi McAnuff 99 points

Hal Robson-Kanu 77 points

Carlos Tevez 166 points

Joe Hart 149 points
David Silva 137 points

Top Scorers

Adam Le Fondre

                          13

Carlos Tevez

                            17

Roberto Mancini: The End of An Era

He came from Italy to manage Man City, but now we must wave goodbye to a man who treated us to scenes we never thought we'd see as City supporters.



On 19th December 2009, Roberto Mancini was hand picked by Sheik Mansour as the general to lead his new army into battle. Mark Hughes had neglected City's defence like an alcholic mother and a fix of that famous Italian solidity was what the club craved. 

His availability was remarkable. The Italian had won 7 trophies in 4 years with Inter Milan, leading them to three back-to-back title wins and two back-to-back Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana victories. He may have been regarded as a 'cup specialist', but the father of three also knew how to win titles. 

With his neck wrapped in what would become his trademark sky blue and white striped scarf, the Richard Madeley look-a-like guided his new minions to four straight victories in his first four games in charge. Victory was seemingly in his blood and like the pleasant man he is, he wanted to share that with his new supporters. On 14/05/11, the Italian ended the club's longest ever trophy drought with a 1-0 FA Cup triumph over Stoke City. After only half a season, Mancini has indented his name into Eastland's folklore.

However, his first season ended in slight disappointment as City narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot behind Tottenham Hotspur. The 2010/2011 season would see the attractive Anconian flavour the squad with his own salt and pepper. 

A staggering total of £154,750,000 was spent on eight players as Mancini looked to push his side up the Premier League table.

• Jerome Boateng - £11,000,000 (sold the following season)
• Alex Henshall - £250,000 (who is he?)
• Yaya Toure - £24,000,000 (fastly became one of the world's best midfielders)
• David Silva - £25,000,000 (City's title winning player of the season)
• Aleksandar Kolarov - £17,000,000 (Can neither defend or attack)
• Mario Balotelli - £24,500,000 (A baby in a pram)
• James Milner - £26,000,000 (the model professional)
• Edin Dzeko - £27,000,000 (Part time super sub, part time flop)

Arguably, only three out of the eight fitted the bill. Boateng left the next season following a number of below par performances, Henshall was a ghost, Kolarov introduced a 'different' style of defending to the league, Balotelli brought the name of the club into question and Edin Dzeko failed to replicate the form he had hit at Wolfsburg. Only Yaya, David 'Merlin' Silva and James Milner had any real effect on the new style of football the blues adopted.

Three out of eight was poor, and Mancini's strange tactics were questioned as his side started to surrender their push for fourth place just before Christmas. Nevertheless, 'Bobby Manc' managed to work his magic and turn the season around. City finished their 2010/2011 season in third place just behind Chelsea on goal difference. Champions League football was on the menu.

The 2011/2012 season proved that dreams really do come true. Imagine finishing on 10 points in a Champions League group populated by Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villareal! Imagine thrashing your rivals 6-1 away from home! And my God, imagine winning your first ever Premier League title in the final seconds to wipe off the slimy smiles of the rags in Sunderland! It all happened. 

Although Mancini somewhat nullified spending in his second full season, he arguably sealed Manchester City Football Club's finest ever signing; Sergio Aguero. In his first season with the club, the Argentine scored 30 goals in 48 games including two on his debut, one in the 6-1 derby massacre and another in a game I'll most certainly mention later. His other signings included:

• Stefan Savic - £6,000,000 (somehow worse than Kolarov)
• Gael Clichy - £7,000,000 (bargain, speed demon, first choice left back)
• Costel Pantillimon - £3,000,000 (City's giant Cup goalkeeper)
• Samir Nasri - £22,000,000 (promised big things but flopped)
• Owen Hargreaves - free (the most pointless signing in PL history)

13th May 2012. Somehow, the citizens had recovered an eight point gap between them and 'noisy neighbours' Manchester United. A 2-0 win at St.James' Park presented them with the straight forward task of slaying the league's worst away performers at the Etihad to win their first league title in 44 years. But as the City faithful knew, nothing is ever simple in the east side of Manchester. 

2-2 with two injury time minutes to go. Balotelli, AGUEROOOOOOOOOOO! And the rest was history.

So why was he sacked?

As an avid user of Twitter, I know that the fans are devastated by the news. How could the man, who in three years brought two trophies to a club that severely lacked in silverware, be 'relieved of his duties' so quickly? 

Was it his relationship with the players?

Firstly, Mancini had no relationship with any of his players apart from Mario Balotelli. Working as a paper boy in 2009 for a Manchester Evening News newsagent, I was told by a source close to the club that many of the players actually 'hated' the Italian. Although the reliability of the quote is questionable given my position at the time, it doesn't take a genius to work out that Mancini definitely wasn't inviting his squad round for spaghetti and meatballs at the weekend.

According to former defender Danny Mills, 'there wasn't the togetherness between player and manager. Basically, Mancini just ignored the players from day one. He was the manager, he made decisions, he made no attempt to have any sort of relationship with the players, didn't take them under his wing. It was very much, 'I'm the manager, I'll do my thing, I'll pick the team and then I'll disappear'. 

You only have to watch the Inside City features on the MCFC website to realise that this is the truth. As City players make their Christmas cards in Santa hats and fake beards, Roberto awkwardly walks in; silent. You don't see that with any other manager.

The Italian wasn't afraid of challenging his players, but his approach was disliked by many. Below, BBC Sport have compiled a list of the famous spats Mancini was involved in with his players:

• March 2013: Says he would like "to punch" Samir Nasri after a 4-0 win over Newcastle
• March 2013: Joe Hart says criticism makes him feel Mancini does not believe he is "up to it" on occasions
• March 2013: Criticises captain Vincent Kompany for playing for Belgium while injured
• January 2013: Photographed having a 'bust-up' with Mario Balotelli on the training ground. Later sells Balotelli to AC Milan
• October 2012: Defends his tactical switches after Micah Richards raised concerns about playing with three centre-backs. "What Micah said is not important"
• September 2012: Tells goalkeeper Joe Hart to stop criticising the team, insisting he is the only "judge"
• April 2012: Says he will sell Mario Balotelli after his red card against Arsenal, saying: "I don't have any words for his behaviour"
• February 2012: Carlos Tevez accuses Mancini of treating him "like a dog"
• September 2011: Says he wants Carlos Tevez "out of the club" after the striker allegedly refused to play against Bayern Munich. Tevez does not play for the club for five months

In my mind, a manager needs to leave his door open to the players at all times. A manager is not a dictator, but a mentor. Sir Alex Ferguson created a perfect limbo between manager and friend. As did Arsene Wenger. Mancini, unfortunately, did not and this is now being cited as the main reason for why he lost his job.

Was it his tactics?

The Italian's tactics have always been questioned ever since he took charge in December 2009. He has publicly stated that he likes 1-0 wins 'when you don't concede a goal' and we must give him credit for sorting out our atrocious back line. 

Following City's 3-1 loss to Ajax in the Champions League last year, Micah Richards questioned his manager's decision to change a title winning four man defence into a three man defence that the players looked frighteningly uncomfortable with. 'I think the players prefer a back four' said Micah, a guy highly respected by club and fans alike. When one of the clubs most loyal servants openly questions the manager, you have to worry.

However, what happens if his attackers can't score? This has been the case this season. Many have argued that Mancini is a 'defence first' rather than a 'win first' manager, but that doesn't explain a 6-1 win over Manchester United or a 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Roberto obviously knew how to get his strikers firing, so why hasn't that happened this season?

The players have to take some blame. In City's 2011/2012 title winning season, Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli managed to net 40 Premier League goals between them. This season, Aguero, Dzeko and Tevez have only 32 goals. 

Is it a question of ability? It's doubtful, but Mancini's ability to motivate his players has certainly been questionable this season.

Was it Champions League failure?

In short, no. City's first attempt at the Champions League saw them collect 10 points from a group that included Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villareal. Any other group, and the blues would have been through to the latter stages.

We thought it'd be easier this year, but in fact, Mancini and co. were handed the toughest group of the lot. Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax welcomed City into the group of death and the only group that had four league champions in it. Although the blues failed to win a single game, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund went on to battle in the semi-finals. 

His Champions League record is woeful, however, looking at the teams we had to face, it can't be the reason for his dismissal.

Goodbye, Roberto

Ultimately, the owners have made the right choice. Roberto failed to establish any sort of relationship with his players and saw his 2012/2013 season end in tatters as his side faltered at the hands of Wigan in the FA Cup final. 

However, the handling of the situation has somewhat made a mockery of the club in the aftermath of Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement from football. As we all know and are reminded of every day by our gobshite neighbours, Manchester United stuck with the Scot for 26 years, and look what they achieved. That's not the problem. Mancini had no bond with his players, Ferguson did. 

What brings the name of the club into question is the time it took for the club to make a statement. Rumours regarding Mancini's departure circulated the internet like a vicious virus just hours before our tragic cup loss and the fans knew he was going even before he did.

The man who treated us to undoubtedly England's best ever title win and silverware we haven't seen in a lifetime deserves more respect than six days of silence. Fans must welcome our new manager as we welcomed Mancini, but he's a man we will never, ever forget.

#forzamancini