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.
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