Carlos Tevez To Swap Eastlands For The Middle East? It’s Still Another Fine Mess for City
by Jon WestFiled under: Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham, Champions League, Premier League, Football, Transfer News
So Carlos Tevez could soon be joining up with Diego Maradona an even more egotistical maverick from Argentina. If so, Manchester City fans will be delighted.
Maradona is in charge at Al Wasl in Dubai and, according to the Daily Star, has asked the club's backers to put a financial package together that will be enough to lure him to the Middle East.
Al Wasl seems the ideal destination as far as City are concerned as they are rich enough to afford him - Maradona already has a private plane at his disposal as part of his own multi-million dollar deal - and are far enough away to put him out of their minds for ever.
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City have backed manager Roberto Mancini over Tevez's apparent refusal to come off the bench in last week's Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich.
The 27-year-old, who is now back in South America, has been suspended for two weeks by the club pending an investigation, the results of which are expected to be made known by the end of the week.
According to the Sun, City are pushing for a punishment of a six-week suspension and £1.5million fine - even if the player goes on to prove his claim that he did not directly refuse to play.
City believe Tevez's refusal to continue to warm up in preparation to come on is enough to warrant the punishment.
So far he has been given a two-week suspension and £500,000 fine - the maximum a player can be given unless there are extenuating circumstances which have to be put before the Professional Footballers' Association to be extended.
City's evidence is based upon a post-match interview with Sky Sports in which Tevez said: "I did not feel right to play so I did not."
That contradicted the player's statement the following day in which he claimed he did not refuse to play.
Mancini has received plenty if backing over his tough stance, with supporters singing his name during the 4-0 win at Blackburn and just about every manager, past of present, saying they would have done exactly the same thing.
City are fortunate that they are rich enough to let Tevez rot in the reserves if they so wish and that they already have enough world-class forwards to compensate for his absence.
But the latter was a major contribution to the problem in the first place - and for that Mancini cannot remain blameless.
True, the Italian had spent a lot of time trying to accommodate the player's need to be nearer his family, which never quite seemed to tally with moves to Spain or Italy, and must have thought he had finally come to an agreement.
But contrast that with Tottenham's stance over Luka Modric once Chelsea tried to sign him. Chairman Daniel Levy repeatedly said no and told the player exactly why - because the Croat was too good to lose.
The transfer window closed, he continued to be one of the first picks and helped Spurs beat Arsenal at the weekend. Modric was not happy to be denied the move but it has not affected his performances.
Tevez, in contrast, found himself relegated to the role of spare part with Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko first choices and even the erratic Mario Balotelli ahead of him.
And to do that to one of the greatest talents of the modern era - and Tevez showed he was that last season - was a cast iron guarantee there would be trouble. Which City duly found.
City fans have waited a long, long time for their team to be on a par with Manchester United but the club's penchant for self-inflicted disaster still appears to be present.
Has Mario Balotelli Turned over a New Leaf in his Colourful City Career?
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Before a certain Carlos Tevez made the headlines for his refusal to play in Germany, it was always Mario Balotelli who appeared destined to court controversy on a semi-permanent basis at Manchester City.
The Italian striker has endured his fair share of run-ins, both on and off the pitch, during his one-year stay at the Etihad Stadium.
From red cards, showboating in a pre-season friendly to outlandish boastful comments about himself, Balotelli has endured enough criticism to last a whole career, let alone a short stint at Manchester City.
Yet if there was a time for the Manchester City striker to create further strife and enhance his bad-boy reputation, it would be this season.
Pushed further down the pecking order, the £24 million signing has been a fringe figure.
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Yet, unlike the wantaway Tevez with his transfer requests and his alleged refusal to come on as a substitute in last week's Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich, there has been no sulking and no problems so far this season from the young Italian.
Perhaps a growing sign of maturity as he knuckles down to his job at hand?
Well, possibly it is too soon to draw that conclusion, but perhaps the penny is finally beginning to drop for the sinner-to-saint Balotelli.
Three goals in his last three games, including making the all-important breakthrough against Everton after coming off the bench, Balotelli is making small strides to suggest he has turned over a new leaf.
After his goal, which even raised a rarely-seen smile, against Blackburn on Saturday, Balotelli's strike rate is 12 goals in 23 starts and 10 substitute appearances.
Not bad for a player who still most likely yearns to return to his homeland, but simply claims to be misunderstood.
Assistant coach David Platt told the Manchester Evening News: "He now has consistency day in day out and is a pleasure to be around.
"For six or seven weeks, there have been no problems whatsoever, either on or off the pitch.
"He's got all the attributes. It's a case of putting it together week in week out, and he's close to doing that."
While Tevez has been interviewed as part of the disciplinary process that threatens to end his Manchester City career for good, his fellow countryman Sergio Aguero has sustained a groin injury.
It's not known how long the Argentine striker will be out for, even if he has joined up with his South American team-mates for the World Cup qualifying games.
But with Edin Dzeko blotting his copybook with his act of petulance in the wake of Tevez's Munich mutiny, Balotelli will be waiting in the wings and is doing himself no harm whatsoever.
It must have been difficult for Balotelli to be left kicking his heels on the sidelines while the likes of David Silva, Aguero and Dzeko have stolen the limelight.
But this could just be his chance.
The last thing he would have wanted now would have been the international break, but he will know he is back in Roberto Mancini's good books.
How long that remains the case is up to him.
But if he can continue to score the goals, and more significantly stay out of trouble, then Balotelli could finally show signs, rather than the odd glimpse, of the top class player Mancini has always talked about having at his disposal.
Blackburn 0 Man City 4: Adam Johnson Helps City Move On From Carlos Tevez Saga
by FanHouse UKFiled under: Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Manchester City brushed aside all talk of Carlos Tevez and ended a difficult week on a bright note with a convincing win at Ewood Park thanks to goals by Adam Johnson, Mario Balotelli and substitutes Samir Nasri and Stefan Savic.
Balotelli stepped forward and reminded City fans that at least one controversial striker is still willing to do the business in a light blue shirt, as Roberto Mancini's side kept pace with rivals United at the top of the Premier League.
THE GOALS:
56 mins: Aleksander Kolarov's corner is headed out by Gael Givet, but only as far as Adam Johnson, who bends in a superb opener with his left foot.
59 mins: Sub Samir Nasri finds space on the right and whips in a cross which is expertly touched in at the near post by Mario Balotelli.
72 mins: Silva launches a City counter-attack which ends with Nasri cutting in from the left and drilling a deflected third past Paul Robinson.
87 mins: Another corner from the left by Kolarov was met powerfully by the head of sub Stefan Savic, who had been on the pitch for just eight minutes.
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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
10 mins: James Milner pulled the ball back for Mario Balotelli, who blazed over from 12 yards to the delight of the home supporters.
27 mins: Sergio Aguero limps off and is replaced by Samir Nasri.
37 mins: Balotelli gives Rovers keeper Paul Robinson a scare by bending in an effort which lands narrowly wide of the right hand post.
50 mins: Balotelli works another opening and this time curls a superb strike beyond Robinson and against the upright.
76 mins: Mauro Formica shows his quality by shooting ferociously at goal from 25-yards to force a fine save from City's Joe Hart.
REACTION:
Kean insisted he will battle on:
"After the Arsenal game, most of the fans went home happy. Today is different and the supporters aren't happy and nor are the players or me.
"But let's put into perspective -- we minimised the chances for City. David Goodwillie couldn't get to Adam Johnson's shot quick enough and before we knew it we were behind.
"They made lots of changes from midweek and had a freshness about them. After falling two behind I felt we started feeling a bit sorry for ourselves.
"I am 100 per cent determined to carry on. I'm disappointed in the manner of the goals we conceded but there are good hard-working guys in our dressing room who need support."
The Scot maintains the club's owners are still behind him:
"I would rather the fans vented their anger at me. It's certainly not enjoyable but these are my players -- even the ones I didn't bring in.
"When we get a good result I'm not the sort to take the credit for myself. I make sure the plaudits are passed on to my players.
"The owners have backed me since day I got here. I would ask the supporters who are outside holding up banners to bear with us because we can turn it round."
Coach David Platt feels the performance shows the strength in depth City possess:
"It was the result we wanted and that's what we prepared for from Thursday onwards when we returned to training after putting the Bayern game to bed.
"We know what we're blessed with.
"One of the hardest things for us is picking a starting eleven. When we have everyone fit we are still sending top players into the stands.
"It's important that we don't lose the quality of performance and we haven't."
On Aguero's groin problem:
"Sergio has a groin injury but we're not sure how bad it is. If we had a game imminently then he wouldn't play. I think we're looking at a couple of weeks out least."
On Balotelli:
"Mario has shown consistency in his performances and in his training. He's had a lot of column inches in last 12 months and all the criticism he's had is one thing, but he also deserves credit for what he does right. He showed great maturity today.
On Johnson's goal:
"Adam Johnson's goal was great -- in fact, I was right behind it. As soon as it left his foot I knew it was in. We spoke at half-time about players stepping forward to join the attack instead of playing into their hands.
"In the first half we felt there wasn't a sustained period where we thought a goal was coming, but that changed after the break. When Adam scored we felt we were getting up a head of steam and creating things."
WHAT IT MEANS: Time will tell us whether Kean is right to feel that the board are still behind but five defeats in seven matches tells its own story. City remain in ominous form, with just two points dropped in the league so far this season and 23 goals. They are only off the top of the table on goal difference.
BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 MANCHESTER CITY 4 (A Johnson 56, Balotelli 59, Nasri 73, Savic 87)
PLAYER MARKING:
Blackburn Rovers (4-3-2-1): Robinson 6; Lowe 6, Dann 6, Samba 6, Givet 6; Petrovic 5, Nzonzi 5, Pedersen 5; Goodwille 4 (Formica 61, 6), Hoilett 6; Yakubu 5
Subs: Bunn, Slew, Rochina, Vukcevic, Roberts, Hanley
Manchester City(4-4-2): Hart 7; Zabaleta 6, Kompany 7, Lescott 7, Kolarov 7; A Johnson 7 (Savic 79, 7), Milner 6, Y Toure 6, Silva 7; Balotelli 8 (Dzeko 88, 6), Aguero 5 (Nasri 27, 7)
Subs: Pantilimon, Barry, Clichy, De Jong
Blackburn v Man City Preview: Mancini Insists Carlos Tevez ‘Not My Problem’
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: EWOOD PARK, SATURDAY OCTOBER 1, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 BST
The drama which unfolded on the visitors substitutes bench at the Allianz Arena may have deflected attention away from Roberto Mancini's tactical failings in Germany.
But there will be no hiding place for the Manchester City manager and his players when they look to put a terrible week behind them against Blackburn.
Mancini will not need reminding that the last time his side returned to domestic action after a Champions League game they blew a 2-0 lead at Fulham.
And that was with Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez in the side.
Tevez will definitely be missing as an investigation into his alleged refusal to come on as a substitute during the 2-0 defeat against Bayern Munich continues.
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And Bosnian striker Dzeko is sweating on a place in the side after his behaviour when hauled off in Germany.
Dzeko has since issued an apology, but it remains to be seen whether Mancini, who was less than impressed with the players's actions, is in a forgiving mood after the most testing week of his reign.
Yet Mancini knows that failure to defeat Blackburn will only increase the pressure, and he may have no choice but to play Dzeko, who scored the winner in the corresponding fixture last seaon.
Mancini is not the only manager feeling the heat.
Despite masterminding a dramatic comeback victory over Arsenal recently, Blackburn's Steve Kean remains a manager under pressure after last week's disappointing 3-1 defeat against Newcastle.
There will be a familiar face missing from the home dug-out.
Assistant manager John Jensen had his contract extended in the summer, but the club confirmed his departure on Thursday.
The reasoning behind the decision has yet to be discovered but Kean, who brought the Dane to the club in January, will be hoping it does not disrupt his players.
Key Match-up: Yakubu v Joe Hart: City keeper Hart was one of the few positives from the defeat in Germany, with the England international making a host of quality saves. And while Hart will not expect to be as busy at Ewood Park, he will have to be on alert to ensure Yakubu does not add to the two goals he scored against Arsenal.
Form Guide: City have scored 19 goals in six league games, their only blip coming in a draw away at Fulham. A hard-fought win over Everton last week proved their ability to grind out results.But will they suffer from a Munich hangover? After a first league victory against Arsenal, Blackburn returned to old habits last week with a 3-1 defeat at Newcastle.
Odds: Blackburn 5/1, Manchester City 8/13, Draw 11/4
BLACKBURN:
Kean reckons he may have to turn to fringe players as his injury problems mount.
Michel Salgado and Gael Givet both picked up injuries during the defeat at Newcastle and are doubts, while Ryan Nelsen continues to struggle with a knee problem.
Kean said: "Some of the players who perhaps haven't had much of a run this season could get their chance. Obviously if the injuries tot up then the lads that have the opportunity have to grab that.
"If they get given the chance then they have to take it. These are the times when you look at the depth of the squad. Thankfully we have other players in these positions and they can come in and play."
Kean admits his side also have to put last week's poor display at Newcastle behind them as they prepare to welcome City.
"It was a disappointing result because we felt we could go to Newcastle and get something. I do think though the way we came back into the game was positive.
"But we will go again against Manchester City full of confidence."
Strategy: Rovers know they are up against it, but will look to take advantage after the traumatic week their opponents have endured. Yakubu is expected to start up front on his own despite being somewhat isolated last week at Newcastle.
Injury Update: Salgado (hamstring) and Givet (leg) are doubts, while Nelson (knee) remains sidelined. David Dunn (calf), Morten Gamst Pedersen (thigh) and David Goodwillie (thigh) are expected to be available after injury.
MANCHESTER CITY:
Mancini has continued his hardline stance over the ongoing row regarding Tevez's alleged refusal to play by insisting it is 'not my problem'.
The Italian claimed that Tevez was 'finished' after the Bayern Munich defeat.
Tevez in a statement blamed "confusion on the bench" for the "misunderstanding", denying he refused to play in Munich.
But Mancini does not appear to have softened his views over the matter.
"It is finished," said Mancini.
"I am the manager, our focus is regarding the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup.
"Other things - it is not my problem."
Tevez has been suspended for two weeks by City as they investigate the chain of events before making a decision on the future of the Argentina international.
Mancini is trying to draw a line under the unsavoury incident and insists he is focused on helping City achieve success.
"Blackburn is an important game," he added at the pre-match press conference where the media were warned not to ask questions about Tevez.
"It will be difficult but we have to try and win."
Strategy: This is all about City attempting to return to show it is business as usual following this week's extraordinary events. A strong performance is required to send out a clear message that Mancini's is squad remains united. Mario Balotelli may make his first league start while the quality of David Silva and Sergio Aguero ought to prove too much for Blackburn.
West Ham’s ‘Hopes’ of Carlos Tevez Reunion Are Dashed
by Jon WestFiled under: Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, West Ham, Champions League, Championship, Premier League, Football, Transfer News
At a time when the previously reclusive Paul Scholes is busy plugging his autobiography by revealing to the world he once did a Carlos Tevez on Sir Alex Ferguson another of the troubled Argentinian's former clubs has expressed the desire to end his ruined spell at Manchester City.
It's not one of his ex-South American employers desperate to do a deal like Corinthians were in the summer. No, step forward West Ham United. Currently of the Championship. As you might already have guessed, it just ain't gonna happen.
According to the Sun, the Hammers were quick to contact City in the wake of Tevez's refusal to come off the bench at Bayern Munich on Tuesday night.
The Championship club has a mountain of debt but were understood to be willing to fork out a big chunk of the forward's £250,000-a-week wages in a three-month loan deal in the knowledge that they could not be gazumped by anyone from the Premier League.
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City made it clear they were not prepared to listen so we will never know Tevez's own thoughts about swapping the Allianz Arena for the chance to play at Doncaster or Peterborough.
Tevez remains a legend at Upton Park thanks to a late flurry of match-winning goals that kept the Hammers up on the last day of the 2006-07 season but supporters will also remember his complicated third-party ownership arrangement ended costing the club millions in compensation and he quickly moved on to Manchester United anyway.
And even when he was wearing a claret and blue shirt he wasn't particularly happy as he stormed out of the ground in a huff at half-time in one game having been subbed by then-boss Alan Pardew. Some things are best left as memories and this is destined to be one.
Far more likely new destinations for Tevez now appear to be Inter Milan, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, who are hoping the kerfuffle will have halved the player's price to around £20 million by January.
PSG are bank-rolled by rich Qataris so could easily out-bid the Italians, both of whom failed to land Tevez in the summer.
Naturally, the fact that they have umpteen internationals already has not deterred City from ear-marking a top quality replacement once Tevez is finally shown the door and Arsenal fans will not be enjoying speculation suggesting Robin van Persie is that man.
The Gunners are still reeling from losing Samir Nasri to City in August and also sold Gael Clichy to the Eastlands outfit at the emnd of last season.
Those two were both in the final year of their Arsenal contracts and Netherlands forward van Persie will be in exactly that situation at the end of this term. It is understood he is in no hurry to renegotiate and could therefore be the centre of another tug-of-war next summer.
And all because a grouchy groucho refused to run about a bit alongside a patch of grass in Germany...
Why Carlos Tevez’s Punishment Shows Roberto Mancini is in Complete Control
by John PercyFiled under: Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Player power is becoming an increasing source of frustration and concern for managers in the league of cash and controversy but Roberto Mancini's triumph in his battle with Carlos Tevez illustrates he has the unequivocal backing of Manchester City.
For the sake of the sport, Mancini desperately needed a sign from owner Sheikh Mansoor that he was in charge of the situation and City have moved swiftly, and impressively, to hit Tevez with the punishment his incredible show of insubordination deserved.
There may have been a few doubts lingering in the back of Mancini's mind after his astonishing verdict on the future of Tevez after the Champions League tie at Bayern Munich, especially after the departure of confidante Garry Cook.
But this proves without any doubt that he is in complete control at the Etihad Stadium, with Tevez facing an uncomfortable stint in the wilderness.
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The matter has not been allowed to drift. Tevez has not been able to make any more interviews, while his much maligned advisor Kia Joorabchian's statement only opened the situation up to ridicule.
City deserve credit for acting quickly and dealing with the matter in the savagely effective fashion that is the mark of a big club on the up.
The Argentinean striker is now so out in the cold he will probably require treatment for frostbite in the next few days.
Tevez has been suspended for two weeks and told to stay away from training, while City conduct an investigation into his alleged refusal to come on as a substitute.
The next logical step will surely be negotiations to terminate his contract and Mancini will be revered by his Premier League peers for taking a stand.
City's statement read: "Manchester City can confirm that striker Carlos Tevez has been suspended until further notice for a maximum period of two weeks.
"The player's suspension is pending a full review into his alleged conduct during Tuesday evening's 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich.
"The player will not be considered for selection or take part in training whilst the review is under way."
Any sympathy that Tevez may have had from City's fans has been extinguished after his conduct in Munich and there have even been reports that he required a police escort from Manchester Airport on Wednesday.
Manchester City 2 Everton 0: Mario Balotelli Ends City’s Everton Blues
by Graham ChaseFiled under: Everton, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Mario Balotelli came off the bench to score the goal that ended Manchester City's miserable run against Everton and maintain the pressure on Manchester United at the top of the table.
Everton, who had beaten City in seven of their last eight matches, looked set to frustrate Roberto Mancini's side and take a point until Balotelli came on to score his first Premier League goal of the season before James Milner added a second late on.
THE GOAL
67 mins: Sergio Aguero drifts in-field and pulls back for Balotelli, who finds the bottom corner from 20 yards.
88 mins: David Silva slips a pass through for Milner to double the advantage.
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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
4 mins: Jack Rodwell tries his luck from 20 yards as Everton dominate the early possession.
10 mins: Samir Nasri drills wide with a cross-shot from the edge of the box.
18 mins: Aguero clips a shot just past the top corner after being picked out by Yaya Toure's pass.
33 mins: Edin Dzeko clips a shot high and wide from a Micah Richards cross.
37 mins: Dzeko drives wide shortly after Gareth Barry has a shot saved.
49 mins: Leon Osman has a shot saved in a rare Everton attack.
54 mins: Tim Cahill glances a header wide from Seamus Coleman's cross.
69 mins: Silva hits the post after Balotelli's cross picks out the Spaniard.
REACTION:
Mancini was pleased with his team's patience:
"We played a fantastic game against a strong team, I'm really happy.
"It's better but it was difficult because we played very well and Everton defended all the game behind the ball, it wasn't easy for us to find a solution, this game was really difficult but over 90 minutes, in the end we deserved to win and I'm very pleased with my players."
On Balotelli:
"Mario didn't play for three or four games but he worked well and didn't say anything and waited for this moment. I enjoyed it for him, he scored an important goal. Now it's important that he continues to improve.
"I needed player that can also play wide because we needed to open their defence and Carlos stayed there and because Mario can play against Munich on Tuesday.
"Mario is a good guy, After his behaviour is so so but he's a good guy he likes Manchester City and English football and he was really happy, Sometimes when he scores he's unhappy but he knew that was an important goal.
"I'm sure because we improved from last year and I'm happy that Mario can improve in the team."
Vincent Kompany told Sky Sports that City were rewarded for failing to panic:
"We showed a lot of positive things and we're really happy with the performance.
"Maybe on any other day we might have got frustrated but they did exactly what Napoli did and it wasn't' a surprise.
"With the quality we have sometimes it's just a matter of patience and the goal will come.
"Maybe we didn't impress but we did what we needed to do and it's another step forward."
David Moyes made no apologies for his team's approach at the Etihad Stadium:
"We've seen them have some big results against some good teams so we were going to do what was right for Everton to get a result.
"We did a lot of really good things and for long period we kept them at bay."
On Rodwell man-marking Silva:
"It was important that we did because we did a job on David Silva and did it well, He's a big part of what they do, the biggest part, and we did a good job on him."
On Cahill's injury after a challenge with Kompany:
"It looks like it's just a bruised shin but it was a terrible tackle foot goes right on his shin, it was disappointing it wasn't spotted."
On City:
"They've got a really talented team, an excellent team, can change play really good team. They will be contenders, no doubt."
WHAT IT MEANS: After last weekend's draw at Fulham, this was a key test and City had to stick to their game-plan to find a way through. Many teams will come to the Etihad Stadium and play like this but few will do it better than Everton so it was significant that City still came away with the victory. Everton can take plenty of credit for their stubborn performance and this may be the way Moyes has to approach such fixtures until he can add a striker in January.
MANCHESTER CITY (Balotelli 68, Milner 88) 2 EVERTON 0
Premier League Commentary: Manchester City v Everton As It Happened
by Daniel HarrisFiled under: Everton, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Min-By-Min Reports
Minute-by-minute commentary from Eastlands.
Man City v Everton Preview: Roberto Mancini Seeks First Win Against Toffees
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Everton, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: ETIHAD STADIUM, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2011. KICK OFF: 1245 BST
Given their well publicised financial woes, few Premier League clubs would swap their boardroom position for Everton's.
Yet when it comes to facing Manchester City on the pitch, there would be no shortage of takers seeking the secret to their winning formula.
After achieving an unlikely double last season, David Moyes has enjoyed five wins from the last six games against the cash-rich club.
It's a record nobody in the top-flight can rival. In this meeting between the haves and the have nots, then there is no doubt that Everton has repeatedly struck a blow for the underdog.
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Manchester City continue to spend money freely - while Everton's resources see them forced into the bargain bucket of the loan market.
But as Moyes' side have proven, there's no substitute for a good work ethic and strong team spirit. And Mancini's side can testify to this, having been on the receiving end in recent times more than most.
Key Match-Up: Vincent Kompany v Tim Cahill: Kompany hasn't hit the heights of last season and he will have to be on his guard with Cahill's marauding runs from midfield. The Australian has the knack of find the net against most teams, but he seems to thrive more than most against Manchester City. He has scored four times in total against them, including last season's opener in their 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.
Form Guide: Manchester City dropped their first league points of the season last time out, letting slip a two-goal advantage to draw at Fulham. Everton's financial woes have been well documented, but they have not let off-field troubles disrupt their start and lie in seventh spot.
Odds: Manchester City 2/5, Everton 6/1, Draw 7/2
MANCHESTER CITY:
Mancini is understandably keen to end Everton's hoodoo over Manchester City.
He said: "In football it can happen. But it's time to change that.
"We deserved to beat them twice last year. But they are a strong team who work to the end.
"They have good players and a good manager.
"Everton, for me, are one of the best teams in the Premier League. They work from the first minute to 95 minutes. They have good players."
Owen Hagreaves' Carling Cup debut for Manchester City, and his subsequent claim he was treated like a "guinea pig" by former club Manchester United, has hogged the headlines.
But the return of Kolo Toure, after a serving a six months drugs ban, has largely gone unnoticed.
And Mancini said: "It wasn't easy for Kolo as it was his first game back against Birmingham.
"He is an experienced player, and he could play in one of the next two games."
Strategy: Mancini will be desperate to lift the Everton curse and the best way to ease any doubts, given their poor run against them, will be an early goal. If Everton take the lead, those doubts could creep back in. So expect Manchester City to start well and look to open up an advantage - and then ensure they don't squander a lead like they did at Fulham.
Injury Update: Nigel de Jong (foot) is close to a return after a six-week absence. But Adam Johnson (ankle) has emerged as an injury doubt while Hargreaves won't be risked.
EVERTON:
Tim Howard is confident the spirit and determination oozing through Moyes' side will again see them triumph against the world's richest club.
The financial gulf between the two clubs could not be more different, with Moyes forced to endure a summer of financial restraint while Mancini drafted in the likes of Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero.
Yet Moyes' team are looking for a fifth straight win at City - a remarkable achievement considering where the two clubs are placed in football's rich list.
And Howard believes the Toffees can again upset their big-spending hosts after last season's eye-catching 2-1 win at City.
"Manchester City will be a difficult task," said the United States international keeper.
"But we need to go there and dig in and be resilient. It has worked for us in the past. Last season you could see the elation on all the players' faces. It was such a cold night and our fans were out in their thousands.
"That win really galvanised the club.
"I think that players and fans really embraced that win and it showed that it is not all about money. It is about performance and spirit. We talked about having spirit but we proved it that night."
Strategy: This is the start of a daunting run of fixtures for Everton but you can bet that Moyes and his players are relishing the forthcoming games against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. They head to City in confident mood after a five-match unbeaten run. City have scored seven without reply in their two home league games this term. But Everton have players in the shape of Marouane Fellaini and Jack Rodwell who are capable of creating their own problems.
Injury Update: Victor Anichebe remains sidelined with a groin injury while Louis Saha could be available after being left out of the last two squads.
Video: A Great Start, But Owen Hargreaves Has to Take it a Step at a Time
by Graham ChaseFiled under: Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Despite what Roberto Mancini may say, the 'Owen Hargreaves for England' bandwagon can wait but the midfielder's start to life at the Etihad Stadium could not have gone much better.
Mancini had hoped that Hargreaves would be able to play for between a half and an hour in the Carling Cup tie with Birmingham and it said much for the player's impact that it was almost 60 minutes before he was withdrawn.
By that time he had shown he can still handle the cut and thrust of professional football and had driven in the opening goal from 25 yards after just 16 minutes.
The midfielder, 30, who joined on a free transfer on deadline day after being released by United in the summer, only managed two brief appearances in the past two seasons and had only played five times in three years.
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Mancini claims that his lack of knowledge about Hargreaves meant he felt he had to leave the player out of his Champions League squad but will reassess in the new year.
"At the moment that is the list but in January, maybe it's possible," Mancini said after the 2-0 victory on Wednesday night.
"We didn't know what his condition would be four weeks ago his condition, it was difficult.
"But also now he played only 60 minutes he needs to recover very well. Important we recover him very well. If we recover and he becomes a fantastic player like he was will be important also for England."
No pressure then Owen. England should be at the very back of Hargreaves' mind but there is little doubting that if he can build on the way he performed against Birmingham, he can prove an astute signing for City.
It is unlikely that he will ever be the player that seemed to tear back and forth across the pitch, a little like a dog on a long walk, running twice as far as everyone else, and driving matches.
But against Birmingham he proved he can still snap into tackles and give his team constant forward momentum and he left the field to triumphant chants of 'Fergie sign him up'.
He also played an hour in a practice game last week and we can only assume he will get better from this, although it will be interesting to see how his body responds to its first real test since he limped off after a few minutes after starting in United's 2-1 win over Wolves in November last year.
Unsurprisingly, Hargreaves was more than happy with his first outing in a blue shirt.
Fulham 2 Manchester City 2: Roberto Mancini’s Side Blow Two-goal Lead
by Ian WinrowFiled under: Fulham, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Danny Murphy completed a remarkable Fulham comeback that brought an end to Manchester City's 100 per cent league record.
City looked in control after Sergio Aguero's double put them two up after 46 minutes, but the home side fought back through Bobby Zamora and Murphy.
GOALS:
18 mins: David Silva's lay off finds Sergio Aguero in space inside the Fulham box and the striker finishes easily. Fulham's claims for offside are ignored.
46 mins: City take route one from the kick-off as Clichy finds Dezko who heads down for Aguero to finish from 20 yards.
56 mins: Zamora gives Fulham hope with a powerful shot on the turn from the edge of the box.
75 mins: Danny Murphy gets a slice off luck as his 20 yard shot deflects off Vincent Kompany and beyond Joe Hart.
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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
15 mins: Clint Dempsey does well to win possession on the edge of the City area and tests Joe Hart after fending off a challenge from Micah Richards.
25 mins: Mark Schwarzer is forced into a full length save after Gael Clichy shoots left-footed from 25 yards.
27 mins: Silva again springs the offside trap before teeing up Edin Dzeko whose first time shot is tipped over by Schwarzer.
62 mins: Dembele's left foot shot forces Hart into an outstanding save.
Martin Jol believes his side's fightback gives hope for the future:
"To show against a team like that you can come back and score two goals, must have given us a big boost and confidence for the future.
"The spirit will always be 100 per cent if you get the results and we didn't have the results, simple as that."
On dropping to the foot of the table:
"It was awful being at the bottom. You have to win your home games. It was not a nice thing to see that we were bottom of the league.
"Now we're 18th. It's better."
On the second half recovery:
'We came out in the first half with v good intentions to do better. To concede a goal like that is unexpected. But to come back from the death, we had the belief and the mentality."
Roberto Mancini hopes his side will learn from the shock of conceding a two-goal lead:
"After 2-0 it feels like a defeat, but it could be a lesson for us. When you dominate a game like us today for 60 minutes and score only two goals it's a problem.
"For 10-15 minutes afterwards Fulham played very well, but a football match finished after 95 minutes. A top team like us to control the game.
"Every game is like this in England. If a team is losing 2-0 they do not finish playing. They keep fighting and scored quickly."
On the reason for the outcome:
"For 10-15 minutes all the team should have worked better. All the payers need to defend. For 10 minutes we only defended with five or six players which is not good enough. We lacked the killer quality."
WHAT IT MEANS:
City have been showered with praise this season but their last two performances suggest Mancini's side is far from the finished article. The manager blamed tired legs and a lack of coordinated defensive effort for dropping two points but having assembled such an impressive squad, it is now up to him to remedy those faults. Fulham at last showed some of the fight that characterised their progress over the last two seasons and Jol has reason to believe his side can now move forward.
FULHAM 2 (Zamora 56, Murphy 75) MANCHESTER CITY 2 (Aguero 18,46)
PLAYER MARKING:
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer 8; Kelly 6, Baird 7, Hangeland 6, Riise 6; Duff 6 (Kasami 6, 61), Sidwell 7, Murphy 7, Dempsey 8; Zamora 7, Dembele 9 (Ruiz 6,84).
Subs (not used): Etheridge, Sa, Ruiz, Senderos, Gecov, Grygera.
Manchester City (4-3-3): Hart 7; Richards 6, Kompany 6, Lescott 6, Clichy 7; Silva 7 (Zabaleta 6, 69), Barry 6, Y Toure 7; Aguero 8 (Tevez 6,83), Dzeko 7, Nasri 6 (Johnson 6,81).
Subs (not used): Pantilimon, Kolorov, K Toure, Tevez, Balotelli.
ATTENDANCE: 24,750
REFEREE: Mark Clattenburg
NEXT UP:
- Fulham v Chelsea (away), Carling Cup 21/09, 1945 BST
- Manchester City v Birmingham City (home), Carling Cup, 1945 BST
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Mousa Dembele (Fulham): The striker led the way as Fulham upped their game after falling two behind
Fulham v Manchester City: Sergio Aguero Maintains Maradona Connection
by Mike McGrathFiled under: Fulham, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: CRAVEN COTTAGE, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2011. KICK-OFF 1500 BST
Diego Maradona was guest of honour when these two teams played at Craven Cottage last season but his son-in-law will be in the limelight this time.
Sergio Aguero, who is married to Maradona's daughter, has six goals in his four Premier League games for Manchester City since his move from Atletico Madrid before the start of the season.
Aguero has shone as City have claimed maximum points in their four league games, helped by their other key players such as David Silva and Vincent Kompany.
So another win is expected when they face a Fulham team who have yet to record a domestic win and have struggled for a cutting edge in the attacking third of the pitch.
Martin Jol's side started their season early after gaining a place in the Europa League, and he is already juggling his resources and trying not to tire his players out as they manage their workload.
But Jol needs a result to kick-start their season and a result against high-flying City would give them the perfect lift, especially with the visitors appearing to be unstoppable at the moment.
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Key Match-up: Bobby Zamora v Kompany: Zamora was kept on the bench for most of the Europa League draw against FC Twente so he should be fresh. Kompany is the mainstay of the City defence and will be looking to keep the England striker quiet.
Form Guide: Fulham have looked good in possession but their attacks break down too easily. Jol wants more from his forwards as they are normally solid at the back. City are in top form at the moment and the quality in their squad means they can change a host of players without being weakened.
Odds: Fulham 11/2, Manchester City 4/7, Draw 14/5
FULHAM:
Fulham skipper Danny Murphy insists beating City is possible, despite Roberto Mancini's side scoring 15 goals in four league games.
Murphy said: "We can win the game because we've shown before against good quality opposition that we can, especially at the Cottage.
"So bring it on. It's going to need a hell of a performance from us. But what better way to get your first win than against one of the best sides in the Premier League.
"We showed last yeast when we played them up there at their place that we're capable of getting results against the better sides.
"We've done it here before as well against the Man Uniteds of this world, and the Liverpools and Arsenals. You've got to play these teams and try and believe you can win - sometimes teams are finished before they get out on the pitch."
On Fulham's position, Murphy added: "We've got an experienced squad and we won't panic. The fixture list hasn't been kind because we've got Man City on Sunday when them and United are in such sizzling form.
"I don't want to get the violin out but we seem to be getting punished a lot recently. But that's football at this level against good opposition."
Strategy: It will be difficult for Fulham to impose themselves on game so they will look to counter-attack. They are a threat from set-pieces too.
Injury Update: Bryan Ruiz is back in the squad after being ineligible for Europe, Aaron Hughes (knee) is a doubt and Dickson Etuhu has a thigh injury.
MANCHESTER CITY:
City manager Mancini is not letting up in his search for perfection and claims his free-scoring side still need to become more ruthless in front of goal.
He has seen his side make a flying start to the season and they are only being kept off top spot by neighbours Manchester United making an 100 per cent start.
But the hard-to-please Italian is not satisfied and urged his star-studded squad to follow the example of Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
He said: "Manchester United are a top team, they have been used to winning for a long time.
"They have strong players. When they played against Arsenal, when they scored two or three goals, they continued trying to score. We need to have this mentality."
He added: "I don't think it will be possible to win always but we want to try to. We know Fulham will be a very tough game as they are strong at home."
Mancini is set to rotate his side at Craven Cottage as he tries to juggle his squad's involvement in three competitions.
That means Carlos Tevez, who failed to push through a summer exit, is in line to start.
But Mancini says his former captain must accept he has slipped down the pecking order, and said: "At this moment there are players that are better than him.
"He will have a chance to play. I don't know if he is happy, but every player that can't play is not happy."
Strategy: Mancini can things freshen up in the knowledge he is not weakening his side. And with Fulham having been in European action barely 72 hours earlier, this will only play into City's hands.
Injury Update: Nigel de Jong is out and is set to be joined on the sidelines by James Milner. Owen Hargreaves is not ready yet to make his debut.
Man City 3 Wigan 0: Sergio Aguero Hat-Trick Maintains City’s Flying Start
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Manchester City, Wigan, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Sergio Aguero hit a stunning hat-trick to maintain Manchester City's flying start to the campaign as Roberto Mancini's side warmed up for their Champions League debut with another impressive victory.
City entertain Napoli on Wednesday on the back of a fourth straight league win this season after an Aguero-inspired success.
The Argentinian opened the scoring in the 13th minute before two goals in the space of six second-half minutes earned him the match ball.
It should have been more as Carlos Tevez missed a penalty on his return to the side while Micah Richards and Vincent Kompany both rattled the woodwork.
THE GOALS
13mins: That's four goals in four league games for Aguero since his £38 million move from Atletico Madrid after firing through the legs of Maynor Figueroa following a delightful move involving Tevez and David Silva. (1-0)
63mins: Substitute Samir Nasri marks his home debut by teeing up Aguero to tuck home his second. (2-0)
68mins: And there's Aguero's hat-trick. A neat finish after Silva's delicious pass. (3-0)
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
4mins: Adam Johnson is presented with a glorious opportunity to mark his return to the side with a goal, but the unmarked winger is wasteful as he fires high over the bar following Gael Clichy's cross.
9mins: Good save by keeper Ali Al Habsi, who is alert to Silva's 20-yard effort after being teed-up by the busy Johnson.
11mins: Joleon Lescott heads Kompany's goalbound header over the Wigan bar from almost point-blank range.
17mins: Penalty to City after Silva is fouled by Adrian Lopez. But Tevez fails to take advantage as his weak attempt is kept out by Al Habsi.
27mins: A defence-splitting ball by Tevez leaves Richards with only the keeper to beat yet the defender can only hit the woodwork.
35mins: The Wigan bar is rattled again. This time Kompany heads against the post and then Lescott cannot divert Richards' driven cross over the line.
59mins: A let off for City as Joe Hart keeps out Hugo Rodallega's shot after a fine run by Victor Moses.
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REACTION
Mancini insisted there is still room for improvement from his side despite a fourth win in four games:
"We had about 15 chances in the first half and only scored one goal. This is a problem because the game can change at any moment. All the players played every well. But if we want to stay at the top for a long time then we need to improve."
On Aguero's hat-trick:
"He played very well but so too did all my players. I enjoyed watching it because I like it when we play football very well."
On fatigue in his squad:
"The players are so tired. Some of them have played two games for the national team and need to recover over the next three days. Carlos (Tevez) is not 100 per cent fit at this moment, but I am happy for him because for me he played very well. He linked well with Sergio. It was important for him to start and play well. Maybe in two or three days time he will be 100 per cent."
On the prospect of taking on Europe's elite in the Champions League:
"We need to be calm. It is important to improve every game. We have players who play very well but to arrive at the top we need time. We need to improve as a team."
On Napoli:
"It will be a hard game. It will be the first time that we have played in the Champions League. It will be an exciting night. Napoli are a good team and the first group game is always difficult."
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez admitted his side had been well beaten:
"I can't complain about the result but we kept going. We were not expected to come here and win but we can learn lessons from this."
On the importance of bouncing back quickly:
"I'm glad that we have a game so soon. It will give us a chance to respond."
WHAT IT MEANS
Played four, scored 15. The City juggernaut rolls on after a result that ensured City made headlines for the right reasons after the controversy over Garry Cook's resignation as chief executive. This was just the result - and performance - that Mancini had demanded ahead of his team's Champions League debut. Aguero will get the headlines but Silva and Tevez, despite his spot kick failure, were also impressive. No one will fancy facing City in this form. Wigan will be pleased to return to action so quickly on Tuesday in the Carling Cup. The Crystal Palace tie will at least give Martinez's side a chance to return to winning ways after such a comprehensive defeat.
MANCHESTER CITY 3 (Aguero 13, 63, 69) WIGAN 0
PLAYER MARKING:
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Hart 7; Richards 7, Kompany 7, Lescott 7, Clichy 7; Y Toure 7 (Razak 80), Milner 7; Johnson 7, Silva 7, Aguero 9 (Balotelli 71, 6); Tevez 7 (Nasri 61, 7).
Subs (not used): Pantilimon, Zabaleta, K Toure, Dzeko.
Wigan (4-1-4-1): Al Habsi 7; Boyce 6 (Stam 60, 5), Caldwell 6, Lopez 5, Figueroa 6; Watson 6 (Crusat 70, 5); Rodallega 6, Diame 6, McArthur 6, Moses 6; Di Santo 6 (Gomez 70, 5).
Subs (not used): Kirkland, McCarthy, Sammon, Jones.
ATTENDANCE: 46,509
REFEREE: Martin Atkinson
NEXT UP:
- Manchester City v Napoli (home), Champions League Group A, 14/09, 1945 BST
- Wigan v Crystal Palace (away), Carling Cup Second Round, 13/09, 2000 BST
Manchester City’s Garry Cook Pays the Price for Tasteless Email
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Embattled Manchester City CEO Garry Cook has resigned in the wake of the controversy surrounding an email sent to the mother of the club's defender Nedum Onuoha.
Cook denied sending the message, in which Dr Anthonia Onuoha was mocked during her battle with cancer, claiming his account had been hacked.
But after the conclusion of a five-day internal investigation, City issued a statement announcing Cook's resignation which has been accepted with "regret".
"Manchester City Football Club announce that the board led review initiated on Monday of this week, as a response to allegations made to the football club, football authorities and a national newspaper by Dr Anthonia Onuoha, has been concluded," said the statement.
"As a result, the club can confirm that there is foundation to Dr Onuoha's allegations and the chairman has written to apologise to Dr Onuoha for any distress caused.
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"Following the findings of the review, chief executive officer Garry Cook has offered his resignation, which has been accepted with regret by the board."
Cook will be remembered for driving City's rapid transformation into a major power.
But his three years at the club were not without controversy.
He often found himself in the spotlight for ill-judged remarks. He accused AC Milan of "bottling it" when attempts to lure Kaka to Manchester failed in 2009.
And while inducting former City favourite Uwe Rosler into the club's hall of fame, Cook said he would like to welcome him to "the Manchester United" hall of fame.
Yet despite the circumstances surrounding his departure, chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak paid tribute to the former Nike executive's achievements.
"Garry has made a remarkable contribution to Manchester City Football Club over the past three years," he said.
"His judgement in this matter should in no way lead to his accomplishments being overlooked.
"On every level, the club is unrecognisable from the organisation which he inherited and our staff and supporter services, community outreach and commercial activity have seen unparalleled growth under his direction with yet more projects to be realised on the horizon.
"On behalf of Sheikh Mansour and the board, I would like to thank him for his energy and tireless commitment to serving all those connected with the football club. He will always be welcome at Manchester City."
The hunt for Cook's replacement is already underway.
"I am privileged to have held my position at Manchester City Football Club and to have experienced the opportunities that it has presented," said Cook, who is currently on holiday in the United States.
"The privilege is in part offset however by the significant personal focus which has at times, detracted from the magnificent achievements of those working at the football club.
Manchester City’s Reputation is at Stake as Club Investigates Garry Cook Email Row
by Chris BreretonFiled under: Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook has once again hit the headlines for the wrong reasons - and it would appear that this latest incident threatens his career at the Etihad Stadium.
Cook has almost redefined the phrase "gaffe-prone" since leaving American sports brand Nike to run the ship at City in 2008 yet there is no doubt that he has overseen a transformation in City's off-field performance and is widely recognised to have worked well with the Abu Dhabi United Group who own the club.
Yet he may now find himself on the wrong side of the fence with City's owners after an email allegedly sent from his iPad mocked Nedum Onouha's mother who is suffering from cancer.
Although Cook claims that his email account has been hacked and that he did not send any offensive email, the incident is now being investigated internally by the club.
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As The Sun reported on Monday, the defender's mother Dr Anthonia Onouha - who also works as her son's agent - had engaged in an email conversation with City's football administrator, Brian Marwood, over Nedum's future at the club.
Dr Onouha wrote that although she may be "ravaged with cancer" her mental faculties were as sharp as ever and that then led to her receiving a reply from Cook's email account two weeks later after she was "copied into" a response.
An email from Cook's Ipad to Marwood read: "Ravaged with it!!........I don't know how you sleep at night. You used to be such a nice man when I worked with you at nike. G"
City have confirmed they have launched an investigation into a matter that has left Dr Onouha "distressed and traumatic."
Cook has come out fighting in defence of his career, apologised to Dr Onouha and suggested that disciplinary proceedings have begun against a member of City's staff whom he claimed has hacked into his account and sent the troublesome email.
But will that be enough to save him?
Cook will not be helped by his past record of public misjudgements.
In 2008 he called City's former owner Thaksin Shinawatra "a great man to play golf with" - the same Shinawatra later convicted of corruption in Thailand and with questions to be answered about his human rights record.
And in November 2009 he apologised to City's fans after inducting former City striker Uwe Rosler into the club's hall of fame with the declaration "I'd like to welcome Uwe Rösler into the Manchester United Hall of Fame."
There are a host of other ill-judged comments which do not shine an impressive spotlight on Cook yet none are as serious as his latest alleged mistake.
And he may well find that although he claims he is an innocent party in the incident, City's owners feel that it is time for a change at the top as they attempt to establish the kind of reputation expected of club aspiring to greater things.