Post by sri21arun on Jan 22, 2014 15:54:14 GMT 5.5
Manchester City - A Dominant Force
![](http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2013/11/24/431097.jpg)
13/14 is a vintage season for Manchester City already; 106 goals to the good, they’ve doled out thrashings to Norwich, Arsenal and Spurs in the league, not to mention victories over Liverpool and rivals United, and even managed to come from behind to beat the Champions of Europe in their own backyard. The only team in England to still be fighting on four fronts, they took a step closer to their first trophy last night by booking their place in the Capital One Cup Final, destroying West Ham over two legs. If City hadn’t suffered four infuriating losses away from home at the start of the season, they’d be running away with the Premier League by now. Why is it all going so right for the Blues, and is there a limit to what this current City team can achieve?
Manager
Manuel Pellegrini had a hard task in front of him when he replaced fan favourite Roberto Mancini, but it’s obvious that the Chilean has settled in well at City. Holistic with a capital ‘H’, a whole host of players not only appear more comfortable under the ex-Málaga man’s tenure, but are also starting to produce the football of their lives. Kolarov, Džeko and Nasri are just three players who are blossoming under Pellegrini, with City feeling the benefit. The Chilean’s man-managements skills were showcased with his exemplary handling of the Joe Hart situation, and his desire for his team to attack at all costs is not only paying dividends – City are averaging over three goals a game, remember – but is also engendering some of the most beautiful, adventurous football the Etihad has ever seen.
Most Improved
Honourable mentions must go to Aleksandar Kolarov, for his plethora of overlapping runs, crosses, shots and free-kicks this season, and also Edin Džeko, who is at last turning on the style. The Bosnian scored his 50th goal for City in December, and the Blues’ 100th goal in all competitions this season on Saturday, finally showing what he’s capable of. Only one player can claim such an accolade, however, and that player is a man transformed from last year.
Samir Nasri
I’m talking about Nasri of course. His medial ligament injury thanks to Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa’s tackle couldn’t have come at a worse time, though thankfully the Frenchman will only be out for eight weeks instead of the numerous months initially feared. Nasri has been a revelation this season, once again finding the form that helped propel City to their first league title in 44 years back in 11/12. Whereas occasionally fellow playmaker Silva has appeared a little fatigued, the France international has hardly put a foot wrong for City this term, contributing five goals and seven assists from 28 competitive matches. The Frenchman seems so much happier under Pellegrini, and his work-rate and work ethic are totally changed from last season. When he performs like he has been doing, he is a delight to watch.
Star Men
There’s so much talent oozing through City’s squad, this category is almost impossible to pick for. Where would the Blues be without their Captain Fantastic, Vincent Kompany? I personally think City are a lesser side every time Pablo Zabaleta is missing; the Blues thrive off his overlapping runs, and he drives his team forward from the right-wing, epitomising the dynamism of a modern fullback. No City team feels complete without its Spanish wizard, either; David Silva is personally my favourite player of all time, and his ridiculous invention and ability to thread a pass through the eye of a needle is now merely expected at the Etihad, such is Silva’s prodigious talent. I have, however, managed to limit myself to two, so here goes...
Sergio Agüero
![](http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article2293339.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/LIVE-Sergio-Aguero-celebrates-as-he-scores-for-city-2293339.jpg)
If you’re talking of talismans, you have to mention Kun, City’s hero. The only striker in the Premier League with a chance of catching up with Suárez, if Agüero hadn’t been out injured for a month, he might already have done so. The little Argentinean is one of the best players in the world, and his presence in the City squad practically guarantees goals. His work-rate is fantastic for one so technically talented, and the strength of the man, battling for every ball and bullying defenders, is a joy for those in Blue to see.
Yaya Touré
The Ivorian international is definitely forging a claim to be City’s player of the season; 14 goals already from midfield by January, the Citizens’ new resident free-kick specialist is hitting the form of his life. Often accused by some fans (myself amongst them) of going missing in the less glamorous ties, Touré seems to be on a one-man mission to prove us all wrong this season. Take his goal against Cardiff on Saturday as an example – the strength, passion and desire shown in his marauding run (what other adjective do you use where Touré is concerned?) was just magnificent. Yaya is most definitely a match-winner. His experience, skill and determination are what City need to turn their fantastic start this year into real success and trophies.
Star Buy:
Álvaro Negredo
![](http://images.cdn.fourfourtwo.com/sites/fourfourtwo.com/files/styles/main-image-landscape-small/public/negredo_hull1080.jpg?itok=BRfrD66S)
Fernandinho and Jesús Navas come close seconds, but the man they call The Beast’s contribution to this City team, his partnerships with Agüero and Džeko, the number of times he’s hit the back of the net and his overall work-rate is enough to make City fans drool with delight. Like his striking partner Agüero, the Spaniard bullies opposition defenders into submission, and Negredo is starting to seem like a bargain at £20m. The Beast is currently vying to be City’s top scorer in all competitions along with Agüero; if both players continue their duel to finish on top, Blues around the world will be happy.
What next?
Is the quad really on? Maybe such a feat, never been done before, is a bridge too far for City this season, but who knows; this is football after all. The Premier League will be the priority, and if City are Champions they will definitely have deserved it. The Capital One Cup seems to be there for the taking, though Pellegrini’s men will have to beware complacency. A good FA Cup run offers the opportunity to avenge the ghosts of last season, and the games against Barcelona in the Champions League Round of 16 will be a massive test. Getting through to the knock-out stages of Europe’s elite competition is Pellegrini’s biggest achievement to date, and the Chilean will be hoping his side continues to progress in the competition. Barcelona are not the team they were three years ago, but the Catalans are still formidable. That’s no reason for City not to go for it, however; with the Blues performing the way they are at the moment, anything can happen.
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