Picture below of the actual shirt:

Please please please share this with other city fans and on forums, blogs etc, lets make sure a real Citizen wins.

The question is pretty easy and you can enter at their blog as well as at facebook.com/FootballShirts and twitter.com/FootballShirts good luck and let us know if you manage to win, entries close next Friday.

Vote Now

City started off the final beating Blackburn by a huge margin, but as word has got around the web, more votes have come in for Rovers, backed by a campaign on their forums and now on Manchester United forums too!

So please spread the word amongst City fans as voting is open till April 18th and we are being caught up, by getting the word out we can maintain our lead.

Vote here, and please link to that page on any City sites or forums you know.

You can also share on Facebook here, or on Twitter to help out too.

Will we ever learn that sacking a manager is just a brief moment of joy which brings the same sort of frustrations that were feeling now in the long run? We haven’t won a trophy in 34 years, that’s a fact. But, we haven’t given a manager a sustained period of time in charge of the club to try and end this baron spell. We have allowed Mark Hughes to spend a reported £200 million on players to try and win a trophy, but then we sack him after allowing him to build the club in his vision, his way.  We can’t keep sacking managers and expecting the new manager to bring instant success because every time this new manager will have new ideas and new players he wants at the club to bring success. Now I want to see Mancini fulfil his contract of 3 and a half years at the club, then see what success we have had or not.

Now  I will admit sitting through the recent home ties with Bolton, Stoke and Liverpool, I have become increasingly frustrated with our teams set up and tactics throughout the game, but if you take a few moments and sit back, you will realise just how stupid we are for calling for yet another new manager at this football club.

Firstly, a huge factor in Hughes getting the chop at City was because he failed to stop the team leaking silly goals which cost us many vital points. If Hughes had of sorted out the defence he wouldn’t have lost points to teams like Hull, Burnley and Fulham at home, if he had won these games, we would be third and dreaming of who we will face in the Champions League next season. But Mancini has come in and seen something Hughes didn’t and this is that our defence was all over the place. He has ensured that the team set up is now much more solid and harder to break down. But you may say were still losing games to teams like Hull and Stoke, but once a new manager comes in, we need to give him time to build his team and establish his ideas onto the current players before we can expect results.

Hughes had never won anything in his career as manager apart from possibly the odd manager of the month award. Mancini has won numerous Coppa Italia’s and Serie A titles in Italy. You may argue that these titles were won in Serie A, which isn’t as good of a league as the Premier league. But they are trophies, the man has the experience of winning trophies, you can’t be a poor manager and win Serie A. However, Mancini didn’t win these titles after a few months in charge of the clubs, he was given a sustained period of time to turn the club into how he wanted it and their patience was rewarded with success. I have nothing against Mark Hughes but he just isn’t in the same league as Roberto Mancini as a manager.

Another thing is, if we were to sack Mancini, who could we possibly get as a replacement? Now many people would say Mourinho because of his success at Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan. But if you are expecting more exciting football under Mourinho, you may be shocked. Many people in Italy are frustrated in Mourinho for playing too negatively in matches, yet because of the quality his squad has compared to the others they still manage to come away with the points they need. I also don’t believe Mourinho would really, genuinely want to come to this football club. He has champion’s league football every year at Inter Milan, his stage to shine and shock people. His chance to run down the Old Trafford touchline and slide on his knees as his team scores a dramatic late goal. Don’t get me wrong if he came to City and did that for us, I would suddenly become very affectionate to him, but the Champions League is needed by Mourinho for him to stamp his personality on football.  

Therefore, I believe that we should give Mancini at least 3 years to turn this football club into a trophy winning side. It’s not that long ago we were struggling outside the premier league with absolutely no chance of winning trophies, so surely we can have some patience and allow Mancini the time to build the team in his way and bring success to the football club?

(image proportions fixed – Ed.)

Levels of anticipation, tension and anxiety have never been higher for any match in recent memory, with the close rivalry reaching fever pitch a week ago. After a pulsating yet thoroughly nerve-wracking first leg at the City of Manchester Stadium, the Blues head into this leg with a slender 2-1 lead, courtesy of a brace of goals from former United star Carlos Tévez. The utter joy and euphoria with which he celebrated his strikes confirmed that the Argentine forward is truly committed to the City cause and the fist pumping and mocking hand gestures in the general direction of Gary Neville endeared him further more to the City faithful. Never short of a word or two, the, ahem, good looking full-back had written in a newspaper column that he supported his manager’s decision not to acquire the permanent services of the Argentinean forward; comments which incensed and provoked Tévez into producing his swashbuckling performance.

During the past week, City’s gaffe-prone Chief Executive Garry Cook further heightened the stakes by declaring in a New York saloon that City would be the biggest and best club in the world, whilst Sir Alex Ferguson and Kia Joorabchian have also said their two pennies worth on the matter. Extra police are expected to be on patrol for this match, after the despicable behaviour of the visiting fans to Eastlands last Tuesday, as a small number of ’supporters’ tried to smuggle darts and golf balls, to name but a couple objects, into the ground, with the sole intention of injuring others.

 
Tévez sent a clear message to United’s hierarchy after scoring his second goal against his former club

Roberto Mancini, having taken charge of just five City games prior to the first leg, has already stamped his mark on the squad. Recalling players such as Martin Petrov and Javier Garrido, who were exiled into the wilderness by Mark Hughes, along with the brave introduction of youngsters like Dedryck Boyata and Abdisalam Ibrahim has been an inspired move, and the astute tactical awareness of the Italian is in stark contrast to former incumbent Hughes. Notably in the first leg, the languid and stylish Mancini reverted from a 4-4-2 to a 4-5-1 formation, with Pablo Zabaleta occupying a plethora of roles during the match. This versatility and ability to adapt to the situation will prove necessary, not just for the Argentine, but for the whole squad, as the away goals rule (which will come into force after extra-time) will have a determining impact on the way we play. Brazilian superstar Robinho may take part in his final City game tomorrow with his loan move to Santos expected to be announced in the coming days.

On the back of the FA Cup victory over Scunthorpe, Mancini’s sixth win in seven games, the manager has a tricky selection dilemma for this derby match. Ivory Coast defender Kolo Touré is expected to return to the side, provided he overcomes fatigue, after his side were unexpectedly beaten by Algeria in the quarter finals of the African Cup of Nations, whilst Martin Petrov, outstanding in the win on Sunday and scorer of a few goals since Mancini’s arrival, looks set to be relegated to the substitute’s bench, with the running power, tenacity and general work-rate of Pablo Zabaleta expected to be preferred. Emmanuel Adebayor, who witnessed the tragedy on board the Togo bus, has returned to City after suffering from shock following the despicable attack and will take his place on the bench. After all he has gone through recently, it would signify partial closure of the incident for the striker if he were to score and send City through to the final. Mancini did suffer one setback though in midweek, with the news that new signing Patrick Vieira is still unable to play, as he continues his recuperation from a calf strain.

For all the talk from Sir Alex Ferguson that the Carling Cup was the least of their worries and the trophy at the bottom of their priorities, he fielded his strongest available side in the first leg. Wayne Rooney, usually one who is exempt from Carling Cup duty, was asked to lead the line on his own, although he is sure to receive more help this time around, from either Mame Biram Diouf, Dimitar Berbatov or Michael Owen, whilst Ryan Giggs captained the side. However, for this leg, United’s manager is faced with a tricky selection dilemma. A visit to the Emirates to face an Arsenal side brimming with confidence despite their FA Cup defeat at the hands of Stoke lies just a few days after this encounter, so Ferguson may be tempted to rest a couple of his senior players. Whatever team he picks is sure to cause City problems and there will be no let up in intensity from the hosts.

Ladies man Rooney scored four at the weekend and will be the principal threat to City’s defence

My Team (4-5-1) (but 4-3-3 when going forward)

Given

Onuoha                 Touré                         Kompany                  Barry

SWP             Zabaleta                   De Jong             Ireland                 Bellamy

Tévez

Subs: Taylor, Richards, Sylvinho, Petrov, Robinho, Benjani, Adebayor

My Prediction: Man United 2 – 1 Man City

The pessimist (but hopefull not realist) in me prevails in this prediction. City will no doubt battle bravely against an Alamo-esque siege from United, and will manage to take the tie into extra-time, during which, I hate to say it, United will prove too strong and score another to send them through. Goals to be scored by Craig Bellamy, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, with drama sure to surround Carlos Tévez, as he misses a 90th minute penalty to put City in the final!

What do you think will happen on Wednesday? Give your opinions below. Thanks for reading!

The FA Cup returns to conclude a dramatic week of cup action, with Scunthorpe hosting a buoyant Manchester City side, on Sunday (16:00).

With some 3rd Round fixtures only being completed this week due to the adverse weather conditions earlier this month, coupled with two dramatic Carling Cup semi-finals, the advert for cup football has never been stronger.

Aston Villa completed a magnificent comeback in the Carling Cup to overcome Blackburn, booking a place at Wembley for the first time in 10 years, knowing they will face one of the Manchester clubs. City on the other hand delighted the blue half of Manchester with a 2-1 victory at Eastlands over local rivals Manchester United. Much has been talked about the Citizens lack of silverware, 34 years to be precise; however the two Manchester sides have had differing fortunes in the Domestic cups this year, with this perhaps being their best opportunity to bring down the banner at Old Trafford, which clearly outlines their lack of success in recent years.

Everton v Manchester City Barclays Premier League” width=”234″ height=”158″ />

The FA Cup is another opportunity for City to take advantage of this, as they face struggling Championship side Scunthorpe, who currently lie in 20^th place in the league, whereas rivals United were knocked out by Leeds United, of League One, in Round 3.

Inspirational Carlos Tevez, who scored both goals against United in midweek, could be rested by Mancini for the trip to Glanford Park, with Benjani a possible replacement, providing West Hams reported interest is not followed up prior to kick off.

19 year old Belgian, Dedryck Boyata, could start again, with Mancini looking favourably upon the youngster, so City’s injury worries could be eased slightly with his emergence. Another figure that could be in line for a start is Robinho, despite not featuring on Tuesday and his humiliation at being substituted at Everton last week, the Manchester City boss may test his commitment to the cause by handing him a start, and also using it as an opportunity to rest Craig Bellamy.

Togo team in Lome, Togo after attack on team bus in Angola” width=”234″ height=”150″ />

Nedum Onuoha is also in line for a start after coming on against United and the same applies to veteran Sylvinho, as Mancini still has Bridge and Lescott unavailable, with Kolo Toure still on International duty. However, on a positive note, Emmanuel Adebayor could return to action over the next 10 days, following the attack on his team bus at the African Nations Cup.

New signing Patrick Vieira is touch and go to make his debut, following a calf strain which he brought with him, following his switch from the San Siro. Moving in the same direction, from AC Milan this time, could be former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini, also reportedly on an initial loan to the end of the season. Mancini also voiced his interest in Fernando Gago of Real Madrid, stating both were “possible” short term moves for the Eastlands club, meaning if one, or both moves were to come off, the likes of Barry, De Jong, Zabaleta and Johnson would face stiff competition for places.

Scunthorpe however, have struggled in the Championship this season and after beating Barnsley in the 3rd Round, will welcome a money spinning home tie against City.

Currently lying in 20th place in the league, the second half of the season could be even longer than the first for the supporters. However, Nigel Adkins will be expecting a full house as The Irons look to turn their season around with a cup run.

The Championship side have not lost in their last 3 games, starting with the 1-0 victory against Barnsley, in this very competition. The supporters will no doubt be in somewhat of a catch twenty two situation, as the likes of Robinho and Vieira lining up under the lights on Sunday would be a great sight, however in the backs of their minds, perhaps would like to see a number of first team players rested.

Scunthorpe will be waiting on the fitness off both Josh Wright and Rob Jones with Cliff Byrne likely to start at centre half. Michael O’Connor will miss out through suspension and also set to be on the sidelines for the Irons is Joe Murphy, who has been struggling with a shoulder injury. Josh Lillis is therefore likely to start between the post for Scunthorpe, with the hope of keeping a City side brimming with confidence, at bay. If Lillis manages to do this, it will be Scunthorpe’s first trip to the 5^th Round in 40 years.

An away win for Manchester City looks the most likely result on Sunday, however after the performances by Leeds and Reading respectively in the 3rd Round, knocking out Manchester United and Liverpool, the bookies won’t be counting their takings just yet. Following those stand-out performances in the last round and the gripping games in mid-week, it appears after all the doom and gloom about the cup competitions having lost their magic, there could be life in the old dog yet. Roberto Mancini and Adkins will both be aware that this game, along with the other ties this weekend, is by no means a formality but with City coming into this one on the back of a derby victory and with their whole squad with something to prove to the new manager, the blues short odds could be justified.

Kinkladze scored once in the first leg, which Georgia won 5-0 and again in the return fixture, a 1-0 victory and totalled 55 caps for the former Soviet state, scoring 8 goals and making him their most famous export, until Temuri Kestbaia had an altercation with an advertising hoarding at St James’ Park several years later.

Kinkladze was born in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, in 1973. At this time his homeland was under Soviet rule and declared independence in 1991 and shortly after became a member of FIFA and Uefa respectively. He started, like many children growing up at this time, playing football, as somewhat of an escape from the desolate landscape that surrounded him and his friends. He started out with local club Mretebi Tbilisi, shortly after moving onto Dinamo Tbilisi, who are comparatively the Real Madrid of Georgia. It was here that he honed his guile and craft, mesmerising his native people for over 100 games, for the side that he had admired so, growing up in the city.

Following his two outstanding performances against Wales, a host of Premiership clubs were touting Kinkladze, with Manchester City his eventual destination. Between his spells at Dinamo and City, there had been a brief spell at German side Saarbrucken; however club politics prevented a move becoming permanent. It was at City that he achieved cult status, following a reported £2million move from Dinamo, becoming former England International; Alan Ball’s first signing with the club.

As of the 15th July 1995, 21 year old Kinkladze had the eyes of the blue half of Manchester bearing down on him, following much speculation and indeed hype on his arrival. Furthermore, many of the supporters voiced their concerns at letting Ball spend such a large amount on an attacking midfielder, when City had been struggling the previous season defensively. Indeed Kinkladze appeared slightly chunky upon his entrance; however rich praise came from ball stating that “when the season starts, every football fan will be talking about him”. Rich praise indeed for a man that lifted the World Cup with England in 1996.

It was little over a month after his arrival, on the 19th August when Georgiou made his debut against Tottenham. Following this, it took almost 3 months for him to get a win under his belt whilst in the starting line up, finally coming against Aston Villa, with the Georgian getting on the score sheet. Incidentally, the first 3 months of his City career were a sign of things to come over the next 3 years for Gio, as the Maine Road club failed to sparkle and he was relegated in his first season at the club,

Despite playing for a floundering City side, Gio was undoubtedly the saving grace for the supporters during his time there. His magical runs, outstanding vision and world class finishes were something that will not be forgotten amongst fans that saw him play. In comparison, his style of dribbling was similar to George Best, his passing of Gascoigne and finishing of Bergkamp; indeed City had a player of true class. This was so much the case, much was made of Kinkladze winning “Visiting Player of the Season”, following his performance at Middlesbrough and won Goal of the Month or his strike against Southampton.

During his time at City, it was moments like this that warmed him to the hearts of the supporters and indeed won the Player of the Year award in both seasons at the club. He appeared in the famous blue shirt 106 times over this period, scoring 20 goals in all competitions. The arrival of no-nonsense manager, Joe Royle, meant that Gio’s time at City was drawing to a close, much to the disappointment to the supporters.

With the number 7 putting in outstanding performances week in, week out, for a struggling side, clubs from across Europe were starting to take an interest and eventually City cashed in on their talismanic midfielder, commanding a fee of around £5million, on what was widely thought to be a like for like replacement for Finn, Jari Litmanen.

Following life after City, Kinkladze’s time at Ajax was plagued by injury and sporadic appearances, meaning he only played 12 times in the famous red and white jersey. He then moved to Derby County, to play under Jim Smith. Between 1999 and 2004 he made 93 appearances, scoring approximately every 13 games, compared to 1 in 5 at City. Whilst with the Ram’s, he again won another Player of the Season award and the fans loved him, there were the expected moments of flair and although not representing a so called big club, had the support of veterans such as Ravanelli to call upon.

On leaving Derby 6 years ago, Georgiou then moved to Cyprus after numerous unsuccessful trials with the likes of Celtic, who renewed their interest in him, after initially making an enquiry whilst at Dinamo. In the 2004-2005 season, he re-discovered his form, helping Anorthosis Famagusta to the league title, where the aforementioned Ketsbaia was stationed as a player/coach.

Rubin Kazan was Georgiou’s last professional club as a player. City have coincidentally been linked with 23 year old, Argentinean left back, Cristian Ansaldi, who currently plies his trade with the Russian club. However in the 2005-2006 season, it was Kinkladze who helped guide them to a Uefa cup qualifying spot and have since gone onto make the Champions League. His playing days came to an end, like many, as a result of a lack of fitness and a club, due to his advancing years, though in no small part, had a role to play in the Russian’s success, even if his jinking runs were not there, his vision and finishing ability did not diminish.

Manchester City supporters will always remember him for his flair and guile in the centre of the park, being one of their most technically gifted players in recent generations. Perhaps Gio was lucky, in the fact that he joined the likes of Lomas, Rosler and Quinn, although legendary, were not the type of player that would get the Kippax Stand on their feet with such ease. With City’s millions, it is unlikely that they will be looking to Tbilisi for a marquee signing in the near future, although it would be fascinating to know what a player of Kinkladze’s calibre would fetch in today’s market.

Manchester City come into this one on the back of a 2-0 away defeat at the hands of Everton on Saturday, meaning Roberto Manicini’s first defeat as City Boss. The flamboyant Italian still has selection problems and many are keen to see whether Robinho is involved after his humiliating substitution at Goodison Park.

Roque Santa Cruz, who will be out for a month with a calf injury, was taken off in the first half against the Toffees, with the British record signing Robinho coming onto replace him, after 51 minutes however, Mancini had seen enough of another lacklustre away performance, which saw him substituted for Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Despite this defeat, all of the pre-match noise has been coming from City, most notably from former United man Tevez, stating that he hopes to gain his “revenge” on his former club. Vincent Kompany, who has put in some convincingly average performances of late, has also chipped in stating that the Carling Cup tie will provide a “Fresh Test” for the Eastlands outfit, whilst former Hamburg teammate Nigel De Jong has been talking to the media again stating that he “cannot wait for the Derby”.

Selection wise, new signing Vieira is set to miss out again, however may be pushed down the pecking order with the reported arrival of Mathieu Flamini, on loan from AC Milan until the end of the season. Incidentally, it has developed that promising youngster Vladimir Weiss, who scored against Arsenal, could be on his way out of the club in the next few days, potentially to Hull, again on loan.

Accompanying Santa Cruz and Vieira on the sidelines tonight will be Wayne Bridge and Joleon Lescott, who are both suffering with knee injuries, Stephen Ireland, with a niggling back injury whilst Michael Johnson takes up his familiar place in the stands with another long term injury. Kolo Toure is still on International duty with the Ivory Coast and Adebayor is likely to be on compassionate leave for a number of weeks, following the atrocities in Angola.

On the other side of Manchester, Berbatov will miss out with a knee injury which flared up against Burnley and Ryan Giggs will be unlikely to stop City winning their first trophy in 34 years, as he is also likely to miss out. This means Diouf could start, following his first league goal at the weekend and Fletcher may deputise at the back. The ongoing makeshift defence will cause concerns for Sir Alex Ferguson as Rio Ferdinand is still some way off from first team action and Nemanja Vidic, who is suffering with discomfort in his knee, thought to be a trapped nerve, will miss out again. This leaves United short defensively as John O’Shea and Owen Hargreaves are also long term absentees. Ben Foster, who is rumoured to be leaving United this month in search of first team action, is also out, with Edwin Van Der Sar likely to start again between the posts, following his return on Saturday, with a somewhat fortunate clean sheet against The Clarets.

The holders will be hoping to stop City’s almost inevitable rise to the top of English football, however despite Sir Alex stating that he “sees the threat” from the blue half of Manchester, he undoubtedly has the experience. Since City’s last trophy, the League Cup in 1976, Manchester United have gone on to win 25 major honours, whilst City last reached a Semi-Final back in 1981. Also on United’s side are previous results, the bookies will give good odds on a 1-0 victory tonight, with the last three derbies at the City of Manchester Stadium finishing this way, two of which in Sir Alex’s favour.

With City seemingly unable to play a game un-televised at the moment (including Saturday’s defeat at Everton, 5 consecutive matches will be show in all competitions), Mancini will be eager to impress, particularly with this being one of the most anticipated League Cup ties in recent history. Adding extra spice to this could be the Red Devils dominance in recent years and City currently being pretenders to the throne, however with United being knocked out of the FA Cup, Owens injury time winner at Old Trafford and the superlative form of Carlos Tevez, if tonight’s game is anywhere near as good as the build up, this could be a great advert for the rise of the Carling Cup.

Following Mondays 4-1 home win against Blackburn, a host of selection problems and the midweek Carling Cup Semi Final looming; perhaps David Moyes’ side will be a sterner test for Mancini’s side. Everton come into this fixture following a much improved run of performances, most recently an unlucky draw against Arsenal at the Emirates. However Moyes has selection problems of his own and will have Lucas Neill available, despite agreeing a move to Galatasaray yesterday, in order to suppress the threat of Carlos Tevez.

Tevez struck a hat-trick against Blackburn on Monday, making it 15 goals so far this season and has been in sparkling form. He has now scored ten goals in his last seven Premier League games, coming from a player whom Sir Alex Ferguson stated “does not get enough goals”, following his move across Manchester. Roberto Mancini has heaped praise on the Argentinean forward this week, stating that on current form, he is one of the “top strikers in Europe”.

The Italian could be without up to ten first team players, including Robinho, Ireland and Santa Cruz, with Patrick Vieira unlikely to feature due to a niggling calf injury. Emmanuel Adebayor stated that he is “Still unsure” as to when he will return to England, following the machine gun attack on his Togo team bus last week however, Mancini has given him indefinite compassionate leave and does not expect the 6 goal striker to return for several weeks, contrary to midweek reports.

Manchester City will also be without Kolo Toure, who has stayed on International duty with the Ivory Coast, who were the first team to qualify for the knock out stages with a 3-1 win over Ghana, with Chelsea’s Didier Drogba getting on the score sheet. Defensively, they will could also miss Onuoha, who will face a late fitness test (calf) and Wayne Bridge is out with a knee injury. Joleon Lescott will not get the opportunity to return to his former club, as he is also struggling with a strain.

David Moyes is not without his selection problems; however will take comfort in the knowledge that City have only beaten Everton once at Goodison in the league since 1992.

Yakubu and Yobo are on international duty and injury wise Rodwell, Jagielka, Anichebe and Arteta are all certain to miss out. Sylvain Distin is struggling for fitness after straining his hamstring, however will face a late fitness test to determine whether he will face the club he played for 178 times. Landon Donovan will be in contention for his first home fixture, following his loan move from the MLS however, Brazilian striker Jo, on a season long loan from City is not eligible but was unlikely to be selected after being fined for taking unauthorised leave.

Despite the encouraging performance against Arsenal last week, Everton have only won three games at home so far this season but have slowly climbed away from the relegation zone after an unbeaten run of nine games. Toffees fans will hope to see a return to the cutting edge that they showed against the Gunners and a win today would put them in the top half.

City on the other hand could cement their place in the top four come the close of play today; however it is almost certain that Mancini will have one eye on the Manchester United fixture. In both sides last two fixtures combined, there were 11 goals, so clean sheets appear unlikely and this tie could rest on two former United strikers in Saha and Tevez.

Much has been written and spoken about the departure of Hughes and I for one was strongly in favour of giving Sparky more time at the helm of my beloved club. As can be seen in this article, the manner of his sacking was the aspect that vexed me the most, but I am more than happy with the start than Mancini has made. Fortunately, the languid and stylish Italian has galvanised our previously shaky defence, which was conceding goals willy-nilly. Stricken by injuries, the former Fiorentina, Lazio and Inter Milan manager was shorn of Joleon Lescott, Nedum Onuoha and Wayne Bridge in defence, but, along with the vast experience of assistant manager Brian Kidd, managed to reverse our fortunes, with our defence recording consecutive clean sheets. The fact that Stoke scored a blank at Eastlands was largely down to the underrated brilliance of Shay Given, but during the past couple of games, in my view at least, we have looked much more assured and solid.

Mancini has had a promising start to his managerial career at City

For all the criticism of Hughes and the subsequent adulation of Mancini, it must be remembered that the players who have guided us to the two wins were the same ones at the disposal of our former incumbent. Kolo Touré, the much maligned Ivory Coast centre-back, has improved immeasurably since Mancini arrived, whilst Micah Richards and Pablo Zabaleta have continued their solid form. However, as far as I’m concerned, the Blues’ fortunes have been improved in defence thanks largely to the presence of a 6′ 4″ Belgian hardman.

Willing to exert his considerable physical presence and dominate in the air, an attribute which had been missing from the City defence until now, Vincent Kompany has displayed his undoubted quality to add power, strength and commitment to the City backline. Forced into playing in his unfavoured centre-back position courtesy of the afore-mentioned plethora of injuries, the former Hamburg man has been a revelation, especially in his handling of Mamady Sidibé and then Chris Iwelumo.

Kompany has been instrumental in reversing our defensive fortunes

Mancini has also reintroduced Spanish left-back Javier ‘I’ve Got His Parents’ Autographs’ Garrido to the fold after the heartthrob (according to his mum) had spent this season kicking his heels in the reserves. Garrido replaced the injured Stephen Ireland against Wolves and repaid his manager’s faith with a stunning free-kick which bent more than Graham Norton and left Marcus Hanhemann rooted to the spot.

The Spaniard looked solid in that match, linking well with Martin Petrov, another who Mancini has brought in from the wilderness. Hughes and Petrov certainly didn’t see eye to eye, resulting in the Bulgarian finding himself occupying the luxury of the City bench with regularity. However, Petrov was named in Mancini’s first side to face Stoke and showed his indubitable quality with a goal and an impressive performance. He kept his place against Wolves and one pleasing aspect struck me in particular. Apart from his glorious touches, which set up some gilt-edged chances, Petrov showed a willingness to track back and displayed an increased responsibility. I noticed a couple of occasions when the Bulgarian slotted in to the area vacated by Gareth Barry or Pablo Zabaleta, highlighting his team play. If Petrov can keep this up, he will surely prove to be a valuable asset to the Blues.

 
Garrido and Petrov have been a revelation since Mancini arrived

In summary, Mancini has taken Hughes’s underperforming squad, made a few minor tactical and personnel adjustments and has seen the players respond with a pair of promising and solid performances. Expectations should remain high, as when all our injuries clear up, along with our potential to invest again in January, we will only go from strength to strength. I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year, hopefully to be complemented by a successful FA Cup run, a victory in the Carling Cup and an enjoyable remainder to the Premier League season.

Thanks for reading. What do you think is a realistic aim for Mancini during the rest of the season, and how impressed have you been with the Italian since his arrival?

Happy New Year!

Time constraints prohibit me from detailing the extent of my thoughts, but suffice to say that Mancini’s reign has started in an uplifting manner, with City’s defence withstanding Stoke aerial bombardment with relative ease. Given was a tower in strength in net, saving on repeated occasions from the likes of Tuncay and James Beattie, whilst Vincent Kompany put in a superb performance at the heart of the defence alongside the improved Kolo Touré. Mancini opted to play an attacking foursome of Robinho, Stevie Ireland, Tévez and Petrov, and their movement confused a physical Stoke backline.

Barry, along with Nigel de Jong, was fantastic, balancing his defensive duties perfectly with supporting our attack. Without a target man upfront, courtesy of injuries to both Emmanuel Adebayor, who now departs to the African Cup of Nations, and Roque Santa Cruz, Tévez led the line on his own as a striker, and contributed an acrobatic goal to his non-stop performance. The only disappointment for me was the display of Robinho, whose lethargic approach and underwhelming performance frustrated the City faithful. Thank heavens for Craig Bellamy, who, rested for this game, will be fit enough to start against Wolves.

New manager Roberto Mancini accepts the applause of the City fans before the match

So, that’s all I have time for, but if you would, please read this superb report of today’s game by accomplished Stoke blogger, Alec Vještica, whose indubitable blogging ability has earned him many worldwide plaudits.