Aston Villa striker Darren Bent showed why his £18million transfer fee could prove money well spent with the winner against title-chasing Manchester City at Villa Park.
The former Sunderland player, who joined Villa on Tuesday in a club-record deal, broke the deadlock with his first clear-cut opportunity after 18 minutes.
With their £59million strike force of Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko, the visitors dominated for long spells but struggled to find a way past Villa's rock-solid defence in which James Collins and former City centre-back Richard Dunne were outstanding.
And the result means City are now three points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United and have played two games more.
EPL Today
Showing posts with label manchester city. Show all posts
Showing posts with label manchester city. Show all posts
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Replays for Wolverhampton, Man City and Stoke City results
For all the hope that was earned by Cardiff, Leicester, and Doncaster; it was all EPL in the replays.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Manchester City 4-3 Wolverhampton
Edin Dzeko made his £27 million introduction for Manchester City - and was immediately upstaged by strike partner Carlos Tevez as the Blues secured top spot in the Premier League by edging a seven-goal thriller at Eastlands.
The Argentina striker joined Dimitar Berbatov at the head of the Premier League goalscoring charts with a second-half double to take his tally to 14, accompanying Kolo and Yaya Toure on the scoresheet as the brothers achieved the rare feat of finding the net in the same top-flight game.
It must have been quite an eye-opener for Dzeko, who produced an encouraging performance on his debut and appears willing to do the hard work in his partnership with Tevez in addition to the glamourous stuff.
The Bosnian was also given an instant lesson in the difficulty of securing points in England as City, having been totally outplayed for the first half-hour, then needed to resist a late Wolves surge after the plucky Black Country outfit had pulled themselves back into a contest that had already been turned on its head after their initial heroics.
The Argentina striker joined Dimitar Berbatov at the head of the Premier League goalscoring charts with a second-half double to take his tally to 14, accompanying Kolo and Yaya Toure on the scoresheet as the brothers achieved the rare feat of finding the net in the same top-flight game.
It must have been quite an eye-opener for Dzeko, who produced an encouraging performance on his debut and appears willing to do the hard work in his partnership with Tevez in addition to the glamourous stuff.
The Bosnian was also given an instant lesson in the difficulty of securing points in England as City, having been totally outplayed for the first half-hour, then needed to resist a late Wolves surge after the plucky Black Country outfit had pulled themselves back into a contest that had already been turned on its head after their initial heroics.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Mancini 'worried' about injured Balotelli
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has admitted he is seriously concerned about Mario Balotelli after the striker suffered yet another injury setback in his disjointed first season in England.
Balotelli is set for a month on the sidelines after a recurrence of a knee injury originally suffered during his debut against Timisoara in August. Balotelli, 20, was forced to have an operation that kept him out for two months, although he was quickly sidelined again through suspension after collecting a red card at West Brom.
However, Balotelli has not been seen since scoring a hat-trick against Aston Villa on December 28 and now Mancini has revealed the controversial front-man has suffered a recurrence of his knee injury. City medical staff have advised Balotelli to rest for four weeks and then resume training, in the belief that will rectify the problem. However, Mancini is not happy at the situation.
Balotelli is set for a month on the sidelines after a recurrence of a knee injury originally suffered during his debut against Timisoara in August. Balotelli, 20, was forced to have an operation that kept him out for two months, although he was quickly sidelined again through suspension after collecting a red card at West Brom.
However, Balotelli has not been seen since scoring a hat-trick against Aston Villa on December 28 and now Mancini has revealed the controversial front-man has suffered a recurrence of his knee injury. City medical staff have advised Balotelli to rest for four weeks and then resume training, in the belief that will rectify the problem. However, Mancini is not happy at the situation.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Wayne Bridge to West Ham?
West Ham have agreed to make Wayne Bridge their highest-paid player at £90,000-a-week, and are hoping the deal will go through in the next 48 hours in time for Saturday's clash with Arsenal.
Bridge is available on loan as he has been unable to secure a regular starting place under Roberto Mancini at Manchester City, and negotiations are ongoing after the left-back chose to reject an approach from Aston Villa.
The former Chelsea defender is keen to return to London and a source told ESPNsoccernet: "The deal is 90% done, but there are some loose ends."
City manager Roberto Mancini confirmed on Tuesday: "Today he [Bridge] is London for a medical. [It is] a loan."
GettyImagesWayne Bridge's place has been usurped by Aleksandar Kolarov this season
Bridge is available on loan as he has been unable to secure a regular starting place under Roberto Mancini at Manchester City, and negotiations are ongoing after the left-back chose to reject an approach from Aston Villa.
The former Chelsea defender is keen to return to London and a source told ESPNsoccernet: "The deal is 90% done, but there are some loose ends."
City manager Roberto Mancini confirmed on Tuesday: "Today he [Bridge] is London for a medical. [It is] a loan."
Friday, January 7, 2011
FA rescind Zabaleta's red card
Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta will be available to face Leicester Ciy in the FA Cup on Sunday after his red card was overturned by the Football Association.
Zabaleta was shown red by referee Mike Jones following an altercation with Bacary Sagna during their 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Wednesday night, but City have succeeded in having his three-match ban overturned following an appeal.
Both players were sent off but Arsenal ruled out an appeal against Sagna's dismissal after admitting the player had been overly aggressive.
An FA statement read: "At a Regulatory Commission hearing today, a claim for wrongful dismissal from Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta was upheld. As a result, Zabaleta's three match suspension has been withdrawn."
PA PhotosPablo Zabaleta gets his marching orders
Zabaleta was shown red by referee Mike Jones following an altercation with Bacary Sagna during their 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Wednesday night, but City have succeeded in having his three-match ban overturned following an appeal.
Both players were sent off but Arsenal ruled out an appeal against Sagna's dismissal after admitting the player had been overly aggressive.
An FA statement read: "At a Regulatory Commission hearing today, a claim for wrongful dismissal from Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta was upheld. As a result, Zabaleta's three match suspension has been withdrawn."
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester City
Arsenal twice hit the woodwork as somehow Premier League title rivals Manchester City left Emirates Stadium with a point.
Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas both saw their first-half shots come back of the base of the same post.
City then had goalkeeper Joe Hart to thank after he produced a wonderful fingertip save to deny Van Persie on the hour as Arsenal had to be content with only a point.
The teams each finished with 10 men after full-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna were shown straight red cards by referee Mike Jones for a needless clash by the touchline.
Arsenal almost snatched an early lead when Samir Nasri played Jack Wilshere into the left side of the penalty area - but his cut-back was just too far ahead of Van Persie, with Theo Walcott's cross from the goalline then hacked clear.
Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas both saw their first-half shots come back of the base of the same post.
City then had goalkeeper Joe Hart to thank after he produced a wonderful fingertip save to deny Van Persie on the hour as Arsenal had to be content with only a point.
The teams each finished with 10 men after full-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna were shown straight red cards by referee Mike Jones for a needless clash by the touchline.
Arsenal almost snatched an early lead when Samir Nasri played Jack Wilshere into the left side of the penalty area - but his cut-back was just too far ahead of Van Persie, with Theo Walcott's cross from the goalline then hacked clear.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Mancini confirms Dzeko deal
The Bosnia international has been a target for a number of leading clubs around Europe after his goalscoring exploits for the Bundesliga side.
A transfer fee in the region of £27million has been mentioned for the 24-year-old's services, adding to the Eastlands outfit's already staggering expenditure as they target silverware at home and abroad.
Mancini would not be drawn on the sum City are prepared to splash out on Dzeko and does not want his squad to become distracted as they prepare for Wednesday's crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.
The Italian tactician did reveal that the transfer was on the cards but does not want to discuss the proposed new signing further until the forward's signature has been secured.
A transfer fee in the region of £27million has been mentioned for the 24-year-old's services, adding to the Eastlands outfit's already staggering expenditure as they target silverware at home and abroad.
Mancini would not be drawn on the sum City are prepared to splash out on Dzeko and does not want his squad to become distracted as they prepare for Wednesday's crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.
The Italian tactician did reveal that the transfer was on the cards but does not want to discuss the proposed new signing further until the forward's signature has been secured.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Manchester City 1-0 Blackpool
Three stunning misses from Carlos Tevez almost proved costly as Manchester City narrowly edged out Blackpool 1-0 to stay level with neighbours United at the top of the Premier League.
Tevez missed a first-half penalty and then two sitters in the space of five minutes after the break, including an open goal as he fell after rounding the goalkeeper.
But all that came after Adam Johnson's 33rd-minute strike and City endured a nervous finish to take all three points.
Tevez returned to lead the City attack as a knee injury ruled out Mario Balotelli only four days after his hat-trick against Aston Villa, one of four changes manager Roberto Mancini made to the side that won 4-0.
Tevez missed a first-half penalty and then two sitters in the space of five minutes after the break, including an open goal as he fell after rounding the goalkeeper.
But all that came after Adam Johnson's 33rd-minute strike and City endured a nervous finish to take all three points.
Tevez returned to lead the City attack as a knee injury ruled out Mario Balotelli only four days after his hat-trick against Aston Villa, one of four changes manager Roberto Mancini made to the side that won 4-0.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Manchester City 4-0 Aston Villa
Mario Balotelli hit the headlines for all the right reasons as his first Manchester City hat-trick helped the Blues to a 4-0 win against Aston Villa and top spot in the Premier League.
With Carlos Tevez rested, the 20-year-old strode confidently onto centre-stage, exhibiting audacious self-belief to score two penalties, either side of a three-yard tap-in which took his City tally to an impressive eight goals in 11 appearances.
On a dank Manchester day, the half-time whistle brought jubilation for the home fans, who were already certain of their fate and total despair for the visiting contingent. Three wins from 13 matches for Gerard Houllier prior to this debacle could partly be explained away by the chronic injury-list the Frenchman has had to contend with.
With Carlos Tevez rested, the 20-year-old strode confidently onto centre-stage, exhibiting audacious self-belief to score two penalties, either side of a three-yard tap-in which took his City tally to an impressive eight goals in 11 appearances.
On a dank Manchester day, the half-time whistle brought jubilation for the home fans, who were already certain of their fate and total despair for the visiting contingent. Three wins from 13 matches for Gerard Houllier prior to this debacle could partly be explained away by the chronic injury-list the Frenchman has had to contend with.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Manchester City 3-1 Newcastle
Carlos Tevez fired Manchester City back into the Barclays Premier League title race as his side killed off a spirited Newcastle fightback to win 3-1.
The Argentinian, whose differences with the club have been resolved, put the Magpies to the sword in a blistering opening to the game, setting up Gareth Barry's opener with just 72 seconds gone and then helping himself to a second in the fifth minute.
Then, after Andy Carroll had dragged Alan Pardew's men back into the game with a 72nd-minute header - his 11th goal of the season - Tevez ended Newcastle's hopes when his 81st-minute effort ended up in the back of the net with the help of two deflections.
The result was the perfect antidote to Monday's night's 2-1 defeat at Everton, although City were made to fight all the way by a Magpies side which, having seemingly thrown the points away barely before they had broken sweat, threatened to emerge with something to show for their efforts in front of a crowd of 51,635.
The Argentinian, whose differences with the club have been resolved, put the Magpies to the sword in a blistering opening to the game, setting up Gareth Barry's opener with just 72 seconds gone and then helping himself to a second in the fifth minute.
Then, after Andy Carroll had dragged Alan Pardew's men back into the game with a 72nd-minute header - his 11th goal of the season - Tevez ended Newcastle's hopes when his 81st-minute effort ended up in the back of the net with the help of two deflections.
The result was the perfect antidote to Monday's night's 2-1 defeat at Everton, although City were made to fight all the way by a Magpies side which, having seemingly thrown the points away barely before they had broken sweat, threatened to emerge with something to show for their efforts in front of a crowd of 51,635.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Everton 2-1 Manchester City
Carlos Tevez provided Manchester City with some Christmas cheer but Everton denied them the present they really wanted.
Instead of sitting top of the table on December 25 for the first time since 1929, they remain in third, once more beaten by the Toffees, who registered their fourth successive win at Eastlands.
First-half efforts from Tim Cahill and Leighton Baines were enough for the visitors, who defended valiantly once they had gained the initiative and secured their first win since October.
Not even the needless dismissal of Victor Anichebe could stop them as Mario Balotelli hit a post after Yaya Toure's deflected effort had pulled one back.
Instead of sitting top of the table on December 25 for the first time since 1929, they remain in third, once more beaten by the Toffees, who registered their fourth successive win at Eastlands.
First-half efforts from Tim Cahill and Leighton Baines were enough for the visitors, who defended valiantly once they had gained the initiative and secured their first win since October.
Not even the needless dismissal of Victor Anichebe could stop them as Mario Balotelli hit a post after Yaya Toure's deflected effort had pulled one back.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Manchester City 1-1 Juventus
Manchester City secured top spot in Group A after coming from behind in their Europa League match to take a point against Juventus in Turin.• Mancini expresses delight
Jo, the only senior striker in the team, rose to the challenge to cancel out the opening goal from Niccolo Giannetti.
The Brazilian kept a cool head in the 77th minute to sweep the ball home at the back post following a cross from Adam Johnson.
City manager Roberto Mancini made nine changes to his side, with only Jerome Boateng and Jo retaining their places following the Premier League victory over West Ham at the weekend. Micah Richards was given the captain's armband.
Jo, the only senior striker in the team, rose to the challenge to cancel out the opening goal from Niccolo Giannetti.
The Brazilian kept a cool head in the 77th minute to sweep the ball home at the back post following a cross from Adam Johnson.
City manager Roberto Mancini made nine changes to his side, with only Jerome Boateng and Jo retaining their places following the Premier League victory over West Ham at the weekend. Micah Richards was given the captain's armband.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Manchester CIty 3-1 West Ham United
Manchester City put talk of dressing room disharmony aside to produce the perfect team display as Roberto Mancini's multi-million pound squad moved level on points with Premier League leaders Arsenal.
City, without suspended former Hammers striker Carlos Tevez, dominated from kick-off, and it was no surprised when Yaya Toure rifled in the opener on the half-hour mark.
The home side rallied after the break and had appeals for a penalty turned down for handball against Yaya Toure.
However, the Ivory Coast midfielder then helped the visitors double their lead when his shot hit the post and went in off goalkeeper Robert Green, before substitute Adam Johnson wrapped things up with nine minutes left.
City, without suspended former Hammers striker Carlos Tevez, dominated from kick-off, and it was no surprised when Yaya Toure rifled in the opener on the half-hour mark.
The home side rallied after the break and had appeals for a penalty turned down for handball against Yaya Toure.
However, the Ivory Coast midfielder then helped the visitors double their lead when his shot hit the post and went in off goalkeeper Robert Green, before substitute Adam Johnson wrapped things up with nine minutes left.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Kevin Davies slams Manchester City's conduct
Bolton striker Kevin Davies has branded Manchester City's conduct as "embarrassing'' and questioned the apparently fragile team spirit at Eastlands.
Kevin Davies believes Manchester City's players were going down to easily on Saturday
City moved just three points off top spot with their 1-0 weekend win over the Trotters at Eastlands. Carlos Tevez's early goal did the damage, although the Argentinian's petulant reaction to being substituted late in the game was an even bigger discussion point.
Davies is not convinced that gave off the correct signals and he was even less impressed at so many of the City players collapsing in mock agony during a keenly-fought duel.
Kevin Davies believes Manchester City's players were going down to easily on Saturday
City moved just three points off top spot with their 1-0 weekend win over the Trotters at Eastlands. Carlos Tevez's early goal did the damage, although the Argentinian's petulant reaction to being substituted late in the game was an even bigger discussion point.
Davies is not convinced that gave off the correct signals and he was even less impressed at so many of the City players collapsing in mock agony during a keenly-fought duel.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Onuoha could quit City
The 24-year-old is a product of the Blues' academy system and always hoped that he would be given an opportunity to make his mark with the club.
He has, however, been forced to look elsewhere for regular first-team football, with the riches at Eastlands increasing competition for places.
Onuoha took the decision to join Sunderland on a season-long loan over the summer in order to get games and has thoroughly enjoyed his time on Wearside.
He admits it was tough to turn his back on Eastlands, but accepts that he must do what is best for his career.
With that in mind, the former England U21 international has made it clear that he will look to leave City on a permanent basis next summer if he is not given the assurances he seeks.
He has, however, been forced to look elsewhere for regular first-team football, with the riches at Eastlands increasing competition for places.
Onuoha took the decision to join Sunderland on a season-long loan over the summer in order to get games and has thoroughly enjoyed his time on Wearside.
He admits it was tough to turn his back on Eastlands, but accepts that he must do what is best for his career.
With that in mind, the former England U21 international has made it clear that he will look to leave City on a permanent basis next summer if he is not given the assurances he seeks.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Manchester City 1-0 Bolton
Carlos Tevez sealed Manchester City's victory with his 10th goal of the season to keep up the pressure on the Premier League leaders.
However the Argentina striker seemed ill at ease as Bolton's five-match unbeaten run came to an end.
Tevez picked up his fifth booking of the campaign and will miss the match against West Ham on Saturday.
So too will Aleksander Kolarov who is also banned after being dismissed by referee Andre Marriner after picking two yellow cards.
Tevez ended the game giving manager Roberto Mancini an ear-bashing when he was replaced by James Milner in the final minute.
City should have won by more than one goal with both Mario Balotelli and David Silva seeing shots come back off the woodwork.
However the Argentina striker seemed ill at ease as Bolton's five-match unbeaten run came to an end.
Tevez picked up his fifth booking of the campaign and will miss the match against West Ham on Saturday.
So too will Aleksander Kolarov who is also banned after being dismissed by referee Andre Marriner after picking two yellow cards.
Tevez ended the game giving manager Roberto Mancini an ear-bashing when he was replaced by James Milner in the final minute.
City should have won by more than one goal with both Mario Balotelli and David Silva seeing shots come back off the woodwork.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Manchester City's Super Mario sends them to the next round
Mario Balotelli scored a brace to help Manchester City claim a place in the next stage of the Europa League with a 3-0 win over Salzburg.
And they emphasised their credentials in the process as the double was completed against the Austrian champions, meaning City qualified for the last 32 in February with a game to spare.
Former Inter Milan striker Balotelli, who arrived in the summer for £24million, scored either side of half-time with Adam Johnson also finding the target.
It was almost like a training session for City given their possession and they should have been more than one goal to the good at the interval.
And they emphasised their credentials in the process as the double was completed against the Austrian champions, meaning City qualified for the last 32 in February with a game to spare.
Former Inter Milan striker Balotelli, who arrived in the summer for £24million, scored either side of half-time with Adam Johnson also finding the target.
It was almost like a training session for City given their possession and they should have been more than one goal to the good at the interval.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Europa League Manchester City Preview
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes the month of December could go a long way to defining his side's season.
The Italian's side host Austrian outfit Salzburg at Eastlands tomorrow with a place in the knockout phase of the Europa League in sight.
It is the start of a hectic schedule for a club anxious to compete in the Champions League next season.
The Italian's side host Austrian outfit Salzburg at Eastlands tomorrow with a place in the knockout phase of the Europa League in sight.
It is the start of a hectic schedule for a club anxious to compete in the Champions League next season.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Stoke City 1-1 Manchester City
Matthew Etherington emphasised Stoke's never-say-die attitude with a stoppage-time equaliser against Manchester City at the Britannia Stadium.
Roberto Mancini's high-fliers looked set for all three points thanks to a marvellous goal from Micah Richards in the 81st minute.
But Stoke refused to lie down and Etherington took advantage of a clever back-heel from Tuncay to ensure his side got a share of the spoils.
City found themselves under pressure for long spells in the first half and must have been delighted to go in at the break on level terms.
Roberto Mancini's high-fliers looked set for all three points thanks to a marvellous goal from Micah Richards in the 81st minute.
But Stoke refused to lie down and Etherington took advantage of a clever back-heel from Tuncay to ensure his side got a share of the spoils.
City found themselves under pressure for long spells in the first half and must have been delighted to go in at the break on level terms.
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