Reaction, stats and ratings: Bristol City 1 Man City 2

And the treble is still on.

Not only was this the first time we've made it to the Carling Cup third round for three seasons, but this was our first ever victory at Ashton Gate (our all-time record there was eight defeats and three draws).

Automatic promotion winners last season and currently seventh in the Championship, Bristol City were always going to be a tough test, so the fact we deserved this win after making eight changes to Saturday's team has to be a sure sign of progress.

The main positives for me were the brilliant touches shown by Bianchi and the promise of a dangerous strike partnership with Mpenza. Gelson Fernandes also looked a very useful prospect, though he needs a lot more experience and a bucketload of maximuscle before he'll shine in the Premiership, while 18-year-old Shaleum Logan was yet another academy product who showed composure beyond his years.

On the negative side, Geovanni got caught in possession far too much and makes me wonder if he's going to be more effective as a substitute this season. I'm also having persistent doubts about Corluka. He missed way too many headers yesterday and seems to be passed too easily at right-back, though to be fair it's probably still too early to judge him.

The other noteworthy feature of the game was the absence of Samaras, Vassell and Corradi from the starting squad, suggesting that they are the players currently in talks with other clubs that Sven referred to on Tuesday.

How much money is available for new signings is still unclear, with the MEN's Chris Bailey claiming on Monday that Sven 'will have to sell to buy' and on Tuesday revealing that Thaksin 'is ready to bust the City budget' by funding a £9m bid for Anelka.

But we'll know soon enough. Next week I'm going to be concentrating on City's finances, with a closer look at Thaksin's wealth and an examination how much he is actually putting into the club. I'll also be updating the five-year Premiership transfer spending table, which this time round will make much less depressing reading.


~ photos from Bristolcitynet; Getty Images



Match reports



Bristol City 1 Manchester City 2
City made their class count at Ashton Gate where goals from Emile Mpenza and Rolando Bianchi secured Carling Cup victory over Bristol City.
The Blues, who made eight changes to the side that lost to Arsenal, dominated the game but were given a scare when Bradley Orr equalised Mpenza's early strike.
However with just nine minutes remaining Bianchi, who had looked sharp all evening, blasted home an impressive winner.


Eriksson escapes upset as new boy Bianchi settles City's old-school tie (Graham Nickless)
Michael McIndoe, the Scottish winger who helped to knock the Blues out of the same competition two years ago in his Doncaster days, had the ball in the home net with a cheeky back-heel in time added on but the player had strayed a yard offside.
McIndoe, who also forced the visiting goalkeeper Joe Hart into a spectacular save with a swerving volley, conceded: "The linesman got it spot on. I was just offside, so fair play to him but it was heartbreaking to lose."


Eriksson’s irregulars do him proud (Russell Kempson)
Manchester City have surrendered meekly to the minnows, Chesterfield and Doncaster Rovers, in the Carling Cup during the past two seasons but, under Sven-Göran Eriksson, their new manager, they are made of sterner stuff. Despite a brief second-half lapse, goals from Emile Mpenza and Rolando Bianchi gave them a comfortable second-round victory against Bristol City at Ashton Gate last night.
Bristol City were torn apart by the crisp counter-thrust style of football. “It’s just like watching Brazil,” the Manchester City fans crowed. And, at times, they were not exaggerating.


Bristol City's honest efforts almost rewarded (Oliver Brown)
As Sven-Goran Eriksson dwelt darkly on the unfairness of cup football, and on Bristol City's impudent goal to reverse an hour of dominance by his team, Ronaldo Bianchi struck late to prove that life at this most mercurial club really has moved on under the Swede.
The tragi-comedy of Manchester City has, in recent years, found its natural theatre in the Carling Cup, with successive early-round exits to Doncaster and Chesterfield dulling the lustre of Stuart Pearce's management. Eriksson, though, has proved a wily successor - he may not have been relishing this return to knockout competition, and the prospect of the penalty misery that has come to define him, but the difference was that his side never even looked nervous.


Bianchi shows Manchester City fans tangible signs of progress (Mike Baker)
Manchester City fans are rightly cautious of celebrating any false dawn in their team's apparent transformation under Sven-Goran Eriksson, but at least now they have tangible evidence of progress. The Swede has taken them to the third round of the League Cup for the first time in three seasons but, while this competition may offer Eriksson one of his more realistic avenues for a trophy, he still took the opportunity to explore the depths of his squad and accepted the inherent potential for embarrassment.


The Bristol view:

City edged out by Sven's men (Bristol Evening Post)
The win was totally deserved and should have been achieved without the late fright Bradley Orr provided Eriksson with when he levelled Emile Mpenza's first-half opener.
But Bianchi's name figured prominently in a list of missed City chances, and a nervy ending would have been given a dramatic injury-time twist had Mark McIndoe's cheeky back-heel not correctly been ruled out for offside.


Match stats

The stats (below) are taken from a live commentary and can differ from Sky's match stats.





Player ratings



Ratings come from (in order): the MEN, Father Dougal MaGuire, Richard, kiwikiddy, The Woodster, bert38 (bluemoon) & andyblue (Blue Vibe).



Hart: 7, 8, 8, 7, 7.8, 8, 8 (av: 7.7)
One breathtaking second half stop and proved the Blues have two fine young keepers. (MEN)
Better than Kasper for me, Kasper hasn't been tested but Hart was tonight and was superb. (FDM)
World class save, looks confident. (bert38)
Not helped much by his defence but did extremely well when called upon. (andyblue)

Sun Jihai: 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 5 (av: 6.3)
Never lets anyone down whenever and wherever he is asked to perform. Steady game behind rookie Logan. (MEN)
Solid, didn't really do much but did his job, looks unfit which told when Trundle hit the side netting towards the end. (FDM)
Solid, quick feet. (bert38)
A very unconvincing performance.

Corluka: 7, 6, 7, 7, 7, 6, 6 (av: 6.6)
First time he has played in the centre of defence for Sven and looked completely at home there. (MEN)
Solid. (FDM)
Struggled in the second half - should've done better for their goal. Still not fully fit. (bert38)
Fairly anonymous.

Onuoha: 7, 6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 6 (av: 6.4)
Blues skipper for the night was powerful in the air and strong enough on the floor. (MEN)
Solid, could of cost us a penalty but did ok. (FDM)
Very mature and captain! (bert38)
One slip when nearly giving away a penalty. Good to see him as captain.

Ball: 6, 7, 6, 6, 7, 7, 5 (av: 6.3)
Like Sun on the other side of the back four did his job without fuss and with utmost professionalism. (MEN)
We have two very good left backs, was impressed by him. (FDM)
Solid, two excellent left backs. (bert38)
Time may be up at City for his "run around a lot and hoof the ball upfield on sight" style of football.

Logan: 8, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7 (av: 7.1)
Sparkling in first half in which the debut maker tore into Bristol and gave them all sorts of trouble. (MEN)
Was great in the first half but was very quiet in the second half, looks a good prospect. (FDM)
Promising debut, excitable. (bert38)
Frisky in the first half when he used his pace very well to stretch Bristol City, subdued in the second.

Ireland: 7, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 6 (av: 6.6)
Always looks so comfortable on the ball and had a boot in most of the chances made. (MEN)
Was never in the game until around the 70mins mark. (FDM)
Flitted in and out but can play the killer pass (as he did for the goal and Mpenza's chance first half). (bert38)
A frustrating game for him. Would have expected him to revel in our first half performance but things seemed to not quite come off for him. Needs a run of games in the first team, but Sven has lots of quality players to choose from...

Gelson Fernandes: 7, 6, 8, 7, 7.5, 8, 8 (av: 7.4)
A bundle of energy as the holding player. Not quite the calm elegance of a Hamann but did just. (MEN)
Did ok, looks another good prospect and will do well when Hamann is out. (FDM)
Perpetual motion, but needs to calm down a bit. (bert38)
An exceptionally fine first half performance but less involved in the second half.

Geovanni: (Dabo 82): 7, 6, 8, 6, 7, 7, 6 (av: 6.7)
Another whose runs created huge gaps in the home rearguard though he tired in second period. (MEN)
Thought he was poor tonight, maybe he is a good super sub? or possibly it was hard for him to play on the left. (FDM)
Great touch. Not fit. (bert38)
Mixed performance. Good in the first half when we were dominating. Hardly involved in the second half before being substituted.

Mpenza: 8, 6, 7, 6, 6.8, 7, 7 (av: 6.8)
Missed one great chance but took another with power and precision. He and Bianchi were the difference. (MEN)
Scored a good goal but was poor, constantly gave the ball away, looks unfit and overweight, he's a good backup but we do need another striker before Friday. (FDM)
Ran his butt off, great strike. (bert38)
Well-taken goal and linked well with Bianchi throughout the first half. Less involved in the second but still working hard.

Bianchi: (Dickov 88): 8, 8, 9, 7, 8.5, 9, 9 (av: 8.4 MOTM)
Couple of flicks in the first half were sublime and his winning goal was top class. (MEN)
Fantastic, great goal, great touch, great workrate, great player, £8.8m looks a bargain. (FDM)
Awesome performance. MOTM. (bert38)
Showed his true aspect with a stunning first half performance and a sensational goal in a second-half when he was much less involved. Not convinced he will be able to do much when played as a lone striker - needs someone nearby to play short passes to. But worth every penny of £8.8m on that first-half performance and can only improve.


Subs:

Dabo: (Geovanni 82): 6
Managed to solidify things in middle. (MEN)

Dickov: (Bianchi 88)


Subs not used:
Laird, D Mills, Schmeichel

Reaction, stats & ratings: Arsenal 1 City 0

Well, I was hoping for at least one more week at the top of the table but it sure was fun while it lasted. And despite the defeat there were probably more positives to be taken from this game than the wins against Derby and United.

According to Betfair, we're now expected to finish ninth this season. Fans are more optimistic, with around half the posters on Mancityfans and Citymancs believing a top six finish is possible.

I suppose we'll have to wait until the close of the transfer window on Friday before we can make a proper assessment. Hopefully last Thursday's story that we had made a bid for Spanish midfielder Borja Oubina was accurate. The fact that Celta Vigo have accepted a £6.7m bid from Benfica for the player suggests there is still a decent amount left in our transfer kitty.

Although common sense tells me that this season is merely a transitionary one, I just can't shake off the feeling that something a bit special is about to happen. It might need a bit of luck on the injury front, but I can't help feeling that a top class striker and midfielder might be enough to turn a promising team into a very good one.


~ Latest Premiership table.
~ Video highlights
~ Sven's post-match interview
~ Getty Images photos


Match stats


The stats (below) are compiled from the live commentary and can differ slightly from match stats from the BBC and Sky:

More detailed player stats, including a breakdown of each player's passes and tackles, can be found at Telegraph.co.uk.






Match reports



Fabregas winner breaks City spell (Joe Lovejoy)
City weren’t bad, but Arsenal were better, and were in no way flattered by a result that extends their own unbeaten start, with seven points from a possible nine. Although impressed, Arsène Wenger says it will take 15 games to assess City’s progress properly. Chelsea away on October 27 looks like the acid test.
There has been much talk of City’s spirit of adventure under new management, but pragmatism was the order of the day here, with Geovanni, the match-winner in the Manchester derby, and Rolando Bianchi both on the bench, and Emile Mpenza on his own up front. Another clean sheet was always the clear priority.


Cesc Fabregas finds key to unlock City (Patrick Barclay)
City need not feel any shame at the loss of their first points under Sven-Goran Eriksson. For most of the afternoon they defended splendidly and at times in the second half it looked as if they might steal a win, just as they had done against Manchester United six days earlier; they can also console themselves with the reflection that their fixtures are not going to get a lot harder.


Arsenal 1 City 0
Although Arsenal enjoyed the lion's share of possession, Sven-Goran Eriksson's men had their chances with Martin Petrov and Emile Mpenza going close.
Richards has earned praise for his impressive start to the season, and his form continued as he threw everything to block Arsenal’s attacks. Dunne did the same as the hosts looked to convert their possession into chances.


Fabulous Fabregas strikes to undermine Eriksson effect (Steve Tongue)
His goal 10 minutes from the end of a slow-burner of a match was the first City had conceded in four matches under Eriksson, who according to his opposite number Arsène Wenger has worked "a miracle" in creating a coherent team out of so many new Manchester residents. In winning their first three games, however, they had looked stronger in defence than attack, an impression confirmed yesterday when Almunia was forced to make only one difficult save.


Fábregas rises above the rest to teach young Schmeichel a lesson (Dominic Fifield)
Something had to give eventually and, in the end, it was Kasper Schmeichel. The young Dane was engrossed in lengthy conversation with his father, Peter, after this contest, reflecting on his first concession in almost six hours of Premiership football. Yet, if an immaculate start to the season has been wrecked, Manchester City and their young goalkeeper can still draw comfort even in defeat.


Arsenal 1-0 Man City (Andy Dunn)
If Gary Neville ever reclaims his international right-back slot, Steve McClaren will be confronted by a dilemma because, on this evidence, Richards is a safer centre-half than Rio Ferdinand.
And with Dietmar Hamann and Michael Johnson forming the first shield of protection, Eriksson has constructed a defensive structure with a distinct air of impregnability.
For which Schmeichel must be extremely grateful. Only a biased parent could suggest that Schmeichel has shown enough already to invite comparisons with his father.


Fabregas finally exposes City frailties (Paul Wilson)
City's essential defensiveness was exposed here, though thanks to Arsenal's over-elaboration they almost got away with it to take home a point. They were just as outplayed as in the Manchester derby, and Arsenal were almost as guilty of being as indecisive in attack as Manchester United. 'We played better than last week and lost,' Eriksson said.



The Arsenal view:

ArsenalVision
This Arsenal team were not going to wither and die in the heat on the back of one penalty miss, and testament must be paid to their fighting spirit. Cesc was next up to test the seemingly unbeatable Schmeichel, his awkardly moving shot causing the Dane to acrobatically tip the ball over the bar. “We shall not be moved!” bellowed the travelling City fans, and they may just have been right.

The Cannon
Manchester City’s shooting was consistently bad to be honest. They had a few shots in the first 45 but I don’t remember Almunia having to make a save.
The second half was a different story though. Man City came out the better side and we didn’t really look organised at all.

Gunnerblog: Tactical observations
The overriding feeling is one of positivity. Our result yesterday mirrored that of Chelsea, who overcame a Portsmouth side who, like City, created chances and defended well.

InsideArsenal.
(The penalty) was particularly harsh on the imposing centre-back duo of Richard Dunne and Micah Richards, Richards’ only mistake resulting in a penalty that Schmeichel saved from Robin van Persie.




Player ratings


Ratings come from (in order): Man City MAD, Sunday Times, MEN, BBC, Sky and Sky Your Rating.


Schmeichel: 8, 7, 8, 7.7, 6, 7.7 (av: 7.4)
Life just gets better and better for the young Dane who made a spectacular penalty save from Van Persie. (MEN)

Corluka: 6, 6, 7, 6.4, 6, 5.9 (av: 6.2)
Best performance yet from the Croat who looked unhurried and at ease without much cover. (MEN)

Dunne: 8, 8, 7, 7.1, 9, 7.6 (av: 7.8)
Dependable as ever winning most of the battles and though found Adebayor and Van Persie worthy adversaries. (MEN)

Richards: 8, 7, 6, 7.5, 6, 6.2 (av: 6.8)
Hardest game of the season for teenager who gave away spot kick and was given hard time by Gunners. (MEN)

Garrido: 6, 5, 6, 6.2, 7, 6.0 (av: 6.0)
Could have done with more help from Petrov as was proven by the well struck Fabregas' winner. (MEN)

Ireland: (Ball 87): 6, 6, 6, 5.9, 6, 5.4 (av: 5.9)
Did well considering illness of a week ago but not always able to help out his full back. (MEN)

Hamann: 7, 6, 7, 5.7, 7, 5.8 (av: 6.4)
Another fine ninety minutes in energy sapping heat buys free kicks like no one else in league. (MEN)

Johnson: 6, 7, 7, 6.1, 6, 5.7 (av: 6.3)
Had to work hard to get into the game but when he did so looked as good as all bar Fabregas. (MEN)

Petrov: 8, 7, 6, 6.6, 6, 5.8 (av: 6.6)
Shoot on sight policy is heartening but needs to put as much work in going the other way against top sides. (MEN)

Elano: (Geovanni 75): 7, 7, 6, 6.5, 7, 6.0 (av: 6.6)
Not making the runs forward that might have been expected but still so smooth when on the ball. (MEN)

Mpenza: (Bianchi 75): 7, 6, 6, 6.1, 5, 4.7 (av: 5.8)
One great chance snuffed out by Almunia but still put himself about well enough in lone role. (MEN)


Subs:

Geovanni (Elano 75): - , - , 6, 5.8, 6, 5.1 (av: 5.7)
Hero's welcome but no repeat of last week. (MEN)


Bianchi (Mpenza 75): - , - , 6, 5.7, 6, 5.0 (av: 5.7)
Did everything he could to turn tide. (MEN)

Ball (Ireland 87)

Subs not used:
Hart, Onuoha.

Dunne is top rated defender in the Premiership

Richard Dunne is currently the best defender in the Premiership and Kasper Schmeichel is the top rated goalkeeper, according to the latest Actim Index. In all there are 12 City players in the Actim top 100 - Dunne (4th), Geovanni (8th) Schmeichel (12th), Elano (15th), Petrov (24th), Johnson (25th), Garrido (26th), Richards (30th), Hamann (39th), Corluka (47th), Bianchi (53rd) and Ireland (65th). The highest rated United player is Paul Scholes, who is ranked 92nd.

I'm still not sure what to make of the Actim stats, but perhaps the fact that Siberski is ranked the second best player in the league suggests they should be treated with a bit of caution. Below are the Purelymancity player ratings, which are taken from match reports and ratings given on the talkboards:







You can find detailed stats for each City player at the Daily Telegraph (trawl down the page there for the table and excellent interactive graphic). They reveal that Richards, Dunne, Garrido and Hamann have won every tackle they've made this season. In fact, City won every single tackle in the first two games (31 in total) and have won 50 of the 53 tackles (94%) in all.

~ In light of the Sky Sports story about City being 'anxious' over Micah not signing a new deal, it should be pointed out that Micah is contracted to us until 2010 after signing a four-year deal last summer.


Good Vibes at Eastlands

The City of Manchester Stadium has the best Feng Shui in the Premiership, The Sun has revealed. According to 'Britain’s leading Feng Shui expert', Sarah McAllister, CoMS has a "perfect Yang Metal Form" and its "steel poles are also a classic Vitality shape associated with success and dynamism". Even the canal to the north of the stadium is a positive sign, suggesting the ground will be "even more of a money spinner in the future."

All of which stands in contrast to Maine Road, which not only was supposed to have had bad Feng Shui following the demolition of the Kippax, but was believed by some to have been haunted.

Reaction, stats & ratings: City 1 v United 0

A typical story of Manchester football.

One Manchester club goes top after winning the first three games of the season, helped by another clean sheet from a keeper called Schmeichel. Their local rivals are seven points and 15 places behind them, massively in debt, can't score and are forced to bring on two untried youngsters for a key game.

It reminds me of my favourite episode of Seinfeld, when Jerry's obnoxious friend, George Costanza, decides that as every decision he has ever made has been wrong, following the opposite of what his instincts tell him must therefore be right. The result is an amazingly good run of fortune, during which Jerry's glamorous and successful friend, Elaine, sees her life fall apart. "Oh my God," screeches Elaine: "I've become George!"

And for the time being at least, United too have become George. Arrogant, selfish, unloved - and completely unable to catch a break. We all know it won't last. United will be comfortably in the top four at the end of the season while the very best we can hope for is a Uefa Cup spot.

But right now the bragging rights are ours. And as the very earliest United can overtake us in the table is Sept 15, they're ours for at least a few more weeks.

~ Latest Premiership table
~ Video of Geovanni goal
~ Sven and Micah's post-match interview
~ Getty Images photos


Match reports




City 1 United 0
Geovanni's deflected first-half strike proved decisive and the Blues withstood long periods of pressure to seal the win.
Micah Richards made a couple of crucial interventions in defence to foil United, who have picked up just two points from their first three games. City, meanwhile, have three wins and three clean sheets.



Richard makes his mark for City (Martin Samuel)
Eriksson said: “To have a young man, at 19, to be so strong and yet so quick is a very unique package — I am not sure I have come across it in my career. He is so powerful in the air, but if he makes a mistake, he can recover. At his age, when sometimes there is a lack of experience, that is very useful.”


Geovanni's lucky strike punishes prodigal United (Daniel Taylor)
United attacked with pace and purpose, they stretched their opponents, forced corner after corner, rattled the woodwork and laid siege to Schmeichel's goal. In many ways, it was the most one-sided derby here for years - a comprehensive 0-1 thrashing, if you like - but Eriksson will not mind if the victory was fortuitous.


Match stats

The stats (below) are taken from a live commentary and can differ from the match stats given by the BBC
and Sky.







Player ratings


Ratings come from (in order): Mark Garrett, Dr Spectrum, irblinx, Arjan Van Schotte, (Mancityfans) FleetwoodBlue, Bagpuss, winblue, (Wookie's Lair) , Apollo, bluebrendan (Citymancs), MEN, BBC, Sky and Sky Your Rating.



Schmeichel: 6, 7, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 6, 7, 7, 7.2, 8, 7.7 (av: 6.8)
None of the signs of nerves he showed on Wednesday and produced two smart saves to deny Nani. (MEN)
Kept a clean sheet against the defending champions. Nowt wrong with that but needed protection. (Apollo)
Well protected by the CBs but made 3 smart saves too. (bluebrendan)

Corluka: 8, 8, 7, 7, 9, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7, 6.7, 7, 7.0 (av: 7.2)
Got tired in second half and was booked but until then had coped well with his first derby. (MEN)
Looks a good defender, and contributed solidly to our defence. (Apollo)
Tired a little towards the end but was generally solid. Hell of a shot that just went over too. (bluebrendan)

Dunne: 9, 9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 9, 9, 9, 7, 7.6, 8, 7.9 (av: 8.7)
Old hand at these games and it showed. Never let Tevez off the leash and won important second half headers (MEN)
Back to his best, captain magnificent... (Apollo)
In fine "they shall not pass" form once again. (bluebrendan)

Richards: 10, 10, 10, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 10, 9, 8.3, 9, 8.7 (av: 9.5)
Absolutely magnificent: Memo to Steve McClaren, forget old Sol and just stick Micah in the middle. (MEN)
... but Micah stole the show. Bearly put a foot (or head) wrong and had that extra yard of pace to intercept Rags opportunities to score. (Apollo)
Fecking amazing performance, how much better can he get seeing as he's only 19?? (bluebrendan)

Garrido: 8, 8, 8, 7, 7, 8, 6, 6, 7, 6, 6.2, 7, 6.6 (av: 7.0)
Had his powers of concentration and his lungs tested and came through the test with flying colours. (MEN)
Contributed to the team effort but didn't shine as much as the other defenders. (Apollo)
He's a consistent, unspectacular but solid defender. (bluebrendan)

Elano: (Bianchi 63): 6, 5, 7, 7, 5, 5, 3, 7, 6, 7, 6.4, 5, 6.2 (av: 5.8)
Any fantasy football players should transfer him into their sides quickly. A master of the assist. (MEN)
Was mainly jostled out of the game. Rags were allowed to rough him without penalty by ref. But a tough competitor, and will shine more against lesser opposition. (Apollo)
Kicked off the park by Scholes and Hargreaves, the sly whack in the kidneys from Scholes was particularly brutal. Still supplied the pass for the goal though. (bluebrendan)

Hamann: 8, 7, 7, 7, 9, 9, 7, 8, 8, 7, 6.5, 7, 7.0 (av: 7.5)
Not easy to dominate in such a crowded midfield but got through his fair share of the workload. (MEN)
He was great today, and important anchor and cool head in front of the defense. Seems to be fulfilling my prediction that he'll be one of our stars this year. (Apollo)
I still don't believe it's the same bloke as last season! (bluebrendan)

Geovanni: (Ball 74): 8, 7, 8, 8, 6.5, 6, 7, - , 7, 8, 7.4, 8, 7.6 (av: 7.4)
Would not have played had Ireland not phoned in sick but his wonder strike was worthy winner
(MEN)
Took his opportunity well for the goal and worked hard throughout. (bluebrendan)

Johnson: 8, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 6.3, 7, 6.5 (av: 7.2)
Built well on what he achieved in midweek. Not fazed by expensive names in opposition ranks. (MEN)
Great game for him today, very impressed with how he's developing. (Apollo)
Worked hard again, more emphasis on his defensive duties this time. (bluebrendan)

Petrov: 5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6.5, 6, 6.8 (av: 5.6)
Singled out for some hefty tackles and always carried a threat without ever fulfilling promise. (MEN)
Had little opportunity to shine, but battled well. Caught lingering on the ball a couple of times when he should have done better. (Apollo)
Gave Brown a torrid time early on and he should have been carded for the fouls. Faded in the second half. (bluebrendan)

Bojinov (Mpenza 8 )
His derby debut lasted a mere five minutes and ended with him on a stretcher and facing a lengthy lay-off. (MEN)


Subs:

Mpenza (Bojinov 8 ): 7, 5, 5, 6, 5, 5, 4, 6, 7, 6, 6.1, 6, 6.5 (av: 5.7)
Toiled hard but precious few sights of goal for Belgian. (MEN)
Little opportunity to shine as a striker, but contributed to the team effort. Felt he could have controlled the ball better at times to help take the heat off. Seemed to give the ball away too easily. (Apollo)
Had a thankless task up front until Bianchi arrived with little service but he worked his bollox off tracking back. (bluebrendan)

Bianchi: (Elano 63): 6, 7, -, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6.2, 5, 6.5 (av: 6.1)
Made sure Reds defenders did not have time to dwell on ball. (MEN)
A little more effective than Mpenza at holding the ball, but had no opportunities to shoot. (Apollo)
No real opportunity in attack. (bluebrendan)

Ball (Geovanni 74): 7, 7, -, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6, -, 6, 5.8, 6, 6.1 (av: 6.3)
Slotted in well on his comeback from suspension. (MEN)
Helped shore up the defence as they were wilting. (Apollo)

Subs not used:

Hart, Onuoha.

Meanwhile, over at the Swamp

It might be my imagination, but I'm detecting a growing sense of unease from our rivals from Stretford. Aside from the fear of trailing seven points behind after Sunday's game, United's debt mountain appears to be becoming a genuine problem for them.

Last year the debt increased from £559m to £663m, and now clocks up £62m-a-year in interest charges (details). The Glazers also spent £272m of their own money to buy United which, if also borrowed, would take the total debt up to £935m.


United's debt falls into the 'subprime' category, which effectively means it is seen as a high risk and so attracts much higher interest rates than normal. John Robson & Andrew Selsby, from RH Asset Management, offered this fascinating insight into how the subprime market works:

One of the reasons subprime borrowers had previously been unable to afford mortgages was that market driven interest rates made them unaffordable. To overcome this, the bank would offer them an especially low, artificial rate of interest for say three years. The underpaid interest would accrue as additional debt. At the end of the ‘teaser’ interest rate period, a proper market rate would then apply to the whole of the increased loan. The increased debt level would be more than covered by the presumed appreciated value of the house. However, the borrower would yet again be faced with an unaffordability issue.

The crazy and doomed scheme was thought foolproof because everyone stupidly believed that the rate by which the unpaid interest accumulated would be less than the rate by which the property would appreciate - a process that would continue indefinitely.

To put it another way, it is rather like putting a huge amount of debt on a credit card that has a special introductory offer, then hoping to switch to another card with another artificially low introductory rate each time an offer expires.

The Glazers have done this once, increasing the debt last year in return for a lower interest rate. They were hoping to refinance again last month before problems in the global debt market caused these plans to be scrapped. The proposed refinancing package would have increased the debt to around £700m.

United's chief executive, David Gill, insists the debt is manageable (where have we heard that before) and maybe it is - as long as they continue to make United fans pay through the nose. Ticket prices at Old Trafford rose by 14% this year on top of the 12% hike last year, while some season ticket holders have taken the club to court over the club's policy of forcing them to buy tickets for cup games. And according to The Telegraph's David Bond even this summer's transfer spending spree isn't quite what it seems.

But I'll leave the final word to Roy Kaitcer, a director at Manchester stockbrokers Brewin Dolphin, who gave this assessment of the takeover to Business Week in 2005: "The logic isn't something that stares you in the face," he said.

~ You can read more about United's finances at the Manchester United Supporters Trust


The man bags and the sad Rags


There was an interesting story in The Guardian last week that claims the redevelopment of United's training ground facilities will include extra locker space specifically to house the players' 'man bags', which apparently are 'vanity cases containing gels, lotions and pomades'.

And finally, I have a question regarding United fans' habit of referring to CoMS as 'the council house'. Did they also use that tag for the San Siro (owned by Municipality of Milan) during their 3-0 defeat there in May?

Reaction & player ratings: City 1 Derby 0

A disjointed first half that burst into life with a stunning strike from Michael Johnson, but I thought we controlled the game in the second and ended up comfortable winners.

The atmosphere last night was interesting. Subdued for most of the first half - almost as if we half-feared our hopes were about to be deflated - the crowd really got going as we dominated in the second. Although the chants of 'City are back' still have an unconvincing ring to them, the belief is growing and the signs are all positive. The official attendance of 43,620 was 6,406 higher than the first home game of last season and we have a team that oozes potential. And when was the last time we had players as talented as Geovanni, Bojinov, Onuoha and Mpenza on the bench?

The Blue Moon is in the ascendant and the storm clouds are nowhere to be seen.

~ Latest Premiership table
~ BBC match stats; Sky match stats
~ Sven's post-match interview
~ Getty Images photos


Match reports



City 1 Derby 0
These are heady days indeed for City and while Eriksson’s global recruitment policy has not met with universal approval outside the club, results suggest his eye for talent remains in tact.
And, in handing Johnson a starting berth in successive games, the Swede can hardly be accused of not giving youth its head either.


Johnson ends City's long wait in style (Andy Hunter)
This was not the exuberant performance many had anticipated following the club's impressive start at West Ham but that was always an ambitious request. A 100 per cent start, however, is ample compensation ahead of United's visit on Sunday. "I strongly believe we will play better football when the fitness of the new players is better and there is more understanding," said Eriksson.


Home-grown hero puts foreign talent in shade (James Ducker)
City have never started a Premier League season with successive wins, but while it is still very early stages, the tide of optimism that has washed around this fallen giant may not seem so misplaced after all.


Johnson curler ends City's wait for a home league goal (Daniel Taylor)
he former England manager must have been encouraged by the vigour with which his name was serenaded. Less pleasing was the team's lack of cohesion throughout the opening exchanges but, even without reaching the exhilarating heights that were attained against West Ham United on Saturday, City frequently looked dangerous in attack.


Man City's Michael Johnson ends drought (William Johnson)
Say what you like about Sven-Goran Eriksson's disappointing end to his England managerial reign, the Swede's record in club football all over Europe compares with the very best. Successful in his homeland, Portugal and Italy, he is now planning to make his mark in the Premier League and has got off to the best possible start with two heartening victories.






Player ratings


Ratings come from (in order): mcfc_ms, bluebrendan (Citymancs), Grob (Mancityfans), MEN, BBC, Sky and Sky Your Rating.


Schmeichel: 7, 7, 7, 6, 7.0, 7, 7.4 (av:6.9)
A couple of vital interventions, especially in the second half, and two clean sheets is all he could ask for. (MEN)

Corluka: 7, 6, 7, 6, 6.4, 5, 6.7 (av: 6.3)
Another steady game from the rangy and powerful Croat defender who likes to get forward when possible. (MEN)

Dunne: 7, 7, 7, 7, 7.2, 8, 7.8 (av: 7.3)
Howard kept the Blues skipper on his toes but he won every important header. (MEN)

Richards: 8, 7, 8, 6, 7.4, 7, 7.8 (av: 7.3)
Not as spectacular as at Upton Park but then again he didn't have to be. (MEN)

Garrido: 6, 7, 8, 6, 6.6, 6, 6.9 (av: 6.6)
Settling in well though it may take him a bit longer to feel at home. Glimpse of attacking potential with Petrov. (MEN)

Ireland: 8, 8, 7, 6, 7.0, 7, 7.4 (av: 7.2)
When he was good, he was very good and when he wasn't he gave the ball away too often. (MEN)

Johnson: 8, 8, 8, 8, 8.1, 8, 8.1 (av: 8.0)
Oldies will see a resemblance to Colin Bell in the way he moves and manner in which he took his goal. Fine effort. (MEN)

Hamann: 9, 8, 9, 7, 6.8, 7, 7.4 (av: 7.7)
Again, not quite as supreme as he was at West Ham but moves with air of class. (MEN)

Petrov (Geovanni 74 ): 6, 6, 6, 6, 7.4, 6, 7.1 (av: 6.4)
Lost his temper a couple of times and was booked but he will make his mark. (MEN)

Elano (Mpenza 89): 8, 8, 9, 7, 8.3, 8, 8.1 (av: 8.1)
Easy on the eye and clear to see he will soon be a big favourite. (MEN)

Bianchi (Bojinov 78): 6, 7, 8, 7, 7.4, 7, 7.1 (av: 7.1)
Worked like a Trojan, making angles and space for those running from midfield. (MEN)



Subs:

Geovanni (Petrov 74 ): 7, 6, 7, 6, 6.6, 6, 7.1 (av: 6.5)
One sparkling free-kick. (MEN)

Bojinov (Bianchi 78): 6, 6, 6, 6, 6.4, 7, 6.9 (av: 6.3)
No time to make impression. (MEN)

Mpenza (Elano 89).

Subs not used:

Hart, Onuoha.

News from Thailand

Amid all the alarming reports of arrest warrants being issued in Thailand it's worth pointing out that Thaksin has not actually been charged with any crime yet.

The warrants relate to an alleged abuse of power by Thaksin and his wife, Pojaman, regarding a £12.1m (772 million baht) land deal. According to The Guardian, Thailand’s Supreme Court issued them 'on the grounds that they had sought to evade corruption charges'.

The next court hearing is set for Sept 25, with the BBC reporting that 'Thailand's attorney-general and the prosecution have indicated that they could seek Mr Thaksin's extradition from the UK if he does not return'.

Whether their intent is to keep Thaksin out of the country during the elections that are planned for December is unclear, but a successful extradition appears to be highly unlikely at this stage.

Any request would fall under Part 2 of the Extradition Act 2003, which would require prima facie evidence to be presented. According to Wikipedia that means their case has to be 'self-evident from the facts'.

The new Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, would have to decide whether to pass the case to a judge, who would have to ensure it met the requirements of the 2003 Act before passing it back to her for the final decision.

According to the Guardian's south-east Asia correspondent, Ian MacKinnon, British law has no equivalent to the one Thaksin is being charged under, meaning the Thai authorities 'would have 'virtually no hope of success'. The Telegraph claimed that any extradition process would be 'fraught with potential embarrassment for the Thai junta', but revealed that if the Home Secretary passed the request to the courts Thaksin would be arrested before the case is heard.

The Thai authorities are certainly turning the screw on the former PM, yesterday announcing that it is also launching an investigation into the extra-judicial killings of suspected drug dealers in 2003.

But more startling Thaksin news comes from a new book called
Thaksin, Where Are You?. It reveals our new owner has been going on shopping trips with 20-year-old Thai pop star Lydia (pictured below).







It's claimed the two were introduced by Thaksin's son Panthongthae. According to this site Thaksin’s lawyer, Noppadol Pattama, has admitted that Lydia and Thaksin are ‘very close’ but claimed there was 'no hanky-panky' involved.

"She is like another daughter to him," Panthongthae told the Bangkok Post.

Which reminds me of a line from the late Bernard Manning during a gig he gave for Guy Ritchie and Madonna. 'Aren't you lovely," he told the singer. 'If you were my daughter I'd still be bathing you'.


Don't have a cow, man


Another blow to Thaksin was dealt by the Thai government's announcement that it is scrapping the One Million Cows project. The populist scheme was set up by Thaksin in 2005 with the aim of lending one million cows to farming families in three years, but to date only 21,684 calves had been distributed.

And in a final bit of animal-related Thai news, I found this bizarre story last week revealing that Thai police officers who break the rules are being made to wear a pink armband adorned with the Japanese cartoon character Hello Kitty.

Reaction, stats & player ratings: West Ham 0 City 2

I'm trying really hard not to get carried away by this result. But I'm failing dismally.

A win on the first day against disorganised opponents just shouldn't leave you with that giddy feeling. But somehow there is magic in the air, as though the unreality of the summer has been carried into the first match. A team assembled with such haste, with such little Premiership experience, just shouldn't be able to play football like that.

There's been a lot of words written over the summer about City's heritage and how somehow it has been betrayed by this takeover. For me, the real betrayal of our tradition came under Pearce, with the negative, dirty football he instilled in his side. But a City team playing with pace, skill and vision, and with the confidence to go forward at every opportunity, encapsulates everything I hold dear about this club.

'Boring' Sven has provided his critics in the media with their first big surprise, and the look of steely determination on his face before kick-off suggests a few more might be forced to eat their words before long. On Saturday, he not only got his tactics right, but it became pretty clear he had beaten other clubs hands down in the transfer market too.

Maybe the next few games will bring us back down to earth a bit, but then again, maybe not. Something has changed at City, and for the better. Never before have we had an owner with such ambition, and a manager who has won so much.

Setbacks are going to come our way, and maybe we'll hit a losing streak or two this season as the harsh realities of the Premiership bite. But one thing is for certain. This fledgling side, with an average age of 22, is only going to get better.

~ Latest Premiership table
~ Video of Bianchi goal, Geovanni goal
~ Sven's post-match interview
~ Getty Images photos



Match stats


The stats (below) are compiled from the live commentary and can differ slightly from the BBC and Sky:






Match reports



Eriksson's new-look City deal Hammers early blow (Jamie Jackson)
While Alan Curbishley's new signings, Craig Bellamy and Freddie Ljungberg, were ineffective, just about all of Sven-Goran Eriksson's new boys contributed. As did those not signed during a frantic summer.




West Ham 0 City 2
Eriksson must have feared for the 20-year-old, son of great Dane Peter, when he named him in a starting line-up featuring six Premier League debutants. Yet Schmeichel was a virtual spectator as City’s defence, protected superbly by Dietmar Hamann and Michael Johnson, kept them at arm’s length.
All the threat came from the Blues, with Martin Petrov particularly prolific in the shooting department. The Bulgarian midfielder let fly from all angles without being able to beat Robert Green.


Eriksson purrs as City slickers click instantly to nail Hammers (Nick Townsend)
In those words we came to love, and expect, from Sven-Goran Eriksson in his England days, it was a case of: first half good; second half not so good.
But no matter. It was a convincing enough victory on his debut as an England club manager and will have swiftly assuaged doubts, both over the Swede's appointment and over his wholesale import of foreign talent on judgement apparently made largely on the basis of videos



Sven’s foreign legion shine (Brian Glanville)
Fresh from their recent tribulations, a mischievous computer decreed that West Ham should play Manchester City on this opening Premier League day. And City won at a canter.



Fantasy football from Eriksson's new Man City (Patrick Barclay)
West Ham were being utterly outmanoeuvred. True, Alan Curbishley lacked the right-sided energy of the newcomer Julien Faubert, from Bordeaux, and Scott Parker and Lucas Neill were also absentees. But the home support had not been prepared for the sight of their team being mesmerised by such hastily assembled opponents.

~ You can read match reports from a West Ham perspective at Kumb.com, West Ham til I die, while the Kumb messageboard has a few choice comments.




Player ratings


Ratings come from (in order): DidsburyBlue, Slim, (Mancityfans), Gavin, bluebrendan, marcusb, kooka, Kemmyn, SturridgeIsDaMan, (Citymancs) , MEN, Sunday Times, BBC, Sky and Sky Your Rating.




Schmeichel: 7, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 6, 6, 6.8, 6, 7.3 (av: 6.4)
As easy a debut as he could have expected away from home. Looked confident and rarely troubled. (MEN)
Had very little to do, but made a fantastic save on Bowyer's effort that he tipped on to the bar. It wouldn't have counted as it was flagged, but still very impressive. Quick off his line and some great kicking. Good debut and a clean sheet to boot. (DidsburyBlue)
Had fuck all to do. (Slim)
Not called on much at all but didn't look convincing at times. (Gavin)
Did what he had to, looks a bit unsure but for a first game played well. (Kemmyn)
Nowt to do, but what he had to do he did well and looked good, edgy beginning to second half, but that was no doubt due to slight nerves and not wanting to make a costly mistake, will improve no doubt about it. (SITM)


Corluka (Onuoha 62): 7, 8, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 6, 6, 6.7, 6, 7.4 (av: 6.9)
Powerful defender wants the ball in attacking positions which is promising - but ran out of steam after an hour or so. (MEN)
Seems that Sven put him in at right back just to bed him in as looks more of a centre half. Made some great tackles and looked comfortable on the ball, didn't get forward as much as I would have liked but looks very classy. Nedum has some real competition. (DidsburyBlue)
Kept Bellamy in his pocket all fucking day. (Slim)
Looked solid and got forward well but unsurprisingly tired. (Gavin)
Got better as the game went on till he got tired. Kept up with Bellamy too, got good timing for his tackling. (Kemmyn)
Kept Bellamy very quiet and only tiredness got the better of him, looks a solid defender and a great buy by Sven. (SITM)

Dunne: 8, 9, 9, 8, 9, 8, 9, 9, 7, 7, 7.2, 8, 8.2 (av: 8.2)
Skipper back in his best position and was as solid as ever - not least in communicating instructions to the rest of the side. (MEN)
Without his old partner Distin, but it was the same as usual from Dunne, got stuck in, making some good tackles in the box. Distribution was a little poor at times with some long punts upfield, but kept the defence organised. (DidsburyBlue)
He is a big fucking brick wall. (Slim)
Again almost flawless, is a little too keen to hoof the ball rather than pass though at times. (Gavin)
Defensively a 10 but went long ball when we were under pressure giving possession away too easily. (Kemmyn)
Another solid and commendable display by the Big Captain. (SITM)

Richards: 9, 10, 8, 9, 9, 9, 9, 10, 7, 8, 6.9, 9, 9.0 (av: 8.7)
Settled the debate about who will play alongside Dunne and even on the left side of the pairing looked highly accomplished. (MEN)
Proved himself as valuable as any new City signing (Observer)
MOM - was a colossus in defence winning vital headers, making vital tackles and just not letting anyone through either by air or ground. We forget he's only 19. (DidsburyBlue)
Another wall, played like he was keeping Distin out of the squad. (Slim)
Almost a flawless display but does on occasion give away needless free kicks. (Gavin)
Absolute monster in the middle, the spring he gets from his legs is amazing. (Kemmyn)
The Proverbial Brick Wall that West Ham could not or dare not pass. Who needs Sylvain? (SITM)


Garrido: 7, 7, 7, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7, 6, 6, 6.3, 7, 7.5 (av: 6.8)
Booked early on but didn't let it bother him in what was a competant Premiership debut. (MEN)
Good solid debut, looks good going forward and links very well with Petrov, could be a great steal at £1.5m. Ball will find it hard to get back in the team. Got a bit out muscled on occasion, but will learn with experience that the Premier League is not La Liga. (DidsburyBlue)
Nice overlapping, but at times forgot himself at the back. (Slim)
A promising start for the lad but he did lose Ashton for the Hammers best chance which could have been costly. (Gavin)
I thought he did well, unlucky to get a card, marking Freddie was a hard job and he stuck at it. (Kemmyn)
Coped well defensively, supported the attack but was caught out a few times from forward runs when West Ham broke, good performance though, very impressed. (SITM)

Elano (Geovanni 80): 8, 10, 9, 9, 9, 8, 8, 9, 8, 6, 7.2, 6, 7.7 (av: 8.1)
Will get fitter and stronger and then Premiership sides really had better watch out. Brilliant on the ball and will delight fans. (MEN)
Controlled the game in the first half hour, vision is unreal, and made the goal by making Upson look like a donkey, got kicked about a fair bit, but looked class. (DidsburyBlue)
FUCKING CLASS. (Slim)
A very good debut, some nice touches and a great run for the first goal. (Gavin)
Looks a superb player and had more pace than i thought, ghosted past people. Can only get better. (Kemmyn)
Only lost 1 mark, due to being subbed, but what a player, what a performance and some superb skills thrown in. West Ham couldn't handle the genius and had to revert to kicking, but somehow avoiding any bookings. (SITM)

Hamann: 8, 9, 8, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8, 8, 7, 6.6, 7, 7.6 (av: 7.9)
Shared man of the match honours with Brazilian Elano. Turned back the clock to boss the midfield with cleverness. (MEN)
Suddenly looks like he can run, pass and tackle. Sat in front of the defence making countless interceptions and tackles, one of which led to the goal. Rejuvenated? You bet! (DidsburyBlue)
Who the fuck is this guy? Amazing work today. (Slim)
Very simple, neat and tidy. (Gavin)
A true pro, his experience helped us in the second half. Best I've seen him play in a City shirt. (Kemmyn)
I thought he was finished last season, but he looks like the Hamann that wore the red of Liverpool, marshalled the gap between midfield and defence superbly, was there to break all West Ham's attacks up. (SITM)

Ireland: 6, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7, 6.8, 6, 6.8 (av: 6.5)
Stationed out on the right but was involved in plenty of eye catching attacking moves. This could be a big season for him. (MEN)
Not at his best today, didn't seem too comfortable on the RW, but still showed glimpses of quality. A quiet game from him. (DidsburyBlue)
Not really his day, was funny to see him do a stepover though. (Slim)
Similar to Johnson. (Gavin)
Not sure right mid is really his position, but gave it his best and tracked back well. (Kemmyn)
Helped support the breaks that City had, in an unfamiliar right of midfield 5 formation, worked back as well as a few telling passes at the other end. (SITM)


Johnson: 7, 6, 8, 7, 7, 7, 7, 6, 6, 7, 6.5, 5, 6.6 (av: 6.6)
Quietest of the midfielders but like the rest of the side fully earned his win bonus thanks to tremendous effort. (MEN)
Showed Barton how to be a box to box midfielder, always found a blue shirt and got stuck in to the tackles as well, another 19-year-old well beyond his years. (DidsburyBlue)
Really learnt a lesson today, good passing but caught in possession too much. (Slim)
Covered a lot of ground in a busy midfield. (Gavin)
Covered a lot of ground and did well but gave up the ball and was caught in possession. Off day. (Kemmyn)
Caught in possession too often, needs to sharpen up, but he is young and will get far better, he is already great now, felt he was spectating the stars a few times, and wants to remember he IS a star also. (SITM)


Petrov: 7, 8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 6, 8, 7.5, 6, 8.1 (av: 7.5)
Flashes of brilliance and when he settles into the system will be another who will make sure plenty of tickets are sold. (MEN)
Desperately wanted a goal and showed searing pace and attacking instinct, made the wrong final decision on a few occasions but had the opposition defenders trailing behind him. He will definitely score and create goals. (DidsburyBlue)
Constantly a threat, not sure they knew where he was coming from next. (Slim)
Very good when we're in control of the game, when we get the ball to him, if we don't he disappears a little. (Gavin)
Exciting to watch and another that can only get better. (Kemmyn)
Does this man ever pass an opportunity to shoot!?, he had more shots than we had goals last year, will be very exciting player and a great asset to the team all year, superb wing-play from the Bulgarian player of the year for 2006. (SITM)


Bianchi (Bojinov 61): 7, 8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 7, 7, 7.6, 7, 8.0 (av: 7.6)
BIANCHI - Led the line bravely and energetically on his own and his reward was a tap in to open his Blues account. (MEN)
Held the ball up well and had real goalscorer's instinct to get on the end of Elano's shot. Looked like he could have done with a partner but led the line well. (DidsburyBlue)
Take fucking notes Corradi and Samaras, right place, right time, GOAL! (Slim)
Some good touches and did what he is paid for, got in the right position at the right time. (Gavin)
Superb hold up work, some great touches, intelligent running and a goal. (Kemmyn)
A hard job up front on your own, got support from midfield, but worked hard, held the ball up well to enable the midfield support to flourish and scored a debut goal. Who says Italians don't flourish in the Prem? (SITM)

Subs:


Bojinov (Bianchi 61): 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 6, - , 6.2, 6, 7.3 (av: 6.5)
One flashing header nearly found the net. (MEN)
His control and strength looked impressive, should have probably scored with his header and lacked a bit of sharpness. Could form a very good partnership with Bianchi in a 4-4-2 formation. (DidsburyBlue)
Great first touch, but hardly on long enough to make a judgement. (Slim)
Looked lively. (Gavin)
Looked lively and skillful hopefully starts mid week. (Kemmyn)
A la Bianchi, but without the debut goal, only a matter of time before he finds the net. (SITM)

Onuoha (Corluka 62): 8, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8, 8, 7, 7, - , 6.5, 7, 7.7 (av: 7.7)
Brilliant run and pass set up second goal. (MEN)
A little unfortunate to be left on the bench, but rose to the occasion. Didn't put a foot wrong in defence then seared forward on a great run showing great pace and strength to set Geovanni up for the winner. (DidsburyBlue)
Really picking up his level, his run forward was nothing short of world class. (Slim)
Solid and a great run for the second goal. (Gavin)
Did well and great run for the second goal. (Kemmyn)
Just for the goal assist alone, superb play from Ned to create the goal, muscling his way through, great skill inside the box and determination to assist, also did his defensive duties solidly. (SITM)


Geovanni (Elano 80): 8, 9, 8, 7, 9, 8, 8, 7, 7, - , 7.5, 7, 7.8 (av: 7.8)
Looked full of running and took goal well. (MEN)
Took his goal well and should have probably scored another but for a good save by Green. Wouldn't be surprised to see him start ahead of Ireland on the RW in the next game. (DidsburyBlue)
Turned the game when we were under pressure, nothing like Samba fucking magic. (Slim)
Not on long but who can argue with a debut goal. (Gavin)
Took advantage of a tiring Hammers could be pushing Ireland for the right mid. (Kemmyn)
Would have got a 9 if he had been on long enough for me to see more than just the goal and the other chance, no doubt though, this man posses every skill that Elano has, WOW! are we going to be entertained this year. (SITM)

Subs not used:

Hart, Fernandes.


Wednesday's match


I was thinking it's about time I met some of this site's readers, so if anyone wants to share for a pint or two before the game, drop me a line at purelymancity@hotmail.co.uk and I'll try to arrange something.

Thaksin in the picture / Squad details

The 2007-08 team photo and squad numbers were released yesterday and it's probably no great surprise that our new owner has put himself centre stage. Some might view that as a bit of an imposition, though my view is that the official photo has been cheapened in recent years thanks to the huge advertising hoarding and assorted sponsors' equipment on display.

For the last two seasons the club have even reserved a place in the photo for the winner of a Thomas Cook competition, so if a £1.5m-a-year sponsorship deal buys you a place it's probably fair that a £35m takeover plus £40m+ on transfers does too.









Thaksin is not the first City chairman to get into an official team photo. Franny Lee also took centre stage in the 1996-97 squad photo:



Actually, Franny was notorious for muscling his way into official photos. Here he is sneaking into the team pic of the 1977 England cricket side that toured the West Indies.




Okay, that's not really the England team but it is Franny Lee top row third from the right (click on the photo for more details).

~ You can find City squad photos dating back to 1880 in the Images section here.

Squad numbers released

Below are the updated squad details. I've only included the players who have played in the first team (Laird and Logan are included for the first time following their appearances in the pre-season friendlies) but you can find the full list of 44 players here.










With Corluka and Bojinov having received their work permits, below are the outfield players who could figure in the first few games:









And finally, here is the revised list of when the contract come up. The details will be kept in the Stats & Squad section:




Summer 2008
Emile Mpenza
Geovanni
Paul Dickov
Jihai Sun
Kasper Schmeichel
Dietmar Hamann

2009
Andreas Isaksson
Michael Ball
Ousmane Dabo
Stephen Ireland
Darius Vassell
Danny Mills
Richard Dunne
Matthew Mills
Bernardo Corradi
Daniel Sturridge

2010
Micah Richards
Michael Johnson
Joe Hart
Georgios Samaras
Martin Petrov

2011
Nedum Onuoha
Rolando Bianchi
Elano
Javier Garrido
Gelson Fernandes
Valeri Bojinov

2012
Vedran Corluka

Pinch me if I'm dreaming

I suppose reality might well hit us at 3pm tomorrow, but this really has been the most surreal close season I can ever remember. So the sight of a deposed Far Eastern PM donning a City scarf and singing Blue Moon on Saturday (not to mention the Thai Elvis) seemed to capture the mood perfectly, as well as providing an image I'll probably never forget.


Click of picture of Pinthongta for more images

'A very surreal experience', was the assessment of Bagpuss at Citymancs called it, while a poster called Paulo described it as 'a strange experience indeed'.

The strange thing is, despite all the newsprint devoted to the man we still know very little about him aside from the allegations about his business dealings and human rights record. I've been writing a profile of Thaksin for the upcoming Purelymancity book, but one clue to his personality can be found at his newly-launched website, Truethaksin.com. Prominently displayed on the site is the message: 'The Truth Shall Set You Free' - words originally spoken by Jesus and later used as the title of a David Icke book.

So maybe that's the deal then. Thaksin feeds us Thai curry, and we feed his Messiah Complex.



~ Probably the most surreal time of all was had by a poster called Neville's bum chum over at Bluemoon (registration required). Popping into Reebok City last Friday he bumps into Thaksin and his family and persuades our new owner to have his picture taken with him. On leaving the store he notices Alistair Mackintosh walking into the stadium, calls over to him, and gets him to pose for a shot. He then relates an extraordinary conversation in which Mackintosh allegedly remarked that Distin "must be mad going to Portsmouth" and that Barton was "going to end up in fucking prison anyway." I can't really comment on how accurately the conversation has been remembered but the pictures he took on his phone of him with Thaksin and Mackintosh have been posted on the site and he is adamant that those were his exact words.

Predictions for this season

The bookies have us down for a 12th place finish, the pundits reckon 10th to 13th and the average prediction on the talkboards is for 8th or 9th. Here are the forecasts so far:

Sky Sports (Andy Clarke): 10th
The Guardian (Barry Glendenning): 12th
The Times (Joe Lovejoy): 13th
Daily Mail: 11th
BBC (Mark Lawrenson): Mid-table finish at least, possibly pushing for a Uefa Cup place.
Betfair: 12th

Below are the predictions taken from threads on some of the talkboards. I thought it would be interesting to compare them:



Bluemoon (registration required), Mancityfans, Citymancs, Wookie's Lair (reg rqd)

This month's 'Fish & Chip Wrapper Awards'

There's no shortage of candidates for August's Fish & Chip Wrapper Awards, but one person who won't be getting a nomination is Martin Samuel from The Times, who wrote this excellent article today. Here's an extract:

To read some of the more foam-flecked previews to the new football season, lovers of our national sport could be forgiven for thinking that on Saturday, arriving at the local stadium at the appointed time, they will be greeted by a nefarious cast of characters pitched somewhere between Fagin, Moriarty and the child-catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Pockets will be picked, evil unleashed and innocents dragged screaming to a fate unknown.

To listen to these pious sermons, sleaze, wickedness and corruption stalk our land, disguised as 22 men and a ball. This has been a summer of disgust and disgrace, infamy and injustice and many other adjectives with prefixes indicating negativity that fit tidily into headlines.

Still, it could be worse. We could be following tennis. Or cycling. Or motor racing. Or cricket. Or athletics. Is it only football that is dodgy? Do me a favour.

Samuel also points out that asking why Thaksin did not fall foul of the Premier League’s fit and proper persons is waste of time as to fail him 'would represent a legal judgment in excess of any supported by the British Government'.

A newspaper columnist talking sense about City and Thaksin? Sack this man now.

~ If you've got a nomination for this month's awards you can drop me a line at purelymancity@hotmail.co.uk or leave a message on the blog.

Farewell Dad's Army, hello Young Guns

The average age of the team looks set to tumble this season.

Sven's eight signings have an average age of exactly 24, making them more than three years younger than Pearce's average signing.

The most dramatic change will be seen in midfield. In the first game of last season City started with Sinclair (then 33yrs 11months), Reyna (33y 1m), Barton (23y 11m) and Dabo (29y 6m), making an average age of 29yrs 11mths. A likely midfield for our first game this season is Petrov (28y 6m), Elano (26y 1m), Fernandes (20yr 10m) and Geovanni (27y 6m), which would be an average age of 25yrs 3mths - more than four years younger than last season. Add to that Ireland (20y 11m) and Johnson (19y 6m) and we might end up fielding one of the youngest midfields in the Premiership for some games.

Below are the signings made by Pearce and their average age. Loan deals are excluded.




And here are Sven's signings:



The final table probably gives the best indication of our new-found purchasing power. It shows that only two of Pearce's 13 signings were between the ages of 21 and 26, compared to five of Sven's eight signings so far.



The next signings look likely to follow the pattern of investing in youth. This weekend's speculation has linked us to 21-year-old holding midfielder Manuel Fernandes (for £10m) and Scott Carson, also 21, while Claudio Ranieri yesterday said 22-year-old left back Giorgio Chiellini is available for the right price.

One area of concern might be the inexperience of the defence. While 27-year-olds Dunne and Ball have the necessary experience, Richards (19), Onuoha (20), Corluka (21), and Garrido (22) have only 86 Premiership games between them. Hopefully we'll see an experienced centre-half come in this week to partner Dunne, but I suspect that the loss of Distin will result in an error-prone few months for us in defence.

Later this week I'll be looking at the predictions for where we'll finish this season, but as both the manager and the majority of the team will be new to the Premiership I fear the first half of the season might be something of a write-off.

No doubt the press will have a field day should City struggle early on (according to The Telegraph there is already an 'overwhelming feeling' of chaos at the club) but personally I wouldn't be too concerned even if we were near the bottom six around Christmas.

Unlike previous seasons, time is now on our side.

Images of the weekend's events

I'm going to be writing more about this weekend's events in the next few days, but for now here are a few links I've found:

~ Pictures from the game; photos from Albert Square (including pics of Pinthongta).

~ YouTube highlights v Valencia; more highlights; Thaksin sings; Sven on stage; City fans in Albert Square.

Profiles of the new signings

Name: Elano Blumer
Age: 26
Position: Attacking midfielder
Height: 5ft 8
Nationality: Brazilian
Fee: £8m
Signed from: Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)
Contract: 4 years

According to Uefa.com, Elano 'is a highly-regarded and skilful Brazilian midfielder who is happy in wide positions and able to strike the ball with either foot'. He's got a pretty useful scoring record too, with 9 goals in 29 matches for Shakhtar and 33 goals in 131 matches for Santos in Brazil.

~ Playing record; YouTube; Wikipedia; Uefa.com profile.






Name: Vedran Corluka
Age: 21
Position: Right back / central defender
Height: 6ft 3
Nationality: Croatian
Fee: £7m
Signed from: Dinamo Zagreb
Contract: Believed to be 5 years / £39,000-per-week

The Croatian has nine international caps including the 2-0 win against England in Sept 2006, which he describes as his 'favourite ever game'.

From what I've found so far he appears to be an emotional character. This story from June, claims the player has been depressed recently and cried after a match with Estonia, while at the official Dynamo Zagreb site Corluka lists his biggest shortcoming as being 'nervous'.

Corluka also listed City as the foreign club he's most like to play for, though I'm not sure when that detail first appeared. He is also nicknamed 'Charlie', according to a guy named Tomi who emailed me from Croatia.

According to Croatian reports, City paid a £7m fee and gave Corluka a five-year contract worth £39,000-per-week.

YouTube; Profile at Dinamo Zagreb site; Wikipedia.




Name: Javi Garrido
Age: 22
Position: Left back / left midfield
Height: 5ft 10
Nationality: Spanish
Fee: £1.5m
Signed from: Real Sociedad
Contract: 4 years

Career stats; YouTube;




No confirmation on Valeri Bojinov yet, though Reuters yesterday claimed the deal had been agreed and the player had flown to Manchester. But with the player already thanking Eriksson for the move, an official announcement can't be far away.


Name: Valeri Bojinov (sometimes spelt Bozhinov)
Age: 21
Position: Forward
Height: 5ft 10
Nationality: Bulgarian
Fee: £5.7m (€8.5m)
Signed from: Fiorentina
Contract: 4 years


At 17, Bojinov was described by one Italian fan as 'the best youth player in Italy'. A year later, in 2005, Fiorentina paid £9m (€13m) for him. A poster on another forum believes the move was a mistake, with Bojinov 'better out wide or playing off the front chipping in 10 goals or so a season', rather than the 20-goal-a-season poacher Fiorentina wanted him to be.

As Bianchi appears to be an out-and-out goal poacher, Bojinov looks set to play a deeper attacking role alongside him.

~ Playing record; YouTube; Wikipedia.

FiveLive fails the 'fit and proper programme' test

Well, FiveLive's broadcast on the Premier League's 'Fit and Proper Persons Test' hardly proved a great advert for the licence fee. In case you missed it, here is a summary of the main points of the hour-long show:

1. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International believe that Thaksin has a terrible human rights record.
2. Thaksin claims he is innocent, and both his lawyer and his PR agree.
3. Thaksin is loved and hated in Thailand in equal measure. He is particularly hated by journalists at the Bangkok Post.
4. The Sports Minister believes this is a matter for the football authorities while a posh fella from David Cameron's Conservatives thinks that the ownership of a British football club is a matter for the Foreign Office.

And that pretty much was that. It told us nothing we didn't already know, and if I was a supporter of a club other than City I probably would have switched stations out of sheer boredom. Which is a great shame really as the whole issue of the ownership of football clubs is a subject that deserves a much more detailed analysis then we got on Tuesday.

A key issue that wasn't even touched is whether this test could actually be enforced. Let's say a person buys a Premiership club and is then deemed not to be 'fit and proper'. What would happen next?

The Telegraph's David Bond did take the trouble to find out what the sanctions were, revealing that directors convicted of fraud can be 'forced to resign their position'. The only time a person has been barred from owning a Premiership club was in 1999, when the Office of Fair Trading blocked BSkyB's £623m bid for Man United, solely on the grounds that it was anti-competitive. As the Premier League does not have the power to force an individual to sell a private shareholding, this seems a bold claim by the League.

Bond reveals that the League has the ultimate sanction of suspending the club. I'm pretty sure that this would be unprecedented in world football, and certainly highly questionable in law. But the fact that the Premier League declined to be interviewed by FiveLive, merely releasing this statement to the media on Tuesday, suggests that this issue is not exactly its highest priority right now.

All of which makes me wonder whether this 'Fit and Proper Persons Test' is nothing more than a sham - designed to give the appearance that the Premier League actually cares about something other than money.