Sunderland 1-0 Manchester City
We had had one stolen from us. We played so well in the first half, and then came out in the second half and looked uninspired. We spoiled our chances, and in the end we paid for not taking advantage of our opportunities.
In the 93rd minute Sunderland were gifted a penalty, by the “Penalty Giver” Mike Dean. Joe guessed correctly, but Darren Bent slotted it home just under Joe’s legs.
Complete heart-breaker.
I feel as if we made a complete mess of the game. Such is football.
On a lighter note. What is the deal with Kieran Richardson’s rat tail. Yuck!
Balotelli to Sit Out Timisoara Home-leg
Mario Balotelli will not play in the Europa League home-leg tie with Timisoara.
Mario has a bit of a knee knock and will be forced to sit and watch when the Romanians visit Eastlands on Thursday. After scoring in the opening away-leg Mario was hoping to make an important home debut, and also add to his scoring tally.
The Final 25 for 2010
With only a week remaining until the transfer window shuts, I begin wondering who will be left out and who will be included in the final 25 squad for the remainder of 2010.
The new rules require each team to allot a 25-man roster until the next transfer window, with eight of those players being home-grown.
Roberto is left with a difficult pondering session. Here’s my stab.
He will be keeping the six players he signed over summer, Boateng, Yaya, Kolarov, David Silva, Balotelli and Milner. That’s (6) with one of them being home-grown. Here’s the rundown:
Be Part of It
Manchester City have begun a new campaign around Manchester, Be Part of It.
They have taken an illustration of members of the team and posted them on the sides of buildings suggesting people to ‘Be Part of ’.
You can also download the artwork as a desktop background.
Retweeted by @MCFC
While watching the Inter Milan vs City game on July 31, I was retweeted by @MCFC. They were commenting on how ridiculously enormous the trophy Inter won was, but they did not have a ready camera to show the monstrosity of a trophy. So I stepped in.
RT @sullied: @MCFC @MCFCRussell here is a pic of the trophy http://twitpic.com/2ajayd <– That’s the one! HUUUUGE!
Manchester City FC
MCFC
City 3-0 Liverpool
Liverpool came to City hoping to leave making a powerful statement, and instead left scared and abused.
City looked brilliant and proved from the beginning of the game. A terrific display against a reputable opponent.
There wasn’t a player on the field that played poorly. Tevez, Milner and Adam Johnson tirelessly pressured Liverpool. Yaya, Barry and De Jong held the middle and made multiple brilliant outlet passes and hard knock tackles. The defense consisting of Micah, Kolo, Vince, Joleon, and Joe were rock solid. The defense had one of those days that seemed fairly easy. They just sat at the back, passed around and stopped every chance Liverpool thought they had.
Nedum Onuoha loaned to Sunderland
Nedum Onuoha has left the club on loan, confirms Manchester City’s Website.
Nedum has joined Sunderland for the season on a year-long loan.
“Twenty-three-year–old Onuoha, who has played all across the back four in his 89 league and cup starts for the Blues, hardly featured at all in the pre-season matches and is now in line to join The Black Cats squad for their opener against Birmingham.” – Manchester City website.
Image via MCFC.
Shay and Joe in a Battle
Shay Given and Joe Hart are in a fight for the No. 1 shirt with the season ready to begin in less than a week. Shay has said he will does not want to sit the bench while Joe is willing to spend another year on loan.
Shay has been linked with a loan deal to Arsenal and Joe has been linked with Sunderland. There seems like little possibility of keeping both which leaves Roberto Mancini pondering over a very difficult decision.
Does Mancini stay with the 34-year old Irishman in Given, who may be one of the top five keepers in the world, or does he start an eleven-year younger Hart, who may be England’s new No. 1. Given is immensely experienced, serving the likes of the Irish national team and Newcastle United, and keepers continue to remain on point into their late thirties. On the other hand Hart could be the future City keeper for next 15 years.
Joe could sign a loan deal with someone allowing Shay a year or two more stay with City. Or he could let Shay move on and put his faith in the bright future of Joe.
We shall know soon. The transfer window closes August 31.
