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Eriksson hoping to build in Arsenal's image
24/08/2007 06:00
Sven-Goran Eriksson has started to look ahead to his City team's next challenge, a trip to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsene Wenger's Arsenal this weekend.
Despite topping the Barclays Premier League, the Blues boss is under no illusion that Arsenal will represent their toughest task to date, and he for one is an admirer of their style of play.
"Arsenal play some of the best football in the whole of Europe," Eriksson noted.
"They can keep the ball and play it on the ground very quickly. That’s the style of Wenger and it’s been like that for many, many years."
As for Saturday's game itself, Sven intends to take his side there to play their own game, he added: "We are going to go there and we are going to try and play our way. But when you meet teams like Arsenal and Manchester United, you know that you have to defend.
"You need a little bit of luck also, because over 90 minutes, of course you know that they will create some chances – hopefully as few as possible. If you don’t defend well against these teams you have no chance of even getting a draw. Hopefully we will attack a bit better than we did last Sunday."
Even though City defeated Manchester United last weekend, saw Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool already drop points, the City Manager still expects 'the big four' to be up at the top of the table come the end of the season - although Eriksson doesn't think they'll have it their own way this time around.
"I think they will fight for the top four places in the league, but maybe it’ll be tougher for them this year compared to other years," he stated.
"There are other teams that invested a lot of money and of course Manchester City is one of them, also Newcastle, Tottenham and Aston Villa. So there are many teams who could make it difficult for the big four and I suppose that’s good for the Premier League.
"To see as it was some years ago, Manchester United and Arsenal always at the top, then Chelsea, I think the people who love football want to see another team involved and not 20 points behind because that’s not good for football."
After being on the outside looking in for all that time he was England head coach, Sven's first campaign as a Premier League manager sees him implementing a new policy towards building a force to be reckoned with...but he acknowledges he may be some years behind City's last and next opponents.
He declared: "I think that Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson have been rebuilding their teams many times now. Here we are in the situation, at least with me, of the first time we are building. Hopefully I can say differently in 10 years time!
"Arsenal’s policy is to buy young players and let them grow and put them in the team," similar to what Eriksson has done himself this close-season.
"In that way yes it is similar because many of the players we have bought, we know they are good, but their best will come in the years ahead.
"I said that I didn’t want to buy any players that are 32, 33, 34-years-old. Maybe they’ve done their best, we are trying to do it the other way, it costs more money but at least it is an investment.
"You never know how long players will stay. After three years you can have money back, hopefully more money if they want to leave, but hopefully they will stay."
Leon Collins
Sven pleased with the surprise of Schmeichel
23/08/2007 15:44
Sven-Goran Eriksson has reiterated that he happy with the goalkeeping situation at Manchester City.
The Blues have a return of maximum points and three clean sheets from the opening week of the season, all achieved after both Andreas Isaksson and Joe Hart were struck down with injuries just ahead of the league campaign beginning.
Kasper Schmeichel has made the step up to first team football with his colleagues’ endforced absence, and the Manager is delighted with the way a potentially tricky situation has panned out.
Sven says: “He’s been a big surprise for all of us and the fans as well, and we’ve been very happy with him. There was a lot of talk about bringing in another keeper when Isaksson got injured but so far we have not done anything because we think we have three good goalkeepers when Andreas comes back.
“If we want to do something with getting a goalkeeper in, he must be much, much better than the three we have, and where do we find one like that? So far, there’s nothing and maybe nothing may happen even in January.
“We have some good goalkeepers, and the great thing is that they are all young, including Andreas. Two play Under 21 international football and Isaksson is only 25 or so, even though it feels like he has been around for a long time.”
Confirming that he is still very much in the hunt for more players before the end of the August transfer window, Sven added,
“We’re not looking for goalkeepers and defenders. We’ll see if we can find something that might suit us, maybe even on loan, but of course the question mark is with Bojinov. With an injury like the one he has, you just have to be patient, and wait and see.”
Tim Oscroft
Micah excels for England
23/08/2007 11:21
Micah Richards’ excellent week has continued with a good display in England’s disappointing defeat to Germany.
The City defender, man-of-the-match in the derby last Sunday, set up Frank Lampard for England’s goal after nine minutes and was one of the most impressive players on the pitch.
Several City players also saw international action this week, with skipper Richard Dunne at the heart of the Republic of Ireland’s 4-0 away win over Denmark.
Martin Petrov played well for Bulgaria but could not prevent Wales taking a surprise 1-0 win in Sofia, which came courtesy of a Freddy Eastwood goal.
Defender Vedran Corluka played in Croatia’s entertaining 5-3 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, and midfielder Gelson Fernandes confirmed his promise by making his debut for Switzerland in their 2-1 win over Holland.
Elano played his part in Brazil’s 2-0 win over Algeria in Montpellier, France, while Kasper Schmeichel played for Denmark’s Under 21 on Tuesday, the Danes beating Norway 2-0.
Nedum Onuoha was named as captain by Stuart Pearce for the England Under 21 side’s game against Romania on Tuesday, with the Young Lions unlucky to draw 1-1 after a free kick for the visitors rebounded off the bar and then City’s Joe Hart before going into the net. Michael Johnson also played.
Tim Oscroft
Didi the man
23/08/2007 06:00
After spending the week sitting on top of the Barclays Premier League, Manchester City face their toughest test yet with a trip to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday to face Arsenal.
Blues boss Sven-Goran Eriksson knows that despite the exuberance of youth running through his previous line-ups, one particular player with vast experience has been just as vital over the opening weeks.
The Manager explained: “Over the first three games, Didi Hamann has been excellent and he is a calm guy, you can give him the ball and he will not give it away.
“I think being all the help he will be, Didi will be very, very important for us.
Alongside the former German international in the City midfield, two young homegrown talents in Michael Johnson and Stephen Ireland, have also been principal players during the Blues’ table-topping start to the season.
Eriksson admitted: “They’ve been very good. They came from the Academy and are fantastic football players.
“I think it’s good for them to have a Hamann because he speaks and guides the young players. It’s always good to have a player like him in the team.”
And after all the England versus Germany hype during most of this week, the last man to score at the old Wembley has been resting and preparing for City’s next challenge, Arsenal away on Saturday.
Two days after that game, Hamann turns 34-years-old, and Eriksson is hoping to be able to couple youth and experience together for the majority of the season.
“We have a lot of young players with much less experience playing alongside him, so let’s hope that he can do it 38 times.”
As the Blues prepare for their first of three away trips on the spin, Eriksson expects things to get harder for City as opposition players and managers now know what to expect from his new-look side.
He stated: “I think for the first two games a lot of people didn’t know about some of our players, Petrov maybe, Elano and Geovanni.
“But we will not have that advantage anymore because the managers show videos about the opposition from the previous weeks.
“I know that Arsene Wenger will do it so I don’t think we will live on surprising people anymore.”
Leon Collins
Sven and Sun set record straight
22/08/2007 11:35
Contrary to media reports at the weekend that named Jihai Sun as a player told by Sven-Goran Eriksson he could leave the Club, both have exclusively told mcfc.co.uk today that the player is not going anywhere.
The Blues Manager was surprised with the news of the story and declared: "He has not been told he can leave. He is a valuable and very versatile member of our squad."
Jihai, who had a later start to the pre-season than most after being away on Asia Cup duty with China, confirmed: "I haven't been told by either the Manager or anyone at the Club that I can leave.
"It's been a good start to the season, but hopefully I'll get the opportunity to show my quality. Of course I am happy to fight for my place.
"Everything here is normal and I am happy."
Leon Collins
Richards one of the best in the world, says Sven
24/08/2007 09:40
Sven-Goran Eriksson has hit out at speculation over Micah Richards’ future after his solid showings this season have re-ignited rumours of interest from the ‘big four.’
“At this moment in time he must be one of the best defenders in the Premier League and all the world,” Sven said of Micah yesterday.
“It’s up to us to be sure that we are as big as he deserves. Our ambitions are the same, we want to be bigger and bigger.
“How big we will by the end, I don’t know, it depends on us and the owner of course. You need money if you want to compete with Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United, it’s not a secret.
“This Club will do everything possible to keep a player like that, it would be very bad to sell him and we have absolutely no intention to sell him and I think he’s happy where he is as well.”
So strong are the Blues intentions to keep hold of the England international that Eriksson revealed talks of a new contract are already underway.
He said: “They are talking about a contract now and are looking for an agreement and all parties are happy about that. I’m quite sure Micah wants to stay here. He’s a Manchester City boy and I think he’s happy.
“I don’t know when he will sign a new contract, but I don’t see any problems with that, they are just talking about details at the moment and that is normal.”
Leon Collins
Boss happy with table-topping pressure
24/08/2007 14:40
Sven-Goran Eriksson is happy with the kind of pressure that comes with the start to the season that his City side has made.
Three wins, nine points and no goals conceded see the Blues on top of the Premier League as they prepare for Saturday’s trip to the Emirates Stadium, but the Manager accepts that such success is breeding expectations.
Sven says: “Every time you have a good match and get a good result, the pressure is going to be on the next game. The dangerous thing is with the expectation that we are going to win every game – I don’t think we’ll do that, I’m sure we won’t!
“I feel the pressure, but I’m happy with it. I didn’t have the chance to speak to the players until late in the week because of the internationals, which is a pity but will be the same for Arsenal. I’m really looking forward to my first trip to their new stadium, and I’m sure that the players are up for it.”
He also rebuked criticism that City took a defensive approach to last Sunday’s derby, which saw the Blues record a memorable 1-0 win.
“I could play like that in any game as long as I win, I have no problem with that!” laughed Sven.
“Every game has it’s own story and United had a lot of possession, but if you meet a team like that, you simply have to defend. The only thing I was not 100% happy with in the derby was that we should have kept the ball better when we won it and have been more precise in our passing, because we could have had more chances than we did.”
Tim Oscroft
Gelson will be ready for the call
25/08/2007 14:02
City’s promising Swiss midfielder Gelson Fernandes made his first appearance for his national side on Wednesday night, and he’s hoping that his City debut will follow soon.
Gelson played over an hour of Switzerland’s fine 2-1 win over Holland in Basle, and mcfc.co.uk’s European correspondent, Jean-Francois Maille has sent in this interview that Gelson did with Le Matin – Switzerland’s main newspaper.
Everyone’s highlighting your outstanding performance. What do you think?
Mainly, I’m happy that everything went well for the team as a whole. We won playing very well and we were really strong as a team. It is the only that counts.
We had the feeling that you already were an established member of the Swiss team
I have the faculty of adapting really quickly and to communicate. I would like to stress that nothing has changed between June and August.
What has changed then?
The club, that’s all. I know that I have to carry on working. And that’s what I did on Thursday afternoon when I resumed training with City.
How did Sven welcome you after Wednesday’s game?
He congratulated me for my first cap and asked for a DVD of the game. He also said that he was proud of me.
However, after 3 games you still haven’t played in the Premier League.
I know that my time will come. And I will be ready.
Arsenal 1-0 City
25/08/2007 16:59
Arsenal v Manchester City
Saturday August 25, 2007, 3.00pm
Emirates Stadium - Att: 60,114
Teams:
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna (Denilson 18), Gilberto, Clichy, Toure, Flamini, Fabregas, Rosicky, Hleb, Van Persie (Song 87), Adebayor (Eduardo 75)
unused subs: Fabianski, Bendtner
City: Schmeichel, Corluka, Dunne (c), Richards, Garrido, Petrov, Hamann, Ireland (Ball 87), Johnson, Elano (Geovanni 74), Mpenza (Bianchi 74).
unused subs: Hart, Onuoha
Goals: 1-0 (Fabregas 80)
Bookings:
Arsenal:
City: Hamann (15)
Referee: C Foy
Pre Match news
City made two changes to the side that started the derby, with Emile Mpenza in for his first start since Sven took over in place of the injured Valeri Bojinov, and Stephen Ireland replacing last week’s goal scorer Geovanni.
It was a hot and sunny afternoon in north London with Arsenal’s magnificent stadium and pitch looking in fine order. The arrival of the teams was heralded by Elvis Presley and ‘The Wonder of You’!
Gilberto stepped into the Arsenal side at the last second, Senderos having hurt himself in the warm up, Song taking his place on the bench.
The Match
Kasper Schmeichel thwarted Arsenal’s first real attack, coming out of his area to head the ball into touch just ahaead of Adebayor. A Robin Van Persie shot from outside the area tore just over the bar on five minutes.
City were keen to hit on the break, and after 10 minutes Michael Johnson broke out of midfield to find Petrov, and the Bulgarian’s shot from near the corner of the area went a couple of yards wide.
Emile Mpenza had a good chance on 18 minutes after being put through by Ireland, but the striker badly mis-hit his shot, the ball rolling harmlessly wide of Almunia’s left post.
Elano was the next to have a chance as an encouraging spell for the Blues continued. The Brazilian was in space in front of the box, and had Ireland to his right, but the summer signing’s shot lacked power and went straight at Almunia.
Schmeichel needed treatment after 25 minutes after beating van Persie to the ball, but the Arsenal man caught City’s keeper on the forehead after he had dived to smother the ball.
But the Dutchman was just inches away from grabbing the first goal of the day after 36 minutes. Adebayor’s neat pass found Fabregas on the right, and his cross was only just in front of the Arsenal striker as he lunged for the ball in the six yard box.
Van Persie tried to turn provider with two minutes to go, squaring the ball back across the box towards Adebayor, who was a couple of yards short of connecting to the home support’s frustration.
The hosts began the second half well, Adebayor looking threatening again early on but caught offside by the City defence.
City came back strongly on 56 minutes, with a great touch from Elano setting up Petrov, the Bulgarian’s shot tearing across Almunia and just wide of the left hand post.
Mpenza was suddenly in space a few minutes later and one on one with the keeper, but Almunia has closed him down enough and made a good block from the striker’s shot from a tight angle.
And then on 66 minutes Kasper Schmeichel’s great start to the season got even better. Micah Richards gave away a penalty when he fouled Hleb and van Persie stepped up, but City’s keeper guessed correctly by diving to his left and saving with his legs! The young Dane followed that up with two more saves in quick succession, the second a fine diving effort to palm away a Fabregas shot.
Still Arsenal came at the Blues, but Adebayor and van Persie both spooned good chances high and wide of Schmeichel’s net.
But after 80 minutes of brave resistance, City fell behind to the first goal they had conceded so far this season. Hleb fed Cesc Fabregas, who slammed the ball beyond Schmeichel and high into the opposite corner of the net from inside the right side of the area.
City’s keeper kept the score at 1-0 with six minutes left, beating away a fierce shot from Rosicky.
City won a corner in stoppage time, which Schmeichel went up for, and he was not far away from the ball when it came in, but Bianchi got enough on it to force Almunia to make a flying save.
Schmeichel was back at the normal end of the pitch to deny Denilson at the death, but that was the last action of what had been a brave display by both City and their young keeper.
Sven philosophical despite defeat
25/08/2007 18:09
Sven-Goran Eriksson reacted philosophically to City's first defeat of the season at the Emirates Stadium.
The Blues' vocal support thought their team were going to leave north London with at least a point after a battling performance, especially after Kasper Schmeichel saved a van Persie penalty in the second half.
However, Cesc Fabregas put paid to that with his 80th minute strike and speaking afterwards Sven said: "Defeat never tastes good, but our performance was good. We played as well as Arsenal in many parts of the game, and they are famous for that way of playing.
"We created good chances, had some in the first half and had a great one in the second half with Mpenza but they won the game. It's important that we have done well against United and against Arsenal away, but you have to have patience. We'll see the reaction against Bristol on Wednesday and then Blackburn next week."
City had their backs to the wall for most of the second half, but even in the face of the Gunners' onslaught the Blues' boss thought his side were good for at least a point.
"We thought we might at least get a draw as the game went on. To be fair, Arsenal had a lot of the ball and created a lot of chances but you hope you get a chance as well and we did with Mpenza but that's life! You have to accept it and there's no blame on the players, they worked hard.
"When you lose, it's how you lose and that can happen with a bad performance. It was not like that today, the attitude was fantastic, the performance was good and we worked very hard. You just have to accept this in football, especially when you go away to a team like Arsenal. It's not easy to come here and win."
Johnson commits to the Blues
28/08/2007 12:37
Michael Johnson has signed a new four-year contract with Manchester City.
The news caps an exciting few weeks for the 19-year-old from Urmston, who has been a first choice pick in midfield since Sven-Goran Eriksson took over as the Blues’ manager.
Michael’s spectacular goal against Derby County two weeks ago was his first for the club, and a few days later his former City manager Stuart Pearce handed him his first England Under 21 cap.
Making his first team debut against Wigan last October, Michael cemented his place with nine more games late in the season and was also in Pearce’s provisional squad for the Under 21 European Championships.
The new City manager showed faith in the midfielder by picking him from the start of the season, with his strike against the Rams being City’s first home league goal since New Year’s Day.
In more contract news, defender Shaleum Logan has also committed himself to the Blues by putting pen to paper on a new three year deal.
The versatile 19-year-old, who can play at both left and right back or on the flanks of midfield, impressed during City’s pre-season tour of Sweden and like Johnson is a product of the Club’s acclaimed Youth Academy.
Commenting on the news, City's Chief Executive Alistair Mackintosh said: "In awarding new contracts to Michael and Shaleum we are once again demonstrating Manchester City’s commitment to investing in our young, home grown players. With a spine of hugely talented Academy bred youngsters we have made an excellent start to the season and are delighted to have secured the long term futures of both players at this football club."
Tim Oscroft
Eriksson to face goalkeeper headache
28/08/2007 15:00
After starting the season with a goalkeeping selection headache, Sven-Goran Eriksson is preparing himself for another one as he has revealed Andreas Isaksson is back in full training.
Assessing the squad’s injuries at a Carrington press conference this afternoon, Sven said: “We don’t have any further injury problems from the weekend.
“The good news is that Isaksson is doing more or less everything in training but he will not be available for tomorrow. I think after the two international games he will be ready."
A fit-again Isaksson, who ended last season as City’s number one, will be keen to return to the Blues line-up, but according to his Manager he faces a fight for the jersey with Schmeichel and England Under 21, Joe Hart.
“It gives me a good problem, Eriksson noted. “If I had all three available for Sunday I can’t see any reason why I should change at this moment.
“Kasper has done everything absolutely perfect so far, so it’s up to the other two to show that they are better."
When asked if he’s told young Schmeichel the jersey is his for the foreseeable future, Sven replied: “No, I haven’t said that.
“You can’t say that to a 20-year-old goalkeeper, but if he carries on like this, why should I change now? The season is very long and a lot of things will happen.”
With another good performance on the big stage, coupled with a penalty save and a last minute header himself against Arsenal, Kasper has certainly made an impression in the City side.
Eriksson concluded: “You feel his presence, he talks and is very brave, he’s been absolutely fantastic for us in the first games.”
Leon Collins
Sven taking strong team to Ashton Gate
28/08/2007 17:10
Sven-Goran Eriksson has looked ahead to his first Carling Cup challenge insisting he won’t be taking the competition lightly and will face Bristol City tomorrow with a strong team.
“We are going to have a very good team," stressed the Blues boss this afternoon.
“We’ll make some changes because I think it’s right to do it, I want to see some of the other players that haven’t played very much so far.
“It will be a good team, where almost all of them on the pitch are international players.”
Much has been made in the past of Premier League clubs not treating the League Cup with the respect it deserves, but that is not an issue for the former England coach.
He said: “We take it seriously, of course we do, you have to do that knowing that we haven’t won anything for a long time.
“We are in three competitions and they are extremely important for us. We don’t play in Europe unfortunately, so we don’t have that, but I hope we will have it in the future. But this competition is serious business.”
With the Manager admitting some changes will be made ahead of the Ashton Gate tie, he feels it is essential as he continues to learn about his squad, and if it has enough depth.
“I hope so, it’s a good question and the answer I will have tomorrow evening,” mused Sven.
“When you have a squad of around 20, 23 players, sometime you want the others to play because you need them during the season. It’ll be a good opportunity to see them.”
Of the opposition themselves, Eriksson added: “I know they started the season very well and have some very good football players.
“The two strikers are very good and one of them scored twice at the weekend, the left-sided midfielder is good too and the son of the manager, Johnson, is a good footballer.
“I’m sure it’ll be a good, interesting game and I’ve seen it’s on television as well.
“They are a club with a big history, been promoted into the Championship and have started well in the league, so who knows.”
Leon Collins
Alan D
30 Aug 2007, 08:20 AM
Sven satisfied with Carling Cup win
29/08/2007 22:30
Sven-Goran Eriksson has given his reaction following Manchester City's successful attempt at making it into the Carling Cup Round Three - third time lucky.
After previous defeats to Doncaster Rovers and Chesterfield over the last two seasons, Sven said afterwards: "I didn’t know that. I knew that we had lost last season at Chesterfield, but it’s very good to win tonight.
"The only thing is that we should have finished the match earlier than we did. Bianchi had two chances, Mpenza had two chances and Logan had a couple of chances too.
"If we’d have scored just half of those chances we’d could have been three goals in front at least. In football it’s always like that, if you don’t take your chances, they are always in the game."
The much-changed City line-up even managed to rally after the home side pulled level, with many expecting the Robins to go on and take the tie.
Eriksson though said: "With 20 minutes to go, it’s 1-1 and we know that we should have finished it earlier. So it’s good to come back and we did that.
"Over the last few days I felt that the team would go out and give everything to try to win the game and it was good to see that."
Leon Collins
Shaleum's pride at City debut
30/08/2007 11:15
Shaleum Logan is a proud man after making his senior debut for Manchester City.
The 19-year-old, who was called into the side for Wednesday night’s Carling Cup tie at Bristol City, turned in an eye-catching display at Ashton Gate and speaking exclusively to www.mcfc.co.uk's Leon Collins he said:
“I thought it went really well. It was my first game for the first team and I loved every minute of it. I thought I did alright as well.
“It’s good for me to be there playing football with the big boys now. That’s what my aim was and what I’d said the last time I did an interview for the website – to be up there and play with the big boys, and I’ve done that. I’ve just got to keep working hard now.
“I’m so proud. I’m a professional footballer now – that’s always been my dream. I’ve played on live television, in front of a big crowd; it’s unbelievable."
At home either in defence or in midfield, Shaleum impressed new manager Sven-Goran Eriksson during City’s pre-season visit to Sweden and he’s grateful for the chance that he has been given.
“If you’re starting in the first team of any club, especially Manchester City, you must be doing something right and at the moment I must be. Sven’s put me in there and I’d really like to thank him and managerial staff for doing that.
“Hopefully I’ll get my second game soon. I’ll just keep training and trying hard and hopefully it’ll come – I think I did well at Bristol. If I don’t play in the next game, fair dos, I’ll just keep working hard because I know that it’ll come.”
Another product of the Club’s acclaimed Youth Academy, Shaleum is the 23rd player to have made it into the City first team via the development system, although he thought he was slightly higher up the list.
“I’m number 23 now, someone told me that the other day and I thought ‘Who’s 22?’ Then I realised it was Kasper and he deserved it. I thought he’s done really well, but I’m happy to be 23, I’d be 29, 30, just as long as I’ve played.”
And his manager has also told us what it was about Shaleum’s play that has caught his eye since his arrival at City in July.
Sven says: “He’s extremely quick, has good feet and although he’s not that tall he’s very brave in the tackle. He’s also good in the air, so his all-round game is important to us. It’s hard to make comparisons, but he does remind me a little bit of Ashley Cole a few years back, on the other side of the pitch."
Blues at home to Norwich in next round of Carling Cup
01/09/2007 12:31
Manchester City will face Norwich City at home in the next round of the Carling Cup.
The Blues will play the Canaries in the week commencing 24th September, the first time the two clubs have met since February 2005 when a last minute Robbie Fowler goal gave us a 3-2 win at Carrow Road.
City have never lost to Norwich in this competition, winning 3-1 away in 1978/79, and eventually going through after winning a second replay 6-1 in 1974/75.
MCFC.co.uk will bring you ticket and date details as soon as we have them.
International call up news
01/09/2007 10:30
A host of City players have been called up for international duty over the next couple of weeks.
Qualification games for next year’s European Championships and the 2009 Under 21 equivalent will see several Blues going to all parts of Europe, while Elano will travel to cross the Atlantic for two internationals with Brazil.
On the swathe of call ups, Blues manager Sven-Goran Eriksson joked, “I spoke to our captain in the last break, and he asked ‘What’s happening here? I was supposed to be the only one who went away over the last year.’ It’s good, it’s more good than frustrating because it means that you have good football players at your club.”
The City players called up are:
* Garry Breen & Paul Marshall – Republic of Ireland, Under 21 friendlies v Portugal on 4 & 6 September.
* Ched Evans – Wales v France, Under 21 Euro 2009 qualifier on 7 September.
* Gelson Fernandes – Switzerland v Macedonia, Euro 2009 qualifier in Wohlen on 8 September.
* Christian Mouritsen – Faroe Islands v Italy and Greece, Under 21 Euro 2009 qualifiers on 7 and 12 September.
* Nedum Onuoha, Joe Hart and Michael Johnson – England v Montenegro and Bulgaria, Under 21 Euro 2009 qualifiers on 7 and 11 September.
* Micah Richards – England v Israel and Estonia, Euro 2008 qualifiers on 8 and 12 September.
* Richard Dunne and Stephen Ireland – Republic of Ireland v Slovakia and Czech Republic, Euro 2008 qualifiers on 8 and 12 September.
* Vedran Corluka – Croatia v Estonia and Andorra, Euro 2008 qualifiers on 8 and 12 September.
* Elano – Brazil v USA and Mexico, on 9 and 12 September.
* Andreas Isaksson – Sweden v Denmark and Montenegro, Euro 2008 qualifiers on 8 and 12 September.
* Martin Petrov – Bulgaria v Netherlands and Luxembourg, Euro 2008 qualifiers on 8 and 12 September.
* Georgios Samaras – Greece v Norway, Euro 2008 qualifier on 12 September.
* Kasper Schmeichel – Denmark v Lithuania & Scotland, Under 21 Euro 2009 qualifiers on 7 and 12 September.
Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards has confirmed he hopes to sign a new contract with the Blues 'very soon.'
The 19-year-old is currently away on international duty with England preparing for their next two important Euro Qualifiers and speaking to the BBC website as part of his new column, Richards said: "I am very happy at City. Hopefully we will have something signed very soon.
"I am just waiting for my dad who is in Africa setting up a soccer school. We have got talks with City as soon as he gets back in the next two weeks."
Micah is under contract to City until 2010, but his impressive showings this season look to be rewarded with a longer deal.
He added: "To me the most important thing now for my England chances with Euro 2008 coming up is to be playing week-in week-week out.
"If I am at City then I am hopefully going to be doing that, so it will be the best thing for me.
"I have been offered a new contract and, although I have not signed anything yet, it should be sorted out soon."
----------------------------------------------------------
Possibly the best new's we could of heard, apart from the actual re-signing of Micah.
And i couldn't leave this out :p.
City beat United for the second time this season
04/09/2007 20:45
Manchester City v Manchester United
Tuesday September 4, 2007, 7.45pm
Regional Athletics Arena - Att: 789
Teams:
City:
Martin, Logan, Breen, Ball, Williamson, Sun, Laird, Dabo (Clayton 56), Moore (Etuhu 73), Mpenza (Marshall 89), Grimes.
unused subs: Hartley (GK), McDonald.
United:
Heaton, R.Eckersley, Bardsley, Chester, A.Eckersley, Eagles (Dong 81), Hewson, Lee, Martin (Barnes 66), Anderson (Brandy 64), Campbell.
unused subs: Woods (GK), Evans.
Goals: 0-1 Campbell 51, 1-1 Mpenza 82, 2-1 Clayton 84, 3-1 Grimes 86
Bookings:
City:
United:
Summary
It was a hard fought but well deserved victory tonight as a strong City line-up which included Emile Mpenza, Jihai Sun, Michael Ball and Ousmane Dabo defeated their United rivals 3-1, thanks to late goals from Emile Mpenza, Adam Clayton and Ashley Grimes.
The Match
City’s increasingly easy-on-the-eye football this season showed that it has filtered down to Kenny Jackett’s men with an early flowing move on six minutes.
The first chance of note for the Blues came after eight minutes, again a patient build-up resulted in Ashley Grimes’ measured shot just clearing the crossbar.
It had been an edgy first 20 minutes with both sides feeling their way into the game.
The visitors fashioned a good chance from nothing on 26 minutes as Kieran Lee’s quick feet gave him a sight of goal from distance. Martin waved as it just sailed over the bar.
As the half hour mark came and went we were reminded it was a derby game as the tackles inevitably started to fly in slowly but surely.
On 37 minutes Richard Martin was called into action after a quick United break. The keeper stood his ground as Eagles tried to sweep the ball past him.
Two minutes later the ooh’s were City’s as Jihai Sun’s cross-come-shot curled beyond Heaton’s right hand post having just missed Marc Laird’s attempts to make contact.
City’s best moments came in the last few minutes of the first half as a vicious Laird drive whistled wide after good work from Moore and Mpenza.
Mpenza himself and Logan could also have broken the deadlock as the referee prepared to blow the whistle for half time with a pair of half chances.
Five minutes into the second half a pacey move involving Mpenza and Grimes resulted in Laird’s goalbound drive being deflected wide for a corner.
From that corner the visitors made their own break which resulted in the first goal of the game. Hewson’s ball in from the right was slammed home by Fraizer Campbell from close range.
City responded well and the best player on the night, Ashley Grimes' movement gave him a chance, which Heaton did well to keep out on 64 minutes.
On 73 minutes Kenny Jackett gave Kelvin Etuhu his first action since returning from a bad knee injury last season while on loan at Rochdale - he was involved quickly with a couple of lively attacks down the right wing.
Eight minutes from time City were level and deservedly so. The impressive Marc Laird played a lovely ball inside the right channel for Logan to run on to and after Grimes' touch Emile Mpenza claimed his second goal within a week.
The Blues weren't finished there and two minutes later the two City subs combined well and from Etuhu's fine cross, Adam Clayton headed the ball back across goal and into the net.
It got even better as on 86 minutes Ashley Grimes put the game beyond doubt to make it 3-1. After good work from Clayton, Grimes finally got the goal he deserved and it was simple left foot volley past a helpless Heaton.
Leon Collins
gdub171
06 Sep 2007, 06:51 PM
And i couldn't leave this out :p.
City beat United for the second time this season
04/09/2007 20:45
Manchester City v Manchester United
Tuesday September 4, 2007, 7.45pm
Regional Athletics Arena - Att: 789
Teams:
City:
Martin, Logan, Breen, Ball, Williamson, Sun, Laird, Dabo (Clayton 56), Moore (Etuhu 73), Mpenza (Marshall 89), Grimes.
unused subs: Hartley (GK), McDonald.
United:
Heaton, R.Eckersley, Bardsley, Chester, A.Eckersley, Eagles (Dong 81), Hewson, Lee, Martin (Barnes 66), Anderson (Brandy 64), Campbell.
unused subs: Woods (GK), Evans.
Goals: 0-1 Campbell 51, 1-1 Mpenza 82, 2-1 Clayton 84, 3-1 Grimes 86
Bookings:
City:
United:
Summary
It was a hard fought but well deserved victory tonight as a strong City line-up which included Emile Mpenza, Jihai Sun, Michael Ball and Ousmane Dabo defeated their United rivals 3-1, thanks to late goals from Emile Mpenza, Adam Clayton and Ashley Grimes.
The Match
City’s increasingly easy-on-the-eye football this season showed that it has filtered down to Kenny Jackett’s men with an early flowing move on six minutes.
The first chance of note for the Blues came after eight minutes, again a patient build-up resulted in Ashley Grimes’ measured shot just clearing the crossbar.
It had been an edgy first 20 minutes with both sides feeling their way into the game.
The visitors fashioned a good chance from nothing on 26 minutes as Kieran Lee’s quick feet gave him a sight of goal from distance. Martin waved as it just sailed over the bar.
As the half hour mark came and went we were reminded it was a derby game as the tackles inevitably started to fly in slowly but surely.
On 37 minutes Richard Martin was called into action after a quick United break. The keeper stood his ground as Eagles tried to sweep the ball past him.
Two minutes later the ooh’s were City’s as Jihai Sun’s cross-come-shot curled beyond Heaton’s right hand post having just missed Marc Laird’s attempts to make contact.
City’s best moments came in the last few minutes of the first half as a vicious Laird drive whistled wide after good work from Moore and Mpenza.
Mpenza himself and Logan could also have broken the deadlock as the referee prepared to blow the whistle for half time with a pair of half chances.
Five minutes into the second half a pacey move involving Mpenza and Grimes resulted in Laird’s goalbound drive being deflected wide for a corner.
From that corner the visitors made their own break which resulted in the first goal of the game. Hewson’s ball in from the right was slammed home by Fraizer Campbell from close range.
City responded well and the best player on the night, Ashley Grimes' movement gave him a chance, which Heaton did well to keep out on 64 minutes.
On 73 minutes Kenny Jackett gave Kelvin Etuhu his first action since returning from a bad knee injury last season while on loan at Rochdale - he was involved quickly with a couple of lively attacks down the right wing.
Eight minutes from time City were level and deservedly so. The impressive Marc Laird played a lovely ball inside the right channel for Logan to run on to and after Grimes' touch Emile Mpenza claimed his second goal within a week.
The Blues weren't finished there and two minutes later the two City subs combined well and from Etuhu's fine cross, Adam Clayton headed the ball back across goal and into the net.
It got even better as on 86 minutes Ashley Grimes put the game beyond doubt to make it 3-1. After good work from Clayton, Grimes finally got the goal he deserved and it was simple left foot volley past a helpless Heaton.
Leon Collins
You gotta love anytime Citeh beats up on United... even if its only in front of 789 fans.
Micah reveals celebration of 'special' goal
11/09/2007 16:00
Micah Richards has revealed the true extent of the well wishes he received after scoring his first international goal for England on Saturday.
His 66th minute towering header was followed by a big celebration, of which he said: "My celebration was me saying "Richards. Remember the name" - because if you didn't know it before, then now you do!
"I had told people that if I scored for England I would do that, so I had to stick to my word.
"Any time you score for England is going to be special but to get my first goal at Wembley in front of 85,000 people in such an important Euro 2008 qualifier really made it something to remember.
"When I picked up my phone after the game I had 153 texts waiting for me - a lot of people wanted to congratulate me."
But despite all those messages for Micah there were two people in particular his goal and performance pleased - his dad, Lincoln, and England coach Steve McClaren.
"After the game Steve McClaren was very pleased and he told me "you deserve it". He said that my work rate was good and that he hopes there are many more goals to come.
"My Dad is still in Africa but he watched the game and when I spoke to him he was pretty happy too - understandably! He had actually told me that I was going to score some time soon for England so I am glad he was right.
"It has got to have been one of the best days of my life but everyone is going to expect me to score every game now though!"
And with a Roy of the Rovers type rise to fame, Richards has taken to international football just as easily as he's coped with any step up the ladder so far, but for the 19-year-old it's all about keeping that place in the England line-up.
He added: "Steve McClaren has talked about how quickly I have adjusted to international football.
"But I have never had any nerves because, the way I saw it, I play in the Premier League week-in, week-out and I thought I had been as good as some of the players I played against that had been in the England squad.
"For me, I am not just here or playing because someone is injured, I am here to make a mark on the team and that is what I am trying to do.
"When Gary Neville is fit again, it is down to the manager who plays but I think I have done well enough to keep my place.
"However, there are going to be some games against certain teams where Gary is fit and England need some experienced heads.
"But also there are going to be times where the team needs some energy and pace so who plays could even come down to who the opposition are.
"What I do know is that I cannot just put in a good performance once or twice - I have got to do it every game for England."
Saturday's game was yet another feather in the cap of the much-vaunted Manchester City Academy as Richards and Shaun Wright-Phillips, two of the 23 Graduates to break through, produced the goods down England's right hand side.
Of teaming up with SWP, Micah said: "I was delighted with my performance on Saturday but I was very happy for Shaun Wright-Phillips too after the stick he has had in the last couple of years.
"He was the best player on the pitch against Israel by a mile and I hope we can link up just as well against Russia on Wednesday.
"For both of us to be boys from the Manchester City academy and playing for England is nice as well and I really enjoyed our partnership at Wembley.
"Shaun is an out-and-out winger now, but in his City days he used to play wing-back, so he knows how to tackle as well and he gave me a bit of licence to get forward.
"We only ever played a pre-season game together for City but from training together we knew a bit about each other. I know what his strengths are and it was just good to be out there with him.
"Steve McClaren told myself and Ashley Cole that we would have to join the attacks as much as possible. Israel were expected to put 11 men behind the ball so we would have to help out.
"To be fair to Israel, they did try to hit us on the counter-attack, they didn't just put men behind the ball, and Ash and I both had to make recovery tackles as well."
And with one must-win game down, McClaren's men face Russia at Wembley, with Micah for one stressing it really is one for all and all for one in the England camp.
"Steve McClaren has had some criticism too but as England manager he expects it. But the England players are not only playing for themselves, we are playing for the whole team and that includes the manager and the fans," Richards declared.
"We are all in it together, when the manager get criticised, we all get criticised. But after Saturday's performance there have been no complaints and hopefully we can take that into Wednesday and shut up a few more people."
Guus Hiddink's dangerous outfit are tipped to make more of a game of it at Wembley and Richards agrees: "It will be a totally different game to Israel. We are expecting Russia to come out at us a little bit more.
"But if they do, that leaves gaps for us to attack them and we will be looking to dominate them in the same way as we did Israel.
"Confidence is sky-high but the one thing we cannot get is complacent. We have got to take the same mentality we took into Saturday's game and crack on.
"There will be no fear from us. We will try to concentrate more on our game than on theirs and try to keep putting them under pressure.
"We have had a meeting about complacency and about how, if we want to get to the Euro 2008 finals, we are going to have to get used to winning games on a back-to-back basis - and this is the time to do it.
"There will be no fear from us. We will try to concentrate more on our game than on theirs and try to keep putting them under pressure."
Nedum happy to break the duck
11/09/2007 13:10
Nedum Onuoha was the first of four Manchester City Academy Graduates to score for their country over the weekend as he headed England's Under 21s into a sixth minute lead against Montenegro on Friday night.
The 20-year-old defender's goal put the Young Lions on the road to a 3-0 victory, which was matched by the senior side the following day as they effectively ended Israel's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008.
Fellow Graduates, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Micah Richards opened and closed the scoring for England at Wembley, while Stephen Ireland also got on the scoresheet for Ireland on Saturday.
With the second round of international fixtures getting underway tonight, Nedum reflected on the weekend's goalscoring feats from the former Academy players.
Ahead of the Under 21s game against Bulgaria, Nedum said: "It's not bad at all. The other three are always likely to score goals, but I've not scored in two or three years, so it was nice to break that duck. Hopefully it will have a snowball effect now and I'll get a few more."
Saturday saw the first of possibly many goals from Nedum's City colleague, Micah Richards, who told thefa.com after the 3-0 win over Israel: "When I made my debut I said it was the best day of my life, but I think this is the best day of my life.
"I'm very proud of myself, but very proud of the team as well, not just the goal but the three points. We've had a bit of stick over the last couple of weeks but today we showed what we can do."
The powerful defender added: "I thought all the boys were outstanding. It was a good, solid team performance. Hopefully we can take that into Wednesday."
Leon Collins
Joe waiting for his chance
11/09/2007 11:00
As Blues stopper Joe Hart prepares for England Under 21s action tonight, the 20-year-old has stated that he might have to keep waiting for his chance to get back in the City goal.
Andreas Isaksson returned to action at the weekend and with Kasper Schmeichel showing fine form, the former Shrewsbury man faces a battle on his hands.
Joe said: "At City Kasper is playing, it could have been me if it hadn't been for my finger, but I'm not going to look at it like that. Kasper has done well, I'll just have to keep waiting for my chance and I did get to play in the Carling Cup.
"I may have to go out on loan at some point but I've done that before at Tranmere and Blackpool and it was a good experience."
Battling for his place is something that Joe is well used to and with Scott Carson out of the running at Under 21 level, Hart's latest battle is with Tottenham's keeper, Ben Alnwick.
He added: "Only one keeper can ever play, but I've always got on with the other keepers at Shrewsbury, Manchester City and with England. In the tournament in Holland in the summer, me and Ben knew that Scott [Carson] was number one and deservedly so. It was my first tournament and great to be involved.
"Even on this trip me and Ben could be chopping and changing because ever since we were involved in the U19s together people have said we are very close in ability."
"Everyone here is aiming for two wins, no-one wants to lose. They are huge games because to get off to a good start is really important."
Leon Collins
Ireland signs new City contract
19/09/2007 22:26
Stephen Ireland has today pledged his future to Manchester City by signing a five year contract with the Club.
The new deal sees the 21 year old midfielder, who made his debut for the Blues in 2005, commit to the Club until June 2012. Ireland, who first came to prominence at City’s successful youth academy has played over 60 times for the Blues and has won six Republic of Ireland caps.
Impressive form in pre-season led Sven-Goran Eriksson to pick Stephen for the opening day win over West Ham and in four subsequent games, as the player shone in the company of the new manager’s summer signings.
Stephen exclusively told www.mcfc.co.uk: “I am delighted to commit my future to Manchester City. The last week has been extremely difficult for my family and I but it is a terrific boost to sign a long term deal, which I hope shows my commitment to the Club and the fans as well as the Club’s commitment to me.
“I am very settled at the club and the support I have received from my partner, family and everybody around me has been fantastic.
“The events surrounding my withdrawal from the Ireland squad last week have been well publicised and are not something I want to dwell on. However, I want to reiterate my regret over what happened. I received some very upsetting news when I was told by my partner that she had suffered a mis-carriage and unfortunately became swept up in an unforeseen series of events on an issue that was deeply personal to us. At no time did I realise that an issue which should have been private and confidential between my partner and I would receive so much media attention - but now it is time for me to move on.
“I would like to thank everybody who has sent me messages of support over the last few days, including fans of City and Ireland. The understanding shown to me by Sven Goran Eriksson, the City players and backroom staff has been fantastic. I am glad to be back training at City and looking forward to being part of the squad to travel to Fulham on Saturday.
“I have been more satisfied with my form this season than at any time since I broke into the first team squad. There is such a positive great mood amongst our squad and we are all completely focused on maintaining our excellent start to the season.”
Ireland’s new contract comes after two other Academy graduates, Nedum Onuoha and Michael Johnson, both committed their futures to the Club during the summer.
Commenting on the deal, City’s Chief Executive Alistair Mackintosh said, “Stephen’s new contract is a reward for his improvement over the last two years. It also underlines the Club’s policy of enhancing the squad through both the kind of signings made since Sven’s arrival and the continuing development of our excellent home-grown players from the Academy.”
Tim Oscroft
The Andy Hinchcliffe column
20/09/2007 11:00
City’s reputation as the surprise package of the season was enhanced with their battling 1-nil win against a talented Villa side.
The rain was torrential but it didn’t dampen the determination of Sven’s boys to reverse the last couple of poor league results and I was impressed by this desire not to be labelled as a side who can be muscled out of games. There were flashes of the flowing football seen earlier in the season but against a rapidly developing team like Villa it was never going to be easy.
Flair players Elano and Martin Petrov showed their willingness to work and tackle and this proves our most technically gifted players will be able to cope with the physical demands this season will bring.
Vedran Corluka and Micah Richards teamed up well at centre-half to lessen the impact of Richard Dunne’s absence but it was Michael Johnson, one of the young players who has made steady progress away from the spotlight, who was my man of the match. His fabulous individual goal was just reward for a superb all-action midfield display showing Barry and Reo-Coker how it should be done… how long before he joins them in the England senior squad?
As every team Sven puts out seems to perform well, the manager faces more tough selection choices ahead of the trip to Fulham. Surely Richard Dunne will come straight back in but at whose expense and can Andreas Isaksson be ignored for much longer? For my money it’s Stevie Ireland who should play ahead of Darius Vassell and Geovanni on the right as he will be eager to make amends for his lack of judgement last week.
The game at Craven Cottage is another great opportunity for points as most home sides will be wary of City’s growing confidence and ability to play so swiftly on the break. Lawrie Sanchez has made drastic changes after last season’s lucky escape but I see them struggling once again and a buoyant City will add to their woes with a cheeky win! The way he’s playing at the moment, don’t be surprised if Michael Johnson is again on the scoresheet!
The Chinch predicts: Fulham 1 City 2
Evans grabs hat-trick as reserves win
20/09/2007 09:47
A hat-trick from Ched Evans saw City's reserves grab a 3-1 win away at Sunderland on Wednesday night.
The Welsh striker, prolific for both the reserves and the Pontin's League side last season, opened the scoring after 12 minutes when he latched onto a Kelvin Etuhu cross and fired home with a slight deflection. The lead was doubled on 23 minutes when Ashley Grimes fed Evans, who produced a clinical inside the area.
The hosts, bolstered by the inclusion of the experienced Ian Harte and Graham Kavanagh, reduced the arrears on 58 when Billy Dennehy hit a rasping drive home from a short free kick.
However the Blues extended the lead shortly afterwards when Evans left his marker for dead and slotted home past Sunderland's keeper.
Reserve team boss Kenny Jackett, who will temporarily hand over the reins to Ian Miller while he helps out with the senior side in the enforced absence of Hans Backe, told mcfc.co.uk: "It was a very good match, there was a lot of quality play from two very evenly matched young sides.
"Ched took his chances superbly, but I was delighted that Kelvin was back for his first start after his knee ligament injury. It was a huge step in the right direction for him, he looked strong and quick and only came off after an hour because of cramp. All in all, it was an excellent night for us."
Team: Martin, Vidal, Breen, McDonald, Williamson, Etuhu (Daly 60), Clayton, Laird, Moore, Grimes (Marshall 80), Evans (Ball 83).
Subs: Mentel, Mee, Weiss.
Sunderland: Carson, Weir, Donoghue (Pelter 67),Hartley, Harte, Henderson, Kavanagh (Colback 64), Chandler, Dennehy, Dowson, Waghorn.
CityBlues
20 Sep 2007, 01:15 PM
5 year contract, nice
Geovanni amazed at reception from City fans
01/10/2007 11:12
Geovanni says that City supporters have already made him feel right at home since his arrival in Manchester during the summer.
The Brazilian midfielder became an instant hit with Blues fans on the opening day of the season when he came on as a substitute to score and seal the win at West Ham.
Even better was to come a week later when his long-range strike gave City a memorable derby win, and the reception he got that day and ever since has clearly touched the 27-year-old.
"I have a one-year contract and, regardless of what happens in the future, Manchester City are part of my history and in my heart," he says. "I feel a lot of respect and affection towards me from the City supporters and I thank God for everything.
"This club is made from the loyalty and passion of its supporters and I find it amazing they are shouting my name already. They are chanting my name even when I make a good pass or do a trick – I couldn’t ask for better backing after such a short time at a new club.
"It’s been a long time since I have had that kind of adoration and I’m really happy with the way things are going. I haven’t been with City long, but I already feel I’ve achieved a lot.
"I have a wonderful wife and two fantastic children, Daniel and Geovanna. I came to Manchester on my own and they came along after and the settling-in part of our relocation has been excellent.
"My wife is working and the children are learning English. All I have to worry about is playing football! I like the city and I’m feeling very settled and happy already. It’s been perfect, in fact."
In an exclusive interview with the new official City Magazine, Geovanni also explains his goal celebration, as pictured above.
"The celebration of putting my hand behind my ear is because I want to hear the supporters cheering to their maximum. It’s an indescribable feeling having forty or fifty thousand people celebrating something you’ve just been part of.”
The chants of 'Geo!' that have struck up have echoed those for Georgi Kinkladze at Maine Road a few years ago, and although he's not familiar with the mercurial Georgian, Geovanni is flattered that City fans have already taken to him.
"I don’t know of Gio Kinkladze, but it sounds like he was very popular. If people think of me in the same affection you’ve described, I will feel very honoured and happy. I want to become an idol here, too, so if I can follow in his footsteps it will hopefully make everyone happy."
‘You don’t need to teach him,’ says Sven
01/10/2007 13:20
Sven-Goran Eriksson has continued to look back at the 3-1 win over Newcastle and has spoken about Elano’s match winning performance on Saturday.
The Blues boss said of the magical Brazilian: “When he first came here was not physically 100%, he was far away from that, but he is getting physically better and that is the only thing he needs.
“You don’t need teach him how to play football because he can do that. To hit a free-kick like that – there is nothing wrong with that – nothing at all.”
After pulling the strings with such style, Eriksson believes the Brazilian international could even play in a couple of different positions for City, but he admits he’ll do well to better his contribution on Saturday from anywhere else.
“The role he has I think is perfect for now,” Sven commented. “If we one day want to play 4-4-2, I think he could play on the right or as a central midfielder, but to do that he needs to be 100% physically fit because there he has to run all the time.
“But maybe that’s a waste because in the role he has today he’s doing very well.”
Critics in awe of super City
01/10/2007 11:50
In addition to our usual What the Papers Say, following on from Saturday’s sparkling performance against Newcastle, we thought we’d bring you the comments of two of the games most respected – and hard to please pundits.
After our showing on Saturday’s Match of Day, Alan Hansen said: “It was so good, who would have thought it, Manchester City are the neutral’s favourite.
“And again the plaudits must go to Sven-Goran Eriksson, he’s spent a bit of money, but people have spent money and failed. Plus to spend the money and get them gelling so quickly it was fantastic to watch; Elano was just sensational.
“With Petrov as well they’ve got two players there who would fit into any team in the Premier League and of course with the younger players they’ve got coming through, the City supporters must be in dream land.
“Last season when they came under sustained pressure there was no way back for them, whereas now they’re great on the counter attack. Not only are they scoring goals, but they’re making countless chances, they are brilliant to watch.”
Sky Sports commentator and lead pundit Andy Gray added: “The unbelievable thing is how quickly they’ve gelled and the quality and the style of their play. A couple of months ago they hardly knew each other.
Of Elano’s contribution, Gray stated: “This was just a beautifully struck free-kick, Elano was the star of the show, it’s really refreshing the way they are playing their football. Elano has been like a breath of fresh air. His star is rising and he slipped under the radar of the big boys.”
Elano takes the plaudits
30/09/2007 10:17
The papers are, quite rightly, drooling over Saturday's performance against Newcastle.
Mail on Sunday
"Elan puts finishing touch to glittering performance by City"
A surreal afternoon at Eastlands secured Manchester City's best start to a top-flight campaign for 30 years, served up goals to die for and left Sven Goran Eriksson waving at his adoring fans like a pop star.
The home supporters left the City of Manchester Stadium knowing that Eriksson's hastily assembled team is no flash in the pan — just flash.
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce had defended Eriksson's record before the game and was left realising just how right he was to do so, even though his own team took the lead.
After years of trying with England, the enigmatic Swede has finally created a football team that are even more colourful and free spirited than his private life.
And when man-ofthe- match Elano unleashed an unstoppable free-kick from 35 yards which reduced Shay Given to an irrelevance on his line, you knew that it really had been just like watching Brazil.
Eriksson chuckled, accepted high fives from his backroom staff, waved at the crowd without even being asked — and warned his rivals that high-flying City are only going to get better.
The former England manager, who has not heard his name chanted so fervently since he won the Italian title with Lazio, claimed: "My players should get better and better now because they are young and hungry and all the new players love the Premier League. They will play and train together more and more and they are already speaking English to each other.
"I'm happy with the way we handled everything and to see Elano take a free-kick like that — well, you cannot hit one much better. It is impossible. That was absolutely incredible, so congratulations to him. He deserved the man of the match award."
Just as City hoped it would, Eriksson's vast network of contacts in world football paid off when they signed the 26-year-old from Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukraine. And he checked with Elano's international manager — Dunga — before making his move.
Eriksson said: "I used to have Dunga as a player when I was manager of Fiorentina and I know him well, so I was able to ask his opinion."
No-one was left in any doubt that the scorer of City's third goal is a glittering addition to a side who played yesterday like football's answer to the Harlem Globetrotters.
Against the run of play, however, it was Newcastle who provided the first touch of magic in a game played almost like an exhibition match, with entertainment seeming to be the only priority.
United striker Obafemi Martins collected a long pass from his captain Geremi and his second touch was a delightful chip beyond Joe Hart. In reply, the excellent Martin Petrov found a fitting reward for his far-post run when he tapped in Stephen Ireland's pinpoint pass.
Just after half time, Petrov's brilliant burst down the left preceded an inviting cross for Emile Mpenza. The City striker's spectacular diving header sent Given the wrong way and set the scene for Elano's glorious third goal.
Newcastle manager Allardyce said: "We committed defensive suicide."
The Observer
"Elano's dazzle takes City to dizzying new heights"
Three points, third place in the table, three goals at Eastlands for the first time this year and the best Manchester City league start for 30 seasons. For their next trick, Sven-Goran Eriksson and Thaksin Shinawatra will probably be seen walking on water.
Paul Merson was suggesting on Sky during the Carling Cup snorefest against Norwich on Tuesday that he wouldn't have a City season ticket as a gift. He would have changed his mind pronto had he watched this. Anyone would. Apart from three goals of the highest quality, four if you count the class finish by Obafemi Martins that gave Newcastle an early lead, there was incident and entertainment here from start to finish with even the beaten visitors playing their part. It was just a pity the ground was not quite full for what was this stadium's finest hour.
Newcastle had no answer to City's verve and confidence and no way at all of playing Elano. The Brazilian was man of the match by a distance even before he capped a dazzlingly inventive display with a stunning free-kick that not even Shay Given could get anywhere near.
'He can do a little bit of everything, he's got class feet.' Eriksson said admiringly. He can say that again. A few more defences will be embarrassed this season if Elano can keep up this level of performance.
There were mistakes from both sides to begin with, with Richard Dunne gifting Martins an early opening and Emile Mpenza almost taking advantage of Given dithering over a back pass, before a long ball hoisted forward from halfway was turned into a goal for Newcastle by clinical finishing from Martins. Micah Richards and Vedran Corluka were caught ball-watching as Martins darted goalside of them, his instant control and awareness of Joe Hart's poor positioning making it easy to lift a shot over the goalkeeper.
Hart was preferred to Kasper Schmeichel after playing against Norwich in midweek, though does not look to offer a great deal more security. One miscontrol resulted in the ball rolling right along his goal line and almost into the net. 'I was a little worried about corners, crosses and Mark Viduka,' Eriksson said, explaining the change. He clearly had not factored in overhit back passes from Javier Garrido.
City survived and were back on terms before the interval, when a superb Elano pass to send Stephen Ireland down the right wing brought a perfectly judged low cross to the far post where Martin Petrov applied the finish. Ireland could have had another when Elano released him again four minutes from half time, though he shot against Given's chest.
Two minutes into the second half City went in front, Petrov taking advantage of Newcastle hesitancy on halfway to hold off Steven Taylor on a rampaging run down the left before he crossed for Mpenza to score with a stooping header. 'That was where we committed defensive suicide,' said a glum Sam Allardyce, his dissatisfaction with his back line not even tempered by news that Michael Owen has had his operation and could be back in action as early as next week. 'We didn't contain them after going in front. City did the right thing and we didn't. We are missing quite a few players at the moment, and the ones we had on the pitch were a little short of experience of playing with each other.'
That seemed a slightly feeble excuse to offer at City, where the players were only introduced to each other a month ago and where Eriksson is promising the football can only get better once everyone learns to speak English. Elano has been operating at less than full fitness as well, so goodness knows how effective he will be when he fully adapts to the Premier League. His free-kick from 25 yards was a showstopper, right across and over Given and into the far corner.
City's elegant passing was being met with chants of 'Ole'. It probably won't last (We'll see about that - WTPS Ed.), but despite the Newcastle fans' optimistic taunt, it might be a while before City start to miss Joey Barton.
Croat Corluka's praise for Micah
10/10/2007 09:47
The Daily Star say...
'MICAH’S YOUR BEST MIDDLE MAN'
MICAH RICHARDS is better than John Terry and Rio Ferdinand and should be playing at centre-half for England now.
The man who rates him as England’s best centre-half is Richards’ Manchester City team-mate Vedran Corluka.
And they will soon be pitched into head-on battle when Croatia face England at Wembley next month.
Corluka said: “I didn’t know Micah before I came here but now I’ve watched him in training and in games I think he’s already a great player and the best centre-half in England.”
Richards, 19, plays at right-back for his country and at centre-back for City.
But Corluka believes England boss Steve McClaren should also move the young star into the middle.
The debate about which is Richards’ best position continues to rage but he is likely to stay at right-back for England in the absence of injured Gary Neville, leaving Ferdinand and Terry in the centre.
Corluka is confident that Croatia will already have qualified for Euro 2008 by the time they meet England again.
But he also reckons that Richards will, by then, also be heading for next summer’s finals. Ironically, 21-year-old Corluka – a £7m summer signing by City boss Sven Goran Eriksson – occupies the right-back slot for City while playing in the centre for Group Three leaders Croatia.
Corluka thinks he is best in the centre but is happy playing full-back at City, knowing Richards and skipper Richard Dunne are top dogs.
Croatia lead the qualifying group by three points and know that a win over Israel in Zagreb on Saturday will guarantee them a place in the finals.
That would make the trip to Wembley next month a formality for them. “I’ve been telling Micah all the pressure will be on England for that game,” said Corluka.
“But Micah is confident too. We must beat Israel and England must beat Estonia and not lose to Russia and then we’ll both qualify. “That would be good for our countries – and City.”
Richards sets the record straight
10/10/2007 11:20
Micah Richards has hit back at the claims yesterday that a mention of him being an Arsenal fan is anything new and confirmed to mcfc.co.uk that he’s close to signing a new deal with City.
Of yesterday’s reports, the England defender exclusively told us: “It’s ridiculous. This was in a magazine I spoke to once, a long time ago, it’s very old stuff.
“That came from a silly question like; ‘I’ve heard you’re an Arsenal fan, would you like to play for them?’
“I’ve said when I was younger that I’d like to play for Arsenal – one day – and that was it. Now they’re making a big thing about it.
“I’m just about to sign a new Manchester City contract and last week I said hopefully I’ll be captain one day.
Regarding that new contract, Micah confirmed: “I’m in final talks and hopefully we’ll have something signed very, very soon, it’s just down to the finer details.
“But this talk of a buy out clause is just rubbish as well, totally rubbish, I don’t know who’s put that in the papers. It just seems like there’s people just trying to twist things.
“It’s certainly not the case that I want to move anywhere. I’m looking for a new house in Manchester, so why would I want to move anywhere now?
“I’m enjoying my football week in, week out and I’m playing for England, so what more could I want at the moment?”
Leon Collins
chinesefootballfan
18 Oct 2007, 12:32 PM
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=473610&cc=5901
Drogba wants out. I don't think Chelsea is going to be one of the big 4s this year. Liverpool will eventually move up. I am predicting Arsenal, Man Utd, and Liverpool to finish top 3, which leaves us with the 4th spot to fight for. It's not as good as guaranteed Champion's League, but it's qualifications for the Champion's League, which is a huge step for City.
Too bad Drogba only wants to go to Inter Milan, AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid. Otherwise City can grab him.
What do you guys think?
gdub171
18 Oct 2007, 01:57 PM
I was just going to post about us trying to get in on the Drogba chase. He's older and only has a couple years left, but would be a perfect fit with our Midfield. If we are still in the Top 4 in January, we might be able to convince him to come over. (the secondary addition of Joe Cole would also help immensely)
chinesefootballfan
18 Oct 2007, 02:14 PM
I was just going to post about us trying to get in on the Drogba chase. He's older and only has a couple years left, but would be a perfect fit with our Midfield. If we are still in the Top 4 in January, we might be able to convince him to come over. (the secondary addition of Joe Cole would also help immensely)
I wish we didn't get Bianchi. The money we spent on Bianchi is probably enough to get Drogba. However, other clubs might put a huge bid on him to drive up the prices, and I don't think we can out bid those clubs that Drogba wants to go to i.e Real Madrid, Inter/AC Milan, and Barcelona.
I'd sayd sell Samaras and take the loss. I believe we paid 6 Million pounds for him.
'Compare me after 200 games', says Johnson
18/10/2007 17:00
Michael Johnson has played down the much-hyped comparisons between himself and City legend Colin Bell.
Performances and goals such as the one against Aston Villa had seen pundits and supporters alike trying to match the two during the Blues’ great start to the season.
This afternoon though, the young midfielder said: “I’ve heard a few people saying that now, but I don’t think you can say that after I’ve played 20 games in the Premier League, maybe I have to play 200 before you can start making comparisons like that.”
But it’s someone alongside him in the Blues line-up with that experience that has helped bring on his game this season.
“My partner’s Didi [Hamann] and he’s got all the experience you could ever ask for, Michael noted.
“He’s won the Champions League, played in World Cup Finals, so he’s done everything.
“At every game I’m looking to improve and I think I’m doing that so far this season.”
Having missed out on England U21s recent Euro 2009 Qualifiers with a groin injury, Johnson is now back in the City fold, and in training.
He added: “It’s settled down and I’ve have a couple of injections on Sunday. Now I’m back into training, I was training yesterday and all seems well.
“It wasn’t hindering me to start, but as the games after gone on, especially Newcastle and Middlesbrough, then I’ve had to come off.”
So with everyone asking the same question, will he be fit for Saturday, a coy Johnson revealed: “Well I’m training, so I’ll see if the Manager picks me.”
Leon Collins