Manchester City vs Stoke - Highlights

Manchester City downed Stoke 3-0 ahead of the Christmas break seeing them finish the year on top of the English Premier League. Goals from Aguero and Johnson  secured the victory!

Check out the highlights below!

Chelsea vs Manchester City - Highlights

Chelsea 2:1 Manchester City

Reaction:

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas: "Our objective was to shorten our distance to the leaders and we did exactly that. We take no extra flavour for being the first team to beat Man City. But now the title race is very much alive. A lot of teams are still competing and I think the December fixtures could be decisive. I think our players did brilliantly tonight - they reacted to circumstances, they felt the game, and we were patient in our efforts to get the goal we deserved and the win we deserved."

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini: "The game changed with the sending off and in the first half. The referee was very sure in the second half when [Daniel Sturridge] shoots and Joleon Lescott is five metres away [for the penalty], but in the first half he was also three meters away when David Silva was brought down. I hope we can do another 14 games without losing."

Chelsea match-winner Frank Lampard: "Some of the football they [Man City] played showed we needed to win to stay in the title race. Ten points is a big gap and luckily we've closed that. I had a feeling in the second half that it was going to be our night. You've got to be big enough to stand up and take them [penalties] and I was very relieved when it hit the back of the net."





C-M footyroom.com by footyroom

Samir Nasri Set to Complete Manchester City Medical Within a Day

With Cesc Fabregas gone Arsenal would have hoped that they could turn to Frenchmen Samir Nasri to lead Arsenal's attack going forward. However it would seem that the attacking midfielder may just also be on his way out. In turn he would be the third major loss at the Emirates this transfer window (Fabregas and Clichy being the other two).

According to Goal.com Samir Nasri is expected to head over to Etihad to complete a medical, and surely sign off on a contract. He would link up with former Arsenal team mate Gael Clichy who also made the move to Manchester.

The rumours have surfaced after Cesc Fabregas was allowed to leave Arsenal to Barcelona just day ago. Nasri went on to fuel a possible move by not re-signing his contract with Arsenal. The actions have prompted much reaction from the fans, upset at the loyalty being shown towards the club.

After being on the end of an offensive chant from the Arsenal fans in the Newcaslte game, perhaps Nasri does not feel as though he is wanted at Arsenal anymore. Although one would question, where would Nasri fit in at Manchester City. With Aguero making his apparent mark on the English Premier League, David Silva playing extremely well and Dzeko coming into form, there is really no room for Samir Nasri.

Nasri was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year last year, and his loss would leave Arsene Wenger with a great deal of money to be spent before the conclusion of the transfer window. That is, if Arsenal want to realistically challenge for the English Premier League title.

City Vs Swansea: Predicting the Starting 11

By Adrian Meta
City take on Swansea in the Blue’s Premier League season opener. The match will be at the Etihad Stadium, and with new signings potentially coming into the 11, here’s how I expect City to line up.

The back pretty much picks itself with the exception of Aleks Kolarov. I’ve given him the nod over Gael Clichy purely because Swansea are lightweight opposition and Kolarov will be given freedom to bomb forward, knowing he will be covered. He will give City an extra advantage.

Moving to midfield, I’ve picked Milner over Barry because recent fixtures indicate that he is ahead of Gareth Barry in the pecking order, and for me, he’s the better player.

Up front, Balotelli ahead of Aguero. Why? Aguero won’t be completely fit and should be given as much a rest as possible, with a view to a 15-20 min debut appearance. I expect Dzeko to start most games this season. No Tevez because he’s only just came back to training.

There it is. Hopefully I’m right, because with this lineup City should fairly easily overcome Swansea.

Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Wesley Sneijder Says He Is 'for Sale'

Wesley Sneijder has fueled a possible move away from Inter Milan after stating that he is "for sale if the right offer comes in." The statement made by the Dutch superstar followed Inter's narrow loss to AC Milan in the Coppa Italiana where he had a brilliant free kick.

His comments are expected to refuel interest from Premier League clubs Manchester United and Manchester City as they had inquired about Sneijder earlier in the transfer window.

According to Goal.com Sneijder said that Inter were willing to sell him if the price is right because the club needs money. Just how much money do they need? Well earlier in the transfer window it was reported, also by Goal.com, that Sneijder would be allowed to move with a bid in excess of €40 million.
Sneijder was linked strongly with a move to the Premier League after Manchester United apparently approached the player. Suggestions of such a move were cooled by Sir Alex Ferguson when came out and said they were not interested. Nevertheless, reports in the media continued to suggest a move away from the San Siro.

Manchester City also got themselves involved with Sneijder, but with the signing of Sergio Aguero, Sneijder would most likely oust an already competent player out of the squad. City manager Roberto Mancini also insisted reports of interest in the Dutchman are not true. "He is an Inter Milan player. We never spoke about him," he stated after his team's Community Shield loss.

After their strong performance against Manchester City, Manchester United did not look like a squad in need of a player of Sneijder's calibre. The attacking combinations of Ashley Young, Nani, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck seemed to push forward well against Manchester City. And creativity was definitely not lacking, something which Sneijder is renowned for.

Mario Balotelli Offered a Loan Move to Roma for Upcoming Season

Manchester City haven't been as active on the transfer market this year in comparison to previous years. But out of the few signings City made the biggest of all was Sergio Aguero—another striker. And as things would stand it could pave the way for the exit of Mario Balotelli after just one season with the club.

After signing from Inter Milan, Balotelli hasn't had the greatest of impacts at City. He made 17 league appearances for City, scoring six goals in the process. In that short stint he also received a red card for violent conduct, resulting in a few missed games.

His attitude always proved to be a problem both on and off the pitch. During his time at Inter, Balotelli had numerous falling outs with players, fans and even coaches.

Altercations—sometimes physical—with fans had him in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. More recently it was his attitude on the pitch which caused an uproar. The famous attempt at a back heel backfired and saw Balotelli subbed by Roberto Mancini in the first half in a preseason match with the LA Galaxy.

An argument took place on the sideline as Balotelli tried to justify, what could only be described as, disrespectful play towards the opposition.

However, according to Goal.com Balotelli could be on his way out of Manchester, and back to the league where he made his name. The player has reportedly been offered to Roma on a loan deal.
The deal would see Balotelli link up with the likes of Bojan, to form a new—and young—attacking line in Rome. With Vucinic's move to Juventus imminent it would seem that Balotelli to Roma looks feasible.
The year long deal would give "Super Mario" some extra playing time with Aguero, Dzeko and possibly now Tevez all fighting for the front two roles at City.
Hopefully Balotelli can get back on track.

Manchester City Star Mario Balotelli Wants More Silverware

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli cannot wait for the season to get started and firmly believes it will be a successful one for the Etihad Club. He is also very excited about playing in the Champions League with City.

Balotelli, speaking to mcfc.co.uk, is currently with the City squad in US, where he is "relaxed". He said, "Everything is going really well and I’m feeling good.  I enjoyed my first year in Manchester, though I admit I took a while to settle down, but I can do better and will be looking to improve and help us win more trophies.”


About playing in the CL he said that City have a great squad and are capable of going "all the way", and that when he came he was determined to bring City to the CL. He is delighted City achieved its goal.


Balotelli went on to say he is not bothered about who his strike partners are, that he will work hard for the team, which is all that matters to him.


On winning the Premier league, he believes that City have to play at the same level against small teams and big teams, and they must have the belief.


Balotelli is expected to have a big year, along with the rest of the boys in Blue. For the fully story, go to www.mcfc.co.uk.

Manchester City Accept Corinthians Bid for Carlos Tevez

Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez could be leaving the Premier League after manager Roberto Mancini admitted that City had accepted a bid made by Corinthians. The news comes after the bid which was rejected just days ago from the Brazilian side.



The bid previously rejected was in the vicinity of $56.3 million, and as reported by the daily mail Corinthians had improved their bid to $64.4 million just a week later. There is no word on whether this will be the final price paid to Manchester City, but in terms of a pricing this was the rough amount City was hoping to receive for Tevez. There is no doubt that Tevez wanted to leave City.

He made no secret of his desire to leave the Premier League and perhaps move back hope to South America. Despite his best efforts to secure a transfer away from the club last year, he remained at Etihad. His sublime form throughout the season saw him score twenty goals in City's surge to the top of the English Premier League. In the end City qualified for the Champions League, also winning the FA Cup in the process.

The reason behind Tevez's desire to leave the club is unknown. One would think that Tevez would like to stay and compete in the Champions League with City after spending a few years working to get the club in the prestigious competition.

Mancini went on to say "We have an agreement with Corinthians but Carlos now is still a City player." If all goes according to plan Tevez will agree to personal terms with the club and leave City after signing from Manchester United. It is believed that a big sponsor of the Brazilian side is willing to foot much of Tevez's salary.

He is currently in Argentina after missing the penalty which saw Argentina ultimately lose to Uruguay and get knocked out of the Copa America

New Strikers at Etihad? Manchester City After More Attack.... Do they really need it?

After spending records amount of cash on players last season, Manchester City are out to replace players that many clubs do not have the luxury of replacing. After signing Edin Dzeko, Balotelli and Yaya Toure last season, one would wonder why City are after Neymar, Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri.
Manchester City boast oneof the most formidable rosters in all of Europe, and this was justified by their third place finish in the Premier League and qualification for the Champions League.
Recently, Manchester City tried to add to this roster by involving themselves with the possible signings of Sergio Aguero , Neymar and Arsenal Frenchman Samir Nasri. With every player mentioned here, City have gone above and beyond monetary expectations. Let us take a look:

Sergio Aguero
Athletico scared off Juventus with a €45 million price tag for the hit-man. Then City came calling offering in excess of this amount for Aguero, plus a contract which will see him earn triple the salary he currently earns. If Tevez remains at City, they will have a strong Argentinian feel to their strike force.

Neymar
 Next on the agenda is Neymar. the Brazilian starlet recently proved he has what it takes to make it in Europe, scoring twice to save Brazil from the hands of Ecuador. Originally his club Santos were not eager to allow other clubs to talk to their star man.

Yet after all the commotion made by Santos, Manchester City were some how allowed to speak to Neymar. It would be reminiscent to not include the fact they were willing to match Neymar's buyout clause of €40 million

Samir Nasri
With Arsenal's French attacking midfielder coming out of contract next season, Arsenal will most likely let him go and the likely destination looks to be the Etihad. With many European clubs trying to secure the services of the attacking midfielder, most namely Manchester United.
City will face fierce competition. Rather than wait, City tabled a €20 million bid for Nasri, although it was quickly rejected by Arsenal.
However the Gunners are re-thinking their decision, after comments made by Nasri suggested he wouldn't re-sign next year. If that proved to be the case, then Nasri would be free to leave the Emirates with no transfer fee incurred

So with such choice available to City, are any of the following signing necessary? Or should they remain content with the squad that delivered them to where they are today?

Brazilian Giants Corinthians make an 40 million Euro offer for Carloz Tevez

By Marcel Abboud

In perhaps an unexpected move, Carlos Tevez's former club Brazilian giants Corinthians have made an offer of €40 million Euros to move the want away striker from Manchester City back to Brazil.

Despite captaining the Citizens, guiding them to a FA Cup and qualification to the 2011/2012 UEFA Champions League, the Argentine striker has made his intentions known publicly of his desire to move away from Eastlands. Before this offer many expected Tevez to move to Spain or Italy, with Inter Milan looking the most likely on perhaps a loan deal.


This offer (if approved by the City board) will see Tevez return to his former club where he spent two years (2004 - 2006), winning the Campenato Brasileiro Seria A in 2005 to which he made 38 appearances and scoring 25 goals before his somewhat controversial move to West Ham United FC in 2006.

Nasri set for Manchester City move

Samir Nasri looks to be the second Arsenal player to leave for Manchester City in as many weeks, after City made a 25 million euro bid for the French superstar. Nasri will be offered a 6 million euro a year contract in return for his services. With Carlos Tevez looking to leave the Etihad (new stadium name) Nasri could prove to be the perfect addition to the squad.

Earlier in the week Gael Clichy completed a move to Manchester signing on for a few years. Nasri would prove to be a big loss for Arsenal, especially after his stellar season scoring ten times, even with extensive injuries. Nasri has been at Arsenal for 3 years arriving in 2008 and has made over 120 appearances for the club. Fabregas is also set to leave the Emirates, and sources say that if Nasri leaves so to will Fab, resulting in a mass transfer budget for Arsene Wenger to use before the EPL gets underway.

City are in a prime position for attracting players to Manchester,with a top three finish resulting in guaranteed Champions League football. If Nasri remains at Arsenal they would have to play through the qualification stages of Europe, not guaranteeing a spot in Europe's premier competition.

Any deal that eventuates will be signed off within the next few days. City are also in the market for Fabregas but are faced with stiff competition from Barcelona for his services.

Manchester City: Sky Blues To Take On Rivals United In Community Shield

FA Cup Champions Manchester City will take on local rivals and Barclays Premier League Champions Manchester United in the EPL's annual curtain-raiser, the Community Shield.

It will be the second Manc derby in four months, with the last being the FA Cup semi-final, when a goal from Yaya Toure saw City overcome United.

This will probably be the most intense Community Shield in a long time, with the added spice of it being a derby. The Manchester rivalry continues to intensify as City's continue to improve and United remain the juggernaut they have been for so long.

The match will take place at Wembley, at Sunday 2:30pm London time.

Photos - Clichy at Manchester City!

With Gael Clichy completing his move to Manchester here are the first photos of the Franch left back at his new club:

Clichy holding up his City shirt

Clichy posing for photos with City fans

Clichy completing his medical at City

He signed a four year contract with City, and will feature in their Champions League campaigns!

Official: Clichy completes City move

Arsenal have relinquished the services of left back Gael Clichy to Manchester City, as Eastlands looks to add some pace and consistency to their defence. The deal is said to be worth about 7 million pounds with Clichy expected to earn in excess 85000 pounds a week. The Frenchman signed on for four years in Manchester.

Clichy had joined Arsenal to replace Ashley Cole after he had left for Chelsea, since then the 25 year old more than filled the shoes of the Englishman turning out to become one of the best left backs in the world. He is extremely well known for his pace and overlapping runs.

Clichy made over 300 appearances for Arsenal during his time at the Emirates. The left back says he had no regrets during his eight years at the club. He believes the move is the right step for his careers, allowing him to experience a different playing style. Manchester City players Kolo Toure and Patrick Viera are apparently very keen on the deal, being friends with Clichy outside football.

With Fabregas and Nasri expected also to leave in the coming weeks, Clich may be the first of a long list or Arsenal players to leave London.

Carlos Tevez says "bye bye" City... but where could he go?

Is it no surprise that Carlos Tevez is in the media again announcing that he wants to leave Manchester City? It was only some months back that the Argentinian came out stating his desire to move away from City.

But now it would seem that the number 32 is more likely than ever to leave, considering that he made the comments whilst on international duty with Argentina. It would seem obvious that during his time at the Copa America Tevez has come to realise that his home country is best for him. However, he wouldnt be the first player to use such an excuse to leave a club, only to move elsewhere in Europe at a later date - take the Adriano or Robinho saga.

If it so happens that Tevez does come to the realisation that his talent is best expressed in Europe, where would he move to?

Inter - Since their historic Treble win Inter Milan have failed to dominate Italian football, a lack of cohesion on the field as well as a number of players deciding to move. With Samuel Eto'o possibly moving to the EPL and Diego Milito looking more and more likely to leave the fashion capital, Tevez would prove a wonder signing. With Sneijder acting as a link up man and Courtinho developing into a standout midfielder, Inter may just prove to be the attacking force that they once were

Manchester United - After leaving the Devils in quite infatic fashion it would seem Tevez would not want to head back to Old Trafford... WRONG! When United came calling for the Argentinian after they had realised they had made a mistake in selling him, Tevez was quoted as saying "I would not rule out a move back to United". SAF may just been in the mood to replace Berbatov, who has been greatly underused. With Tevez back, United would seem unstoppable with Rooney upfront.

Real Madrid - Madrid are in for every player you could say, but with Adebayor leaving the club and Higuain heading the "rumoured to leave" columns, Tevez may just provide that stability upfront. Paired with Ronaldo and Benzema, Tevez would prove the perfect link up man. Madrid would finally have their own Argentinian to rival Messi, who, for so long, has caused the Galacticos so much pain.

Whether Tevez chooses to leave City or not will definitely be decided within the coming days. Although with a top four finish and the Champions League looming, one would wonder why he wants to so desperately leave. Maybe he actually wants to go back to Argentina?

Clichy move to Manchester City almost complete

Arsenal are said to relinquish the services of fullback Gael Clichy to Manchester City in the coming days, as Eastlands looks to add some pace to their defence. The deal is said to be worth about 7 million pounds with Clichy expected to earn in excess 85000 pounds a week.

Clichy has been the first choice fullback at Arsenal since Ashley Cole left for Chelsea. His pace proved to be a useful asset down the wing with his overlapping runs causing havoc for defences that stood in the way. With City playing in the Champions League Clichy will serve an important role in suring up an expensive defence. Last season signing Aleksandar Kolarov will most likely be demoted to the bench, since both players play left back. 


With Arsenal close to losing Fabregas and possibly Nasri, the Gunners may have some rebuilding to do before the start of the pre season. United have tabled a 20 million dollar bid for Nasri, and Barcelona are ever closer to signing Fab. 


A medical for Clichy will be completed in the coming days.

Manchester City not United after Nasri!

Manchester City have emerged as being the actual "Manchester" team in the race for French attacking midfielder Samir Nasri. It was ealier reported that Untied were tabling a bid, but this ridicule was quickly trashed instead being replaced by the idea that City have been getting their  funds together to try and lure Nasri.

Nasri scored 10 goals in his Arsenal campaign this year, however they amounted to nothing as Arsenal failed to win a trophy for the sixth successive year. City on the other hand collected a trophy in the form of the FA Cup in the 2010/2011 season, possibly sparking them onto bigger and better things next year.


City are also guaranteed a Champions League spot next year, finishing third in the EPL.

Eastlands is also on the hunt for yet another striker, possibly Neymar or Sergio Aguero. There are also rumours that they may hi-jack the Fabregas and Barcelona talks and sign Fab. What is for certain though is that Arsenal will need to start turning over trophys to hold onto their players!

Video - Highlights from Manchester City vs Stoke - FA CUP

Manchester City have won their first trophy in 35 years after winning the FA Cup final against Stoke. City went ahead in the 75th minute of the game through a Yaya Toure goal. They comprehensively dominated a nervous stoke. City and United alike both secured titles over night. Check out the extended highlights below.

   

Manchester City 1 – 0 Manchester United (FA Cup semi-final)

Manchester United's treble hopes have coming crashing down into a sea of deafening blue and white as fierce rivals Manchester City claimed all bragging rights in the FA Cup Manchester derby. Despite a very even first half by the crosstown rivals, most of the chances fell to the red half of Manchester as United's Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov saw both his second half chances come agonizingly close to opening the scoring. A stern goalkeeping display by City's Joe Hart made sure than no United attack would succeed.

City came out firing in the second half and their attacking prowess paid off as Yaya Toure managed to disposses Michael Carrack in the 52nd minute and slot home the only goal of the game coolly around Van de Sar. United were faced with a mountain of a task when Paul Scholes was shown his marching orders on the 72nd minute for his very poor tackle on Zabaleta.


The final whistle blew and scenes of jubilation reigned throughout the blue half of Wembely Stadium as Manchester City had finally put one over their rivals where it truly mattered, denying the Red Devils a place in the FA Cup Final. For once the once loud roars coming from the Red half of the city were now silent with their heads down as their traditional rivals had denied them the chance of a treble for this season.

Manchester City will now face the winner between Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City in the FA Cup Final.

Watch the defining goal that ended Manchester United's treble hopes here:



By Marcel Abboud

Video - Highlights from Liverpool vs Manchester City

With the pressure mounting on Liverpool's Premier League campaign the Reds had to produce something special at Anfield, and they did just that destroyed Manchester City 3-0. Midweek Liverpool's Champions League aspirations took a massive blow as captain Stven Gerrard was ruled out for the remainder of the season. However it was new signing Andy Carroll who (with a Gerrard like finish) found the back of the net to give Liverpool a lead. City's defence was in shambles, each wave of Liverpool attack looked to present another opportunity. Kuyt was found unmarked in the box and slotted home with a very calm finish. Just a minute later City's fate would be sealed as Carroll headed home to give Liverpool an astounding 3-0 lead before the half time interval. The second half continued much the same way as the first, but Liverpool could not add to their tally. It was a solid win for Liverpool who now sit five points out of European qualification (8 from Champions League). Manchester City's spot in the top four looks shaky as Tottenham breathe down their neck. City will be further setback by Tevez's hamstring injury which will see him miss the FA Cup semi final against United.

Check out the highlights below!