MCFC v Arsenal (1600 GMT)

25/10/2010 City of Manchester Stadium Att: 47393

Man City: Hart, Richards, Boyata, Kompany, Boateng, Silva, Toure Yaya, De Jong, Barry, Milner, Tevez.
Subs: Given, Bridge, Adebayor, Adam Johnson, Lescott, Vieira, Balotelli.
Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Djourou, Squillaci, Clichy, Nasri, Fabregas, Song, Denilson, Arshavin, Chamakh.
Subs: Szczesny, Koscielny, Rosicky, Walcott, Eboue, Gibbs, Bendtner.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)

I will be away for 8 weeks, doing some military stuffs (it's compulsory) and this will be last match post for me before I join Air Force.

City's ceremony prior to this match was wonderful thing to do for our legend Malcolm Allison, who past away last week. He was one of most successful manager for Manchester City and he won League Cup, FA Cup, Division One title and European Winners Cup. We will all miss him.

City started with Boyata due to Kolo's lengthy injury continues. Otherwise, it was full-strength squad for the Blues. After much needed rest, Carlito replaces hat-trick hero Adebayor and Yaya Toure came back with full fitness.

For Arsenal, Djourou kept his place in front of Koscielny. Otherwise, it was full-strength Arsenal team.

City could've scored in the first minute, when Tevez out-muscles Djourou to win the ball and cross it to Silva. Silva's clever flick, however, was well held by Fabianski.

Then the disaster struck. Boyata was sent off, as he tripped Chamakh just outside of the City penalty box and because he was the last man, Mark Clattenberg had no choice but send him off.

However, his sent off did not turn off City's attacking mentality. In 17th minute, City almost benefited from Arsenal defense's indecisiveness as Silva and Tevez wrestled with them. Tevez's eventual shot was too weak to challenge Fabianski but City looked more likely to score then the opponent.

Minutes later though, Arsenal found their way to score as Nasri and Arshavin pulled a beautiful 1-2 passes to break City's barrier. Barry's pace let him down, as he failed to track back Nasri. 0-1 Arsenal

It could've been 2-0 before the break, when Kompany unnecessarily fouled Fabregas in City's penalty box. Luckily, Hart was on form today and he was able to save Fabregas' penalty for City to stay alive.

0-1 HT

Bad news came during the second half. Yaya looked to have a knock and was forced to replace with Wayne Bridge during the interval. Ten minutes after the start of second half, Tevez looked to have a injury as well and this diminished City's overall quality on the field.

In the 66th minute, it was substitute Bridge made fatal error inside penalty box, which led to Arsenal's 2nd goal of the match. Excellent strike by Alex Song but it could've been dealt better by former England fullback.

City seemed ragged after the second goal and after series of goal scoring opportunity by Arsenal, they finally scored and it was Bendtner who finished off City's worst defeat of the season so far.

Overall, City looked okay even without Boyata but there were too much talents in the Arsenal squad to miss out the chance to win this game. Certainly 48 hours did not look enough for City players to prepare for this game, as they seemed very tired time to time. I just wish Tevez and Yaya's injury aren't too serious.

City v Liverpool (2000 GMT)

24/08/2010 Venue: City of Manchester Stadium Att: 47,087

Starting Line up

Man City: Hart, Richards, Toure, Kompany, Lescott, De Jong, Toure Yaya, Barry, Milner, Adam Johnson, Tevez. Subs: Given, Zabaleta, Wright-Phillips, Adebayor, Silva, Vieira, Jo.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Carragher, Agger, Jovanovic, Gerrard, Lucas, Kuyt, Torres, Ngog. Subs: Jones, Aurelio, Pacheco, Kyrgiakos, Maxi, Babel, Poulsen.

Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)

It was many worries that City play against Liverpool, as they drew 5 times against them in 7 encounters. Especially after a poor performance against Spurs last weekend, I really did not expect today's comprehensive performance.

City, as starting line above shows, were without Balotelli, due to his foot injury and Kolarov and Boateng, who still to make his debut, missing due to ankle and foot injuries. Liverpool were unchanged, apart from Mascherano, who is speculated to move away from the Kops.

Match

It was the performance I never expected. Throughout the game, City were more creative and willing to get the ball. Right from the start, City dominated and, on 13th minutes, Gareth Barry scored after clever works from Adam Johnson and James Milner in the right wing, which made the goal possible.

Despite some efforts from Liverpool, they continued to struggle to dominate. After some tremendous midfield display from our 3 "defensive midfielders" Liverpool weren't able to challenge Joe Hart during the 1st half. Complete turnaround from Spurs match.

City continued to break in the second half and after absorbing Liverpool's possession, it was Tevez, who scored from the corner, which was initially headed towards the net by Micah Richards. 2-0 and it seemed Liverpool were done at City of Manchester Stadium.

Not quite though. After 2nd goal, Liverpool moved with more urgency and they almost found back of the net via their talisman Steven Gerrard, David N'gog and Fernando Torres but their shot put away by either the post or Hart's brilliance. City's defense held Liverpool at bay, whereas our attack came up once against through tip-toeing feet of Johnson, who earned the penalty via Skrtel's clumsiness. Tevez converted it and it was game over from that point. Sheikh Mansour. Did you enjoy that?

3-0
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Spurs v MCFC (1245 GMT)

14/08/2010 Venue: White Hart Lane Att: 35928

Starting Line up

Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Modric, Huddlestone, Bale, Crouch, Defoe. Subs: Cudicini, Kaboul, Pavlyuchenko, Keane, Palacios, Giovani, Bassong.
Man City: Hart, Richards, Toure, Kompany, Kolarov, Wright-Phillips, Toure Yaya, De Jong, Barry, Silva, Tevez. Subs: Given, Zabaleta, Adebayor, Adam Johnson, Lescott, Vieira, Jo.
Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)

Quite a crucial match for Manchester City at the start of season. It was just a few months ago that they were lost out in Champions League qualifying spots by Tottenham Hotspur. In the past seasons, City looked vulnerable against Spurs side in general and especially at away match, City were unable to beat Spurs since 2003.

As expected, there were three débutantes from City (Silva, Kolarov and Y. Toure) and it was only Jerome Boateng who missed the match due to injury. The most surprising inclusion in the starting line-up was Joe Hart, who had an excellent loan spell with Birmingham City. As poor form of Shay Given continued from January onwards, I guess Roberto Mancini had to give Hart a try. Two other things that which came a shock to me was three defensive midfielders and playing SWP instead of Adam Johnson.

Match

First half was completely dominated by Spurs and City was lucky to finish the half without conceding a single goal. After possessing the ball from the start of the match, Jermaine Defoe came close to score after receiving pass from Aaron Lennon but it was turned away by Hart and it was only the start of Hart's brilliance. Between 11th minute and 32th minute, Hart had to make six excellent saves to keep City in the game.

So what was wrong with City? Personally, Micah Richards was the villain, as he showed too much space to flying Gareth Bale. Also, squad as a whole did not do any pressing when Spurs were in possession throughout the first half.

Second half was slightly better and City should've scored in the opening minute when SWP had clear chance in front of keeper but he squandered it badly. After that, there were some glimpse of hopes on goals from either side (Roman Pavlyuchenko in particular) but none of them overcome Hart.

Arabian Job: Season 3

So here it is people. Just a few hours away from the kick off and I am sitting in my room, enjoying the sound of rainfall.

1245 kick off was never my favourite when I was in England because it meant I had to wake up 9 o'clock in the weekend to prepare myself for the match. But this does not bother me anymore, as I am in 8 hours ahead from England.

City finally got who they want and I am not sure what Mario will bring into the squad that is struggling to blend at the moment. Never doubt his ability though. Once everything settles, i.e. after transfer deadline and submitting 25 men squad list, I am sure he will show what he got.

Four players set to make a debut today (Kolarov, Silva, Boateng and Y.Toure) and they all expect to play pivotal role for the team. Especially, Kolarov and Boateng will strengthen City's poor full back position.

Expected line-up: Given, Boateng, K.Toure, Kompany, Kolarov, Y.Toure, Barry, Silva, Johnson, Tevez and Adebayor

P.S. It will be 400th appearances for Gareth Barry, if he makes appearance today. Many congratulation on his achievement.

Friendly Just Friendly...

Rant

Finally... My laptop is fixed and I just hope this thing can keep up until I start my National Service in Korea.

Seems nothing much happened when I was away for 2 weeks.... NOT! I certainly did not expect Joe Cole to move to Liverpool and I am still amazed Arsenal still did not let Cesc Fabregas go to his beloved club Barcelona (Well it is long away til the end of the summer transfer window).

So what about City? As usual, they have been the most active team in the Premier League, as they signed most players in the market so far and with a month to go, they are still linked with top prospects, such as Mario Balotelli or Fernando Torres or even Didier Drogba.Those rumours are still to be materialised but I'm sure there will be another big signing before the end of August.

Friendly against Sporting Lisbon

Well.... prior to this match, I didn't expect much from City players, as they didn't bring out their best option or new signings. What I found out after this match is that City's management team got a lot of work to do between now and the end of august, as they have so many fringe players to get rid of. I would not be surprised to see last night's team, apart from Patrick Vieira, Adam Johnson and Joe Hart, be sold to other club within a month time.

Manchester City 0 Sporting Lisbon 2

CITY: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott (Onuoha 46mins), Cunningham (Bridge 45); Ireland (Boyata 64), Vieira (Tchuimeni-Nimely 64), Zabaleta, A.Johnson, Jo (Tutte 74), Bellamy (Guidetti 74). Subs not used: Taylor.

LISBON: Ferreira, Carrico, Polga, Fabiano, Mendes (Santos 87), Ribeiro, Saleiro, Djalo, Postiga (Veloso 79), Pereira, Vukcevic (Valdes 74). Subs: Patricio, Sinama-Pongolle, Liedson, Coelho.

REFEREE: Kevin Stott (USA)

Goals: Sporting - Djalo (23mins and 39mins)

Bookings: Sporting - Carrico (43 mins)

NGA v SKO (1930 GMT)

22/06/2010 Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban Att: 61874

Starting Line up

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama (Y); Chidi Odiah, Danny Shittu, Joseph Yobo (Echiejile, 46), Rabiu Afolabi, Kalu Uche, Dickson Etuhu, Yussuf Ayila (Y), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Obinna, 70), Chinedu Obasi, Nwankwo Kanu (Martins, 57).

South Korea: Jung Sung-ryong; Cha Doo-ri, Lee Young-pyo, Cho Yong-hyung, Lee Jung-soo, Kim Jung-woo, Ki Sung-yong (Kim Jae-sung, 86), Park Ji-sung, Lee Chung-yong, Park Chu-young (Kim Dong-jin, 90+3), Yeom Ki-hun (Kim Nam-il, 63).

Referee: Olegario Benquerenca (Portugal)

After getting smashed by Argentina, their manager Huh Jung-moo was under scrutiny playing Oh Beum-Seok over Cha Du-ri and they were correct to say so as most of Argentina's attack broke from right-flank. He changed it back to Cha prior to Nigeria match, acknowledging his performance was below par. Other than that change, he putted same side for this match

Nigeria were unlucky to face the exit. Having played well for half an hour against Greece, they fall apart after Sani Kaita stupidly sent off by being petulant. Defeat against Greece put them in difficult circumstance to qualify to next round but it seemed possible against defensively vulnerable Korean side.

Game started brightly from both side as they couldn't just rely on Argentina to beat Greece. Within first minute, South Korea had half-chance but Lee Chung-yong couldn't direct the ball towards the goal. Early chance gone begging.

Later on Nigeria took the charge in midfield and began to out-muscled them in the area. Eventually, their possession was paid off with goal on 12th minute, when Uche converts Odiah's fine cross. 1-0 Nigeria and pressure was on to South Korean side.

Nigeria continued to charge to get more goal in case of goal difference but their defensive lapse let them down yet against when they needlessly gave out free-kick, which was headed and kicked in by South Korean defender, Lee Jung-soo. 1-1 and all to play for in the second half.

Second half began exactly how Korean wanted it. They were awarded a free kick yet again, which was within right-foot of Park Chu-young's range. He curled it round the keeper. Enyeama wrong stepped and ball went in. Advantage South Korea.

But the lead didn't last long, when their veteran midfielder Kim Nam-il foolishly gave away a penalty by hacking Chinedu Obasi directly in front of referee's eye. It was moment for Yakubu to redeem himself, after missing a sitter just moments ago and he slotted in with ease.

Later on the match, it was all Nigeria as South Korea tried to lock the game down by playing 4-5-1 but they almost got caught out by Victor Obinna with fierce shot from range and Obafemi Martins with dangerous run into the box. Fortunately, none of them gone in and successfully went through to second round. FT: 2-2

FRA v RSA (1500 GMT)

22/06/2010 Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Ref: Oscar Ruiz (COL) Att: 39415

Starting Line up

France: 1-Hugo Lloris; 2-Bacary Sagna, 5-William Gallas, 17-Sebastien Squillaci, 22-Gael Clichy; 18-Alou Diarra (Govou, 82), 19-Abou Diaby (Y), 8-Yoan Gourcuff (R), 7-Franck Ribery; 11-Andre-Pierre Gignac (Malouda, 46), 9-Djibril Cisse (Henry, 55).

South Africa: 1-Moeneeb Josephs; 5-Anele Ngcongoa (Gaxa, 55), 20-Bongani Khumalo, 4-Aaron Mokoena, 3-Tsepo Masilela, 6-MacBeth Sibaya, 23-Thanduyise Khuboni (Modise, 78), 10-Steven Pienaar, 8-Siphiwe Tshabalala, 9-Katlego Mphela, 17-Bernard Parker (Nomvethe, 68).

France were in total disarray prior to crunch game against South Africa. Anelka sent back to France, players on strike and rift between squad and French FA meant they weren't ready to play any sort of match, even it was the team that well below in FIFA ranking. South Africa, on the other hand, had their pride on stake, after losing against Uruguay and fired up to play against this dispirited side.

At the start of match, France were much more brighter side. With Yoann Gourcuff in correction position, they seemed to move ball rather well, considering not training before the match. But the deadlock broke, when French defence collapsed once again and it was Bongani Khumalo with header that put Bafana Bafana ahead. France's night then went bad to worse as Gourcuff was harshly sent off by using his arm. Replay showed no malice.

Minutes later, in came second goal. French defence was all over the place and Katlego Mphela benefited from it. 2-0 and it was Au Revoir to their twelve years of wonderful era of so-called Art Soccer. Franck Ribery had late chance to put one back before the interval but his shot was far too high. HT: 2-0

After knowing Mexico was losing against Uruguay, South Africa started the second half with more attack-minded and it almost got paid when Mphela found himself unmarked in French penalty box but his shot only hit top of bar. Since then, South Africa seemed to lose their concentration and introduction of Florent Malouda in the second half livened up France a bit and it was him who ended their dream of qualifying in 70th minute when he scored in front of empty net. Although South Africa continued to work hard to find another goal, in the end they lacked quality to find another one. Sad ending for the host nation. FT: 2-1