Steely Man City toast of the season

Oct 29, 2011 - Novy Kapadia

Manchester City’s 6-1 demolition of Manchester United, suggests that a regime change in the English Premier League is in the offing. With a little help from an Abu Dhabi businessman, the downtrodden have shaken off their chains. Sir Alex Ferguson’s noisy neighbours could become the lords of the manor, if they maintain their current form and self-belief.

With eight wins and a draw, Manchester City are top of the table. Unlike last season their approach is not defensive as coach Roberto Mancini has allowed his team to play creative, attacking football. Most of their victories have been decisive, as they have found the net an incredible 33 times at an average of 3.6 goals per game. Their strikers Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko are in the top-five of the scoring charts.
The £600 million investment by Sheikh Mansour has produced a bulldozer side that is destroying opposition in the Premier League. Mancini deserves credit for building depth in the squad, two quality players for each position (strikers Mario Balotelli and Dzeko and defensive midfielders Nigel de Jong and Gareth Barry). Also the phasing out of unwanted players like Carlos Tevez has improved the team-spirit in the squad.
It is not just the margin of victory but Manchester City’s display that has suddenly exposed frailties in ranks of the reigning champions, a fragile defence and ineffective midfield. Even mighty Barcelona did not outclass Manchester United so comprehensively in the 2008-09 and 2010-11 Uefa Champions league finals.
Suddenly the aura of invincibility that Ferguson’s team possessed at least in England has vanished.
The reason for the debacle is not just City’s incredible display but the decline in form of several Man United players. Left back Patrice Evra has slowed down. Injury-prone central defender Rio Ferdinand showed lack of commitment. The other defender Johnny Evans was found wanting. Without the presence of the injured Nemanjia Vidic, United’s back four looks vulnerable.

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