Manchester City might be due a welcome break when it comes to the lifting of football hoodoos in and from the North East of England. Just as Manuel Pellegrini’s champions suggest they are able, ready and more than willing to retain their Premier League title, they lose their influential on-field leader and travel away to their bogiest of bogey sides. Captain Fantastic, Vincent Kompany is ruled out of the annual […]

It was the result neither side wanted. The 2-2 draw was about as welcome as flatulence in a space suit. The stalemate only benefitted those who were not present at the Etihad Stadium, as Manchester City’s title hopes were derailed and Sunderland’s Premier League survival bid hit the buffers. Brendan Rodgers and Jose Mourinho could raise a glass to City’s ineptitude, whereas Fulham’s Felix Magath and rookie Norwich manager, Neil […]

The game of football was the winner when Manchester City finally overcame Sunderland’s stoical resistance to win the League Cup at Wembley just 45 days ago. The Mackems, having dumped Chelsea and Manchester United out en-route to the Capital One showpiece in the capital city, produced a battling display that warmed the hearts of the invading red and white-striped hordes, who outnumbered their sky blue counterparts. Gus Poyet’s side lost […]

When true blue blood skipper Mike Doyle triumphantly held the League Cup aloft at Wembley on February 28th, 1976, who in their worst Manchester City nightmares could have envisaged what was to follow for three-and-a-half decades? Tony Book’s City side were brimming with brilliance and high expectations, acknowledged internationals in every position and a harmonious blend of young talent and established top level experience. Only the tragic loss of Colin […]

Manchester City’s shining renaissance of recent years has been bedevilled by one constant source of darkness emanating from the Stadium of Light. Despite a meteoric restoration to the elite ranks of English football, comprising a trio of top three finishes – including a Premier League title – City persist in being dim when it comes to their stand-out bogey fixture – Sunderland away. Roberto Mancini fashioned City into FA Cup […]