City EDS looking to continue goal glut

City’s Elite Development Squad will be looking to continue their prolific scoring run when they travel to face Arsenal on Monday evening at Meadow Park.

The Blues’ Under-21s have scored six in each of their last two league games and trail leaders Liverpool by just four points – but have two games in hand on the Merseysiders.  Sound familiar?

Patrick Vieira will be delighted that his team have responded so well to their disappointing Uefa Youth League exit to Benfica last month after recording three wins on the bounce – two in the league and another victory in the Under-21 Premier League Cup semi-final.

In fact, Vieira’s side could still end up with three trophies in what has proved to be an excellent campaign to date with the U21 league, League Cup and Manchester Senior Cup all still well within their grasp.

Top scorer Jordi Hiwula - who penned a new two-year deal earlier this week - will look to add to the 19 goals he’s already bagged this season when he faces Steve Gatting’s Arsenal.

The Gunners have lost their last three league games and are currently 18^th in the table and Devante Cole will hope to continue a rich vein of form that has seen him net 12 goals from just 21 starts this term.

City have won 18 of their last 23 games in all competitions and, again mirroring the senior team, only Liverpool U21s - who are away to fifth-placed Chelsea on Monday evening  - have scored more league goals this term.

Unbeaten in 11 games on the road, the Blues will hope to leave Borehamwood with three more crucial points as they bid to end the campaign with an unprecedented treble at this level.

Pellegrini happy to have destiny in his own hands

Manuel Pellegrini is happy that Manchester City's Premier League title hopes are in their own hands.

If City win their remaining eight games, they will be crowned champions.

And Pellegrini insists not having to rely on other results has put his team in pole position.

In his programme notes ahead of Saturday's clash with Southampton, he wrote: "We are in a very good position to win the Premier League title.

"To have our destiny in our own hands with eight games to go is all you can ask for.

"Taking four points from trips to United and Arsenal kept up our momentum.

"They are both tough games at any time of the season, but to have them back-to-back in four days made it harder.

"The most important thing now is that we depend only on ourselves until the end of the season."

What next for this forgotten Man City star?

Once deemed one of English football’s brightest prospects, Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell is not even a name under consideration for Roy Hodgson’s plans this summer.

Having turned 23 last month, the former Everton starlet has seen his career effectively stall since making the move to the Etihad in the summer of 2012. With the season drawing to a close and the player clearly out of favour at the club, what is actually next for Jack Rodwell?

At the time of his signing, then manager Roberto Mancini outlined his view that it was a move for the future. Providing an immediate reality check, the Italian claimed it would be “different” for him in Manchester but confidently predicted “in a couple of years I am sure he will be a top and stronger midfielder.”

But after nearly two years, Rodwell has hardly threatened to become a first team regular under either Mancini or Manuel Pellegrini. The midfielder has made a grand total of fifteen appearances in the Premier League for the Citizens, of which only seven have been starts. Rodwell has made just a single league start in the current campaign and was recently hauled off at half time of City’s FA Cup tie with Watford, with the Championship side holding a shock 2-0 lead.

For a player that has seen his short career so far plagued by injuries, niggling problems have played their part in disrupting the midfielder’s time on Manchester. Such has been the frequency of Rodwell’s hamstring troubles that he has gone to incredible lengths to try and find a solution including moving house and changing cars.

But even if the midfielder was able to consign these injury concerns to the past, how likely is he to break into the first team at this point? Yaya Toure and summer signing Fernandinho have formed an impressive partnership and with Javi Garcia also ahead of him in the pecking order, Rodwell is understandably finding it difficult to obtain any reasonable playing time.

Unfortunately for the former Everton starlet, there is a sense that he may have only ever been signed in order to boost City’s homegrown quota. Like Adam Johnson and Scott Sinclair, Rodwell has made the move to the Etihad and has consequently struggled to prove himself ahead of his more reputable foreign colleagues. In any case, the grass certainly hasn’t proven to be any greener.

Ever since his time in Everton’s academy, Rodwell has always been tipped to become a star and a memorable goal over Manchester United in 2010 only seemed to confirm this potential. But even at this stage, injuries plagued the starlet and meant that David Moyes was happy to accept an offer rumoured to be as low as £12million for a player seemingly destined for a big future in the game.

With so many of England’s “Golden Generation” fading from view, now really should have been Rodwell’s time to impress on the international stage. The midfielder’s career trajectory should serve as a warning to Ross Barkley, who is currently being lauded as a future star for his country having enjoyed a breakout season at Everton. With rumours linking the starlet with a big money move in the summer, Barkley would be wise to not follow Rodwell out of the Goodison Park just yet.

Pellegrini recently insisted that the midfielder would be staying put at the Etihad, stating that “Jack will continue here.” But despite this, City are still heavily linked with making another move for Porto’s Fernando in the summer. If this transfer were to go through, where would that leave Rodwell?

Recent speculation has linked the player with a return to Goodison Park, with Roberto Martinez reportedly keen to re-sign the midfielder. This may constitute a backwards step in his career but Rodwell is in desperate need of first team minutes to revive his career. Although it didn’t transpire, Wigan Athletic were heavily linked with an emergency loan move for the former prodigy in the last month.

Whatever he decides, Rodwell cannot afford to continue sitting on the sidelines at the Etihad. The midfielder will almost certainly be asking “what if” whilst watching the World Cup unfold at home. Whether it is through a return to Everton or a loan or transfer elsewhere, Rodwell needs to revive his career. And he needs to do it fast.

Facey and Hiwula pen new deals

Two of the stars of City Elite Development Squad remarkable season have received the perfect reward for their fine form.

Jordy Hiwula and Shay Facey have signed new two year contracts with the club.

Both players have appeared regularly for Patrick Vieira’s side this season, helping the under-21s to pole position for a place in this season’s four-team Barclays u21 Premier League play-off finals.

Mark Allen has witnessed the duo’s ascents through the age-groups first-hand in his role as the club’s Head of Academy.

He paid tribute to the pair, highlighted Vieira’s part in their development this season and shared his hope that they both go on to forge great careers at City.

“It’s fantastic that they’ve both agreed to stay – it’s commitment from them to the club and from the football club to their development,” Allen smiled.

“Jordy’s shown great dedication to come back from his injury this season and I think that the way he has performed and the desire he has shown to get back to this level is a credit to him.

“He has shown himself to have an unbelievable attitude right throughout the whole academy system. For me, he’s a model professional because he listens and he does everything he possibly can to get the most out of himself.

“Patrick’s been a great role model for Shay in terms of leadership and I’m delighted to see how much he’s taken everything Patrick has given him on board.

“The team have helped with that too, they’ve taken Shay on to a new level that we all knew he was capable of and it’s just so pleasing to see it coming to fruition.

“He’s received international honours now and we believe he can kick on even further now.”

The Blues currently lie in fourth place in the division but could go top if they win their three games in hand on leaders Fulham after an incredible run which has seen them beaten only once in 17 matches in all competitions.

Hiwula is the team’s top scorer, netting 19 goals in 23 games, including seven in his last three appearances.

The 19-year old scored four goals in the 6-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Leigh Sports Village just ten days ago, before following it up with a brace in the 6-2 win over Sunderland at the Etihad and another poacher’s effort in Tuesday’s cup victory over Burnley.

No-one has played more games than EDS vice captain Facey this season.

The England u19 international has turned out on 28 occasions across four competitions, enjoying a regular partnership with Jason Denayer at the heart of defence.

It’s a back-line which has conceded just 21 goals in the league – the division’s second best record.

“It doesn’t surprise me how much he's improved, but I think Shay has surprised himself this season and he is now one of the leaders in this group,” Vieira told mcfc.co.uk.

“His concentration, his determination, his focus to be successful is unbelievable.

“I think he’s one of the players who has improved mentally the most and that’s really pleasing.”

Allen also added that it’s of great benefit to the Elite Development Squad to have two players who have been at the club for a number of years.

Both players have been at City for more than a decade.

“It’s critical that we still have players around who can show the newer boys what it’s about to be at Manchester City,” said Allen.

“They can help educate the newer players in what the club stands for and for me, these two are examples of the kind of players and the kind of people we want to be producing.

"They’re great role models.”

Facey and Hiwula are next in action on Monday night when they travel to Boreham Wood FC to take on Arsenal.

A win there could take Vieira’s men up as high as second.

Fernandinho: A man who has everything we have

Wizardry, imagination and brute force; it’s a flavorsome mixture, and a mixture David Silva, Samir Nasri and Yaya Touré contribute to every single week. But behind the genius of Manchester City’s tantalizing trio is an imperative assuredness provided by a man that somehow managed to escape the beady eye of the European elite up until last summer.

That man is Fernandinho.

The Brazilian’s arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk last June supplied City’s rivals with even more ammunition with which to mock the blues’ “excessive” spending. Largely unknown to the Premier League world, the 28-year-old holding midfielder commanded a substantial £30m fee three times the amount Juventus paid Bayer Leverkusen for Arturo Vidal in 2011 and prepared himself for the inevitable abuse his price tag would welcome.

English football possesses a sour tendency to judge a book by its cover, but when an unseen talent comes along with an exorbitant valuation, that’s when the armchair pundits really begin to spew their opinions.

Admittedly, I became one of those pundits last summer when City announced the signing of the unexplored Brazilian. Rightly or wrongly, I questioned why my team had forked out £30m for a player who had been capped just five times by his country, and I immediately began to form predictions about the 28-year-old’s capabilities without even seeing him play. Was my undying love for Nigel de Jong clouding my views, or did City’s unfortunate history with players of the Seleção have something to do with it? I could answer “yes” to both, but after watching each and every one of Fernandinho’s thirty-eight games this season, it’s safe to say my opinions have been altered by facts.

(Fernandinho has been the engine in City’s steer towards the title this season)

In a recent poll, Fernandinho maintained his “under-the-radar” ambience as just 4 out of 68 Manchester City fans predicted him to play the most significant role in City’s last eight Premier League games. Unsurprisingly, the in-form David Silva ran away with majority of votes, receiving 24 out of a possible 68 votes.

(Fernandinho received only 6% of the votes when Manchester City fans were asked who would be their most significant player in their run in for the title)

It would be irrational to question the judgement of City fans, especially considering David Silva’s recent form which has been rewarded with three man of the match awards in his last four games, but the impact of Fernandinho’s composure and equanimity on those sparkling performances is being criminally ignored.

Where Nigel de Jong would put in a crunching tackle and Gareth Barry would break up the play with a simple pass, Fernandinho is combining the two qualities with a bigger engine, an ability to carry the ball and a welcome addition of pace. The Brazilian offers a crucial barrier in front of the back four, but also provides the impetus in City’s carnivorous attacking play allowing Yaya Touré to assert his dominance in his preferred position further up the field. His box-to-box qualities relieve the defensive responsibilities of the three magicians in front of him and accommodates their focus on teasing defenders in the opposition’s eighteen-yard-box rather than fading out of the game in their own half. The South American’s influence on the team has been unheralded, but the link between City’s goal tally and the £30m signing cannot be regarded solely as a coincidence.

(City’s regular attacking midfield trio have benefited from the Brazilian’s presence just behind them)

Although stats may never tell the full story, it’s difficult to dismiss the facts and figures above in relation to Fernandinho’s effulgent impact on the Manchester City side that defended their title so poorly last season. One may argue that the Brazilian is still not be worth the £30m we paid for him last June, but slowly and surely, Fernandinho is repaying that generous fee.

Goal machine Thierry Ambrose firing for the Academy

With 19 goals to his name so far this term, Thierry Ambrose has had an explosive start to life at the City Academy.

Arriving from Auxerre in July 2013, after an initial period of adjustment the Frenchman had forced his way into a competitive starting XI by October, and is now a regular feature on the under-18 teamsheet.

“The first month was difficult for me, adapting to a new city, a new club and English football, but after a while it gets better,” he declared.

“It was easier to make the move to Manchester because my brother, sister-in-law and two nephews came with me. I didn’t have to go and live with another family like some of the other boys who are not from here have to do.

“I like Manchester though – I like to go shopping with my sister-in-law. The shopping is great!”

Born in Sens, Thierry began playing for Auxerre at the age of five, although he started his career in the number 10 role. Capped for France at under-16 level, his all round game caught the eye, with the youngster setting up five goals in seven matches.

“The football is more aggressive here in England, that is the main difference from France.”

Established as a striker for City, after scoring his first goal for the Blues in September, the confident youngster predicted a first hattrick ahead of November’s clash with Blackburn – and he was right!

He said: “I felt good ahead of the game, so I thought I would score. But I knew I had to start the game very well and feel good during the game, so I said I would score and I did. It was a special feeling to score my first hattrick for City.

“I also scored two against United which was fantastic. I understand how important it is to win those games, so to score feels very good for me.

“I would really like to score 25 by the end of the season. But it’s only because of the skills of all those around me that I am able to score so many goals.”

Thierry is clearly enjoying life at City, and he has no regrets about swapping France for Manchester.

“I chose to come to City because the club’s project is really interesting to me, and it is one of top clubs in Europe,” he revealed. “I hope that I can develop and improve as a player, so I can advance my career and one day play for the senior French national team.”

It seems the move is already helping Ambrose to realise his ambitions. He has already tasted European competition in his debut season as an Academy Scholar, part of Patrick Vieira’s under-19 squad for the UEFA Youth League.

The team is packed with older players, but Thierry impressed compatriot Vieira sufficiently to be involved in four out of the six group stage fixtures, and he won a starting berth in the last 16 clash with Atletico Madrid. 

 “It’s not so difficult playing in the UEFA Youth League with so many older players because there are other French players in the EDS who help me a lot,” Thierry explained. “And in the under-18s, Yvan Wassi helps me too.”

His performances for City have also led to further recognition on the national stage – the young Blue has been called up to France under-17s as he continues to progress up the footballing pyramid for Les Bleus.

He said: “Playing for France is really important to me. It’s my dream.”

An avid user of twitter and instagram, Thierry enjoys being able to interact with City fans around the world through social networks.

He revealed: “The fans say really nice things to me. Especially after I scored two against United, I got lots of great messages! I love talking to the fans.”

Manchester City provide free Wi-fi at Etihad

Manchester City has become the first Premier League club to introduce free wi-fi throughout their stadium.

The Etihad Stadium now has high-density broadband which is capable of providing 30MB download speeds, and marks an ongoing digital initiative at the club that includes apps aimed at visiting fans to help them navigate the area.

Why Man City’s £30m Magican Is The Etihad’s Stand-Out Star‏

If the season were to end at this very moment, there’s little doubt that Fernandinho and David Silva would be among the stand-out candidates for Manchester City’s Player of the Year award.

Both have been central to City’s sustained title charge and both continue to win plaudits for the quality of their performances as the season reaches its conclusion.

Fernandinho has been consistently brilliant since the first few weeks of the season. Eyebrows were raised at the hefty £30 million fee City paid Shakhtar Donetsk, and there was his suitability and value were initially surrounded by skepticism. However, dissent soon dissipated after a series of superb displays.

He’s been key to the form of Yaya Toure – his energy and discipline having been the catalysts which freed the Ivorian, resulting in a 21 goal haul in all competitions from the three-time African Footballer of the Year.

But it’s arguably City’s Spanish midfielder who will pip him to the award.

Silva, of course, is already well known on these shores, this being his fourth season at City. However, his level has raised even higher under Manuel Pellegrini, particularly since his move into the No.10 role just behind a lone striker.

He initially started the season on the left in Pellegrini’s attacking 4-2-2-2 system. His form was excellent – easily City’s most creative player – but the odd game in No.10 role seemed to bring even more out of him.

City’s 3-2 win away at Bayern Munich was his first outing in that position this season and he was superb, having dictated the tempo of the game at the hub during all City’s best moments. As was the case in games against Barcelona in the Champions League, and suddenly Pellegrini had a decision to make: stick with two upfront or alter his system to get Silva in the hole.

It’s in a central role his passing ability is best utilised, with more freedom to float around and cause the opposition problems when not restricted to a wide position. Logic dictates you build your side around your best player.

It seemed, though, that Pellegrini’s insistence on fielding two strikers was central to his philosophy and would restrict Silva’s opportunities to play centrally but injuries to Sergio Aguero and Stevan Jovetic, and a drastic dip in form from Alvaro Negredo, prompted a slight formation change.

In recent weeks, City have employed just one loan striker, usually Dzeko, with Silva having been asked to play just behind him in the hole. He has free reign to wander, able to collect the ball in a variety of positions and near-impossible to mark or keep quiet for 90 minutes.

He’s been a revelation. His recent performances against Hull, Fulham, Manchester United and Arsenal have been some of the best he’s produced in a Blue shirt.

A player already hailed as City’s greatest in recent years is now widely considered the best they’ve ever had. The away end after the recent Manchester derby was awash with City fans – young and old – struggling to put into words just how lucky they feel to have a player capable of such beauty in brilliance in possession of a football.

He looks nailed on for the club’s Player of the Year award and will be key to any further success City have this season.