Tag Futebol

Excitement; the key ingredient to anything deemed successful or watchable, don’t you agree? Still beheld by many as the best and most exciting on the planet, the Barclays Premier League captivates viewers the world over. Whether it is the fact there is no winter break like other top European leagues, whether managers play more attacking football these days or simply because Mario Balotelli plays on these shores, the 20th instalment of England’s top competition has truly captured the imagination once more. With some standout results and continued uncertainty in both the race for the title, fourth spot and the scrap for survival, there is plenty more to play for this term.

But three quarters of the way through the campaign, just who is the Premier League’s most exciting team to watch? Let us analyse the 20 clubs’ merits in getting us out of our seat. Let us start with one of the league’s most exciting outfits in Arsenal.

ARSENAL

Inconsistency is the word at the Emirates, making for a great watch for neutrals. Arsenal fans have endured a painstaking season of uncertainty surrounding the chase for fourth spot. Whilst still great on the eye when it works, and just awful defensively when it goes wrong, viewers are treated to the sublime goal scoring of Van Persie and the countless errors of Johan Djourou all in one place. All under the ever-present stewardship of the growingly criticised Arsene Wenger.

Excitement rating: 5/5

ASTON VILLA

It has been a season of miserable transition at Villa Park under ex-Birmingham boss Alex McLeish. With the flair of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing long gone, the Villains have struggled to replace the rapid counter attacking style they were famed for under O’Neill. The only excitement here may come through a fans revolt against the ‘Blue Nose’ McLeish.

Excitement rating: 2/5

BLACKBURN ROVERS

Kean out! The words of the Blackburn faithful as long as can be remembered. But with Rovers at last with a chance of redemption this term, fans are starting to get behind their manager. With scenes never before witnessed surrounding fan disgruntlement, Ewood Park has been a cauldron of hate this season, making for an intrigued watch for a neutral but not for an avid Rover.

Excitement rating: 4/5

BOLTON WANDERERS

A season of struggle at the Reebok for a side more accustomed to top half finishes. Whilst Owen Coyle’s tactics may be more technical than his predecessors, Bolton have forgotten what made them a Premier League hit. With Kevin Davies now warming the bench it is all style with no substance for the Trotters.

Excitement rating: 2/5

[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’right’]

CHELSEA

Living in Mourinho’s shadow. The resigned fate of Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas. Heavily under fire for benching fan favourite Frank Lampard and in general for being long gone in the title race, it has been the worst season in some time for the hugely expectant Stamford Bridge faithful. Whilst patience is running out, Fernando Torres still baffles everyone with his ability to miss open goals, Drogba supposedly takes half-time team talks and Ashley Cole has publically fallen out with the gaffer.

Excitement rating: 4/5

EVERTON

David Moyes continues his impressive leadership of a Toffees side again restricted financially. It’s a case of same old, same old at Goodison Park, but recent signings Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar should set the pulse racing a little more for the remainder of the campaign.

Excitement rating: 2/5

FULHAM

The Premier League’s nicest club continues to languish in mid-table; neither threatening at a European push nor close enough to the relegation trap door. It has been this way for some time at the Cottage and in terms of excitement; Martin Jol has simply continued the mediocrity as passed over by Mark Hughes.

Excitement rating: 1/5

LIVERPOOL

King Kenny has instilled some stability in the club’s results as they continue to battle for a Champions League spot, but it has been anything but stable for the club in ‘Luis Suarez gate’. The hugely controversial Uruguayan is always watchable not only for his on-field theatrics and wonderful tricky play, but his role in the Patrice Evra handshake affair. Some ugly scenes transpired earlier this month, but in terms of excitement, it made the matches against Manchester United a hostile occasion.

Excitement rating: 4/5

MANCHESTER CITY

Their fans sing ‘we’re not really here’ and who can blame them. Treated to mediocrity over the years, City is now a great outfit intertwining solid defensive play with artistic forward bursts. Aguero and Silva have scared many a defence and Mario Balotelli has been up to his old tricks letting off fireworks at home, appearing in schools and scoring the odd stunner as well. They might just win the big prize as well.

Excitement rating: 5/5

MANCHESTER UNITED

Dubbed one of Sir Alex’ poorest teams during his tenure, United continue to battle on for Premier League supremacy. Gritty, determined and focused all describe the Red Devils, and whilst not being as entertaining as they used to be with the likes of Cantona and Ronaldo, Rooney pops up with some magic and being in contention for the title warrants high levels of excitement by default.

Excitement rating 4/5

Continue to the NEXT PAGE for the second half of the Premier League and the all-important poll…

NEWCASTLE UNITED

What a season on Tyneside. Pardew’s men have been the surprise package in their European push. Usually exciting for their boardroom misdemeanours, the Magpies’ on-field play has this time stolen the show and in Demba Ba, they have one of the league’s leading marksmen. After a stadium name change and the winter addition of another Demba in Cisse, these are exciting times for the Toon Army.

Excitement rating: 4/5

NORWICH CITY

The great overachievers thus far. Norwich City have surprised everyone with their efficiency in a squad of players more unfashionable than most. In Grant Holt and Steve Morison they have hardworking forwards and Paul Lambert’s men look safe in their first campaign back in the top flight.

Excitement rating: 3/5

QPR

Backed by the millions of Tony Fernandes and employing both Adel Taarabt and Joey Barton in the same team, QPR make for an exciting watch. Whilst results haven’t been flowing, QPR catch the eye with their mix of flair players and off-field antics. Apparently Warnock was sacked by text. How humane.

Excitement rating: 3/5

STOKE CITY

Involved in the Europa League this term, Stoke City continue to improve under the guidance of Pulis. Possessing more than simply Rory Delap’s long throw, the Potters now have another long thrower in Ryan Shotton. But seriously, Stoke are always an exciting watch when their gritty players always seem to give the top sides a run for their money at the vociferous Britannia Stadium.

Excitement rating: 3/5

SUNDERLAND

A terrible first half of the campaign followed by an impressive second half. Martin O’Neill has reinvigorated the Black Cats and in Sessegnon and McClean, Sunderland possess players who can truly get at any Premier League defence. Excitement following O’Neill’s appointment has been unprecedented and Sunderland now represent an established top flight outfit.

Excitement rating: 4/5

[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’right’]

SWANSEA CITY

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The great showmen. Swansea City have continued their ethos to play an attacking, pass and move brand of football and it is paying off for the first Welsh side to grace the big league. In Leon Britton, they have a passer to rival Xavi and in Scott Sinclair they have one of the most exciting wingers, flourishing with first-team involvement every week. A great debut campaign for Rodgers’ men.

Excitement rating: 5/5

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Redknapp has really forged Spurs into a top outfit this term. With the solidity of Parker, King and Friedel and the flair of Bale, Modric and Adebayor, Tottenham truly balance the squad dynamic perfectly. Assured of a place in the top four this season, Tottenham have captured the imagination with their lightning quick crusades up the pitch. A great watch for Lilywhite and football fans alike.

Excitement rating: 5/5

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Roy Hodgson has again targeted Premier League survival as the club’s aim this term. In Odemwingie and Long, the Baggies possess a potent goal threat but a lack of flair players and inconsistency in results means West Brom aren’t the most exciting.

Excitement rating: 2/5

WIGAN ATHLETIC

The great survivors. Wigan Athletic continue to topple the odds by remaining in the top flight under Roberto Martinez. The least supported club in the league by a mile fail to capture the imagination due to their relegation scrap and Victor Moses is the only real player who can commit a full back.

Excitement rating: 1/5

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Last but not least, Wolves have struggled once more this term, so much so to part with their manager Mick McCarthy recently. Much like Wigan, the pulse is hardly set racing throughout the campaign, but Steven Fletcher has tried his best with a series of impressive strikes.

Excitement rating: 2/5

So there you have it, an assessment of excitability amongst the Premier League’s elite. Let us know your thoughts. Just who is the Premier League’s most exciting team? Vote in our poll.

However, if you do agree with my judgements you may be carefully nudged to follow me @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989

[poll ]

Wales manager Gary Speed has made the unusual move of telling Gareth Bale to leave Tottenham in search of Champions League football. Speed said “I reckon it’s important for all the players to play as high as possible and Champions League football is the place where Gareth shone this year.”

It is true that Bale showcased his skills on the European stage this season, but is the fact that Tottenham failed to qualify for the Champions League this season really enough reason to demand a transfer? At 21 Bale is still growing and developing as a player and Tottenham is the ideal stage for him at the moment. Bale will be disappointed not to play in the Champions League next season but will be able to perform at the highest level in the Premier League and the Europa League (should Spurs qualify).

Moving to a club involved in the Champions League next season would be a big risk for Bale. It would be a case of either moving to one of the Premier League big four or moving abroad to somewhere like Italy or Spain. By moving abroad Bale would risk cultural shock or not be suited to the style of play in the league. A move to one of the Premier League big four may help his career but only if he can be sure of playing on a regular basis.

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’right’]

We know from previous interviews that Bale has done with the press that he can sometimes suffer from a lack of confidence in his own ability. At Tottenham he is given the opportunity to go and express himself and use his greatest attacking strengths. Given that role on the left side of the midfield that suits him perfectly. Bale may have started out as a left back, but going forward is a far greater strength than defending. I fear that if Bale moved on he may not get the same respect at a different club by asking him to play roles he isn’t so comfortable with or being in and out of the side too much. So thank you for the advice Mr Speed but I think Bale is best off staying at Spurs at least for now. Besides in 12 months time Spurs may have qualified for the Champions League again and Bale can excel.

Join the conversation on Twitter and tell me if you think Bale should leave Spurs

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

FootballFanCast.com WORLD Exclusive, Robbie Savage’s Face in a Baby Scan

[ffcvideo file=’robbie_savage’]

Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle remained calm after getting a heated reception at Burnley for his side's Carling Cup third round trip to Turf Moor.

The Clarets edged the tie 1-0 thanks to a Wade Elliott goal and Coyle was not too concerned by the stick being dished out by some of the home fans.

He commented:"My focus was on the game. I was aware of the noise but that was all it was.

"I had to fight tooth and nail for everything I have earned in football. Burnley benefited from that. I took over a team that was in the bottom half of the Championship and got them into the Premier League.

"It is such a unique club. It would take something special to rival the passion these supporters have for their club. I tapped into that, so when it comes back to bite you on the bottom you just have to get on with it.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"It won't take away the special times I had with the club. I will never have a negative word to say about this football club. For two years I was a hero, now I am a villain."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Manchester United will be hoping to get their title challenge back on track with victory over Bolton who will be looking to emulate fellow strugglers Blackburn by winning at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have lost major ground in their fight to dispossess rivals City at the Premier League summit after losing to Blackburn and Newcastle in consecutive games. Defeat against bottom side Rovers was a real shock to the system for United as it was a game they expected to win with ease. The same could be said for their loss in the North East with their defensive frailties being exposed for all to see against the Magpies. Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones left Tyneside battered and bruised after being roughed up by Demba Ba and Shola Ameobi. The loss of Nemanja Vidic for the rest of the season has been a major blow with his physical presence proving the perfect foil to the technical abilities of Jones and Ferdinand. Midfield has also been a burning issue for the Red Devils although that has been remedied to a degree with Ferguson convincing Paul Scholes to come out of retirement until the end of the season. The Scot will demanding his players rediscover the form that saw them win five consecutive games during December and put themselves back in the title hunt.

Bolton are also desperate for a win and head to Old Trafford seeking back-to-back victories for the first time this season. Owen Coyle’s men were successful in their last outing picking up a priceless three points away at Everton coming from behind to kick start their survival bid. Not even a bizarre goal from former United Tim Howard could derail the Trotters in their mission with goals from summer signing David N’Gog and Gary Cahill putting them just a point shy of safety. However the protracted departure of Cahill to Chelsea will be another blow to Coyle who has seen his side struggle to match the performances that took them to an FA Cup semi final last season. Stopping teams from scoring has been their main problem during the campaign conceding 43 goals in 20 games and come up against a United side spoiling after two defeats on the trot.

Manchester United 2nd : 45 points

Last six:  L L W W W W

Team news: The champions have been decimated by injuries in recent weeks and will host their North West rivals without eight first team players.

Key Player: Patrice Evra

With Sir Alex Ferguson constantly having to chop and change his back four Evra has been a pillar of consistency during the Old Trafford injury crisis. Despite holding the United defence together at times the Frenchman’s performances have remained consistently high. 

Bolton Wanderers 18th: 16 points

Last six: W D L W L L

Team news: Bolton are still without Jussi Jaaskelainen along with six other first team players.

Key Player: Ivan Klasnic 

In a season of struggle the goal scoring form of Klasnic has been one of the few bright spots for Bolton in the first half of the season. The Croatian has found the net eight times already and will be hoping he can add to that at Old Trafford.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

PREDICTION

Despite Bolton’s win away at Everton last week there is no way they’ll be able to repeat what Blackburn did at Old Trafford. United are itching to set the record straight after two defeats on the spin and know they need three points to stay in the title race.

Score: 3-0

[ad_pod id=’writer-2′ align=’right’]

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is wary of opponents Palermo ahead of their Coppa Italia semi-final first leg at the San Siro on Wednesday.Palermo are in eighth place in Serie A, and enjoyed a 3-2 win over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

And Allegri is convinced his side – who top the Serie A standings by six points from second-placed Napoli – will not have an easy time against Delio Rossi’s side.

“I think that Palermo is a team made up of great players,” Allegri said.

“They are young guys, who will be doing their best since their main aim is to qualify for the final because it would automatically qualify them for the Europa League.”

“Their team have great individual quality and is one of the best teams of the Italian championship.”

“They were ranked fourth until a month and a half ago and it seemed that Palermo would have been able to battle for the league.”

“I believe that a team can’t change and become weaker when they have a lot of talent. I believe that Palermo is made of very skilful players, they have proved it in the last few matches and confirmed it in Saturday’s match when they beat Roma.”

Palermo coach Rossi said he did not think Milan would miss their injured Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato, who has been ruled out for three weeks with a hamstring strain.

With Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic available for the Cup clash despite being suspended for two more league games, Rossi said there was not much to choose between the two front men and insisted Milan had plenty of depth to cover the loss.

“I’d like for us to put in a great performance irrelevant of how they play,” Rossi said. “They are both outstanding players.”

“Of course it would be better if neither of them were playing, but in any case I hope we’ll put in a good performance.”

“If the two of them don’t play, then Robinho will be playing; if Robinho won’t be playing, then Boateng will be playing; if Boateng isn’t playing, then Pirlo will be there – it makes no difference.”

“I think they’ll be playing with their best formation and we hope we’ll be up to the situation.”

The winner of the tie will take on either Inter Milan or Roma in the final.

3 May 2010, Blackburn Rovers versus Arsenal at Ewood Park. Robin van Persie gives Arsenal an early lead, only for Blackburn to score from two set pieces to win the game 2-1, with some very suspect keeping from Lukasz Fabianski gifting David Dunn and Chris Samba two easy goals. Fastforward to 28 August 2010, and the scoreline is reversed, with Arsenal winning a tough game 2-1 with goals from Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin. If Arsenal want to seriously challenge for the title, these are the games that they need to be winning. In previous seasons, the Gunners have often struggled at places like Blackburn, where a physical approach and a bombardment of long balls and crosses have resulted negative outcomes. But with the win against Blackburn, have Arsenal finally turned a corner in these kind of games that will allow them to mount a title challenge?

Similarly to last seasons corresponding fixture, Arsenal got an early lead on the weekend when Van Persie set up the in-form Walcott who finished with great aplomb. Sighs of ‘here we go again’ would have been made by thousands of Arsenal fans seven minutes later however, when El-Hadji Diouf outmuscled Laurent Koscielny and set up Mame Biram Diouf for a tap in. Arsenal fans are all too used to seeing this kind of game slip away from their team, and for a while it looked like it might happen again before Andrey Arshavin scored the winner in the 51st minute. Arsenal closed out the game and Gunners fans were delighted with what was a good victory in which their team showed a great deal more steel than they have done in previous encounters with Blackburn. In an interview with the BBC, Arsene Wenger stated,

“If you have ambition in this league you have got to win at Blackburn. If you fail to win at Blackburn – if you go to clubs like that and don’t win – your ambition will not be respected by the other teams. In that regard, it was an important test for us.”

After the win, not only the supporters but the players will be far more confident about going to places like Ewood Park and getting a positive result. In the past, the players seem to have been phased by a physical approach which often led to draws or defeats. Promisingly for Arsenal, the team appeared to have that little bit more experience that enabled them to win the game.

The formation Arsenal have used this season has shown potential, they have lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and so far it has yielded good results. It is a formation that is growing in popularity as it provides defensive strength but also gives attacking players free license in the opponents half. Holland used it to great success in the World Cup, and Arsenal will hope to mirror that this season, albeit without the final heartache.

Wenger, the players and the fans will be very satisfied with the win over Blackburn on the weekend. The team showed resilience, commitment and an ability to deal with a physical game which has been lacking in past seasons. Arsenal will have to maintain this resilience throughout the season though, and they will have to show this in the next Premier League game when they welcome Bolton to the Emirates. If Arsenal can replicate the quality and character that was required to beat Blackburn, the Gunners could end up having a very good season.

If you liked this article please follow me on Twitter. Subscribe to my RSS feed.

*

A welcome addition the Premier League’s Wag arena – Click on image below to view gallery

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

This summer could be a crucial one for Nottingham Forest boss Aitor Karanka as he attempts to shape a promotion-winning side.The former Middlesbrough boss took charge at the City Ground in January, and even though he had a transfer window to work with, this will be the first time that he can hunt make big changes to his team.[brid autoplay=”true” video=”252976″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch 21 things that will definitely happen at the World Cup”]Forest fell short last season as they ended up finishing 22 points adrift of the top six and 12 above the relegated trio of Barnsley, Burton Albion and Sunderland.Karanka will have plenty of work to do in order to take Forest to the next level, and it seems that they may have to find a replacement for Ben Osborn.According toÂThe Chronicle,ÂNewcastle manager Rafael Benitez is keen on the 23-year-old midfielder, who is incredibly versatile on the pitch.Osborn can play anywhere across the middle of the park, and can also feature as a left-back when required.The Derby-born player has not always had the best relationship with Forest fans, and some have posted criticism of him on social media following reports that he could be heading towards the exit door.Others, though, have shown Osborn support.

West Bromwich Albion boss Alan Pardew has revealed that Arsenal are yet to put an acceptable offer on the table for Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans.

Evans was strongly linked with a move away from West Brom during the summer, with Manchester City said to be interested in the former Manchester United defender.

Arsenal are now believed to lead the race as the Gunners attempt to boost their squad before the January transfer window closes next week.

Pardew has claimed that West Brom would be prepared to sell Evans ‘if the price is right’.

However, the Baggies boss has insisted that Arsenal – nor any other club – have submitted an offer which meets the club’s value of the centre-back.

Pardew told reporters:

“The Arsenal deal is paper talk, someone has released that and it’s not true. Jonny is still at the football club and we’ve not had a bid put to us which is anywhere near acceptable.

“We might sell if the price is right. We’ve had a couple of enquiries of what we would be looking for, and the answer has been ‘we’re not gonna tell you’.

“You make a bid and you’ll get some gauge. We don’t really want to sell Jonny but we’ll see.”

Evans, who is valued at £13.5m by transfermarkt.co.uk, is fast closing on 100 appearances for West Brom following a move from Man United in the summer of 2015.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The 30-year-old is contracted to the Baggies until the end of the 2018-19 campaign.

It’s hard to believe that a little under ten years ago Manchester City were somewhat a yo-yo side, with the Citizens dipping in and out of the Premier League and truly existing in the shadow of their great rivals, United.

But as the 2014 Capital One Cup Final approaches, they have the chance to win their third piece of major silverware in just four years, a record that would’ve seemed a little far-fetched at the turn of the Millennium.

What a journey it has been. There have been highs and lows throughout City’s rise to become a genuine European force, with botched takeovers, failed signings and last minute league-winning goals making every day at the Etihad Stadium noteworthy.

To an extent the birth of the City we now have occurred in 2007, as former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra took over the club in a big money deal. The Asian billionaire had grand plans, and after installing Sven-Goran Eriksson as manager and ploughing £45m into the first-team squad, all looked rosy. However the financial power could not address the issues the team had, and midtable finish was all their Swedish boss could muster.

This was greeted with yet more spending and another new manager in the shape of Mark Hughes, who had been impressing with Blackburn. ‘Sparky’ was give free rein of the club’s chequebook, and although he snapped up Vincent Kompany for £5m – which has proven to be one of the very best bits of transfer business in recent English football history – the majority of the arrivals at the club were slightly underwhelming in the summer of 2008. Shaun Wright-Phillips – a former club idol – and Tal Ben Haim were other notable signings, but neither truly set the world alight.

Despite this, there was a real sense of optimism as the season got underway, with Hughes having the experience and the know-how to make City genuine contenders for European qualification. But then came turmoil. Shinawatra’s fortune had been seized and all was not well with the owner. Failed attempts to secure added funding and the fact that his own bankrolling of City had become impossible led to calls for his head, and frustration from the fans.

The Citizens’ supporters had seen many false dawns through the years, and were forgiven for fearing for the worse when Shinawatra’s woes were revealed. So it was almost met with joy from supporters of other clubs when they were saved from the brink by the Abu Dhabi United Group.

At the time the extent of their wealth was unclear, with some predicting that they were merely another set of flash in the pan owners. But their intentions were made clear with attempted deals for the likes of Dimitar Berbatov, David Villa and Mario Gomez. Although this trio escaped the club’s grasp, they did break the then British transfer fee record to sign Robinho from Real Madrid for £32.5m – even though he was on the verge of joining Chelsea.

This was followed by news that the principal owner of Sheikh Mansour’s personal fortune was estimated to be around £17billion, and that his family’s true wealth went north of $1trillion. It was now clear that City meant business.

There was no dirge of silverware however, but as the club dismissed Hughes and brought in Roberto Mancini, while paying big money for top players, the wheels were in motion for, arguably, the most exciting moment in Premier League history during 2012.

After winning the FA Cup the previous year, the focus switched to Premier League dominance, and after leading for much of the season a late wobble had handed local rivals United the advantage. If you missed what happened against QPR on the final day of the campaign you must have been living under a rock for the past few years, but we’ll just refresh your memory. Sergio Aguero. The Argentine netted deep into injury time to make it 3-2 and steal the title on goal difference, from an already celebrating United side.

The bubble burst to an extent as Mancini was given his marching orders at the end of last season after they surrendered their league crown to Fergie’s side and slipped out of Europe, but now under Manuel Pellegrini they have the chance to complete the domestic hat-trick by securing the Capital One Cup.

Undoubtedly City are favourites for the Wembley clash against Sunderland, and could well be ascending the iconic steps to lift the trophy after those all-important 90 minutes. It’s been some journey, but there is the underlying sense that this chapter in City’s history is just beginning.

Sponsored by Capital One. The Credit Card that Supports the Supporters.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

For exclusive content, competitions and more visit: Facebook.com/CapitalOneUK

For Capital One Credit Cards visit: www.capitalone.co.uk

Click below to watch the Capital One Cup final for FREE

Edin Dzeko came off the bench to score two late goals to earn and rescue 10-man Manchester City against West Brom at the Hawthorns.

Roberto Mancini’s men were heading to an unlikely defeat as they struggled to cope with the loss of James Milner in the first half after he received the first red card of his career.

Defeat was harsh on the Baggies who made their numerical advantage count but any fears over City’s title credentials were quashed to leave them third level on points with rivals United and four behind leaders Chelsea.

Milner’s dismissal in the 22nd minute for hauling down Shane Long following a mistake from captain Vincent Kompany was unquestionable and set the tone for a frustrating afternoon.

Mario Balotelli was also pushing his luck with referee Mark Clattenburg with a series of petulant fouls that saw him cautioned. That appeared to calm the Italian striker down and he almost produced a moment of divine brilliance to break the deadlock, taking on two defenders down the left before firing straight at Ben Forster.

The visitors continued to fashion out chances  Yaya Toure heading over from close range when well placed. And against the run of play West Brom snatched the lead in the 65th minute. Peter Odemwingie produced a precise through ball for Long to turn Joleon Lescott and finish cooly past Joe Hart.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Dzeko was thrown on in the 79th minute and barely 60 seconds later he had brought City level, climbing highest to head past Foster from a corner. Hart then made two crucial saves to keep his side level tipping Romelu Lukaku’s acrobatic strike over the bar just moments after beating away the Belgian strikers close range header.

And with time running out Dzeko popped up again to steer the ball home from he edge of the area to cap a memorable comebacl.