Emmanuel Adebayor believes the wheels could come off Manchester City's title challenge when they lose Yaya Toure for the African Nations Cup next year. GettyImagesEmmanuel Adebayor is on loan from City City have enjoyed a near-faultless start to their Premier League campaign, losing just once in their opening 17 matches to open up a two-point gap on Manchester United at the top of the table. Roberto Mancini has rotated his squad on a regular basis, but Yaya Toure has been one of the few to maintain a regular place in the starting XI thanks to his tireless displays in midfield. However, Mancini will have to do without the former Barcelona man for up to a month next year as he heads to Gabon and
Tag: city
Prem: City win again, Chelsea see off Toon
Manchester City offered further evidence of their title credentials as they demolished Norwich 5-1 at Eastlands. GettyImagesSamir Nasri celebrates after making it 2-0 to Manchester City City had to withstand a confident start from Norwich, but as soon as Sergio Aguero broke the deadlock with a piece of magic, the points were always safe. Further goals from Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure, Mario Balotelli and Adam Johnson ensured a 12th win in 14 league matches. It took half an hour for Mancini's men to strike, but when they did it was memorable from Aguero. He seemingly had nowhere to go with his back to goal inside the area, surrounded by defenders, but after jinking right and then left he finally settled for a cheeky
Carling Cup: Arsenal to host Manchester City
Arsenal will host Manchester City in the quarter final of the Carling Cup, while Liverpool have been drawn away at Chelsea.Crystal Palace have been drawn to face Manchester United at Old Trafford and the other Championship club left in the draw - Cardiff - are at home to Blackburn.Arsenal at least have the comfort of a home draw, but will face a stiff test in the form of Premier League leaders City, who beat Wolves 5-2 in the fourth round.Liverpool's reward for their win at Stoke is a trip to Stamford Bridge, as Kenny Dalglish goes in search of his first trophy since returning to the Anfield hotseat.Manchester United will be content with a home draw to Palace, who are
Mancini wary of Man City starting slowly
Roberto Mancini is wary of Manchester City making another slow start in the Premier League as they prepare to kick-off their campaign against newly promoted Swansea.GettyImagesIt stinks: Roberto Mancini has been frustrated by the failure to complete his squad by the start of the season• Mancini frustrated by Nasri delay• Mancini expects Tevez to stay• Manchester City season previewMancini complained last week that his squad was not yet complete just days out from the start of the season as City continue their pursuit of Arsenal star Samir Nasri. The Italian followed this rant by suggesting the unfinished squad could get out of the blocks in shaky fashion, as they did last campaign, making their dream of a Premier League title that much more
Tevez unlikely to start City opener
Manchester City coach David Platt admits Carlos Tevez is unlikely to play in City's opening Premier League game at home to Swansea City.GettyImagesCarlos Tevez will need more time to get fit• Mancini rules out Tevez swap• City extend Tevez break• PLAY Premier League fantasyTevez has returned to City on Monday following a summer in which he has made clear his desire to leave the club in order to be closer to his family in Argentina. The Argentina striker arrived at the Carrington training ground as a passenger in a black Hummer, and exchanged an embrace with a security guard before going into the complex.At one point last month appeared on the verge of a £40 million move to Corinthians, but negotiations collapsed
Mancini denies Man City interest in Sneijder
Roberto Mancini has dismissed suggestions Manchester City are interested in signing Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder.GettyImagesManchester City have dismissed any suggestion they are looking to sign Wesley Sneijder• Gasperini coy over Sneijder• Gazzetta: Sneijder set for CityItalian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claimed on Saturday that Sneijder had agreed to join City in a €36 million deal with wages of €6 million. However, City sources subsequently rejected the report and Mancini has now officially denied holding any interest in the player."No," he said. "It is not true. He is an Inter Milan player. We never spoke about him."With Manchester United still persistently linked with a move for Sneijder, Inter appear to be making little attempt to reject speculation of a rival
Vieira retires and joins Manchester City staff
Patrick Vieira has retired from football and taken on a role as football development executive at Manchester City. GettyImagesPatrick Vieira was a World Cup winner with France in 1998 • Dall: Patrick Vieira's winning habit• Boateng on verge of Bayern switch• Adebayor talks up Madrid return Vieira, 35, joined City from Inter Milan in January 2010 to help provide leadership and experience, but his contract expired this summer. He told the club's official website: "This role is a fantastic new challenge for me and I am very grateful to Manchester City for offering me this opportunity. "I have a lot to learn about the non-playing areas of the business but there are many very experienced people here for me to learn from and I am