Man City

[lonesome1]

MANCHESTER CITY 3 - 1 MANCHESTER UTD
My humble prediction!

[joew2005]

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Title will make City unstoppable - Evra
April 30, 2012

Patrice Evra has warned his ManU team-mates 2 expect a period of ManC dominance shld they win the Premier League, with the defender claiming the title will lead 2 a "revolution" @ Eastlands.

City entertain neighbours United in a crunch Manchester derby on Monday knowing tat 3 points @ home will see them move top of the table. If SAF's side win then they will go 6 points clear with 2 games remaining.

With the title race reaching fever pitch, Evra is fully aware of wat is @ stake & he acknowledges wat lifting the trophy will mean 4 City shld they manage 2 deny United a 20th league title.

"Beware. If City start winning it will be hard 2 stop them," he told the Sun. "We hv 2 stop them b4 they start, becos they can go far. That's how a big team starts, the 1st trophy they win.

"They won the FA Cup last year & if they win the league they'll get 2 much confidence. If they win the Premier League, a page is turned & it's a revolution, & revolutions hv always been abt ManU.

"If u play 4 ManU, if you're a leader or a captain, it's 2 play in a match like tis. You hv 2 accept your responsibility. Whether it's me, or some1 like Ryan Giggs, if u ask them which title they will appreciate the most, it will be tis 1."

[CrisRonaldo7]

they r two games away frm the title. after beating man utd, i cant see them losing to newcastle n qpr.

[joew2005]

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City take control of title race

The Premier League crown may well be heading 2 the blue half of Manchester aft City claimed a title-tilting 1-0 victory over United @ the Etihad Stadium on Monday.

The result means tat if City win their final 2 games - away at Newcastle(6/5) on Sunday & @ home 2 QPR(13/5) on the last day - they will be crowned champions 4 the 1st time since 1968.
manu's last 2 games r @ home against Swansea(6/5) & away against Sunderland(13/5).

With such high stakes it was no surprise they started extremely nervously, but Vincent Kompany's header on the stroke of half-time loosened United's stranglehold in a game City richly deserved 2 win.

The pressure looked 2 tell on SAF, who approached Roberto Mancini in a finger-jabbing fury aft Nigel de Jong had brought down Danny Welbeck in the 2nd half.

The Italian responded in kind & @ 1 point only 4th official Mike Jones stood betw the pair, who aft repeated clashes, were eventually pulled apart by their backroom staff.

Tempers had cooled @ the final whistle enough 4 the customary handshake 2 take place, although the fire mattered little 2 City.

Just 4 games aft tat Arsenal debacle, aft which their hopes appeared dead, City r back on top & agonisingly close 2 their holy grail aft completing a league double over their great rivals 4 only the 2nd time in 42 years.

Although the team sheets indicated Ferguson had adopted a cautious approach & Mancini a more attack-minded 1, in fact the opening exchanges provided an alternate view.

With his midfield reinforced by the introduction of Park Ji-sung 2 a Premier League starting line-up 4 the 1st-time since January, Ferguson's side quickly got into their stride & looked capable of carving out a decent opportunity or 2.

However, Nani wasted their clearest opportunity when he ignored Phil Jones' overlapping burst & let fly fr 35 yards with a shot tat was hopelessly off-target.

City meanwhile began sluggishly, their midfield seemingly incapable of stringing a succession of passes 2gether with any regularity.

Samir Nasri was the man who sparked them into life with a couple of mazy dribbles as the hosts started 2 get near the byline, which always gives defences cause 4 concern.

Sergio Aguero screwed a volley wide, then Pablo Zabaleta seized on an opportunity he would hv been better leaving 4 Nasri & his shot rolled thru 2 David de Gea.

Aft all the hype, it was hardly a classic, although as the clock ticked down 2wards half-time, the United camp presumably reflected they were quite happy @ tat.

So, 2 go behind in stoppage time in such orthodox fashion would hv been particularly galling 4 the visitors.

De Gea's frailties under the high ball r well known by now. When David Silva curled over the 2nd of successive corners, a stronger, more confident goalkeeper might hv come 2 punch.

Instead, he left it 2 his defenders.

Chris Smalling, like Park, making his 1st start since January aft Jonny Evans was ruled out thru injury, momentarily lost Kompany on their run fr the edge of the box & was still marginally out of position when the Belgian rose 2 power home fr 6 yards.

It was a devastating goal 4 United 2 lose as there had been no obvious indication they were likely 2 score.

Wayne Rooney looked particularly out of sorts, isolated up front & generally unhappy with the buffeting he was receiving, which had only drawn 1 yellow card 4 Kompany.

The 2nd half was only 12 mins old when Ferguson offered his star man some badly-needed support, replacing Park with Welbeck.

Immediately b4 the change though United might hv found themselves 2 down when De Gea came 4 a corner without getting near it & Nasri ended up curling wide of the far post.

Even when the Red Devils did build some attacking momentum, their final pass was either off-target or overhit, ensuring Hart was not tested.

However, with his side well capable of grabbing a 2nd, Mancini's decision 2 replace Carlos Tevez with De Jong hinted @ containment, a very dangerous ploy against this particular set of opponents.

Yaya Toure did thrash a long-range effort wide, his shot close enough 2 hv De Gea scrambling across his goal.

And, in truth, United seemed 2 hv precious few ideas abt prising their opponents open.

De Jong's foul on Welbeck brought a yellow card 4 the Dutchman & sparked the furious touchline row betw Ferguson & Mancini. Peace was eventually restored but the visitors failed 2 feed off their manager's fire.

Toure came agonisingly close 2 grabbing a 2nd 4 the Blues & De Gea made an excellent save 2 deny Gael Clichy.

And despite 5 minutes' stoppage time, the Blues cruised home, & the songs of celebration began with City 2 games fr glory.

[joew2005]

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Fergie explains Mancini spat
April 30, 2012

SAF accused Roberto Mancini of "badgering" the officials throughout ManU's 1-0 derby defeat 2 ManC on Monday.

Ferguson & Mancini clashed in the 2nd half aft a tackle by Nigel De Jong on Danny Welbeck, 4 which the Dutchman was booked.

"He was badgering the official the whole game - the 4th official & the linesman. As soon as I go out there, he's up again," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "He was complaining abt referees the other week... he can't be complaining 2night, that's 4 sure."

Mancini preferred not 2 get into a war of words with his United counterpart, merely explaining: "I don't remember. I told the fourth official it was a foul 4 us, not 4 them."

City won 1-0 thanks 2 Vincent Kompany's winner, which came aft he lost marker Chris Smalling. The result means City r top of the table on goal difference, with only 2 games remaining.

"It was competitive. Not many chances in the match. We're disappointed we never tested their goalkeeper," Ferguson said. "Our crossing was poor. They were more of a threat becos they had the ball more around our box.

"If u lose a goal @ a set-piece @ tis level, you've only got yourselves 2 blame 4 tat. It was a bad time 2 concede becos there was nothing really happening in tat 1st half."

City now must beat Newcastle & QPR 2 take the title, & Ferguson said United may be left 2 rue their 4-4 draw @ home 2 Everton, when they tossed away a 2-goal lead in the last 10 mins.

"They're in the driving seat now with only 2 games of football left. It's not over, particularly as we've got the same number of points, but an 8-goal advantage is a significant advantage 4 them.

"I think we look @ last Saturday as the worst [setback], in the Everton game. We should never hv thrown tat away."



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Kompany: Title race not over
April 30, 2012

Vincent Kompany said he was "absolutely buzzing" aft his goal gave ManC victory over ManU but insists the title race is not yet over.

Kompany headed home on the stroke of half-time 2 give City a 1-0 derby victory & go top of the table on goal difference with 2 games of the season remaining.

Asked how he was feeling, Kompany told Sky Sports: "Absolutely buzzing. I don't think we've got a word 4 it.

"We've been waiting 4 it. It's far fr over & we know tat, but 2 give our fans 2 wins over United tis season... we hv 2 finish it off & we hv 2 do it over the next 2 games.

"Some1 texted me 2day & said he thought I was going 2 score the goal, & I thought he was a lunatic!

"4 us 2 get tis result, we wanted it so bad. It all comes down 2 the dream we had when we were children, & we all 1 it so much."

Roberto Mancini warned tat City cannot afford 2 drop points against Champions League hopefuls Newcastle in their next game & insists United remain the title favourites.

"We r happy but next Sunday we hv another very difficult game," Mancini said. "We deserved 2 win, we had chances, we played well, we had chances 2 score a 2nd goal. They had no chances 2 score. It was difficult, though, becos United r a top team... It stayed risky until the end.

"It's important we play a good game against Newcastle becos [United] play an easy game against Swansea. 4 now we r top of the league but United hv a light advantage."

[lacoruna69]

Congratz to City fans.....

A fabulous goal by Kompany.....great delivery by Silva (the Magician).....imposing header from Kompany.

Silva always make it look so easy....I saw him laying the goal for Dzeko in the 6-1 drubbing of Utd.....is like a nudge based on instinct....

[kiko]

What a win for City, now let's hope City can win the rest of matches, wrap up the title.

[manega]

i was hoping was a draw damnit

[kiko]

I also bet $10 draw at singapore pool, its ok lost only $10.

But champions league final Munich vs Chelsea. May bet more!

[joew2005]

it ain't over till it's over.
let's see hw things unfolds tis sunday and next sunday.

[poonani]

Originally Posted by kiko

I also bet $10 draw at singapore pool, its ok lost only $10.

You should bet at least $100. If you win - free fuck.

That is the way to live.

[joew2005]

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Given: City will not have bought the title
May 1, 2012

Former ManC goalkeeper Shay Given believes any accusations tat the club's financial clout has secured them the title will be without credit if they clinch tis year's Premier League crown.

Aft their 1-0 win over bitter rivals ManU sent City top on goal difference with just 2 games remaining, Given says it would be 4 the good of the game if City manage 2 seal the title.

"It's fantastic 4 the Premier League if, please God, ManC do win it, becos ManU hv won it enough times," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I've got lots of friends @ ManC & it would be fantastic if they could pick the trophy up, but they hv got a tough game @ my old club Newcastle @ the weekend. I think they're in the driving seat & hopefully they can get across the line."

Aston Villa keeper Given, who swapped Eastlands 4 the Midlands last summer, also refused 2 give any credence 2 suggestions tat City hv bought their way 2 the title, should they succeed over the final couple of weeks.

"I don't think [they will hv bought the title]. Years ago I was @ Blackburn & Jack Walker had alot of money & he invested in the team & Blackburn Rovers won the league, & I think if u look @ the recent success of Chelsea & ManU they hv had lots of investment in the team 2," he said.

"It's just tat ManC hv done it over a shorter period than the bigger clubs. But it's part & parcel of modern-day football."

Given added: "I'm sure Mancini is on a high tis morning. It's a great win but I'm sure he's not getting carried away, there r a few games left 2 go & he will be keeping the players really focused on the job in hand. It's in their hands now & it would be a shame if they threw it away."

The 36-year-old also reiterated tat Villa boss Alex McLeish has the full support of the Villa dressing room, as pressure mounts on the Scot with the Midlands club fighting 2 secure its Premier League status.

"Every manager in the Premier League's job is on the line but obviously we're under a bit of pressure & Alex is under a bit of pressure. But we hv got 2 take responsibility ourselves, players & staff alike.

"Does McLeish still hv dressing room support? Yes of course he does, he's a fantastic manager & we're all right behind him but we'd obviously like results 2 be better tis season."



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Mancini: United are favourites
May 1, 2012

Roberto Mancini believes ManU r still fav 4 the title despite ManC's 1-0 win over their rivals tat saw them climb back top of the Premier League table.

City edged their crunch meeting with United @ the Etihad Stadium on Monday night thanks 2 Vincent Kompany's headed goal in the final moments of the 1st half.

Tat result ensured City lead @ the summit on goal difference with 2 games of the season remaining, but, in spite of having their fate in their own hands, Mancini is wary of complacency.

"It is not finished," the Italian said. "If we think it is finished, we will be making a big mistake. United r the fav.

"They hv easy games. They play against Swansea & Sunderland. We hv 2 strong games, Newcastle & QPR. 1 plays 4 the Champions League, the other 4 relegation.

"It is important tat we r on the top now but it is more important 2 be there aft May 13."

United failed 2 muster a shot on target during the match, leading 2 suggestions SAF's side were overly negative in their tactics.

Mancini said: "It was important 4 them 2 play 4 a draw becos the championship would hv been finished. We played better. We deserved 2 win but it was difficult becos they had all the players behind the ball."

Of a topsy-turvy battle 4 the title, in which City only recently trailed the Red Devils by 8 points, Mancini added: "Football is crazy.

"It is important 2 always believe in yourself when u hv a bad moment. We were on the top for 28 games & I think we deserve another chance.

"But in 2 games, anything can happen. It is enough 4 my players tat they remember 6 weeks ago & we were 4 points ahead of United. In 2 games we lost everything. Up 2 now, we hv done nothing."

[joew2005]

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United cannot paper over the cracks
May 2, 2012

When viewed thru 20-20 hindsight, SAF's February suggestion tat "I don't feel we're tat far away fr them" in reference 2 Barcelona & Real Madrid looks ever more ill-conceived. Fresh evidence suggests tat ManU r not even close 2 ManC.

Even allowing 4 the fact tat neither Spanish giant is in tis season's Champions League final & tat Barcelona r soon 2 be without Pep Guardiola, United look as short of competing with the continent's elite as they hv been since their early forays in2 that same competition.

They cannot now even boast of civic supremacy. The blue kid is in town & here 2 stay. The humiliation of a 6-1 home defeat was compounded by a return fixture in which Ferguson's team could not land a blow, or even a shot on goal 4 tat matter. United r heading 4 their 1st trophyless season since 2004-05.

The promise of early season has been lost. Think back 2 the Community Shield & the Nani goal against City tat resulted fr a Barcelona-esque passing move, with Tom Cleverley supplying the assist. A thrilling comeback fr 2-0 down fr a team with an average age of 22 had those @ Old Trafford cherishing a bright future.

7 months on, tat flourish, let alone an 8-2 defeat of Arsenal, looks leagues away. The quick-passing movements tat Ferguson sponged fr Barca were not in evidence @ Eastlands as a midfield trio with a combined age of 105 ailed amidst City's athleticism, while Park Ji-Sung's 3 lungs wheezed on the wings. City were bigger, stronger & far more creative. Cleverley's season has been wrecked thru injury while the likes of Chris Smalling & Phil Jones hv stalled in their development. When the only replacement 4 Paul Scholes is none other than Paul Scholes, accusations of desperation can be levelled with some security.

United's approach on Monday reflected tat conservatism dawns even on a lifelong socialist. Ferguson the attack dog had become a defensive reactionary. And he was not even facing a renaissance man in Roberto Mancini, a product of the realpolitik pragmatism of Italian football.

City r not a team 2 sprinkle glitter on the Premier League. Tis is a team 2 grind thru the gears. Just as Roman Abramovich has found, the lavishing of billions does not guarantee sexy football, merely footballing success. It will do 4 now 4 City's Abu Dhabi paymasters.

Meanwhile, United will finish potless, with attacking traditions betrayed. Ferguson's ability 2 paper over the cracks amid the restrictions of a club run on a debt model looks 2 hv failed him @ last. Defeat in the Champions League final last season had Ferguson admitting tat perhaps his greatest challenge yet was 2 oust Guardiola's Barcelona. As a ManU fan said post-match on Monday, the emotions during the City game were similar 2 those he felt a year ago in being left "hoping the best team doesn't win". The same now goes 4 Ferguson.



The news tat UEFA will allow suspended John Terry 2 lift the Champions League trophy shld his Chelsea team-mates be victorious over Bayern Munich should be a non-issue. Terry himself should put the story 2 bed. His stupidity in the Camp Nou almost cost Chelsea their final place. A pathetic & soon discredited initial excuse tat his kneeing of Alexis Sanchez was not intentional would be cause 4 most 2 step back in2 the shadows in embarrassment.

Terry may be the king of compartmentalising & rationalising but he need only look 2 Roy Keane's dignity in taking a backseat during ManU's celebrations in 1999 in the Camp Nou. Keane himself has suggested tat he is glad tat the rules hv changed 2 allow Terry his moment but he did not complain @ the time, even though his plight was more Ramires than Terry - scoring & inspiring his team 2 the final despite knowing he would be unable 2 play.

And Terry has further reason 2 step back since Frank Lampard is as worthy a recipient of the trophy as he. When he retires, Lampard can perhaps consider himself the greatest of all Chelsea players, ahead of the fabled likes of Osgood & Zola, & especially if victory is secured in Munich 2 cap a decade of high-grade consistency & big-game performances. Terry should exhibit a hitherto unseen selflessness in allowing his friend 2 deservedly take the limelight.



The appt of Roy Hodgson is the conclusion of a saga tat took rather longer than it should hv done. The FA cast a restrictive veil of secrecy over its machinations when Hodgson would probably hv walked fr West Bromwich 2 Wembley 2 take up his new post. The selection of a coach who has done his best work in taking clubs 2 mid-table may serve as final acceptance tat England r a mid-ranking football nation.

The people's champion, Harry Redknapp, will remain @ Tottenham Hotspur & we can expect a clamour 4 him whenever things go wrong 4 Roy, as they undoubtedly will. The retention of Redknapp is 1 2 inspire mixed feelings among Spurs followers. His team is in danger of missing out on a stated target of Champions League qualification, 4 which much else has been abandoned, including a Europa League campaign treated with disdain.

Perhaps Daniel Levy would not hv minded collecting a release clause 4 Redknapp said 2 be as high as £15 million fr the FA & then being able 2 cash in 1 or 2 crown jewels 2 fund the tenure of a new manager - David Moyes, say. England may hv Roy, but how long will Spurs hv Harry?

[joew2005]

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Mancini expects tough Toon test
May 3, 2012

Roberto Mancini says ManC's game against Newcastle United on Sunday will be tougher than the Manchester derby.

City r in pole position 2 end the season as champions aft Monday's 1-0 victory over ManU, but they face a tough trip 2 Champions League hopefuls Newcastle tis weekend tat could yet derail their title bid.

With home game against relegation-threatened QPR on the final day, Mancini has warned his players of the size of the task ahead.

"Newcastle will be our hardest game - harder than United," he said. "It is strange but it is like tis. They hv had a fantastic season & r playing 2 get in2 the Champions League.

"Their manager is 1 of the best managers here & it will be a tough game. It is another Champions League final on Sunday. We hv 2 - Newcastle & QPR. We hv 2 keep a big concentration until May 13."

City midfielder James Milner, a former Newcastle player, echoed the sentiments of his manager.

"The game against United was massive & a big result 4 us, but we can't get carried away," Milner said in the Sun newspaper. "We've got 2 games left & it will be just as difficult, maybe even harder, going away 2 St James' @ the weekend.

"That's obviously the next thing on our minds. If we can get a good result there then it's in our hands."

Meanwhile, Mancini said Carlos Tevez could well remain @ the club beyond the end of the season.

Asked if Tevez could stay, Mancini said: "Why not? He has a contract, he is a good player, but now our concentration shld be on Newcastle."

[joew2005]

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The best signings of the season
May 3, 2012

It is a safe assumption tat, somewhere in the Premier League tis weekend, a chant of "wat a waste of money" will go up. Yet assess the dealings of the last 12 months & it is notable hw well much of it has been spent. Swansea, Newcastle & Norwich hv been particularly successful in the transfer market, & Anthony Pilkington, scorer of 8 goals fr the wings 4 the Canaries, is esp unfortunate not 2 earn a place on tis list. But there r other fine buys, like Scott Parker, a nominee 4 the PFA Player of the Year award, & Jean Beausejour, a cause of Wigan's unexpected revival, who still do not figure in ESPN's top 10 buys.

10. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City, £38 million)
There r fewer excuses 4 failure when paying out huge fees, but ManC certainly chose wisely when signing Aguero. The Argentine has allied speed, skill & deadly finishing in a year where his class has been a constant. He is closing in on 30 goals & while all of City's other strikers can be faulted - Carlos Tevez & Mario Balotelli 4 their temperament, Edin Dzeko 4 his performances - Aguero could end the season as top scorer 4 the champions.

9. Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea, loan)
It is a problem many managers never experience but a loan signing who does 2 well can be troublesome. Sigurdsson's eye 4 goal may make it harder 4 Swansea 2 recruit the Icelander on a permanent contract. However, it has also taken City safely in2 mid-table & enabled them 2 add incision 2 their trademark passing game. Indeed, Brendan Rodgers was bold in introducing Sigurdsson, omitting a less adventurous midfielder & reaping the rewards in the shape of 7 goals.

8. Nikica Jelavic (Everton, £5.5 million)
It is fashionable 2 mock the Scottish Premier League but, as David Moyes has proved, scouting trips north of the border can profitable. 4mer Rangers striker Jelavic has been a revelation in his brief Everton career, finishing with ice-cool composure & delivering on the big stage, whether an FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool or a trip 2 Old Trafford. 2gether with another inspired January signing, Steven Pienaar, he has restored optimism 2 Goodison Park & it is telling tat not since 1912 had an Everton player reached 10 goals in as few minutes as the Croatian.

7. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle, £4.5 million)
Even @ the time, the fee seemed ridiculously low. Cabaye was a France international who, with Lille, had just won Ligue 1. Now the whole deal seems 2 good 2 be true: Cabaye has dovetailed perfectly with Cheik Tiote, providing the brains 2 complement the Ivorian's brawn. A fine technician, he has shown the ability 2 pick a pass &, when shifted in2 a more advanced role by Alan Pardew in recent weeks, proved capable of scoring. And, like Newcastle, he is showing signs of peaking @ the business end of the season.

6. Michel Vorm (Swansea, £1.5 million)
A week b4 the start of the season, Swansea City still did not hv a goalkeeper 2 replace the departed Dorus de Vries. Then Vorm arrived, excelled on his debut @ Manchester City & the notion tat the newcomers would be the division's whipping boys started 2 look more unlikely. Arguably, the Dutchman was @ his best in the opening months of the campaign, helping Swansea acquire momentum. As a footballing 'keeper, he suits Swansea's style of play. As a penalty specialist, he ensures opponents cannot be 2 confident when they get a chance fr 12 yards.

5. James McClean (Sunderland, £350,000)
The mere mention of Steve Bruce's name can prompt criticism, but the 4mer manager has, albeit indirectly, played a significant role in Sunderland's revival under Martin O'Neill. 4 the 1st half of the season, it seemed the free-transfer acquisition of Sebastian Larsson was Bruce's best bit of business. But, while the Swede has continued 2 impress, he has been overshadowed by McClean. The Irishman debuted in O'Neill's 1st game - Bruce had parked him in the reserves 2 allow him 2 acclimatise 2 life @ Sunderland - & has meant tat left wing is no longer the Black Cats' problem position. Strong, direct & a fine crosser, he is worth many times the minuscule amount Bruce paid 4 him.

4. Craig Bellamy (Liverpool, free)
In its own way, Bellamy's success damns the former director of football Damien Comolli. While spending vast amounts on underachievers, Liverpool, without paying a fee, made 1 of the signings of the season. Bellamy is probably the best finisher @ Anfield, a fast, feisty force who can be deployed either on the left or as the central striker. His monumental performance against ManC took Liverpool 2 the Carling Cup final & his free kick led 2 Andy Carroll's FA Cup semi-final winner. He has been underused, but tat is not his fault.

3. Yakubu (Blackburn, £1.5 million)
It was no secret Yakubu was available. Loaned out 2 Leicester last season, unwanted @ Everton, the consensus was tat he was finished as a force in the Premier League. So his success tis season must rank as 1 of the strangest elements of Blackburn's surreal season. The Nigerian has been an ever-present in the top scorers' chart, & arguably none of his rivals has been quite as cool a finisher. His brace against ManU brought 1 of the year's shock results &, in the unlikely event Blackburn do survive, they will do so principally becos they fed 'the Yak' & he scored.

2. Papiss Demba Cisse (Newcastle, £9 million)
Such statistics r more meaningful aft a long career but, in Premier League history, no 1 has a better goal-per-minute ratio than Cisse. An extraordinary volley against Chelsea may be the Senegalese's best strike but a natural scorer is best measured by the total & significance of his goals. If they propel Newcastle in2 next season's Champions League, his £9 million fee will hv been repaid many times over. As it is, he is testament 2 the acumen of manager Alan Pardew & chief scout Graham Carr.

1. Demba Ba (Newcastle, free)
Cisse has taken over as Newcastle's finisher now, but it should not be forgotten tat Ba provided them with their initial impetus & tat he helped rebrand them as the cleverest operators in the transfer market. Aft the 2011 sales of Kevin Nolan & Andy Carroll, their 2 premier goalscorers, Newcastle had not spent a fee on a striker until Cisse's January arrival. Yet in the meantime, Ba's golden run of 15 goals in 15 games ensured Carroll was not missed & Pardew's side were a constant @ the upper end of the table.