When players are guilty of making poor challenges, it is usual that opposition players react by surrounding the referee. For example, when Vincent Kompany made a rash challenge on Nani during our FA Cup clash against City last season, Wayne Rooney ran straight to referee Chris Foy.
"Funny how people think I got Kompany sent off," Rooney said afterwards.
Man City beat Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday to advance to the FA Cup final. City seemed like they would stroll to an easy victory after they went up 2-0 just after halftime, but Chelsea, FA Cup winners in four of the last six years, pushed back and only lost 2-1 with City getting a bit of help from referee Chris Foy.
Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany recently return to first-team action, but not with his club team. He made his return with the Belgian national team in the match against Macedonia, which has drawn criticism of the Manchester city manager. Roberto Mancini has criticised the Belgium manager, Marc Wilmots, after he decided to select and field the 26-year-old in the match against Macedonia.
After a morale boosting victory in the Manchester derby, Manchester City continued their late season surge in the FA Cup as City took down Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon. A spot in next years Champions League looks imminent at this point in time; however, Roberto Mancini is likely urging his side forward to claim the FA Cup crown.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini (Google Creative Commons)
Manchester City's season has not nearly gone as planned. The defending English Premier League champions have not play up to their potential and have been bounced out of important competitions. Manchester City finished in last place in their group in this year's UEFA Champions League, did not make it to the League Cup final, are currently in second place in the EPL, and are still alive in the FA Cup and will face the winner of the Manchester United and Chelsea replay.
Newcastle were simply not at the races today against a good Manchester City side, and a patched up Newcastle side were simply no match for the reigning Premier League Champions, and this was one of our worst defeats of the season, and our goal difference has slumped to -14. Vincent Kompany celebrates third goal It [.
Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany has done something that many young children always dream of doing. He's bought his own football club.
Kompany has bought third division Belgian side FC Bleid, who currently sit 19th in the table. The Brussels side will be renamed, will have a new logo selected as well as new kits and a new slogan.
The busy summer for the USA Men's national team has gotten a little busier with the announcement that the US will play Belgium May 29 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.
This is the first time that the US has faced Belgium on American soil, all the other games have been in Europe. Belgium is one of Europe's rising powers and their line-up could potentially include the likes of Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini, Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany and Chelsea striker Eden Hazard.
The injured Emmanuel Abebayor of Spurs is stetchered off the pitch-Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images
As the season comes down to its final weeks, the fight for a Champions League spot has heated up and there are multiple teams still in contention.
While Manchester City looks to be in prime contention for at least a spot, their 2nd place standing is in danger with Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Everton closing fast.
Sergio Aguero of Manchester City (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Manchester City are in need of a result in the English Premier League against Chelsea if they are to make sure to have any chance of at least diminishing Manchester United's massive lead at the top of the table.
City now look to be facing a more crucial battle with Chelsea to maintain their place in second rather than fall below the charging Blues and drop to third in the EPL table over the next few weeks.
Wayne Rooney of Manchester United (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Every week, Joe Tansey takes a look at how injuries to key players will affect each English Premier League team.
This week, the EPL returns with a full slate of 10 matches and while two key players are set to return from injury, a few big names will be left out of this weekend's top clashes.
Vincent Kompany of Manchester City-Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Third-placed Chelsea will travel to take on second-placed Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Both teams are coming off decisive 4-0 victories in the FA Cup and will be looking to continue their strong play this weekend.
Fabio Borini of Liverpool lies injured after dislocating his shoulder-Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
FA Cup action continued this weekend with some big teams and some big results as Premiership powerhouses Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal all took to the pitch for the chance to further their chances at England's oldest trophy.
Roberto Mancini hits out at his critics - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has insisted that his critics who are claiming his job at the club is under threat don't understand football.
Mancini thinks critics don't understand football
Rivals Manchester United have extended a whacking gap of 12 points with them at the top of the Premier League table after City suffered a humiliating 3-1 defeat at the hands of Southampton in their last match and the pressure is steadily mounting on the Italian's shoulder.
Gareth Barry of Manchester City-Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Roberto Mancini will be without two of his stars when Manchester City host Leeds United in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday.
Vincent Kompany who has not played since City's last FA Cup match against Stoke City on January 26 after picking up a calf injury will again be missing in Mancini's back four.
Passengers travelling to Manchester City games on Metrolink's east Manchester tram line will now be treated to service announcements from their heroes. Manager Roberto Mancini, skipper Vincent Kompany and England internationals Joe Hart and James Milner have all lent their voices to the tram company.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and player's Vincent Kompany, Joe Hart and James Milner will be heard on trams for this week-ends FA Cup tie with Leeds at the Etihad as they attempt to drum up support given their only chance of a trophy may well be the FA Cup.
To "get fans in the mood" on matchdays, Roberto Mancini, Vincent Kompany, Joe Hart and James Milner have all recorded tram announcements that will be used on Metrolink's new east Manchester line connecting Etihad Stadium with the center of the city.
From the Telegraph:
They will be heard for the first time on Sunday, when Manchester City take on Leeds United in the FA Cup.
Yoan Gouffran of Newcastle is stretchered off with an injury-Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
This weekend in the English Premier League proved pivotal for teams in the title race and the top four, but unfortunately saw a couple of key injuries as well.
Maybe the most crucial result of the weekend came at St.
Manchester City will continue their pursuit of Manchester United in the Premier League table this weekend with the aid of brothers Yaya and Kolo Toure, who have both returned from South Africa after Ivory Coast was knocked out in the quarter-final round.
In addition, Roberto Mancini was given another boost with the news that injured captain Vincent Kompany had trained with the club this week, and could be set for a return after two weeks on the sidelines, though the club will make their decision today on whether Kompany will feature.
Demba Ba of Chelsea is treated after being kicked in the face-Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
While this weekend's Premier League action wowed fans with big upsets and smashing matches, there were some unfortunate, big-name injuries that could have an impact on the table for the near future.
Liverpool and Manchester City head into their match at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in a fairly similar situation. The Reds, looking to get back into the race for the all-important top four finish, lie seven points behind fourth place Tottenham. Similarly, City, looking to retain their title as Premier League Champions, are seven points behind their city rival and league leaders Manchester United.
Manchester City were delivered some unexpected good news on Wednesday morning, as captain Vincent Kompany's red card from the 2-0 win at Arsenal last Sunday was rescinded by the English FA.
After the match, Manchester City launched an appeal, which successfully overturned the red card and three-match ban that came with it.
Vincent Kompany of Manchester City (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Imagine football without tackling. To some unthinking people, it might seem a great idea: top players could escape being scythed down and serious injuries would be greatly reduced. The game would be all about skill and brains and nothing to do with endeavour and strength.
Vincent Kompany has had his sending off against Arsenal rescinded by the FA. The Manchester City captain was shown a red card for a challenge on Jack Wilshere during Sunday's match. An FA statement on the outcome of City's appeal read: "Vincent Kompany's red card against Arsenal has been overturned. "An Independent Regulatory Commission has [.
Manchester City hunt for new central defender - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini will be looking to delve into the transfer market in search of a new central defender if skipper Vincent Kompany loses his red card appeal.
The tackle
Kompany was given the marching orders by referee Mike Dean for a challenge on Jack Wilshere, the Arsenal midfielder, during City's 2-0 triumph on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.
Manchester City appeal against Kompany's red card - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
Manchester City have backed Vincent Kompany and have lodged an appeal against the sending off of their skipper during the Premier League champions' 2-0 win against Arsenal on Sunday at the Emirates stadium.
Roberto Mancini might want to invest some of his club's money into migraine medicine, after Vincent Kompany's red card in Manchester City's 2-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday earned the defender a three-match ban, according to reports.
The Belgian international joins the likes of regular first-team players Sergio Aguero, Micah Richards, Samir Nasri, and the brothers Toure that are unavailable to play for the Citizens.
Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal is tackled by Edin Dzeko of Manchester City (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Manchester City entered the game having mustered no goals and only four shots on target total in their previous three league trips to Emirates. City was missing star midfielder Yaya Toure, who was off on African Nations Cup duty, in addition to Samir Nasri (suspension), and Sergio Aguero (injury).
Video- Vincent Kompany red card vs Arsenal Wilshere Challenge January 2013 is a post from Soccer Blogger. Follow Soccer Blogger on Twitter
Video- Vincent Kompany red card vs Arsenal Wilshere Challenge January 2013 is a post from Soccer Blogger. Follow Soccer Blogger on Twitter This Vincent Kompany red card vs Arsenal ( VIDEO BELOW) in Man City's 2-0 win over the Gunners on 13 January, 2013 left opinions deeply divided regarding Mike Dean's decision to send off [.
Dangle the ball a bit too close to Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany and he just can't resist diving in with two feet. His red card against Arsenal this afternoon was almost a carbon copy of the red card he received in an FA Cup tie against Manchester United last season. He's perfecting the pretending [.
Man United fans must be sick of the sight of Sergio Aguero. His goal i added time won the title for City last season and his brilliant goal tonight was enough to give Roberto Mancini's side back-to-back derby wins at Old Trafford for the first time in 41 years.
United's first defeat since November also ended their 18-match unbeaten run and cut their lead at the top to 12 points.
Where will Rafa Benitez end up this summer? As a manager on the continent, or — as he thinks — managing a top club in the Premier League? I don't foresee any managerial changes this summer at any of the top 5 Premier League teams, so which team does he have his eyes on?
Here are tonight's Premier League news headlines:
Rafael Benitez sets his sights on summer move to 'top' English side — The Telegraph
Newcastle United create prayer room for Muslim players to worship before games — The Mirror
Vincent Kompany on Barcelona's radar after row with Roberto Mancini — Telegraph
How can football be a beautiful game and justify Paolo Di Canio's Nazi salute?
Tram buddies Joe and Vincent share a 'Brief Encounter' moment at the Campus stop
Oh, the razzmatazz life of the Premier League footballer. Following in Charlie "Face of Cheque Centre" Adam's glamorous wake, Man City quartet Roberto Mancini, Vincent Kompany, Joe Hart and James Milner have agreed a glitzy deal to become the official voices ofMetrolink's east Manchester tram line.
We're not ones to admonish Premier League referees here on Pies as we are generally appreciative of the largely flawless job they do, but Vince Kompany's red card against Arsenal this evening was several different kinds of wrong...
It's not that we can't see why Mike Dean may have thought otherwise, but that is a textbook 'head on' sliding challenge.
Kolo Toure, who has been linked with Liverpool in recent days, has completed a remarkable comeback season. The central defender's recent seasons were characterized by drug suspensions, alleged salacious affairs and uneven play. However in the 2012-13 season, Toure proved a lifesaver for a City side that was struggling with injuries and consistency at the back.
The U.S. Men's National Team's first match of a busy summer will be a tough test, with the Belgian National Team preparing to bring a strong squad to Cleveland for the friendly on May 29th.
As for the USMNT's second friendly? It won't be a cakewalk, but it also won't be as tough as some would have expected when the match was first announced.
Defender Mats Hummels of Germany and Borussia Dortmund (Google Creative Commons)
Among the oldest adages in sports is, "defense wins championships." While every championship team also must have a solid offensive game, defensive quality is always at a premium.
Random basketball reference: For those of you who follow the NBA, why did Oklahoma City forward Thabo Sefolosha start over James Harden last season?
