Manchester City’s spending has enabled them to assemble one of the most formidable squads the Premier League has ever seen. There is the cliché that it takes a team to win the league, not wonderful individuals. Either this is rubbish or City have bonded quicker than most. However, the talent that Roberto Mancini has at his disposal is not all fun and games. Established internationals such as Dzeko, Nasri, Savic and often Balotelli and Aguero have had to settle for places on the bench.
Let us look at Nasri. Last season he was seen as a god by Arsenal fans, who watched him dismantle the opposition with his close control and precision passing. Although he faded into the second half of the season he was still one of the most important cogs in the Arsenal machine. His expected move brought with it gloom at Arsenal and a sense of promise for those in the blue half of Manchester. His display against Tottenham at White Hart Lane was spell- binding. He was involved in all the goals and made a very good side look less than ordinary in that 5-1 rout. Since then, Nasri has predominantly been a spectator, watching as the other creative wizards cement themselves into the place he surely thought was meant for him.
Although he has started the last four matches, it remains to be seen if he will play against his former club tomorrow when Arsenal visit Eastlands. He got barracked terribly in City’s Carling Cup victory two weeks ago and looked far below par. Mancini said today that Nasri’s form must improve for him to get a regular spot in such a talent ridden squad, and what better time to start than tomorrow? One former gunner, Gael Clichy, will miss the match after his red card against Chelsea but it is Nasri’s chance to show his worth and show he is just more than Samir Na$ri.
By Luke Lambert
Twitter: @luke_lambert1
