A good start, a poor end.

Hi, first up welcome to my new blog. The title says it all really; I'm a 15 year old blue (the Manchester City shade,) from Huddersfield. I've got a season ticket in block 137, and attend some away games. Not sure how many people will actually be reading this but I hope it will be something that I enjoy at least!

So the first talking point of this week was the aftermath of a home win against Newcastle, making us the only unbeaten side in the Premiership. I thought we were deserved winners, the game was quite comfortable really I was glad to see Richards do well and he surely now must be called up to the England squad? A 3-1 was routine, and I'm sorry to not be writing too much about it but I'd really like to concentrate on the Napoli match on Tuesday.

Disappointed. That's the one word that springs immediately to mind. We're not technically out of Europe, but Bayern Munich will be a tough task, and even then I can't really see Napoli slipping up at Villarreal. As the league table stands, we are one point behind Napoli with a game to go, but due to head-to-head record being a decisive factor it realistically is a two point deficit. How do we go through? We win, Napoli don't. A possibility but unlikely.

The match itself was average, a few bright spells but average on the most part. I thought Napoli were the better side, particularly in the first 30 minutes. Cavani netted the opener after ANOTHER set-piece goal conceded, déjà vu from Munich. Near post and all in all, quite a blow. We pulled one back before half-time, Balotelli tapping in from a low Kolarov cross. Second half they came out of the traps much quicker than us and Cavani got another just after the restart, and a dull half an hour followed until city piled on the pressure for the last ten minutes to no avail. Final score (as I'm sure you're all aware,) 2-1.

Obviously I was disappointed but it’s not the end of the world, we're still unbeaten in the league. The main question that I think will be asked as a direct result of this performance is what is happening to us in the Champions League? Two poor results against Napoli and an all-round embarrassment away at Bayern Munich. Villarreal away was good, but we were lucky to snatch a late winner at home. So why? Away from home in the Premiership we've been scintillating, 6-1, 5-1, and 4-0. Why not in Europe? I don't believe it is the standard of opposition. White Hart Lane and Old Trafford are much harder places to go than Naples, and yet we scored 11 against 'Them' and Spurs, yet 1 against Napoli.

Many people will be quick to jump on Kolarov's back, but I think we should stop for a minute. Yes I thought he was poor defensively and people will be quick to mention a few slips that almost led to goals, but it was his cross that led to Balotelli's tap in, and on that left hand side he seemed to provide the only width. It was Kolarov's free kick that earned us a draw at home to Napoli, and I was also impressed with him against Villarreal at home.

I think Mancini did the right thing in making offensive changes towards the end, with De Jong making way along with Dzeko, and Nasri and Aguero replacing them. Throughout the match De Jong covered Kolarov as he went forward and I feel we were getting caught out by that, I was surprised Mancini didn't bring on Savic to plug that gap, but part of me is glad he didn't. Mancini certainly has a much more attacking mentality this season.

I wouldn't be surprised if we end up in the Europa league this season, but I think it is vital we push on and try to win it, even if it is just for the Uefa Coefficient. A good run in any European competition would see a dramatic rise in coefficient, something which could propel us into a higher pot for the draw, being seeded where Villarreal were this year.

With City now certain to be in 3 competitions until the New Year, and a fourth if we win at the Emirates in the League Cup, we certainly are challenging on all fronts. I believe we have the squad to manage it, and a manager who knows exactly what he wants. Anfield on Sunday will be a tough test but I have faith in Mancini and City. I'm going for a 2-0 win, a nice clean sheet for Joe Hart who has been magnificent all season. Forza Mancini, Forza City!

Thanks for reading,

Cameron.