While many would disagree, I honestly think that period was the most enjoyable I ever had watching City.
Our football was exhilarating, we were in awe of what was going on before us, pinching ourselves thinking that we were dreaming... Bloody hell this was OUR City, full of the best players that most of us had ever seen, tearing teams apart, stopping clocks, breaking hearts...
It's never been as exciting since for me. Yes, we've won trophies, broken records etc, but there was something magically special about the Mancini period that will stay with me for ever.
I agree.
And I often reflect on the Mancini era, in particular the day we went to Arsenal and set up for,and got, a nil nil draw . We hadn't won at Arsenal for over 30 years.
Arsenal at the time were Powerful dangerous oppentemts on their own turf. Mancini's tactics that midweek night were pure Italian defensive Master class. David Silva played his part in ball retention,starving the home team of the ball....and showing little interest in scoring. Mancini knew we had to put the shutters down,and we did. It sounds strange talking up a nil nil draw,but I can still remember sitting there ,being proud at how the team stuck to the plan,Zabaletta was outstanding I recall...
Nil nil,job done,goodnight Arsenal,the tarquins were properly chocked that night.
The next season,in the league cup I think it was, City went back to Arsenal,and won 1nil.
That to me showed real progress. This time it was gritty dogged defending but the team were licenced to counter...and we did,a breath taking lightning attack .1 nil City.
30 years of arsenal away traumas disappeared.
I've the greatest respect for Roberto Mancini and what he did for City,and bringing Silva and Yaya to these shores was a major part of it.
Edit: actually on reflection I'm not sure Silva played in the 1st match at arsenal under Mancini
I think Bob had not long took over,and was playing MH s team...which is why we went for a point.
