August 15th 2017 will mark the 25th anniversary of the English Premier League. Manchester City have been there for most of that time and actually the history neatly separates us into three nice segments.
The first, which I will look at today, are the seasons from the Premier League beginning up until our relegation in 1996.
The second segment deals with our return to the EPL in 2000 and our continued run, with the exception of one hiccup, until the demise of Thaksin Shinawatra as chairman.
Finally, our new owner takes over, and the third segment deals directly with that era, 2008 until the current date
Each day I will pick the best eleven from that particular time. Now this will mostly consist of the sheer number of appearances in that time and so, most likely, some names will certainly be left out.
Has to be Roberto Mancini really doesn’t it. Brought us our first trophy for over three decades and then the Premier League. It will be the Premier League win which still sends tingles down my spine but there are other reasons. Firstly we beat United in the FA Cup Semi Final in order to get that first trophy and then that 6-1 win over them at Old Trafford.
Goalkeeper
Has to be Joe Hart doesn’t it. Many fans want Pep to get him back to City and last season I would have agreed. Won everything domestically with us and accumulated a ton of personal awards along the way.
Four times golden glove winner and in the team of the year for 2010/11. He actually signed a new five-year contract six years ago yesterday but it is doubtful if we will ever see him in a City shirt again.
Defenders
Pablo Zabaleta (pictured) beats out Sagna and others for the right back spot. PabZab, the honorary Manc, had been with us since the begining of this era. If you needed to see just how much mutual love there was between player and fans you only have to go back to the final home game from last season.
Vincent Kompany (pictured) solid in defense and our skipper. Vinny has been a rock at the back for us for many years and could actually be our most successful Captain since Tony Book.
My partner for Vinny in the middle here is Nedum Onuoha. That could be a strange choice for some but I think he is the only one in all seriousness. Ned played at the back with Richard Dunne early on this era and was quite impressive and, had injuries and new signings not blocked his path, he could have gone on to realise the potential we saw early on.
Aleksandar Kolarov on the left. Going forward he was decent and the goals he contributed to the side more than made up for any of his defensive frailities.
Midfielders
Yaya Toure has given us some of his moody times, but he has also been there to get us some important goals. FA Cup Semi Final and Final goals from Yaya were the only ones in each. That has to negate the lack of cake drama and other stroppiness.
David Silva (pictured) would be the first name on any of the teamsheets and this one is no exception. Merlin our magician has pulled strings and played impossible passes for many seasons. From angles and into spaces the mere mortal doesn’t see until it’s too late he is a non negotiable addition.
James Milner on the right will be a controversial choice for some. I think had Leroy Sane had a couple of seasons before this anniversary he would certainly get that spot from Jimmy. Jesus Navas had a shot also but ultimately, while he was with us, he was a tireless worker. Forgetting the comments he made once he left and focussing on his time at the Etihad gets him on this list.
Kevin De Bruyne finishes off the midfield four and needs no explination. All around play has been on the upswing and I expect the best is still yet to come.
Strikers
Of course Sergio Aguero (pictured) takes the top billing as far as our strikers go. There are too many reasons to mention here but the guy is arguably the best striker we’ve seen in a long time. The tough decision cames with who should partner him upfront. Jesus didn’t play many times at the end of the last season and Tevez, although prolific, let us down in the Champions League.
Balotelli, Dzeko, Jovetic and Negredo all had their share of frustrations so, who to pick?
I do think that Jesus is the type of striker who would suit and so, with that in mind, what about our first big name signing? Robinho came to City the same day as our owners and excitement ensued. Top scorer in his first season the following season was dissapointing. His arrival at the club was probably at the wrong time for him and us. Imagine a 2008 Robinho in last seasons squad!