VMC’s Chris Hooley takes a look at City’s attacking options, in particular the future of 26 year old Edin Dzeko ahead of today’s water tester against Arsenal in China…
Over the summer, The Blues Bosnian has been linked with many of Europe’s elite clubs and when you look at the facts, it not hard to see why. Edin made 28 league appearances for the Champions last season and scored 14 goals in the process. That’s more than the likes of Papiss Cissé, Luis Suarez, Danny Welbeck, Darren Bent and Nikica Jelavic, all of whom are first choice strikers at their respective clubs.
If we rewind the clock back to the start of last season, Edin opened his account against Swansea with the first City goal of the season. The following week he came good again, with the winning goal that fought off a brave come back from the now Championship side Bolton wanders.
Confidence was growing in the Bosnian and didn’t he show it. A trip to White Hart Lane was next on the agenda for the Champions and Dzeko didn’t disappoint. Putting four goals past the experienced Brad Friedel is no easy task, but he made it look effortless. Mancini described his performance as ‘Perfect’ and ‘Incredible.’ How long could this incredible striker’s run continue? That was the question many journalists where asking and sure enough they got the answer; until whenever Carlos Tevez is fit. Despite all of the praise he received from Mancini, Dzeko was dropped to the bench for the trip to Wigan, remaining an unused substitute.
Edin didn’t score again in the league until October, when he scored 2 in 2 minutes against the rags, helping City beat United 6-1 at Old Trafford. Due to a lack of confidence, he didn’t have too many starts for City leading up to the title race; despite the disappearing act of Carlos Tevez. His only significance contribution was a goal, to ensure all three points against Wigan in January.
The last minute equaliser is a rollercoaster of emotions that every experienced Manchester City fan is familiar with. The day was Sunday, the 13th of May, 2012. The Etihad was filled to capacity with generations of City fans. The faithful that were unable to obtain a ticket flocked to pubs across Manchester; to witness the day, the day our beloved Blues became Champions of England once again. It was the sixty third minute and a hernia plagued Gareth Barry left the field to make way for Dzeko. Full time was fast approaching; the rags where sitting at the top of the league, that was until David Silva swung in a corner that connected with the head of Dzeko and belief was brought back into the hearts of every City fan in the land.
Needless to say, the rest is history. The belief he gave the team with that goal, combined with Edin’s hard work and passion for the club is worth giving the Bosnian another crack of the whip next season.
‘I’m only focused on Manchester City and I do not care about media speculation, especially when it comes from people who have nothing to do with me.’ – Edin Dzeko, 2012
UPCOMING GAMES:
all times East Manchester
TODAY 13h00 Arsenal, Birds Nest Stadium, Beijing, Friendly (ESPN TV)
Mon 30 Jul 13h45 Malaysia Select XI, Kuala Lumpur, Friendly (ESPN TV)
Tue 31 Jul 19h45 Oldham Athletic, Boundary Park, Friendly
Sat 04 Aug 20h30 Wolfsburg, Volkswagen Arena, Friendly (ESPN TV)
Sun 05 Aug 19h00 Limerick, Jackman Park, Friendly
Sun 12 Aug 13h30 Chelsea, Villa Park, Community Shield
Sa 18 Aug 15h00 Southampton, The Etihad PL
Sa 25 Aug 15h00 Liverpool, Anfield PL
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES:
The draw for the 2012/13 Champions League Group Stage will take place in Monaco on Thursday, 30th August. The opening round of games will kick off in the week commencing Monday, 17th September.
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