City Under Mancini: Defence

Here are some stats to show the defenders that Roberto Mancini has used during his reign as Manchester City manager. However, these stats do include appearances from defenders playing in midfield.

Appearances, sub appearances, goals

Dedryck Boyata: 5 starts, 2 sub apps, 0 goals
Wayne Bridge: 2 starts, 0 sub apps, 0 goals
Greg Cunningham: 0 starts, 1 sub app, 0 goals
Javier Garrido: 6 starts, 2 sub apps, 1 goal
Vincent Kompany: 10 starts, 0 sub apps, 1 goal
Joleon Lescott: 0 starts, 1 sub app, 0 goals
Nedum Onouha: 1 start, 3 sub apps, 1 goal
Micah Richards: 6 starts, 1 sub app, 1 goal
Sylvinho: 4 starts. 3 sub apps, 1 goal
Kolo Toure: 5 starts, 0 sub apps, 0 goals
Pablo Zabaleta: 10 starts, 1 sub app, 0 goals

These stats show that Pablo Zabaleta has played the most times under Bobby, infact he has played in each of his games as manager, coming off the bench only once (at Glanford Park) and making 10 starts in total. However, Zabaleta has played in the midfield twice and if you discount those appearances then Vincent Kompany edges it with 10 starts and 0 sub apps. The player who has come off the bench the most times is Sylvinho with 3. Finally, there is no 'highest goalscorer' accolade because 5 players managed to find the net once each. And 2 of those goals have been shots, 1 has been a header, 1 has been a free-kick and 1 has been a wonder-strike.

Tactics:

Since Mancini was appointed Manchester City manager in December, he has made numerous changes at the back:

He has put men on both posts for corners.
The defence are quite content to pass the ball along the back-line to ensure they keep possession, even at home.
The full-backs have been given less freedom; under Hughes Bridge was allowed to roam but Mancini has instructed the full-backs to hold back.

Next time... the Midfield.

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