VMC Man Of The Match From The Brum Berserker

One of our own takes centre stage this week as Chinedum 'Nedum' Onuoha, known as 'The Chief' to his team mates is the VMC Forums' Man Of The Match...

As with any big win, City's walloping of Brum was built upon a steady defence and though a little stretched at times, The Citizens backline has a much more solid look about it of late as Mancio settles upon a familiar team and a 442 formation.

An MCFC Academy graduate, one of seven in City's squad v Brum, 23 year old Ned has never let City down throughout a young career blighted by lengthy injury absences. He always slips back into the City defence at left back, right back or centre half as if he's never been away and outstanding performances against Burnley and Birmingham have been no exception.

The consumate professional, the astute Onuoha is a credit to his club, never once bemoaning his frustrations in not being able to break back into the side, preferring to focus on City's aspirations instead.

Considering ageing crappers like Rio Ferdinand and John Terry currently rule England's defensive roost, should Ned settle upon Nigeria internationally in talks planned for later this week, then England's future loss will assuredly be the African nation's gain.

Looking ahead to City's showdown with the new Norwich City, Ned said:

'We're in good form, we've scored a lot of goals recently, so we should have a good chance, but anything can happen in a derby game, but hopefully it will be our day next week.'

Our poll, ever an indicator of who's regularly putting in a shift for the cause, also singled out Gareth Barry for praise. Barry was absolutely outstanding against Birmingham. He was everywhere and bossed midfield with aplomb.

With so many players running into fine form all at once, Planet Blue has every reason to be confident heading into the club's most important five games in a decade.

VMC Man Of The Match v Birmingham:

4. Nedum Onuoha [38.89%]
18. Gareth Barry [33.33%]
32. Carlos Tevez [11.11%]
11. Adam Johnson [11.11%]
25. Emmanuel Adebayor [5.56%]
33. Vincent Kompany [0%]
28. Kolo Toure [0%]
15. Javier Garrido [0%]
34. Nigel De Jong [0%]
39. Craig Bellamy [0%]
8. Shaun Wright-Phillips [0%]
14. Roque Santa Cruz [0%]
45. Greg Cunningham [0%]
1. Shay Given [0%]

The Story So Far:
FA Premier League unless stated

Carlos Tévez, 9 (Bolton A, Spurs A, Wolves A, Blackburn H, the rags H, LCSF1, Chelsea A, Fulham A, Everton H, Wigan H)
Nigel de Jong, 5 (Fulham H LC R3, West Ham H, Wigan Athletic A, Liverpool A, Chelsea H)
Craig Bellamy, 4 (Arsenal H, the rags A, Villa A, Sunderland H)
Gareth Barry, 3 (Blackburn A, Portsmouth A, Stoke H)
Shaun Wright-Phillips, 3 (C. Palace A LC R2, Burnley H, Arsenal H LC QF)
Wayne Bridge, 3 (Fulham H, Hull A, Stoke H, FAC5)
Adam Johnson, 2 (Bolton, H, Sunderland A)
Micah Richards, 2 (the rags A LCSF2, Stoke A)
Emmanuel Adebayor, 2 (Wolves H, Portsmouth H)
Shay Given, 2 (Birmingham A, Everton A)
Nedum Onuoha, 1 (Birmingham H)
Patrick Vieira, 1 (Burnley A)
Pablo Zabaleta, 1 (Liverpool H)
Martin Petrov, 1 (Scunthorpe A FAC4)
Vincent Kompany, 1 (Middlesbrough A FAC3)
Roque Santa Cruz, 1 (Scunthorpe H LC R4)

City's 1-1 throwaway against Hull City and the FA Cup exit at Stoke registered no winner.

VMC's Previous Man Of The Season:

2007-2008 Elano Blumer
2008-2009 Stephen Ireland

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.