City's Inconsistencies Evident in Carling Cup Loss to United

Typical City.

City fans have seen this show before. Well, once this season that is. A late strike at Old Trafford to tie the mighty Red Devils, only to be bitterly let down in injury-time by an Englishman. 

Months before, it was Michael Owen in the 96th minute. This time around, Wayne Rooney deliveries the final blow in the 92nd minute with a strong header sending City packing and United to the Carling Cup final against Aston Villa at Wembley. 

But United's lineup was a sign it's starting to take the cross town rivals much more seriously. And for all the right reasons. 

City has made waves of improvement in the Premier League this season but in games of such magnitude like the Derby matches, City has withered to its old lowly self. A 3-0 loss to Tottenham at White Heart Lane and more recently, a 2-0 loss to Everton at Goodison Park. 

But as the "typical City" saying goes, there is another side to the story. A 4-2 win against Arsenal at Eastlands was the first sign of legitimate contender potential. And again a stellar 3-0 victory over the Gunners three months later. 

And as great as Arsenal's been all year, perhaps it was City's come from behind win against the league leaders Chelsea in early December. Down one after an Emmanuel Adebayor own goal in the 8th, the Togo international redeemed himself with the equalizer. And when Carlos Teves banged home his sixth goal of the season to give City the one goal lead, the best was still yet to come. 

Frank Lampard had the chance to tie it up with a penalty kick in the 83rd but was denied by Given's sensational save. City held on for the 2-1 win and confidence at Eastlands was rising higher and higher. 

But the following week was a 3-3 draw to Bolton. And weeks later City twice blew a two goal lead before holding on to win 4-3 against Sunderland. City's proven to be consistent at playing inconsistently.

Given, City's made a managerial swap midway through its campaign. Numerous injuries to the defensive starting lineup has force Roberto Mancini to play lesser quality defenders. And international duties have left typical starters on the bench or playing elsewhere around the World. 

Afterall, Joleon Lescott, Kolo Toure and Wayne Bridge have been out of action for months now. Adebayor was given a leave of absence to collect himself following the African Nations Cup when Togo's bus was pelted with gunfire. Let's not forget Robinho's ankle injury was sustained while playing for Brazil, not City.

But injuries and international play are part of the game. No excuses. But said factors have played a primary role in City's inability to hang with the United's and the Chelsea's at the top of the league. Now with the transfer window open, who's big spending City hoping to bring in?

Defensively, City was sniffing around Roma defender Marco Motto. But if Portsmouth's trying to get rid of Younes Kaboul so eagerly, maybe it'd be in City's best interest to toss in an offer. It certainly won't be the worst defensive move City's made this season after giving up former skipper and everyday starter for Aston Villa Richard Dunne for a struggling and injured Lescott. 

Plenty of rumors have been said during the last few weeks and few are true. But City's lack of depth is proving to be a major concern for the upcoming weeks. The purchase of a player or two wouldn't hurt the team but wouldn't guarantee improvement either. Just look at Liverpool's purchase with Argentine starlet Maxi Rodriguez, only one win in the Reds' last six matches. 

But if there's anything to take from this topsy-turvy City season thus far, it's that money can't buy a championship. It'll only provide the opportunity to compete for one.