Manchester City: 5 Things Roberto Mancini Must Get Right Against Newcastle

After their accomplished 1-0 home win over city and title rivals Manchester United, Manchester City now face their hardest challenge in the end-of-season run-in: a trip to Newcastle.

It’s not only that Alan Pardew’s side swept aside an in-form Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (courtesy of two absolute stunners from Papiss Cisse).

It’s that Newcastle have been the definition of overachievement this season, and their fearless approach has earned them a very real chance at cracking the top four.

Add to that the famously vociferous crowd at the Sports Direct Arena (formerly known as St. James’ Park), and you have all the ingredients in place for a high-stakes clash.

How should Manchester City go about navigating this task?

Here are five things City manager Roberto Mancini needs to get right for their must-win trip to Newcastle.

Find a Way to Stop Papiss Cisse

How many bargains can a team unearth in a single season?

After the free transfer signing of 16-goal Demba Ba and the £4.5-million Yohan Cabaye, perhaps Papiss Cisse’s £9 million transfer fee was a slightly higher figure in comparison.

But he has been a revelation in the Premier League—there are no two ways around it.

He’s hit 13 goals in 12 appearances, and will present a potent goalscoring threat to trouble the likes of Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott.

City’s defence have been imperious all season, but they will need to find a way to stop Newcastle’s new striking hero from denting their title hopes.

Cut the Midfield Supply Line

If only Cisse were the only threat in the Newcastle attack.

Alas, Roberto Mancini has more players to worry about: Ba on the left wing, Cabaye in the center and Hatem Ben Arfa on the right.

As a trio, they have combined for 25 league goals and 13 league assists, making them responsible for almost 70 percent of Newcastle’s total haul in the Premier League this season.

Stopping Cisse won’t be enough.

City’s entire backline will need to be on full alert to deal with Newcastle’s quadruple threat.

Start on the Front Foot

To control the center of the park against a Newcastle midfield jam-packed with talent, City must establish their own superiority in this realm.

Yaya Toure will find himself in the thick of the action against Cheick Tiote, and will have to make full use of his strength, pace and stamina to overpower Newcastle’s attack-minded midfield.

Alongside him, Gareth Barry’s ability to keep possession and play the simple ball will be central to City’s midfield plans.

Which leaves the creative burden of City’s midfield on David Silva (and Samir Nasri, if he is also selected to help him out).

Against a ferocious Newcastle home crowd, “we want it more” will be Mancini’s mantra.

City need to start the game on the front foot.

Make Full Use of the Counterattack

The beauty of this City side is that they don’t need to dominate possession in order to secure a win.

The quality of their players throughout the team means that they can be devastatingly effective on the counterattack, which is a tactic they must put to good use on Sunday.

Alan Pardew’s side, given their comfort and technique on the ball, like to retain possession in the build-up to their attacks, and their home advantage will ensure that they will see plenty of the ball.

When City are in possession, then, they will have to make it count.

The good thing is that they have enjoyed a season of clinical finishing.

Pair Carlos Tevez with Sergio Aguero

It’s no surprise that Carlos Tevez’s return to the starting lineup has coincided with a good run of form for Manchester City.

After all, he is a player who has been through and delivered in the highest-pressure situations.

His all-round arsenal of skills as a Premier League striker will play a big role in City’s run-in.

And his strike partner will have to be Sergio Aguero.

Together, they have the ability to put any defence to the sword, and harass their opposing defenders, embodying the “defend from the front” principle.

But will that be enough to bring home the all-important three points?

What do you think? Are there any other areas that City need to address? Let us know in the comments below.

If you liked this article, you might also be interested in City’s 5 Best Players This Season. Please also check out my writer’s profile, where you can find more of my work, and my blog, The Red Armchair, for Liverpool match reactions and opinions.