Everything seemed set for the fairytale City winning and Villarreal holding Napoli. Indeed City did finish up beating Bayern Munich 2-0 though sadly the score was mirrored in Spain as two second half goals put Napoli through. Speaking to a few fans I got the impression people knew it was a tough ask but IF we were to go out then at least do it with pride and that's exactly what happened thanks to a lovely strike by David "Merlin" Silva and a coolly finished Yaya Toure goal
It has been a learning experience for Roberto Mancini and the squad one which no doubt they will learn from . There is little doubt mistakes were made in earlier games but just like City's rise from the ashes no journey is ever smooth. For me the defensive tinkering did play a big part in the reasons we now are in the last 32 of the Europa League but surely it won't be too long before the Champions League music again blasts out of the Etihad PA system. That said I can't see any reason why we don't push to win the Europa League.
Ironically all week I'd read United fans goading about us facing "Thursday nights on channel 5" well it appears lady luck wasn't smiling on them either as despite them needing to simply draw they lost and crash out with a worse record than City. It would appear the players have caught the fan bug of simply believing turning up was enough or were they too busy looking at us as appears to be their life at the moment (yet we are the obsessed ones don't you know) They are a good side but no where near as strong as they once were there simply isn't the strength in the squad they once had.
City meanwhile can take pride in their first ever Champions League becoming the first English side to win in Villarreal and even reaching the 10 points which if you believe the pundits is good enough to qualify. Roberto Mancini learnt a lot during his first 6 months and used that too guide City to a record Premier League finish and a first major trophy in 35 years. No doubt he will have learned much from this Champions League campaign and be eager to guide City further next season.
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Lack of credit = smell the fear
City getting into the Carling Cup Semi Finals again is signs of a winning mentality within the club so much so that a squad side could become the first blues team since before I was born to win away at Arsenal. Instantly this was met with comments like "well it was a young Arsenal side full of kids" But thats what Arsenal always do and the got to the Final last season! Well ok if you ignore the fact that these players played Park, 26, Chamakh 27, Arshavin 30, Koscielny 26, Vermaelen 26, Benayoun 31, Fabianski 26 and Squillaci 31, then run kids by me again?
City won in Villarreal becoming the first english team to do so in European competition and that was met with "well they aint the same side they were" City thrash Utd 1-6 at Old Trafford and of course that was met by "red card changed the game" City beat Spurs 1-5 "down to the bare bones at the back"
Perhaps you can see a pattern emerging there? Yes no matter what City do the knockers try their hardest to have a pop, they pose the questions City answer in style suddenly the question changes. Last season "Champions league you're having a laugh" was quite popular amongst visiting fans to the then City Of Manchester Stadium along with "you're gonna win f**k all"
Well we won the FA Cup! only for the comments of "FA Cup means nowt these days" and we also qualified for the Champions League only goal difference in fact stopped us finishing second. The Champions League hasn't been as smooth and City need to win and Villarreal to get points to get through into the knock out stages if not it's Europa League for the Blues. But the players have tasted what football is like at Europes top table and will no doubt be keen to ensure they taste even more.
Point is the squad are learning and evolving they used the disappointment of Semi Final defeat in the Carling Cup 2 years ago to Utd and became cup winners 1 season later beating Utd in the semi final (more red card excuses) We used the disappointment of Spurs pipping us to 4th by ensuring it didn't happen again the next season by Ironically beating Spurs. Of course if City win the Premier League the question will be "so how does it feel to buy the title?" my honest answer name one team in the modern era that hasn't?
All the knockers are afraid very afraid. They realise this sleeping giant (used to hate that tag) is very awake and hungry for Silverware and as a friend on facebook posts quite a bit "MCFC hated adored never ignored!"
City won in Villarreal becoming the first english team to do so in European competition and that was met with "well they aint the same side they were" City thrash Utd 1-6 at Old Trafford and of course that was met by "red card changed the game" City beat Spurs 1-5 "down to the bare bones at the back"
Perhaps you can see a pattern emerging there? Yes no matter what City do the knockers try their hardest to have a pop, they pose the questions City answer in style suddenly the question changes. Last season "Champions league you're having a laugh" was quite popular amongst visiting fans to the then City Of Manchester Stadium along with "you're gonna win f**k all"
Well we won the FA Cup! only for the comments of "FA Cup means nowt these days" and we also qualified for the Champions League only goal difference in fact stopped us finishing second. The Champions League hasn't been as smooth and City need to win and Villarreal to get points to get through into the knock out stages if not it's Europa League for the Blues. But the players have tasted what football is like at Europes top table and will no doubt be keen to ensure they taste even more.
Point is the squad are learning and evolving they used the disappointment of Semi Final defeat in the Carling Cup 2 years ago to Utd and became cup winners 1 season later beating Utd in the semi final (more red card excuses) We used the disappointment of Spurs pipping us to 4th by ensuring it didn't happen again the next season by Ironically beating Spurs. Of course if City win the Premier League the question will be "so how does it feel to buy the title?" my honest answer name one team in the modern era that hasn't?
All the knockers are afraid very afraid. They realise this sleeping giant (used to hate that tag) is very awake and hungry for Silverware and as a friend on facebook posts quite a bit "MCFC hated adored never ignored!"
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
International break nice and quiet...then guess what
Players jetting off during an international break isn't uncommon. However over the last 24 hours it's become clear that a certain player on the books of Manchester City has done something he shouldn't have. Yes step forward Carlos Tevez. It was reported last night he had boarded a flight to Argentina he was of course mobbed as he arrived back there judging by TV Images.
Now many might not see that as a problem though that's indeed where the issue lies it turns out he had done it without the permission of the club and was expected at Carrington today for training. Press reports indicate that City have passed the matter to club lawyers as they investigate yet another clear breach of contract by Tevez. The PFA got his original fine reduced over him refusing to warm up at Bayern Munich. It looks like this could be another matter they get involved in as it's highly likely Tevez will be suspended again. However with these constant disregard of his contract it does make you wonder if Tevez actually cares is he that wealthy that it won't matter if he gets sacked and possibly banned by FIFA?
Jim Boyce the vice president of FIFA was certainly the most high profile person to speak out over the incident at Munich it will be interesting to see what happens over the next few days and weeks but one thing that is clear in my opinion we've seen the last of Carlos Tevez in Manchester City colours. Indeed if anything the incident in Munich galvanised the team who since that game have been scoring freely with 30 goals coming in the 8 competitive games since. There is little doubt Tevez signing for Manchester City was a huge coup at the time and he did play a huge part in the run to Wembley for the FA Cup and his goals ensured 3rd place in the League. But a look at this years table sees City top 5 points clear with 3 players in the top 10 scorers and 3 in the top 5 assists. City are in a position to cope without Tevez and that makes me wonder was he happier being the big fish in a small pond? Certainly these issues have come more and more to the fore as the pond got bigger so is this simply a ploy to keep his name in the headlines?
Now many might not see that as a problem though that's indeed where the issue lies it turns out he had done it without the permission of the club and was expected at Carrington today for training. Press reports indicate that City have passed the matter to club lawyers as they investigate yet another clear breach of contract by Tevez. The PFA got his original fine reduced over him refusing to warm up at Bayern Munich. It looks like this could be another matter they get involved in as it's highly likely Tevez will be suspended again. However with these constant disregard of his contract it does make you wonder if Tevez actually cares is he that wealthy that it won't matter if he gets sacked and possibly banned by FIFA?
Jim Boyce the vice president of FIFA was certainly the most high profile person to speak out over the incident at Munich it will be interesting to see what happens over the next few days and weeks but one thing that is clear in my opinion we've seen the last of Carlos Tevez in Manchester City colours. Indeed if anything the incident in Munich galvanised the team who since that game have been scoring freely with 30 goals coming in the 8 competitive games since. There is little doubt Tevez signing for Manchester City was a huge coup at the time and he did play a huge part in the run to Wembley for the FA Cup and his goals ensured 3rd place in the League. But a look at this years table sees City top 5 points clear with 3 players in the top 10 scorers and 3 in the top 5 assists. City are in a position to cope without Tevez and that makes me wonder was he happier being the big fish in a small pond? Certainly these issues have come more and more to the fore as the pond got bigger so is this simply a ploy to keep his name in the headlines?
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Attwell...at least we won!
You can understand a referee making one or two bad calls in a game but Attwell made so many I lost count. During the first half of every 50-50 challenge resulting in a free kick to Wolves (Matchday centre on the City website shows 18 fouls by City to Wolves 6 in total) This lead to Vincent Kompany questioning what was going on in his role as captain There were some challenges of equal force made on City players only for play on to be the decision. Apparently throttling a player is ok...well as long as you are Mr Stearman of Wolves as he did to Edin Dzeko in what should have been a penalty to City. Half time came with a chorus of boos ringing out directed at the official.
The second half started well for City going 2-0 up and it must have been eating at Attwell he hadn't be centre of attention for 15-20 minutes as suddenly the decisions started again.
To be fair to Mr Attwell the decision of penalty and red card for Kompany were spot on. However just before Yaya Toure was fouled he then went into a challenge which resulted in a free kick for Wolves an obviously frustrated Toure screamed out his disgust at the decision. we've all heard and understand the "Respect" campaign but seriously?? respect should be earned by at least having officials who are competent and able to do the job sadly Stuart Attwell simply isn't up to the job and could have cost Manchester City vital points today. It's also lucky David Silva wasn't seriously hurt by some of the challenges that were dished out (none of which were punished) As luck would have it a great strike by Adam Johnson sealed the points for City late on but surely the FA or Premier League will have to act and remove this joker from it's lists he isn't fit to referee a WWE No Disqualification match (there are no rules) he'd still get it wrong!
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Imagine if time travel was possible
The last 6 months have been incredible now just imagine if time travel was possible when would you go back to? I have my own theory it would have to be back to perhaps the darkest hour in City's recent past.
I'd go back exactly 13 years to October 1998 it had been 6 months since City's relegation to what is now League One and we'd hardly started well hanging around mid table. Despite it all crowds at Maine Road were pretty healthy smashing the average for the division.
Now just imagine telling your 1998 self that City have just annihilated United 6-1 imagine telling them that we were in the Champions League and that we'd won the FA Cup in May. Following that up by informing yourself that there would be an amazing afternoon at Wembley the next May in the playoffs and I'm almost certain my 1998 self would ask for some of what I was smoking. Either that or calling for "those nice young men in their clean white coats"
With all the positive things happening at the moment sometimes a bad result causes a barrage of abuse from critics and the snipers are out in force. For me I tend to think back to how I felt back in 1998 "CITY TILL I DIE" I cried then, I still cry it now no matter what I am always will be a proud blue just like many people happy to take my children to watch the club if a little jealous they won't suffer the lows we felt!
A lot has changed since 1998 I have loved "the journey" I'm hoping for many more highs!
I'd go back exactly 13 years to October 1998 it had been 6 months since City's relegation to what is now League One and we'd hardly started well hanging around mid table. Despite it all crowds at Maine Road were pretty healthy smashing the average for the division.
Now just imagine telling your 1998 self that City have just annihilated United 6-1 imagine telling them that we were in the Champions League and that we'd won the FA Cup in May. Following that up by informing yourself that there would be an amazing afternoon at Wembley the next May in the playoffs and I'm almost certain my 1998 self would ask for some of what I was smoking. Either that or calling for "those nice young men in their clean white coats"
With all the positive things happening at the moment sometimes a bad result causes a barrage of abuse from critics and the snipers are out in force. For me I tend to think back to how I felt back in 1998 "CITY TILL I DIE" I cried then, I still cry it now no matter what I am always will be a proud blue just like many people happy to take my children to watch the club if a little jealous they won't suffer the lows we felt!
A lot has changed since 1998 I have loved "the journey" I'm hoping for many more highs!
Monday, 24 October 2011
"Mad Mario" Derby Day star
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last 24 hours it's obvious you will be aware of City thrashing United 6-1 at Old Trafford yesterday. A results which Sir Alex described as his worst defeat ever as a Manager or a player.In the build up to the game City fans had to endure most of the pundits and ex pro's predicting a close game but United's "big game experience" seeing them to a victory. Now to be brutally honest as the game kicked off had you offered me a draw I would have took it. Much like the FA Cup Semi Final United did start the brighter City soaked up the pressure though Joe Hart was rarely troubled. And you just knew after all the silly press his firework display from his bathroom generated Mario Balotelli would be involved his delicious pass into the net for the first goal was then followed by him revealing a T-Shirt with the words "WHY ALWAYS ME?"...Pass Mario but you weren't finished there.
Many people were upset by Balotelli's stupid red card against Kiev which killed any hope of City progressing in last seasons Europa League. That appears to have been a watershed moment as since then Balotelli has turned in stunning performances in a lot of key games including being man of the match in the FA Cup final having already played a key role in the Semi Final against United. Yes there has been the odd "Mad Mario" moment including the back flick against La Galaxy which caused a lot of grief (honestly I believe he thought he was offside he stopped then span round)
BUT when it's mattered he has been a key player scoring goals and even celebrating some which I think surprised many of us who saw his run to hug Mancini. There can be little doubt the man has talent it appears bar some moments of pure madness (like the fireworks or the darts incident) City do have a player capable of doing anything he cares to try. City fans have come up with a comical song for their flawed genius which was heard loudly being sang by 3,000 blues at Old Trafford and has been aired a fair few times at The Etihad Stadium as well as on route to games. Long may he be a striker and I hope Roberto Mancini continues to get the very best out of Mario.
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Aston Villa Preview
After the International break Roberto Mancini will be looking for the blues to continue their red hot form at the Etihad Stadium when Alex McLeish brings his Aston Villa side this Saturday. The Villa side include 3 former City stars in their squad with Shay Given, Richard Dunne bound to feature Stephen Ireland has also seen action in 4 of Villa's games so far this season.
It is bound to be a tough test for City as Villa are unbeaten away this season having drawn all 3 games scoring and conceding 3 goals. Villa will also feature a in Darren Bent a man who managed to score twice last season against the Blues adding to the threat of Gabriel Agbonlahor who is great goal scoring form it could be a big test for Joe Hart and his defense that haven't let a goal past them in the last 5 league games at home.
City should welcome back Sergio Aguero who went off with a muscle strain midway through the first half at Ewood Park two weeks ago. Added to this David Silva, Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri all found the net for their Countries midweek confidence will have remained high amongst City's attack minded players. Indeed at Blackburn Mario Balotelli looked at his dangerous best Roberto Mancini certainly has a welcome selection headache.
It is bound to be a tough test for City as Villa are unbeaten away this season having drawn all 3 games scoring and conceding 3 goals. Villa will also feature a in Darren Bent a man who managed to score twice last season against the Blues adding to the threat of Gabriel Agbonlahor who is great goal scoring form it could be a big test for Joe Hart and his defense that haven't let a goal past them in the last 5 league games at home.
City should welcome back Sergio Aguero who went off with a muscle strain midway through the first half at Ewood Park two weeks ago. Added to this David Silva, Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri all found the net for their Countries midweek confidence will have remained high amongst City's attack minded players. Indeed at Blackburn Mario Balotelli looked at his dangerous best Roberto Mancini certainly has a welcome selection headache.
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