City versus Bayern Munich CL

City versus Bayern

I have to say I’m so looking forward to tonight’s game, little old City playing the Champions of Europe, and you can bet it will be the first eleven this time, not the reserves.

There seems to be a lot of debate going on at the minute by the City faithful about the City approach, particularly to the away games. I for one think we were unlucky at Villa and totally dominated a game that we should have won. You can see the way Pellegrini is trying to get City to play, but it will take time.

There is no doubt that the CL is a big thing for City this year, and you will see a much more “up and at em” City tonight than we saw at weekend. This is purely and simply because the team cannot play “balls out” every game throughout the whole season. The successful European clubs will tell you that the games leading up to and directly after the CL games are tough due to tiredness and the mental strain playing at the top level has on players. So my message is cut the lads some slack, we will see a performance like the Derby in the European games.

It’s my contention that the real crucial matches in our group this year are against Moscow, and home and way wins, would more or less guarantee qualification, never mind what we do against Munich home or away. Having said that, it would make a great statement, and take pressure off the Moscow games if we could nick a win tonight against Bayern Munich tonight.

Much that fans of other teams look at City and say they would rather have what they have than be City with all the cash, I think this is purely and simply jealousy. Not one fan would turn down our owners or symbolically hand back their season ticket, if they were taken over by big money backers, you are dreaming lads and lasses so get a grip.

The nights like tonight don’t come around too often, and whilst we should look forward to more games like this in the future, we should enjoy tonight, we are after all playing the best team in Europe.

The team selection tonight, for me is straight forward, injuries allowing of course.

Much that Joe Hart has taken stick over the last few months, he’s still the best keeper in the league in my view, and is definitely worth his weight in saves in tonight’s game.

The back four should be as started on Saturday with the exception of Gael Clichy at Left Back, who is a better defender than Kolorov but can still get up and down. The CB pairing of Kompany and Nastisic are a good pairing and probably wont have to face a great deal of straight long balls tonight, though they should have learned that lesson after Saturday. Great though it is to see Micah back fit and well, it should be Zaba at right back tonight.

Central Midfield is Yaya Toure and Fenandinho for me, with bags of European experience and quality to burn. The tricky selections come in the other midfield roles, but I have a feeling that Pellegrini will opt for Navas on the right and then a straight choice between Nasri and Silva for the last midfield slot. I’d start with Nasri if there is any doubt about David Silva’s fitness, he can come on and weave his magic if required, but Nasri for me deserves his start tonight after some good recent performances. James Milner will play wide right in the away games to add some security and work rate, tonight we need some flair from Navas.

The strikers are shaping up now, with Jovetic getting back to fitness but Aguero would be a definite starter if he’s fit. He was unplayable in the Derby match and I should imagine he won’t take much motivating to play the same in tonight’s match.

I suspect it’s too soon for Jovetic to get a start so the final striking role should go to either Negredo or Džeko. I have a feeling that Džeko will get the nod but it’s nip and tuck for either of them.

I have a really positive feeling about tonight’s game and I’m hoping for a great game of football between two quality footballing sides, recognising that Munich as a team have all the CL experience required and we are the young pretenders.

I can’t help the feeling that Bayern Munich are the rags of the German League and therefore we should treat them accordingly. We all know what our record is like against the rags.

Roll on kick off time.

A Mountain to Climb – City versus Ajax Post Match Thoughts

City 2 – Ajax 2

Summary

It’s a real shame in my view that we conceded the two sloppy goals last night because from where I sat there was a much improved display by City against an Ajax team who were determined (a little too much sometimes) to not lose.

The game started really brightly for City and the first ten minutes where a lot of pressing by City and the showed clearly that they had learned that Ajax play their way from the back and it was obvious that the management had instructed the players to press high up the field and not let Ajax dictate play.

There where contrasting fortunes from two quick corners with the City corner being plucked out of the air by the keeper, where Ajax corner a matter of seconds later was woefully defended by City and Ajax snatched the lead from an acute angle, largely as a result of a poor attempted clearance by Nastasic (I think) – more about the defending on corners later.

You could feel the atmosphere drain out of the stadium and the team like a balloon being popped by a sudden pin prick. Only the drum led Ajax fans made noise, this was clearly not in the script. What seemed like a couple of minutes passed when Ajax got another corner and horror of horrors De Jong headed a second for Ajax, the drum got louder and my desire to ram it up the drummers arse grew to fever pitch, we were two down at home to Ajax, the weakest team in the group.

It’s bizarre really because from where I sat it felt very much like City had played well and pressed and look more likely to score but two very sloppy goals left the team with a mountain to climb, but to their eternal credit that’s just what they set about doing.

The lifeline came not long afterwards with City regaining a bit of composure and scoring a good goal by Yaya Toure who spun and banged home a good finish from close range with the goalkeeper comfortably beaten. I felt that the team got a definite lift from the goal and we continued to press for the remainder of the first half.

The second half brought out two determined teams City to get the win and Ajax to do what they had to too hang onto the win and defo put the cat amongst the pigeons in the group. The pressure ebbed and flowed throughout the course of the second half and the only Ajax chance of any real note came from a free kick from which Joe hart made a good save, and whilst Ajax did have some forward thrusts I never really felt like they would extend the lead. City continued to push and push to get the equaliser and lots of intricate passing moves came to nought, but when the gaol did arrive it was the most un City like goal, certainly of this vintage City team. A punt from Joe Hart was well flicked on by Mario Balotelli for Aguero to run between the two centre halves (and not fall over) and slotted a scuffy looking shot out of the reach of the keeper and it was game on.

City had the ball in the net twice more but both where ruled out by offside decisions the last of which was a tad controversial and one that sparked a rant by Mancini at the final whistle (more of this later).

Defending Corners

There is a lot of debate on most of the football programmes on TV and in the press about the zonal marking system versus the man for man system. I think its one of those philosophical things in that you are in one camp or the other. Mancini is clearly in favour of the zonal system and we have seen it work well, and also we have seen it work very badly (all against Ajax). The only thing I would add to the debate is that which ever way you set up the defence at corners the players nearest the ball need to at least attack the ball, and this wasn’t done particularly well for any of the goals conceded from the corners against Ajax.

Mobility

I felt there was a big contrast last night in midfield with Ajax having some nimble and skilful players, where City have a more powerful approach but the one glaring difference for me was in the mobility of the players and this has been a problem for City all season has teams have carried the ball through our midfield and our players have been very static, one to work on I feel.

The Officials

Now I’m not gonna blame the officals for City not winning last night, the poor defending is at fault there, but I did think the officials where poor all around. At half time the Worry Club gathered as it always does and one of the group commented that the referee reminded him of the refs that used to officiate on Hough End on a Sunday morning, letting everything go, until someone had a moan.

I really felt that if the game had been referred by a premier league ref that Ajax would have been down to ten if not nine men, not for any real bad fouls but for the persistent fouling in a very cynical way, Aguero was hacked down at least 4 times in front of the officials. Christian Poulson committed at least 8 fouls to my mind before the ref decided to book him, at least two of which should have been yellow cards. Consistent officiating must come into the game along with video technology, and we would have won 3 – 2, but perhaps not got the penalty against Dortmund, swings and roundabouts?

Player Ratings

Joe Hart – 7

Should he come for the corners now and again? Another couple of great saves.

Pablo Zabaleta – 8

An absolute star for me, seems to be on the end of a lot of ring wing play and was unlucky not to test the keeper more. Great to see him back.

Vincent Kompany – 7

Couple of early lunges, but settled in after that and played very well as City pressed.

Matja Nastasic – 8

This lad looks better and better in my eyes, and can pick a decent enough pass from the back as well. Shame about the scuffed clearance for the first goal.

Gael Clichy – 7

Kept going really well and kept up his high standard of performances.

Gareth Barry – 6

Cannot fault his effort and commitment, but his usual influence was missing as he was pulled around in midfield by the Ajax passing and movement, but no disgrace in his display.

Javi Garcia – 6

Still settling in but needs to be aware more of what’s happening around him. One exquisite pass carved open the Ajax defence only for Zaba to head straight at the keeper.

Yaya Toure – 7

Looked a bit more like his usual self with a couple of great runs in the second half but is just lacking that little something this season that I can’t quite put my finger on.

Samir Nasri – 7

Held the ball well and had some tricky runs, but didn’t influence enough in the final third for me, but didn’t shirk his duties throughout.

Carlos Tevez – 8

He looks like he’s relishing the more withdrawn strikers role, and was his usual perpetual motion but needs to learn that he can pass the ball now and again.

Sergio Aguero – 7

Got some rough treatment (in my view), took his goal well and would have had more of an influence if he could have stayed upright in the crucial positions a few more times. Maybe Puma need to look at the studs in those expensive boots he had on his feet.

Mario Balotelli – 7

Almost snatched a penalty and I’m convinced his reputation goes before him with match officials.

Edin Dzeko – not on long enough to mark.

Summary

So City now need snookers to get through to the knock out stages of the CL, meaning we need to win the last two games and hope the others take points off each other, not impossible but unlikely I would suggest. What fans need to realise is that the teams we play in the CL are champions of their countries and play a brand of football that is very different than we see week in week out in the league in England. Rome wasn’t built in a day and it took other English teams a good while longer to conquer the CL than the two seasons City have had so far. Patience is required I would suggest.

I have to say I’m dumbfounded by the constant chatter about Mancini and his job, the guy won us the league and the FA Cup, in successive seasons and this should buy him some time and opportunity to mould a City team that is capable of challenging the top CL sides.

As always Forza Mancini………………………

A Must Win For City – Ajax Pre Match Thoughts

Well the Group City have been drawn into has certainly lived up to its billing as the group of death. With 1 point from 3 games this is not the sort of start that we had hoped for or maybe even expected, and things could have been so very different, with the odd bit of luck here and there.

Apart from the Charity Shield I haven’t seen City play anything like last seasons form either in the league or the champions league, there have been little patches of matches where we have dominated but nothing like what I expected. Maybe this is down to the opposition upping their game a few notches as we are now champions, and I think there is some truth in that, or maybe its just going to take time to get back into it this season.

I did think that we totally dominated the game on saturday at Upton park but for some rubbish finishing we could have had a couple of goals and all three points, but I’ll take a point.

I think we go into the game against Ajax with something to prove by both the players and the management, who have under performed hugely so far this CL campaign. I expected us to pick up a result in Ajax and to be honest I thought we where home and hosed once we scored the first goal, and but for some sloppy covering we would have taken something from the game in Amsterdam.

Putting it simply we must win tomorrow and a win is a win, but i’d like to think that we can show Ajax that we do have something about us and we can play at this level and play well. There are sections of the media who think that Mancini has something to prove in the CL and to a point I would agree, but Rome wasn’t built in a day and it will take time to build a style of play that will win games regularly in the CL.

My main concern is the ever increasing list of injuries that we seem to be picking up recently and we are looking a bit threadbare in the midfield area, with Yaya Toure seemingly hobbling around on saturday and both Barry and Javi Garcia not long back from injuries, in the holding roles. Its the creative side of midfield that worries me as we seem to struggle to break teams down who are parking the bus, but David Silva will be back soon and hopefully normal service will be resumed.

At the back and more specifically at right back, we are looking threadbare also, but I though Kolo Toure did ok on saturday and I’m sure he will play again against Ajax as I suspect that zaba is still not fully 100% match fit. At CB I thought Vincent Kompany looked a bit more like his old self (maybe he should stop trying to hard all the time and just play his natural game). I think the other CB spot will be occupied by Matja Nastacic, who I like the look of more and more as the games go by and if he carries on getting better and better he will be some player in a few years time. I know there are some blues on twitter who feel that Bobby Manc doesn’t trust Lescott in the bigger games.

I’m a big fan of Lescott I have to say but there are times when his distribution and composure on the ball leave a bit to be desired and he resorts to the big hoof up field, which at City’s standard of football, should happen only very occasionally, and we should play our football all across the field, and not just in the so called flare players. So needless to say i’m sure you get the gist that I think young Nastacic is one for the future and he looks a good footballer already.

We are certainly finding it a little more difficult to put the ball in the net this season, and i’m sure there are plenty of reasons that could be put forward as to why, but I think goals breed goals. One leads to another and so on. I think the early season loss of Aguero has alot to do with it, as he’s looked a little sluggish since he came back into the team but games brings fitness and he will be back firing on all cylinders in very short order im sure.

Whilst I think Dzeko has hit the target a good few times this season he will fuind himself on teh bench tommorow night and Aguero will be partnered by Tevez upfront, who continues to give 200% and has been a major player for City in the last few games.

So here is my pick of the team for the Ajax match.

Joe Hart

Kolo Toure – Vincent Kompany – Matja Nastacic – Alexander Kolorov

Gareth Barry – Yaya Toure – Javi Garcia

Smair Nasri

Sergio Aguero – Carlos Tevez

I would hope that the crowd can play a big part in the game with being really loud and noisy and getting behind the team for the whole game, rather than waiting for something to happen, but I’m not sure exactly how many will turn up given the recent CL games and the fact that its on TV but either way all blues should get behind the team and lets hope for a rousing display and one that shuts up the journalists at least for a little while.

Forza Mancini……………………….

City Versus Arsenal – Not Firing on All Cylinders

City 1 – Arsenal 1

Strange old game today in my view Arsenal played well, even though we let them have more of the ball than i would have liked, but we had the chances and really should have put another one away. I Think Arsenals game plan was to have more numbers in midfield than City and that worked perfectly for them in the first half with Arteta having lots of unopposed possession whenever he wanted it.

I thought the team Mancini picked was an offensive one, but too many hangovers from Tuesday meant a very stilted display from City. We started slowly and it was pretty much like that from a City perspective the whole first half, gone was the slick passing and cohesion of the end of last season and in was a slow and deliberate approach that was easy for Arsenal to nullify but at the end of the first half it was City who lead from a corner headed in at the far post by Lescott when it seemed he was to well marked to get anything on the ball. Although Arsenal had the better of the half in terms of possession they only really threatened the goal once when Gervinho (strange head that boys got) was put through one on one but he overran it for Joe Hart to smother the ball at his feet.

Arsenal had a fluid approach with lots of inter change of positions but with the ball moving quickly they made sure midfield was a s tight as a drum and did let City get on top at any stage in the first half.

The worry club gathered at half time at the top of Tower J and we speculated on what both managers would do at half time. I certainly felt we should see out the game, but I’m not sure i convinced the other hardy souls.

The substitution of Rodwell for Sinclair whilst harsh on Sinclair, was the right one and we where much better able to combat arsenals superior numbers in midfield and YT got closer to Arteta and we looked to get a grip of the game. Almost immediately YT nicked the ball off Arteta and set off towards goal and with better shooting boots on he really should have worked the keeper and to be fair he should have scored, a recurring theme was developing.

City pressed and had the best of the second half but slowly started to drop deeper and deeper into our own half which effectively gave the initiative back to Arsenal. This coupled with the whole City teams inability to pass to each other meant that Arsenal didn’t have to work to hard to get the ball back, we kept giving it to them, much to the frustration of the crowd and I’m sure players and staff alike.

I can’t quite put my finger on it but we are a tad uncertain defending both as a team and as a back four unit and a tentative header by Lescott fell to Koshellni who buried the ball into the City net with aplomb. I felt it was coming but my mate didn’t, i guess it’s all about opinions anyway isn’t it. Interspersed with the play was at least 4 good chances that City created that we really should have scored but didn’t and eventually that catches up with you.

Player Ratings

Joe Hart – 7

Nowt to do but pulled off a great save near the end, sadly we couldn’t defend the corner.

Pablo Zabaleta – 7

Another hustle and bustle display with a few too many stray passes, but he wasn’t alone in that.

Vincent Kompany – 7

Still not at his best but put in some good challenges. Great overhead kick, would have been a stunning goal!!

Joleon Lescott – 7

Great headed goal but a weak header enabled the arsenal goal to be fired in.

Gael Clichy – 7

Didn’t do much wrong but got caught a couple of times by Gervinho.

Javi Garcia – 6

Neat and tidy but like all foreign imports is finding the pace of the games much quicker, but I like the look of the lad.

Yaya Toure – 6

Looked strangley subdued but still made some good runs and should have done better with two shots that where awful.

Scott Sinclair – 6

Did well in the first half but needs to be more positive when running with the ball, still learning the ropes at City.

David Silva – 5

poor game from Silva, not sparkling like last year but class is permanent even if form isn’t.

Segio Aguero – 7

Good to have him back, glimpses of his best but needs game to get fully fit, watch out when he is!!

Edin Dzeko – 8

Great game by Edin, almost scored but worked tirelessly for the team, well done lad!!

Jack Rodwell – 7

Steadied the midfield ship when he came on.

Carlos Tevez and Mario balotelli – not on long enough to mark.

So we remain unbeaten in the league but are misfiring to use a vehicular term. For me the problems are when teams run at us through midfield and we haven’t sorted out how to stop those runs. Both Barry and NDJ did that last term but neither are there now, so that little conundrum needs to be worked through on the training pitch and sorted out quick. Its gonna be tight again this season and I don’t think we should do the direct comparison either as both are very different sets of circumstances but one things for sure we have a talented squad, a great manager who collectively will sort out the little problems and woe betide the team when it all does click, it might get very messy indeed.

City Versus Liverpool – Post Match Thoughts

Liverpool 2 – 2 City

It certainly wasn’t the best display City will ever put up at Anfield but a point was bagged and for me that was a good sign, play crap but still get something out of the game……some pundits say that’s a good sign and I agree.

Whilst I think City didn’t play at their best I certainly didn’t see the wonderful play from the scousers that the TV pundits post match would have us believe, the Sky wankfest continues, or am i just being one-eyed?

For me Joe Hart was hugely troubled (like he has been at Anfield in the past) and both Liverpool goals came from set pieces (itself a worry) but Liverpool didn’t carve us open as you would think they did according to the pundits, maybe its my vari focal glasses………. but for me it was a good game but nothing spectacular. The two goals conceded could have been avoided, with better marking at the corner and a bit more back bone from the referee, who clearly waits till the crowd bay before giving the free kick for handball against Rodwell, hard at best, downright shite decision at worst, you decide.

City started as I would have liked with lots of possession football and quietening the crowd with the back 3 looking ok at that point. Slowly slowly the scoucers started to get into the game, and being the home side they should do!!! But City did have chances and no better one than when Tevez chased a lost cause to the side of the Liverpool goal, the defenders and attackers alike seem to hesitate as if the ball was going out, but Tevez somehow got to it and got it back past Reina and towards the goal, and for one split second I thought it was in, but the ball hit the post and ran to the Liverpool defenders who hacked it away. Where where the City strikers following up?

Liverpool opened the scoring with a bullet header from Skrytl, but I would question the City marking who were all at sea, but credit the header it was a good goal. Up to that point although Liverpool had worked their way back in and had City on the back foot, I didn’t feel like they where going to break us down and score. Half time came 1 – 0 to the scousers.

The early exchanges went City’s way in my view and we got back on level terms through the persistence of Tevez, who stayed out wide right and when the ball came his way he used all his experience to force his way into the Liverpool box and dink over a teasing cross. The ball flick off the defence and the hapless martin Kelly could only thigh the ball right into the path of Yaya Toure, who blasted home from close range. level terms and we deserved it.

The lead lasted a short period of time, as Suarez scored a great free kick, from what should not have been a free kick in the first place, the curse of the dodgy handball strikes again, poor refereeing, for that decision, by the ref Andre Mariner, who overall I thought did ok. Its hard at Anfield as the whole crowd bays for every decision, whatever it happens to be, he should have been stronger.

As the saying goes “live by the sword, die by the sword” was very apt for the second City goal as Skyrtl, who is trying to play the new Liverpool way, but was showed up for the mere thugish CB that he is when Dzeko closed him down and he was panicked into a back pass blind without seeing Tevez, who had read the script, and ran onto the hapless back pass, round the keeper to slot his 100 premier league goal. A bit of huffing and puffing at both ends, with good chances going begging at both ends, left the game at 2 -2. I would have taken that before the kick off and so I was happy with that at the end.

Player Ratings

Joe Hart – 6

Not sure if there is still a niggle in his back as he looks slightly ponderous, but can’t fault him for the goals.

Pablo Zabaleta –  8

The City warrior showed his battling qualities for the whole 90 mins, well done mate great display.

Vincent Kompany – 7

Marshalled the troops well again, but why didn’t he mark Skrytl for the goal?

Kolo Toure – 5

past his sell by date in my view, poor game.

James Milner – 6

battled hard but mainly on the back foot most of the game, maybe worried about KT behind him.

Nigel DeJong – 7

Good game full of hustle and harrying, with some great challenges on uncle fester in the Liverpool midfield. Please sign a new contract NDJ???

Yaya Toure – 7

Solid enough, good goal, but a bit subdued by his own exalted standards.

Alexander Kolorov – 5

Poor game, both going forward and defensively.

Samir Nasri – 7

Tried his hardest but faded as the scousers got hold of midfield a bit more.

Mario Balotelli – 6

Not his best game, but showed some good touches first half but faded badly second half.

Carlos Tevez – 8

All round good display from Tevez, scored one and made one, and was a pest all afternoon. he’s clearly getting back to his best.

David Silva – 7

Looked much more like it when he came on.

Edin Dzeko – 6

Closed down well for the second goal, but should have scored at the death when his flick went high and wide. Worth keeping in my book.

So all in all a decent point at Anfield, and still unbeaten. Some freaky results so far this season but it will settle down into the usual pattern I’m sure of it in the coming weeks, with an international break right around the corner, it can be a frustrating time for us fans, who’ve just got back into it for it to be snatched away for another two weeks. The QPR home game will be a weird experience im sure after the heroics of last may, but I’m sure we should see a better City display.

I’ll be glad when the transfer window shuts, as all this speculation and gossip quite frankly getting on my tits, with rumour after rumour filling the papers and the Sky news coverage. It seems likely that Sinclair will become a City player sooner or later, but we are desperate for CB cover (heaven knows why Lescott sat out yesterdays game) but it was clear for all to see that KT is past it and we are in desperate need of cover at CB. Maybe it was Mancini’s not so cunning plan, show the world and the owners where we are deficient. i could be pissing in the wind but it did cross my mind.

Well my twitter time line was full of rumours that Mancini was about to walk out on City if we didn’t get re-enforcement in quick, lazy journalism maybe, sour grapes maybe, bottle mixing definitely. Whatever.

Forza Mancini…………………

City versus Southampton Post match Views

City 3 Southampton 2

The last two City home games have ended in 3 – 2 results in City’s favour, one won us the league, the other earned us three points on a not so good day at the office, although it could have been so different if we had had our shooting boots on. My initial reaction post match was that we had dodged a bullet but on further reflection I think it could so easily had been very different and it shows how fine the margins are between success and failure, but City got three points and that’s all that matters.

Credit to Southampton they played their part in the game and scored two good goals even if it was sloppy play by the whole of the City team who collectively failed to deal with Southampton breakaway. They where neat and tidy and passed the ball around well and showed they did not play in awe of the champions and good on them for that. A couple of moments of naive defending on their part balanced up the sloppy play and allowed City to score gaols which ultimately won the game, but Southampton do come out of this game with great credit but sadly for them no points. I’m sure they will play a lot worse and get something out of the game, but they always where gonna be up for the first game and especially as it was at the home of the champions.

For those who read my pre match review the team selection and formation where not as I predicted with Mancini preferring to revert back to a 4 man defence, with VK and JL playing at Centre Half, with Zaba and GC at full back. The two central midfielders where Yaya Toure and debutant jack Rodwell. the other midfielders where Nasri and Silva. Aguero and Tevez up top where as I’d predicted.

The game started slowly from a City perspective with lots of possession but it was all in and around our midfield and back four, with YT and JR interchanging with each other and swapping passes with the defenders. The first real action (if you can call it that) was when Aguero robbed the Southampton defender in Cities half and set off on a run up the left hand side, both Aguero and the Southampton defender battled for the ball and the defender cleared the ball and caused Aguero to fall badly, my first reaction was one of “you dirty bastard” but the lad clearly got the ball slightly before Aguero, but Aguero was badly hurt and ended up being carried off, on a stretcher. We wait with bated breath, the outcome of various scans later in the week, I hope to fuck he’s ok.

Off the bench came Dzeko, and City started to dominate both territory and possession and some good football by City almost carved open Southampton. This then lead to a lot of City pressure that resulted in a penalty when Tevez was upended in the area, and up stepped Silva to grab the ball to take the spot kick. The crowd collectively mouthed “what the fuck” as Silva stepped up and scuffed a tame shot that the goalie easily saved. Why didn’t Tevez take the spot kick?

The pattern of the game was then in for the half as City pressed and the Southampton team began to chase the odd shadow as City moved the ball around well. A slice of luck led to the opening goal, with a pass from Nasri (I think) putting Tevez in behind the defence, and he slotted it past the keeper at his near post, for one nil to City.

Half time came and the “Worry Club” assembled at the top of tower J for our usual mid match analysis and piss take. We speculated about the penalty but we where all certain that City would win out easy winners and (I thought) Southampton wouldn’t score, not a view shared by all I have to say. We didn’t expect the second half that played out that’s for sure.

City came out very lack lustre in my view and where very sluggish in the first half of the second half, if ya get my meaning. This spurred Southampton on who started to move forward with a bit more conviction. Couple this with some sloppy City passing and an un willingness to get back and also the CB’s dropping back to readily lead to both goals for Southampton. Both good finishes but both goals I feel will be subject of harsh words on the training ground this next week. These where goals City would have not conceded last season. My mind immediately though of the QPR game, 2 – 1 down, needing to win with still enough time to do so.

City pressed forward in search of the goals to win the game and Edin Dzeko was in the right place to smartly blast in a bouncing ball that fizzed about the Southampton penalty area. At that point there was only 1 winner and it was City but Southampton didn’t lie down. It has to be said that both VK and JL looked decidedly nervy as did Zaba, with only GC looking anything like his self from last season. It’s early season I know but a better team would have made us pay today.

Player Ratings

Joe Hart – 7

No saves of note to make and bending down twice to fish the ball out of the net would not help his bad back i’m sure.

Pablo Zabaletta – 6

Not up to his usual warrior standards.

Vincent Kompany – 6

Not his best game for sure, looked a bit uncertain at times, but its early days.

Joleon Lescott – 6

Looked a few weeks short of fitness and out of match practise.

Gael Cliche – 8

Some great blocks and tackles the best defender by a country mile.

Yaya Toure – 7

Not his usual imperious self but nothing wrong, matches will help.

Jack Rodwell – 7

Impressive debut. Neat and tidy and looks a bit more mobile alongside YT. faded a little second half after his misplaced pass led to the first Southampton goal, but very good start.

Samir Nasri – 8

Man of the match display and even a few tackles and 50/50’s, good stuff.

David Silva – 5

Ring rusty and the the radar was well off today, but he’s played no pre season so will take time to get back to the world cup winning form.

Carlos Tevez – 7

Great hustle and bustle display, looks a lot lighter this season and he is clearly enjoying his football again.

Sergio Aguero – not on long enough to mark

I hope to fuck he’s ok.

Edin Dzeko – 7

Good poachers goal and put his self about, still slightly dodgy first touch.

Mario Balotelli – 6

Some good touches and perhaps should have scored with one chance but not on long enough to make a real impact.

I guess the object of the exercise was 3 points so in that context it was mission accomplished. Yes it was the first game of the season and we will improve both fitness and game craft as we go this week to week, but the collective defending needs to improve or we will be punished by better teams.

A sterner test will be had against the scousers next week but the big game players will pick themselves up for that as they all know how important it is to get a result at Anfield. and keep our noses at the top of the premier league and not lose any ground on the top teams early in what I think will be a very tight premier league this year.

Forza Mancini……………………….

Nice Bit of Silverware on the Mantel Piece

City 3 The Rent Boys 2

Well I think it’s fair to say that we started this season on fine form. Ok you could say Chelsea spent the second half with 10 men, but City totally dominated this game from start to finish. The goals conceded, in my book, where directly as a result of sloppy play by City and not bring carved open by Chelsea.

There where traffic problems for alot of blues and I have to say that whoever plans the traffic around Birmingham got it wrong badly today. One set of cones forced a huge tailback onto the M6. I didn’t even get a chance for a drink before kick off.

The team started the game in a different formation with two wing backs and three centre halves. It’s early doors but I’m a bit of a traditionalist and like four at the back, but keys see how this pans out when Lescott is back next week. Zabba and Kompany played well but Savic was a bit impetuous in the tackle and was left slightly isolated a couple of times, and defensively looked better when Cliche came on in the second half and zabba moved to the right side of the back three.

Both wingbacks did well for me with Milner and Kolorov having good games. NDJ was his usual industrious self with Nasri busying himself trying to bridge the midfield to the strikers. Yaya Toure showed again what a quality big game player he is and rightly deserved the man of the match, in my book.

The strikers today where Tevez and Aguero, who both looked sharp today, but Tevez stood out with his willingness to work and the quality of his finish for the second goal which was top notch. Aguero needs game time to get back his sharpness but who’d bet against a goal next Sunday.

Slightly surprised that Joe Hart didn’t start but it was a no risk strategy today and overall Pantimillion did ok, with just one slip up for the 2nd goal for Chelsea, and I did feel slighly sorry for him at that point.

I think we still have the injured players to come back along with the new signings (Rodwell) and hopefully another Centre Half, let’s see what happens.

I think the sending off was right, both feet off the ground and sliding into the tackle, we’ve seen this all before and yes it did change the game but we where well in charge before that incident!

Player Ratings

Coatel Pantimillion – 6

Not alot to do shame about the fumble, but useful game time.

Stefan Savic – 5

Needs to calm down and learn to read the game more, when to tackle and when to stand up.

Vincent Kompany – 8

Imperious.

Pablo Zabaleta – 8

This guy loves a tackle and is blue through and through.

Alex Kolorov – 8

Good up and down the wing game, ran out of steam at the end but great cross for the Nasri goal.

James Milner – 8

Industrious as ever but was a thorn in cashley cokes side all afternoon!

Nigel DeJong – 7

Steady Eddie and passed well n patches.

Samir Nasri – 7

Good finish for his goal better second half but I’ve high expectations for this lad.

Yaya Toure – 9

Immense. Great finish. Great Player!

Carlos Tevez – 8

Great goal and played like he meant it and celebrated just as hard afterwards.

Sergio Aguero – 6

Not his best day but never stopped running.

Gael Cliche – 6

Good second half.

So a good start to this new campaign, let’s not get carried away just yet but the signs are there. It’s just as if the summer hadn’t happened and we just carried on passing teams off the pitch. I love the way we pass and pass then pass some more, and today there was done real purpose to it, great stuff lads.

One thing I do want to mention was the dogs abuse dished out by the crowd to John Terry, it couldn’t have happened to a nicer chap and how he gets away with stuff I’ll never know, but this is what it will be like from now on Terry us fans won’t let you forget what you really are!!!

So the season is upon us, I’ve enjoyed the Olympics but the footie is here and there’s only one sport for me and that’s footie, and who knows what this season will bring.

One thing is for sure though…… Forza Mancini!!!

City Players in the Euros

Ok, ok I know its been a while but i’ve only just got over the euphoria of winning the league, oh and i’ve had a shit load of work to do in my day job, but i’m back now and starting to think about the new season and in particular how the City players did in the Euros.

We I think my headlines for this are that we actually did Ok thanks very much, in that we had two players in the final and one scored a goal in the bloody final, so thats pretty good in my book. I’m speaking of course about Balotelli and Silva, whilst teh final might have belonged to Silva the semi final defo belonged to mario, two great goals and a great all around display, he announced himself as a real footballer of top quality and not just headline news on the front pages of the newspapers. David Silva was a regular starter for Spain although he didnt finish many of teh games he left his mark on them all and is clearly now enjoying all this success both at club and national level. If the press ive read is to be believed hes happy at City for the foreseable and wants to win more things at City, bring it on I say.

As for the English players at the Euro’s I think for me Joleon Lescott came out of it the best, not that any of them disgraced themselves I just felt like he had a solid performance each game, scored a goal and generally looked every inch an premier league winning centre half. Joe hart made some good saves and almost saved some of those penalties that mattered in the shoot out, but no disgrace in my view. One thing I would say about Joe is that he needs to improve his kicking, particularly his attempts at passes rather than the clearing blast up pitch, maybe some practise with the coaches at City can help with this.

James Milner was on a hiding to nothing before he even started as all the media wanted Hodgson to go for it and play to attacking wife men, but he resisted this and went for a more workman like midfield, with 4 traditional midfielders rather than two holders and two attacking players, I have to say he played better in teh later games but no disgrace in my view, we all know what Milner is good at and hes a utility player and long may he stay at City to fill in wherever he’s required.

Samir Nasri, I thought, played well in the games I saw, but he seemed to be the but of some french journo’s after the loss to Spain but for me that was the tactics of the manager that set the team up to be defensive rather than to go for it and play with a bit of flair that we all associate with French teams of recent vintage, again no disgrace even the spat with the journo after the loss was excusable in my book. Gael Cliche again proved to me why he was worth every penny of the £7 million City paid for him, great left back, just not always appreciated by the manager, but no disgrace in my book.

The only player who really struggled for me was NDJ, I really thought the Dutch would have a major part to play in the Euro’s but for whatever reason the wheel fell off big style and they ended up with no points looking collectively a bit stupid in my view. Don’t get me wrong this isnt saying that NDJ looked stupid or played badly himself its just teh team looked wrong and badly out of sorts with each other or something, but when Van Bommel wasnt playing big Nige did look better in his role.

I have to say overall the best two teams in the tournament got to the final and the best team on the night by far won the final. I was beginning to think that maybe teh Spanish had lost some of their lustre, but maybe they where just doing enough to get through as they absolutely turned on the style in the final. If its worth anything I think they would be a better team al around if they played with a proper striker, who complements the other players, maybe Torres maybe not, but a team that passes with purpose and has fire power up front as well as in all other positions is my idea of the best team ever, but City cannot play in the euro’s so I’ll just have to enjoy it week in week out at Eastlands.

Finally, chuffed to bits that Mancini is getting a new deal and rightly so he’s getting a pay rise………Forza Mancini.

Words Can’t Describe It

The title says it all really, i don’t know what to say about the game and the events that unfolded at Eastlands on Sunday, it was absolutely amazing. It was indeed Roy of The Rovers as Franny Lee said on Sky sports in the post match interviews, and the script couldn’t have been written any better.

There was a really heavy dose of irony for me about the way we won as there have been countless times when the rags have snatched games away from us at the last-minute, and oh yeah a few relegations over the years to. This was just fabulous and the events as they unfolded at around 4.55 to 5.00 on sunday where just amazing, and ones that I, and 47,000 odd others will also not forget.

I had wanted the game over and done with quite early but that didn’t happen, but once we got one up I couldn’t see anything other than a win, and at least a three goal margin. QPR had done nothing to suggest that they would try to blitz us so at half time i was happy, apart from the fact that Yaya Toure had limped off at the end of the first half and we do play better with his wise old head and huge presence in the middle of the park.

The second half started off as the first was largely played out with City having all the ball and QPR just defending. A hopeful punt out of defence landed with SWP who heaved it up into the air, and to be fair to Joleon Lescott (and i wanna be fair to him) the wind got hold of the ball in flight and carried it a bit further than he realised and it grazed off his head and landed at Cisse’s feet, who gobbled up the chance as a striker of his quality should do, well that was game on. I wasn’t worried, there was ages to go and we always score goals.

The we got what proved to be one of the decisive moments of the game, with empty head Barton getting himself sent off again for what is an absolutely disgraceful display of thuggery on a football field, if it was on Hough End he would have been arrested for assault. But that added precious minutes to the game, but more of that later.

QPR made a change and brought on a left back, and I thought well Agent Hughes is shutting up shop even more now, but in actual fact Traore did have fresh legs and he bounded down the wing after another hopeful punt and amazingly he got there before Vinnie did, I thought oh no they have a man over, the ball was crossed and oh no they actually scored another goal, my heart sank.

The gut reactions took over and I rose to my feet to bellow some shite at the team, encouragement but I wasnt sure at that point. We huffed and puffed we passed, we moved we crossed we shot but all to no avail. None of this looked very threatening considering we need to score to win the title but the lads plugged away. Dzeko came on and added some height but it seemed even he had left his shooting boots in the changing rooms.

Special mention to Nasri who ran himself ragged in my view and never gave up (but then neither did the team) balotelli came on and he looked lively and forced a couple of good saves from Paddy Kenny in the QPR goals. At this point I was screaming for the high ball into the box but it took until the period of extra time for that high ball to be effective, with Dzeko giving us all hope with a smart header in front of Paddy Kenny.

The next few minutes where agony, QPR got the ball away, SWP ran with it and was upended but only got a throw in. Lescott won the header and DeJong came away with the ball. In the stadium the time seem to stand still as Dejong, Aguero and Balotelli worked the opening for Aguero to score what is the most priceless goal scored for City.

The place went ballistic, I stood still praying that the linesman wouldn’t flag for offside or a foul, the flag never appeared and we cheered and screamed in disbelief. At this point QPR knew they where safe and there fans cheered Aguero on as he scored, credit to them.

The chap next to me lost the use of his legs and fell on me and we both rolled around on the floor, it was heaven, the ref blew for full-time, I couldn’t believe it, we had won, from 2 – 1 down with only minutes to go – but this is the City way, the hard way, but oh how sweet it feels now.

As I stood there at the final whistle there was a huge roar from the crowd, emotions ran very very high, a chap behind me had a picture of his dad, who had been a lifelong City fan and had sadly lost his life at the derby last season, “they’ve won it for my dad” said the chap and amen to that, what a fitting tribute to a lifelong blue.

I made my way over to where my wife and son where sitting, maybe 15 seats further along, and both of them where in floods of tears, “we’ve won” I said but neither could muster a word for at least 5 minutes but we all hugged, I hugged everyone in sight, if you were sat near me you got a hug, what a fucking relief it was, we had won. Little did we know at that point that the rags had been celebrating another championship, but it didn’t matter we had won.

Despite the announcers requests there was a huge pitch invasion and all i could think was, oh shit the FA could dock us 3 points for a pitch invasion, City fan until the end eh!!

The pitch was cleared, the stage set and what followed was amazingly fabulous, two City legends brought out the trophy, it was very symbolic of handing the trophy on from the old legends to the new ones, and a fabulous touch by the club. The meddles were presented, the trophy held aloft and we all went mad again, we sand we screamed we hugged, we took pictures but I don’t think any of us really got what we had just witnessed.

Gradually we all moved out of the stadium and onto the surrounding areas, and again lots of hugs and back slapping and huge grins, and the most amazing atmosphere in and around City Square. We saw lots of friends and we spoke of what we had just seen but still it hadn’t quite sunk in.

When we got back to the car I felt like a wrung out wash-leather the energy was drained from me but I was determined that we would go out and celebrate the victory. We ended up in Didsbury via a quick detour home for a quick pee and a glass of bubbly.

I have to say it was great in Didsbury, blues everywhere not a rag in sight, crowds inside and out of all the pubs and we sang and drank and tried to make sense of what we had seen.

An absolute massive thanks to Mancini, the players and the back room team, it was a day i’ll never forget and I want to leave the final word for Shiek Mansour without who none of that would have been possible….thank you Shiek Mansour.

Forza Mancini…………………………………..

QPR Pre Match

I hope the team are preparing as if this was just another game, do the same things, train as you would for any other match. This plays down the significance of the match, keeps the feet on the ground, keep the focus the same as its been throughout the season.

When match day arrives, do the same things, the same prematch meal, the same routine, warm up the same, sit in the same spot as you always do in the changing rooms. Go out onto the pitch and play as you have all season.

Those would be my words to the City players, so why don’t I follow them myself!!!! The big games we have had over the past few seasons have been great to be part of, and I want to make sure that I enjoy this one, whatever the outcome.

To be fair I’ve no real idea what my Pre match build up usually is as I never usually think about it, so I’m not gonna change it now! Yes I’ve been thinking on and off about the match through the week, and me and my mate had a chat last night, but I’ll not get to worked up (if I can help it) today and leave the nervous energy for Sunday…. Some hope!!

The rags I spoke to yesterday all tried the reverse psychology of saying wouldn’t it be awful if you threw it away at the final hurdle. Well my retort was that that was exactly what they had done so they should know how it feels, but I also pointed out that football us football and nothing is decided until the players take the field on Sunday.

I’m really pleased that Vincent Kompany was given the Barclays Playet of the season, he truely deserves that, he’s a role model on and off the pitch, well done Vinnie.

It’s an interesting little conundrum at the bottom of the league as both Bolton and QPR fight it out for that last spot. The game at Stoke isn’t lacking anything as Stoke could earn a few million quid by winning and moving up the table, whilst Bolton are fighting for survival as well as the millions.

I do think that the QPR tactics will be to try to park the bus to a degree but try to hit us on the break with the pace of Cisse upfront. If they try to play us at football I think there is only one winner and that’s not agent Hughes.

There are lots of City connections in the QPR team, not least SWP and Onuoha, who I genuinely like but the others can all go forth and multiple for me, especially that no mark Barton.

I’ve said this before, that I was genuinely upset for Hughes when he git the boot from City, but his words and deeds have failed to match up to his rhetoric and he’s done all the things that he slagged City off for, so I now don’t give a shit about the rag bastard!

I think the team will be the same as the last two games, barring injuries, and I hope we get an early goal or two to settle the nerves and allow us and the players to enjoy the game.

There will be more ramblings and observations both before and after the game but not all the post match ones will be as coherent (if that’s was this is) as my usual offerings as I’m likely to be full of some form of beer or other after the game.

This game is all about the result and if the team plays up to its potential the result should go on our favour and we all know what that means.

Forza Mancini……