Manchester City Thread [07/08]

[rhizome17]

Well I have done the sums, and if we lose at Chelsea next week, the only team capable of overtaking us on the table is Liverpool IF they beat Arsenal . Having said that, all three of the teams around us as well as Chelsea have Champs League games this week, with Liverpool and United traveling away. Hopefully this will blunt Liverpool's performance.

 

[kramer11]

Elano is a joy to watch, I'm sure there are more South American gems plying their trade in Eastern Europe.

 

[rhizome17]

Damn, Tottenham have sacked Jol. Hope they appoint someone that still can't get the team going. The more teams there are of their level who keep failing the better for us.

 

[rony31]

Former Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton believes it is only a matter of time before Sven Goran Eriksson's fine start comes to an end.

Despite City making their best start to a season for 50 years, the 25-year-old, who is now at Newcastle, thinks their dressing room is delicately balanced.

With so many nationalities occupying the City squad, Barton believes problems will occur sooner rather than later due to a lack of cohesion.

"Sometimes you could hear a pin drop," he told the Daily Star.

"It's lost a lot of characters like Robbie Fowler, Andy Cole, Ben Thatcher, Nicky Weaver and myself.

"I speak to people there and they tell me they have so many languages, there's no banter now.

"As well as they are doing right now, it's only a matter of time before it comes slamming to a halt unless they address that."
--------------------

someone's a bit jealous. only a matter time before you punch Mark Viduka in the face too, I suppose.

 

[rhizome17]

Haha man, Barton is going to be one of those guys who, when he matures (not in a footballing sense), he is going to look back with some regrets over his actions. He stuffed up his England call-up and probably won't figure in the national side again. Its a shame, he is a decent footballer, just no brain.

In other news Schmeichel has gone on loan to Cardiff. He is only 20 so Sven is probably giving him the chance to see if he can develop any further. I definitely expect to see a keeper signed in January though.

 

[TOON ARMY]

Big Sam will get the best out of him and he will thrive in our system once he is fit.

Good move for all parties involved.

 

[rony31]

Wow... I sure didn't expect that. horrid outing. Richards & Garrido were pathetic today, letting guys get by too easily, especially Garrido on the left just giving up on plays. The only positive I can see out of this is that maybe Sven will ring up some changes... Isaksson back in between the pipes, Bianchi starting (Samaras today?!) and Ireland never seeing the pitch again in his City career. bloody ******* hell

 

[rhizome17]

Ah ****. Oh well at least it was against CHelsea and not Derby or some team like that. But you are right, maybe it is time to shake up the complacency of the team. He has pretty much stuck with the same lineup since day one, particularly at the back, so maybe it is time to start the new guys a bit more regularly. Bianchi, Geovanni and Isaacson in the team next week. Drop Ireland. Maybe look at bringing Onouha into the starting eleven as well. Maybe even 4-4-2 might be a goer, we have the strikers there.

NOT what I wanted to hear when waking up.

 

[Payaah]

About time City are back!

 

[Schweinsteiger]

About time City are back!

Lol, it had been a fairlytale start up until last weekend. There goes your solid for and against too..

Richards had a shocker

 

[Callum]

Garrido is the worst player in the premiership.

 

[rhizome17]

Well, heres hoping we can beat Keanes Sunderland. Not surprised that we turned in a defensive display against Bolton after the nightmare at Stamford Bridge, Sven would have had them focused on the apparently lost art of keeping goals out. A win today and back into third position...

 

[rony31]

and we do just that, Stevey boy with a seemingly brilliant volley after a nice play from Vassell on the left wing. seemingly switched styles after that Chelsea game, like you said Aaron... it's actually nice to see us being able to scrap out these dirty 1-0 wins, under Pearce we were always on the other end of the result

 

[rhizome17]

Well, I for one am happy with the result. Our goal difference sucks at the moment but what the heck, still nice to be ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool at this stage of the season. I think the players are getting tired now, and its not surprising really. Our team selection, with the exceptions of the striker, have been probably the most consistent of any team in the league this season. Most of the same players line up each week as well as in the cup games, and the likes of Elano and Dunne and Johnson must be getting knackered around about now. It was good to see we didn;t concede in two games now, a defensive mentality is being developed that has been lacking in some games (although mainly away from home e.g. Fulham and Chelsea). Seems Bianchi is getting restless though, and despite having so many striking options it seems to be the least effective position on the pitch. If Sven is ging to stick to the current formation then he is goin to need someone to cover for Elano as a creative outlet, as well as a striker of qualtiy and consistency (although hopefully Boijinov comes back fully capable).

 

[rony31]

Johnson should be out for around 2-3 weeks if he gets surgery on his nagging groin. he was subbed at half-time because of it today, so I doubt he can keep playing through it. and Mpenza has been mediocre this season, absolutely no reason not to start Bianchi anymore.

 

[rhizome17]

Haha we stay in third despite both Chelsea and Liverpool winning. This is great. Our next game is away to Wigan, who may enjoy a new manager boost. But it is Wigan.... having said all that, it does seem our players are starting to get a bit knackered, both Elano and Corluka coming off early today.... but to have Geovanni as a replacement isnt a bad thing.

I still don't get the striker situation though, Mpenza and Samaras got a half each, but Wheres Bianchi is a bit like Wheres Wally now...

 

[rony31]

another wonder-goal from Stevie "Superman" Ireland I thought the chance to win it was gone when Geovanni somehow put it over in the 91st minute, 1-on-1 with the keeper... then that happens. but again, this thing with Bianchi is getting ridiculous. SGE keeps saying "he'll get his chance, he's working hard for it"... but honestly, give him his ******* chance already. most expensive summer signing and he's seen the pitch less than Sun Jihai this season

 

[adobe_sun]

I'm very happy for ManCity this season.. Although i've always supported MU, ManCity bring some joy with their games..
Very happy for Martin for scoring in the last game..
I hope Bojinov comes back fit. He is truly great striker talent, his only problem are the likes of female singers around him

How would you guys reckon Martin's performance thus far?

 

[rhizome17]

Petrov is one of the star performers this season, one of the best buys by Sven. Its great he pops up with goals too, since our strikers aren't renowned for knocking them in he contributes massively to the team.

Looking at our fixture list, we have an interesting few weeks that will go a long way to defining our league position. Two away games on the trot, and we really need to get 4 points from them, 3 against Wigan and we should set out for a draw against Spurs, but London has not been our happiest hunting ground this season. Bolton and Villa after that, the latter will be extremely tough and one of our main rivals for positions at present.

And hopefully a win against Spurs also in the Carling Cup, keep the ruin going.

 

[rony31]

Elano most likely out of the Wigan match with a hamstring injury huge loss, Geo's gonna have to step up.

and about the Spurs, Aaron, I think now's a good season as any to take something from that trip, and usually I'm horrified of trips to White Hart Lane. We should take 3 from Bolton, Villa will be very tough though. I'd hope for 8 points in the next 4 games