Time To Take City Seriously
City have often been the butt of many jibes about being a club that cannot be taken seriously. Some of the criticism has been deserved, but last week's battling performance against Fulham and today's 3 - 1 win over a decent, but Owen-less Newcastle has sent out a message that we are a much tougher proposition than in previous seasons.
Even the reddest of the many anti-City hacks must now (grudgingly) accept that Sven's influence has transformed City's fortunes and the club is unrecognizable from the lumbering, mis-firing team of the last few seasons.
For the second week running, City went a goal behind, but instead of crumbling like they would have previously, the teams' newly found confidence and self-belief meant they were soon on level terms with a quality finish by Petrov from a tight angle.
Although Newcastle had their moments in the first half, City were the dominant side after the break and with Mpenza wrong-footing Given with a clever header from Petrov's cross almost immediately from the restart, there was only ever going to be one outcome to this match.
City contained Newcastle without too much difficulty for the remainder of the match which was rounded off with a sensational free kick by Elano from 25 yards which flew past Given into the top of the net before he could move such was it's power and accuracy. Sky TV measured it at 76mph.... not quite as fast though as Didi Hamann as recently clocked by the Cheshire police ;-)
This was probably City's best performance of the season so far and was especially memorable for the performances of Martin Petrov and Elano who were both just outstanding. Petrov for his trickery, strength and pace down the wing and Elano for his silky skills and reading of the game. Sven took some stick for spending "big" money on these guys, but they look now to be very shrewd investments with many clubs sizing them up with envious eyes - expect some big-money bids in January, but luckily for us, we don't need the money.
Just a couple of thoughts to finish with:
1. Seeing Joey Barton sitting uncomfortably behind the Newcastle bench, probably thinking " what the hell have I done ?" .... ditto for Distin
2. Wondering what life would be like if Big Sam had been appointed City manager instead of Sven and being very grateful that the right choice was made
9 comments:
Petrov and Elano were both quality today. Won't be long before the opposition will resort to kicking them out of the game
Nicky Butt tried to do exactly that today - can't understand how he wasn't booked for a string of bad tackles
Sven must be the envy of the Premiership spending what into todays terms is "peanuts" on the likes of Elano & Petrov together bought for less than the price of a Darren Bent. Hopefully he and City will get the respect from the likes of Lawrenson & Merson they so richly deserve.
Just wait until they all gel together and the January transfer window opens.
After the glory of the Mercier Alison years its been a long long long wait to witness a City football team that could touch greatness.
Our best start in 30 years and flickering moments of genius. Wait till this team gels, I dont think we are there yet, give me a ball winning midfielder.
Hang on tight, Erikson has lit the blue touch paper by building a young team its glorious.
Welcome back Bluesology. Your views on Man City have been greatly missed over the last three weeks.
I'd just like to point out that neither Elano nor Petrov have premiership experience. What you need to buy is players who have proven themselves at this level. Sven bought both of these players on the basis of video evidence alone and both have proven to be way short of what is expected at this level. They and the other journeymen brought in by Sven have clearly not gelled and it's obvious that a relegation scrap is all we can look forward to this season.
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Well that's what they were writing about us as the season started, I presume that the lauded members of the sports media in this country stand by their predictions...
Thanks Blueangel.... it's just that the day job gets in the way of the real priorities in life!
Simon...
Hopefully a lot of humble pie will get eaten very soon
Ahhh! Meester Anonymous
They'll have to catch them first. Nicky Butt saw the end of his career right in front of his nose.
I don't normally harp on stuff like this, but did anyone else notice that Scholes is a yard off the pace? The little sod's legs have gone! (Oh yes - sorry, I saw that one on telly)
Never seen 3000 Newcastle fans sat with their mouths hanging open before, but that's exactly what happened when Elano did the business.
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