Newsletter #1515

A lacklustre performance from the Blues away at Stamford Bridge on Sunday when we succumbed to Chelsea. We have match view and plenty of opinion on the performance and individuals tonight.

There’s also news from Spain on a potential signing, a look at current squad members and the usual requests.

Next up the second leg of our UEFA tie against Aalborg.

MATCH VIEW I: CFC 1 MCFC 0

Disappointed? Yes. Surprised? Not at all. Firstly it was Chelsea, secondly it was an away game, so the result was as certain as Red Rum winning the Grand National. This report is going to be full of questions.

Our Club is reputed to be one of the richest. However, our assembled team does not reflect this. We were so outplayed by Chelsea, at times it was embarrassing, like men against boys. Now I appreciate we had injuries, but how do you explain Burnley winning at Stamford Bridge? How many million pound players do they possess? We had the most expensive player on the pitch on Sunday, but which neutral would have pointed him out? He probably would have picked out Essien.

When you play a top 4 team, the first thing you do not do, is give their players “time on the ball”. Guess what we did? We backed off and carried backing off, when we should have been playing a pressing game… get in their faces! Elano must have given the ball away umpteen number of times with attempted long balls, but was still upset to be subbed; he was very lucky to have been on as long as he was! Etuhu’s first 90 seconds eclipsed Robinho’s 80 minutes. Ireland and SWP tried hard but were way off their best and Zabaleta, for all his effort, was shown up by Ballack and Essien. Caicedo looked the part for the first 15 minutes but then faded into insignificance, and is clearly just not good enough. Bojinov looked far better in the short time he was on the pitch. Micah R is not the best right back and gets shown up going forward. Our best 2 players on the day were Dunne and Onuoha, they prevented City getting a thrashing. As for Chelsea’s goal, what was Zabaleta doing? He was not even watching the ball. A 1-0 loss flattered us but does not hide the big cracks (and plonkers) in the team.

Hughes has to pick a team that works their socks off for 90 minutes, especially away. What’s wrong with keeping Robinho on the bench and starting with Garrido? I wonder if Hughes has been told he has to pick Robinho, regardless, due to the £32 million we paid for him? Do not play Elano in central midfield: he wastes the ball there and should play just behind the lone forward. We miss Bellamy as he works his socks off and gives all the defenders a hard time, and obviously Kompany too. I have said this so many times but we are way too lightweight as a team, and need a few more imposing players in the team. Was there one player in our team that could match Essien? What must he be worth? Do we practice set plays on the training ground? Have we scored from a corner this season?

We are all extremely lucky to have a forum like MCIVTA to vent our frustrations, irrespective of what we write because that’s all it is… words on an e-mail. Poor Steve Burrows copped a lot of flak for just expressing his opinion.

After all this, I will still be cheering on the lads come the next game.

MATCH VIEW II: CFC 1 MCFC 0

City missed De Jong and Kompany to break down the Chelsea midfield who were dominant against a City side that struggled for most of the game. The only goal scored was a mix up by the City defence who let in Essien to score a goal that was kind of lucky as it went in off his shin.

The City defence in general played a good game keeping the score to just 1-0, although to be very honest Chelsea would have deserved a second goal. City did have a couple of good chances to score in the first half, both involving Caciedo, but the “bull” went for goal himself instead of passing back to Superman who would have had a clearer opportunity.

Elano looked very disappointed at being substituted by Etuhu, but we must think about him already having one yellow card, and an important game coming up on Thursday in Denmark.

Against Chelsea City were always second best and it was lucky that it was only 1-0, but as long as it remained 1-0 there was always a chance for a breakaway goal, but it never ever looked like coming.

Up front we need Bellamy back; it is good to know that his injury is not as bad as first thought. The squad needs strengthening during the summer; it is weak in some areas when we have key players out.

Come on you Blues! In Sparky I trust.

MATCH VIEW III: CFC 1 MCFC 0

An embarrassingly one-sided game today, versus Chelsea. Two of the many reasons why they very effectively got the better of us:

1. They scored and we didn’t / couldn’t.
2. We signed Robinho whilst Chelsea missed out, so they rightfully must bethanking their lucky stars not to have wasted their owner’s money.

Robinho continues to be woeful when playing away from Eastlands and offers us very little indeed, being more of a liability. So too Elano, yet again. Picking up such excessive wages for such inept performances, one has to acknowledge their fortitude and their audacity, have to say.

On another day, even with De Jong and Kompany in the side, this is a game we likely would have lost, so no real surprise there. Badly missing the pace of Craig Bellamy in the final third, so will be better upon his return.

Have forgotten what Petrov looks like, it seems an eternity not to have had him in the side.

At least we’re enjoying a good run in the UEFA Cup, which needs to continue on Thursday, so still something to cheer. That, and the fact that Liverpool totally hammered United.

OPINION: REALITY CHECK I

Sometimes you just have that moment of clarity, where everything comes into view and makes sense. It doesn’t always happen that often these days, but it did happen yesterday, sometime during the second half against Chelsea. It was at that moment that I realised that my previously held views on the team I love and support might just be ever so slightly out-of-kilter with reality, and that maybe I do spend too much of my time wearing ‘blue-tinted glasses’.

I’ve not been a big fan of Hughes mostly because of his tactics and team selection, plus some of the things he’s said in interviews. I have thought, however, that his acquisition of players has been extremely good and have stated on here before that I think he’ll go on to make a very good scout! However, yesterday, after seeing us comprehensively out-played and out-thought, I asked myself which of our current squad would actually get into the squad of any of the top four teams that we are trying to emulate. Going through each member of the squad in this way, comparing them with their equivalents in the same position, was probably the biggest reality check I’ve had since we became the “richest club in the world”.

On current form and ability, only SWP could stake a claim to a place in any of the top four first teams. Maybe Petrov, when fit, would also be considered.

Under Hughes, Given, Ireland, Bridge, Robinho (only on home form), Kompany and possibly Onuoha are all very good. I would suggest that these six City players could make the bench of a top four side, because like it or not there are better players in each of their positions, e.g., Cech/VdG, Fabregas/Gerrard, Cole/Clichy, Arshavin, Mascherano/Essien, Terry/Vidic (although it was funny to see him make an uncharacteristic pig’s ear of dealing with Torres on Saturday!) etc.

Bellamy has done well for us since he arrived, Dunne has got back some of his form, Zabaleta, De Jong, Bojinov and Sturridge all show some promise, Richards has the potential if he can regain form, Hart is a good understudy and Elano has brief flashes of excellence. None would realistically find their way into a top four squad, let alone team, at the moment, and some may probably only ever do well in a mid-table team. If we had a different manager I do believe that one or two of these could do better, as I don’t believe Hughes has got the best out of Elano, Dunne or Richards, for example.

If we are going to be honest, there is no way we are going to compete for a top four spot with our current squad playing the way they currently do. Players like Villa, Kaka and Messi are the type of players that are of the quality we need, but as I think we’re proving with Robinho, you can’t just graft them onto a mid-table team. If our squad started playing to its potential then maybe we could add world-class players to make that transition, but we are not making progress in that direction at the moment.

Perhaps I am still too biased towards City, and we actually need to replace half the squad to gain some success. It is difficult only ever having supported City to admit these things. Maybe I have become so used to us not succeeding that I find it too easy to accept ‘second-best’ as Robinho suggested earlier this season.

OPINION: REALITY CHECK II

Another away game, another miserable performance, another defeat and another set of excuses from Mr Hughes so what’s new? Just when is the rot going to stop? It was truly men against boys! No more than a training game for Chelsea who never had to go up beyond second gear to beat us very, very easily. OK I know we had a few of our better players missing, this I accept. But not the drivel about being tired from the midweek European game. Again our tactically naïve, inexperienced manager handed them the game on a plate before we even kicked off. To sit back and attempt to defend for 90 minutes against the quality and pace that Chelsea have in their side is the equivalent of committing football hari kari! If we do that again at the Emirates or God forbid the Swamp in coming months I dread to think what may happen.

I think we all accept that we got off very, very lightly on Sunday? On another day it could have get seriously embarrassing. Four-nil would have not been too unrealistic. Again the team appeared to be frightened when playing one of “the big four” (just as we were against the Rags earlier in the season). Things only changed when Bojinov came on to give us our first shot on goal after 83 minutes! The selection of Ched Evans to start was highly questionable. It is patently clear that the boy is simply not up to Premier League class. This is not being derogatory or insulting to the lad, just a statement of fact. He would be a real asset to any Championship side but Premier League quality? No. Is Sturridge injured? I can only guess he must be.

Also, some of the other players need to take a long, long hard look at themselves. Elano not even getting the ball over the wall when he took a free kick in what should have been a dangerous position just outside the box. SWP failing to beat the first man when taking corners. And as much as I hate to say it, Robinho yet again did very little if anything at all. Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt as it is his first season in the Premier League. Let’s not forget Drogba was a joke in his first season but he’s not now! The only player to emerge with any real credit was the Dunny Monster. But just what do they do all week in training? Why do we never even look remotely dangerous at corners or set pieces like other “lesser” teams do? Where is the “coaching”, the tactics, the guile to unlock opponents when away from home? Something has to change, it really does. The tactics, team formation and game plan when away from home are simply not working. Why, oh why can Mr Hughes not see this and continually persist in this way when the truly dreadful results away from home are there for all to see? Why does he not at least attempt to change things around when we are not playing at the CoMS? Well, I can tell you why… he doesn’t know what to do or how to do it. It really is that simple.

OPINION: CITY vs. AALBORG

Good win in the UEFA Cup versus Aalborg of Denmark, we go into the second leg away from home with a 2-0 lead. It is only half time, the next game will not be easy, but I feel confident that City will get through to the quarter finals.

It was great to see Robhino back in action; he may not have scored himself but he certainly helped the team in many ways, and should have got a penalty.

City got off to a good start with a goal in the 4th minute by Caicedo who used his strength to get through the defence. The second goal was a gem by SWeeP, who ran tirelessly throughout the game.

The players all played their part in this very important game. Collectively I give an 8 out of 10, would have given a 9 out of 10 but for the easing off in the second half.

Good tactics by Mark Hughes, and good to see him give Evans and Etuhu time on the pitch towards the end, giving the Academy players encouragement to get into the first team.

Come on you Blues! In Sparky I trust.

OPINION: THE BLUES

Blimey! My recent postings seem to have upset a couple of people, so I think I’d better re-assure them about what I’d actually written, as they didn’t bother to read it themselves.

Kevin Williamson first. I have no fascination with anything ‘red’. Having run a City Supporters’ Club at the school I taught at for many years, I did however, come in for a large amount of abuse, but despite that, I am not a “bitter” as many of us have been called, and I have no great feelings about their team at all. Their supporters? Well, that’s a different matter, and perhaps if you lived amongst so many of them as I do, then you’d understand their general arrogance and attitude. With regard to their team, part of me wishes that they do win all that they want this year, just so it might prompt Ferguson to retire, something that will have repercussions for all the teams in the Premier League, because it might just open up the ‘Big Four’ cartel we currently have. Why are you jealous of them? Jealousy of other teams is a very stupid emotion, and is what usually inspires other team’s directors to make bad decisions when it comes to hiring managers or players. I want success for City in their own right, not because of what some other team does.

I agree that the constant hiring and firing is also stupid as long as you’ve got someone in position who is worth sticking with. If it appears that the Sheikh is going to continue with Mark Hughes then fine. I don’t agree that he is the manager to bring us success but I will always get behind the team and support them, just as I did under Ball, Neal, Coppell, and Clark. I have no opinion on Hughes once playing for United: it’s irrelevant. If Ferguson had come to City at any time over the last twenty or so years, I would have ripped his hand off with excitement, so I have no problem with anyone’s playing past (although I would find Roy Keane a bit hard to stomach, if only for Alfie’s sake).

If you had read what I had written you would have noticed that your comments about the players and new signings almost exactly mirror mine in previous posts but why let that get in the way of a good slanging match, eh? Your comment about Brazilians though is bang out of order and borders on the drivel you used to hear in the seventies about black players and their ‘abilities’. Elano has at last started to show again some of the form he had at the start of last season under Sven. He made some excellent tackles last night against Aalborg, and his distribution was much better. “Not up to the fight”? It’s just how they’re managed.

Graham Mills. I too, hope Ernie isn’t discouraged by my postings. We should all have the courage of our convictions. I have never stated, though, that Mark Hughes is deliberately running down City. That would just be utter nonsense, as you say. I would be very glad if Hughes does succeed at City for the reasons I’ve given above, his past connections are irrelevant. I just don’t see it happening though. At the end of the day I just want what is best for City.

Anyway, to City, which is a subject I much prefer talking about. I thought they were excellent last night, but did take their foot off the pedal a bit after scoring. I think we will score over there, so the tie should be safe, but this being City I would have liked them to have made it a little safer and taken more of their chances last night as we bossed the game so much in terms of quality. Am I allowed to say this, or will it be misconstrued yet again as another attack? Or do we all have to ‘happy clap’ in time to that dreadful Doves version of Blue Moon they trotted out last night? Are the only voices allowed on here those who agree with everything that is going on at City?

OPINION: DAVID VILLA

Seeing as though I’m out here working as a football journalist in Valencia, reporting on Los Che for the British media, I guess it would be rude of me not to respond to the recent reports linking City with David Villa.

After six months watching the lad at close quarters, all I can say is I rate him as the best pound-for-pound goalscorer on the planet. Certainly the best I’ve ever witnessed in my lifetime, even better than the Goat! He lacks height, he’s not the strongest and he’s not particularly fast but, boy, is he sharp!

He probably spends a little too much time on the wrong side of his marker and berating linesmen for having the audacity to raise their flag, but I can honestly say he’s the most ruthless finisher I’ve ever seen in the flesh.

He’s everything you expect from a predator: he spends half the game moaning at his team-mates like a spoilt child, he’s incredibly selfish when receiving the ball anywhere near the 18-yard box and his movement ranks him as sneaky as any pick-pocket or bag-snatcher.

In a nutshell, he’s absolutely ruthless. Opposing fans will detest him because they know as soon as he gets the ball within a certain radius of goal and half-a-yard of space, it will invariably hit the back of the net.

If we sign him, rejoice. You can talk all you like about systems and formations, but any club in the world would be stronger if they had David Villa in the team.

OPINION: STEPHEN IRELAND

Whilst appreciating that we are all in the grip of a recession, I just thought I’d bring this splendid Daily Mail article on Stephen Ireland to your attention and the superb work he does via his charity foundation.

I for one am going to set up a standing order with the Foundation because no matter how hard the recession is biting, what could be more deserving than helping youngsters who have so little time left in this life that so many of us take for granted. Forgive me if it sounds like I am preaching – that is not my intention – and it is a matter of choice as to whether you care to support Stephen’s cause.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1161824/STEPHEN-IRELAND-EXCLUSIVE-Dead-grandmothers-Daddy-Dick-pink-wheels–A-stories-look-ridiculous-Ive-change-that.html

On a more general theme, I think the Daily Mail is rapidly emerging as the newspaper of choice from a Manchester City fan perspective. They keep coming up with balanced, but very positive features on City. The Ireland piece is great and it wasn’t so long ago that Martin Samuel wrote a superb article on Mark Hughes when City were out in Tenerife. I for one don’t touch the Malicious Mirror or Scheming Sun who are on a permanent mission to discredit and ridicule City.

Anyway I’ll get off my soapbox now and hope you enjoy the read.

OPINION: MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Two points I would like to pick up on from the last edition of McV:

I, along with another 4 Centenary Supporters’ Association (CSA) members were amongst the groups invited to lunch etc. at the ground prior to the FA Youth Cup game against Norwich City. We were able to have a 10 minute chat with Garry Cooke about a couple of things very close to the heart of the CSA, especially the MCFC teams and communities in West Africa. It’s the 2nd time I’ve been able to meet Garry Cooke and IMHO he strikes me as a man who is more than willing to listen to supporters. Everybody associated with the club is now entering a new era and for what it’s worth I feel Garry Cooke is the right man to lead us into that era.

A MCIVTA football team was suggested in last week’s McV. For a good few years now I have organised the CSA’s annual 5-a-side competition at the Platt Lane Complex. A few years back a team representing MCIVTA took part. Martin Ford whose name was mentioned has entered a team in the 5-a-side several times. Subject to confirmation at a gathering of the CSA prior to the Sunderland game, this year’s 5-a-side will be a charity 5-a-side in support of the Carl Ramsbottom appeal. I hope a team representing MCIVTA will take part. The date of the 5-a-side competition has yet to be confirmed but it will be in June and the club have already promised to cover the costs of using Platt Lane.

Details of the 5-a-side will be forwarded once a date is confirmed. Because it should be a charity competition in support of a very good cause, the entry fees will be increased and referees will be asked to provide their services free to ensure as much cash as possible goes to the Carl Ramsbottom appeal. Any qualified referees (active or non-active) can contact me now.

OPINION: CORNERED I

In answer to Jon Reese in MCIVTA 1514.

“The last City goal from a corner? Was it as far back as Bianchi away at Spurs last season wearing a fetching little scarf too if I remember correctly!”

I think Jon will find that Dunne scored from an Elano corner for the second goal versus Portsmouth in the 6-0 this season. Although it was not a header.

OPINION: CORNERED II

Regarding the last time City scored from a corner, I think it was last season at home to Spurs, when Onouha’s header won the game for us. Actually Onouha was close again last night against AaB, so he looks our main aerial threat at the moment.

OPINION: CORNERED III

I think the last goal from a corner was Spurs at home last season; Nedum Onuoha. Bianchi against Spurs before that. And before that? No idea! Definitely a poor return though and something I’m sure they’re aware of and equally frustrated by!

REQUEST: SUNDERLAND TICKETS

My son and I will be over in Manchester for the Sunderland game and would like to see it. Does anyone know if it’s possible to get walk up tickets or something a day in advance, or can help me get tickets for the game if they’re not attending?

REQUEST: ARSENAL TICKETS

I have just come back from holiday and was going to buy 2 tickets for a MCIVTA reader who is coming over from Canada and was hoping to go to the game. Have rung the club to find that the tickets have all gone! I am hoping that someone has 2 that they have bought and can no longer use? Maybe the wife needs to go the Traffic Centre or some such attraction? Please help if you can so that I can keep the international interest going. Thanks. Does anyone know if tickets can be bought direct from Arsenal?

Watched the Chelsea game on the box yesterday. Who was the little bloke on the left wing who had an occasional kick of the ball?

RESULTS

15 March 2009

Chelsea               1 - 0  Manchester City       41,810
Aston Villa           1 - 2  Tottenham Hotspur     41,205

14 March 2009

Manchester United     1 - 4  Liverpool             75,569
Arsenal               4 - 0  Blackburn Rovers      60,091
Bolton Wanderers      1 - 3  Fulham                22,117
Everton               3 - 1  Stoke City            36,396
Hull City             1 - 1  Newcastle United      24,914
Middlesbrough         1 - 1  Portsmouth            24,281
Sunderland            1 - 2  Wigan Athletic        39,266

League table to 15 March 2009 inclusive

                             HOME          AWAY        OVERALL
                    P  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F   A   GD Pts
 1 Manchester Utd  28 12  1  1 31  9  8  4  2 18  7 20  5  3  49  16  33 65
 2 Chelsea         29  8  5  2 24  8 10  2  2 25  8 18  7  4  49  16  33 61
 3 Liverpool       29  8  6  0 22  8  9  4  2 27 13 17 10  2  49  21  28 61
 4 Arsenal         29  8  5  2 22 11  6  5  3 23 15 14 10  5  45  26  19 52
 5 Aston Villa     29  5  7  3 21 17 10  0  4 22 14 15  7  7  43  31  12 52
 6 Everton         29  6  5  4 23 17  7  4  3 16 12 13  9  7  39  29  10 48
 7 West Ham United 28  7  1  6 19 17  4  5  5 15 17 11  6 11  34  34   0 39
 8 Wigan Athletic  29  6  4  4 13 12  4  4  7 16 16 10  8 11  29  28   1 38
 9 Fulham          29  8  3  3 22 12  1  7  7  6 14  9 10 10  28  26   2 37
10 Manchester City 29  9  0  5 30 12  1  5  9 15 25 10  5 14  45  37   8 35
11 Tottenham H.    29  5  5  4 15  9  4  3  8 20 25  9  8 12  35  34   1 35
12 Bolton Wndrs    29  6  2  7 15 18  4  1  9 16 25 10  3 16  31  43 -12 33
13 Hull City       29  3  4  8 16 30  5  5  4 19 21  8  9 12  35  51 -16 33
14 Sunderland      29  5  3  7 17 18  3  5  6 12 20  8  8 13  29  38  -9 32
15 Blackburn R.    29  3  5  6 15 21  4  4  7 17 27  7  9 13  32  48 -16 30
16 Newcastle Utd   29  4  6  4 20 22  2  5  8 15 24  6 11 12  35  46 -11 29
17 Portsmouth      28  5  2  7 18 22  2  6  6 12 23  7  8 13  30  45 -15 29
18 Stoke City      29  7  4  3 17 13  0  4 11 11 34  7  8 14  28  47 -19 29
19 Middlesbrough   29  4  7  4 13 16  2  2 10  8 25  6  9 14  21  41 -20 27
20 West Brom A.    28  5  2  7 19 27  1  2 11  6 27  6  4 18  25  54 -29 22

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[2] What are MCIVTA’s publishing deadlines?

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[3] MCIVTA Back Issues and Manchester City Supporters’ home page

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[4] What is the club’s official web site?

The official club web site can be found at http://www.mcfc.co.uk/

[5] What supporters’ clubs are there?

Manchester City FC recognises three supporters’ clubs: The “Official Supporters Club” (http://www.mcfcosc.com/); the “Centenary Supporters’ Association” (http://www.reddishblues.com/CSAWebsite/CSA.htm) and “The International Supporters’ Club”.

[6] Where can I find out about Points of Blue (formerly the Fans’ Committee)?

The committee operates as an interface between supporters and the club. Points of Blue appears on the club website as a minor entry under “Fans Zone”.

[7] What match day broadcasts are available on the web?

The Radio Manchester (née GMR) pre and post match phone-in is available on the web at http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/sport/manchester_city/index.shtml.

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[9] Do we have a Usenet newsgroup?

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[10] Do any squad members have their own web pages?

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[11] Where can I find match statistics?

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The views expressed in MCIVTA are entirely those of the subscribersand there is no intention to represent these opinions as being thoseof Manchester City Football Club, nor of any of the companies anduniversities by whom the subscribers are employed. It is not inany way whatsoever connected to the club or any other relatedorganisation and is simply a group of supporters using this mediumas a means of disseminating news and exchanging opinions.

Heidi Pickup, editor@mcivta.city-fan.org

Editor: