A strengthened side, big spending, improved performance, same old city! We barely got a shot on goal in 90 mins, despite playing 50 mins vs 10 men. I don't accept that the losing a player helps the other side. We didn't take the initiative and failed to take an advantage on the game.
Robinho didn't have the best of games, but at least he still able of creating the sublime. Wright-Phillips ran down too many blind alleys and struggled to get into the game. He doesn't get much protection from refs, so the sending off was fully deserved today. Steven Ireland had another poor game, his final ball is poor, which meant there was little outlet for Bellamy to run in behind the Stoke back four.
Hughes has stated we lacked muscle in the box. He should of utilised Felipe Caicedo much sooner than he did. We needed a target man and he is certainly a handful in the box. Elano again should of been used much sooner, he came on showed with his range of passing how good he is. It was just a shame the rest of the attackers where not playing their top game. A change was needed as soon as delap was sent off, we dominated the 1st half and should of capitalised, not capitulated with lazy defending from Richards and bridge.
A poor showing in the final third let down what was going to be a reasonable performance. This is very disappointing result , considering the progress we have made in the last two games. With the chairman and cook watching on, it will be interesting what happens over tomorrow and Sunday transfer wise.
A very frustrating performance from our players today!
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Friday, 30 January 2009
Stoke City Vs Manchester City: Preview
Well no signings completed before 12, means we won't be seeing any more new faces in tomorrows away battle at Stoke.
I expect the team to pretty similar lineup, but we are sweating on the fitness of Pablo Zabaleta who went off with cramp during our win on Wednesday. Swp is also a doubt after being brutality taken out by Guiterrez, If he misses out, it could see Bellamy move right and one of our young strikers taking the lone position.
An obvious aim for Hughes new and improved side is to put an end to our awful away form. We dealt with Stoke very easily early on this season and should go on and win tomorrow, considering their very poor form. They are a big solid side,but with a more solid defence and midfield, i feel much more confident of going into the game and winning. If we want to to have a decent league table finish this season, we need to start a good run and beat the likes of Stoke and Boro.
No transfers. Mark Hughes has had another Roque Santa Cruz bid turned down. I can only see this as a blessing. I'm not sure why he is so determined to buy one player, who simply isn't that good. We await a deal from Shay Given to be confirmed. I hope we get it over and done with quickly.
predict another City win!
I expect the team to pretty similar lineup, but we are sweating on the fitness of Pablo Zabaleta who went off with cramp during our win on Wednesday. Swp is also a doubt after being brutality taken out by Guiterrez, If he misses out, it could see Bellamy move right and one of our young strikers taking the lone position.
An obvious aim for Hughes new and improved side is to put an end to our awful away form. We dealt with Stoke very easily early on this season and should go on and win tomorrow, considering their very poor form. They are a big solid side,but with a more solid defence and midfield, i feel much more confident of going into the game and winning. If we want to to have a decent league table finish this season, we need to start a good run and beat the likes of Stoke and Boro.
No transfers. Mark Hughes has had another Roque Santa Cruz bid turned down. I can only see this as a blessing. I'm not sure why he is so determined to buy one player, who simply isn't that good. We await a deal from Shay Given to be confirmed. I hope we get it over and done with quickly.
predict another City win!
Thursday, 29 January 2009
New links
Over the past month i have worked on the sites, updating links and format. I have just agreed to have my site hosted on a mobile phone feed. It looks a good system so i am happy to be apart of it.
Whilst you visit this site, please look at the other blogs going. There are some really good MCFC sites that are updated regularly. If you too own a blog, feel free to leave a message and i will add it too the links.
Again if you would like to contribute to the site, feel free to leave a message, I'm happy to consider anyone interested.
Back to the football.
Given? Santa Cruz? The transfer window is about to slam shut, does the club have any surprises in store, or are we going to disappoint everyone. I hope Given signs because goalkeeper is the one urgent position needing filling. It's rumoured he has handed in a transfer request at the club. Joe kinnear has slammed a derisory bid of 5 million, but they can't be hoping for much more. But as we don't see to care about over paying, why stop now!
Santa Cruz deal has been on/off over the window. Blackburn has just loaned Matt Derbyshire to Greek side Olympiakos. So even if they do sign another striker, i doubt they will want to sell RSC. I for one don't want him, especially for the price. I'm Not sure who misses out from the squad that beat Newcastle if we have an extra striker.
You can now get ‘News of the Blues’ posts, plus Man City match reports and scores, sent direct to your phone using a free service called Natajak. All you need to do is 'CLICK HERE', register and install it on your mobile. Natajak make no charge for the service, it runs on most phones that can access the internet and works just about anywhere in the world. It can also be used to text, email and even share photos.
Whilst you visit this site, please look at the other blogs going. There are some really good MCFC sites that are updated regularly. If you too own a blog, feel free to leave a message and i will add it too the links.
Again if you would like to contribute to the site, feel free to leave a message, I'm happy to consider anyone interested.
Back to the football.
Given? Santa Cruz? The transfer window is about to slam shut, does the club have any surprises in store, or are we going to disappoint everyone. I hope Given signs because goalkeeper is the one urgent position needing filling. It's rumoured he has handed in a transfer request at the club. Joe kinnear has slammed a derisory bid of 5 million, but they can't be hoping for much more. But as we don't see to care about over paying, why stop now!
Santa Cruz deal has been on/off over the window. Blackburn has just loaned Matt Derbyshire to Greek side Olympiakos. So even if they do sign another striker, i doubt they will want to sell RSC. I for one don't want him, especially for the price. I'm Not sure who misses out from the squad that beat Newcastle if we have an extra striker.
Manchester City 2:1 Newcastle United: Building Form.
Another good result. A confident showing of decent football and drive. Both debutant's played well. De jong, considering he hasn't played for some time was extremely disciplined only really made 1 error in 70 mins. Craig Bellamy gave a performance i expected, full of searching runs and high work rate and capped of a good game with a decent goal, his 1st debut goal of his career.
The Squad was pretty much as to be expected. The solid midfield meant the likes of Barton had little chance of imposing themselves. I was slightly worried once Hughes removed Zabaleta for Gelson, i saw a typical city moment coming. Steven Ireland wasn't on best form, i was hoping Elano would of been given the shout ahead after his last performance, he is the best passer in the side which would be ideal from Bellamy. Robinho was full of flicks and deep runs, less effective on goal, but a very satisfying performance. Swp gave a gallant performance despite being taken out several times and deserved a penalty himself.
We were not as effective in the second half, as Newcastle tried to exert some pressure, but we look much more assured at the back. Kompany as captain was simply outstanding, not a reference i would like to make, but he reminds me of Jaap Stam. Nedum Onouha is looking really good and is reaching his massive potential. I struggle to see how Dunne can win his place back in the side. One key error from Bridge led to the goal, but he and Richards had fairly decent games, i am confident this defence could take on most attacks.
Hart started to distribute quickly from the back, but as soon as he is under pressure he flaps. He doesn't breed confidence at the back which is worrying. Punching a ball at chest height, it's not good judgment. I think it's time he stepped aside and sat back for a couple of season. Shay Given was at the ground yesterday, but didn't feature. Hopefully he will be is the side for the stoke game. He would be an ideal choice for Hart to learn a few things from.
The Squad was pretty much as to be expected. The solid midfield meant the likes of Barton had little chance of imposing themselves. I was slightly worried once Hughes removed Zabaleta for Gelson, i saw a typical city moment coming. Steven Ireland wasn't on best form, i was hoping Elano would of been given the shout ahead after his last performance, he is the best passer in the side which would be ideal from Bellamy. Robinho was full of flicks and deep runs, less effective on goal, but a very satisfying performance. Swp gave a gallant performance despite being taken out several times and deserved a penalty himself.
We were not as effective in the second half, as Newcastle tried to exert some pressure, but we look much more assured at the back. Kompany as captain was simply outstanding, not a reference i would like to make, but he reminds me of Jaap Stam. Nedum Onouha is looking really good and is reaching his massive potential. I struggle to see how Dunne can win his place back in the side. One key error from Bridge led to the goal, but he and Richards had fairly decent games, i am confident this defence could take on most attacks.
Hart started to distribute quickly from the back, but as soon as he is under pressure he flaps. He doesn't breed confidence at the back which is worrying. Punching a ball at chest height, it's not good judgment. I think it's time he stepped aside and sat back for a couple of season. Shay Given was at the ground yesterday, but didn't feature. Hopefully he will be is the side for the stoke game. He would be an ideal choice for Hart to learn a few things from.
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Manchester City Vs Newcastle United: Preview.
After a good break in Tenerife the side return to Manchester refreshed and strengthened. New additions in Bellamy and De jong along with the return of Robinho from Brazil should lead to a pretty exciting squad setting up tomorrow night. I hope De Jong does start, he hasn't played for a while having been injured before the winter break in Germany, so his match fitness is probably not there. But as he likes to remind us he's a 'training animal,' so i expect him to be starting. Bellamy will be facing one of his many former clubs and will want to go and prove himself to the toon and of course our fans.
Pab Zab played in the defensive midfield last match and i can see him continuing tomorrow in that role. With Dunne suspended for four games, it will give Nedum and Kompany a chance at centre back. i am hoping Nedum will get a good run at the back he is full of ability, only too often his body fails him, we don't want another Ledley King.
Robinho should start will Bellamy and SWP, i am unsure who Hughes will pick out of Ireland or Elano. I personally would pick Elano who was brilliant vs Wigan and simply outwitted and out classed the Wigan side in every way. To drop him after a performance like that would not be productive.
The Wigan match was the best display of a team performance we have had all season. I hope we can build on this and punish Newcastle. I don't know if Joey Barton is fit and set to play, but if he is, make sure we give him the 'welcome' he deserves. Perhaps give an unofficial welcome to our new goalie who will surely sign after the match?
Confident of another home win!
Pab Zab played in the defensive midfield last match and i can see him continuing tomorrow in that role. With Dunne suspended for four games, it will give Nedum and Kompany a chance at centre back. i am hoping Nedum will get a good run at the back he is full of ability, only too often his body fails him, we don't want another Ledley King.
Robinho should start will Bellamy and SWP, i am unsure who Hughes will pick out of Ireland or Elano. I personally would pick Elano who was brilliant vs Wigan and simply outwitted and out classed the Wigan side in every way. To drop him after a performance like that would not be productive.
The Wigan match was the best display of a team performance we have had all season. I hope we can build on this and punish Newcastle. I don't know if Joey Barton is fit and set to play, but if he is, make sure we give him the 'welcome' he deserves. Perhaps give an unofficial welcome to our new goalie who will surely sign after the match?
Confident of another home win!
Monday, 26 January 2009
Bullied, Belittled and Bored.
Not written for a while since our signing of Nigel De jong. Not much has happened in the real world since, although we seem to be the target for some very unfavourable reporting. Both BitterandBlue and TLDORC have covered this in some detail recently. Our player being linked in unfounded transfer rumours even when they have denied all on their personal sites. Near slanderous sledging from certain Journalist who have simply lied and have been out of order. It's no surprise that the Sun is home to one of the Culprits.
City have become easy targets for abuse because we tried to sign one for the Best players in the world. A response that has it's grounds in jealousy that city shouldn't be allowed to try and buy Big Stars. Only a few including the Award Wining Sports Journalist Martin Samuel's have been decent enough to report without bias or an agenda. His recent interview with Mark Hughes was a refreshing break from the rest of the tabloid rubbish.
Transfer wise, nothing conclusive to report, only rumours. Shay Given is a certain target and it will be interesting to see if the deal will be done, we need an experienced goalie to take the reigns from the inexperienced and naive Joe Hart who needs to sit out a season or two and develop his game away from the spotlight.
Werder Bremen Midfielder Diego has been linked. The player is currently banned for Strangling an opposing player and has also been caught Drink Driving, although he denies being drunk! He is a Classy player apart of the same Satos side that Elano and Robinho has such great success at. He left for Porto and later joined Werder where is has become a player of great importance along side Frings. Who knows if there is any truth in the rumour, i hope there is!
Robinho has returned from Brazil and should be ready to play the toon on Wednesday night.
City have become easy targets for abuse because we tried to sign one for the Best players in the world. A response that has it's grounds in jealousy that city shouldn't be allowed to try and buy Big Stars. Only a few including the Award Wining Sports Journalist Martin Samuel's have been decent enough to report without bias or an agenda. His recent interview with Mark Hughes was a refreshing break from the rest of the tabloid rubbish.
Transfer wise, nothing conclusive to report, only rumours. Shay Given is a certain target and it will be interesting to see if the deal will be done, we need an experienced goalie to take the reigns from the inexperienced and naive Joe Hart who needs to sit out a season or two and develop his game away from the spotlight.
Werder Bremen Midfielder Diego has been linked. The player is currently banned for Strangling an opposing player and has also been caught Drink Driving, although he denies being drunk! He is a Classy player apart of the same Satos side that Elano and Robinho has such great success at. He left for Porto and later joined Werder where is has become a player of great importance along side Frings. Who knows if there is any truth in the rumour, i hope there is!
Robinho has returned from Brazil and should be ready to play the toon on Wednesday night.
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Nigel De Jong Deal Done!
The Best bit of news we have had in days.
Manchester City Football Club are delighted to announce that the signing of Nigel de Jong from Hamburg SV for an undisclosed fee has been completed.
The 24-year-old Dutch midfielder with 29 international caps inked in a four-and-a-half year contract after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical earlier today
A top class Dutch international who can add the necessary bite and efficiency in the midfield. He has a decent amount of time to train with the squad, here and in Tenerife.
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