tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6604553392976270762024-03-13T10:49:22.491+00:00NorfstanderNorfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.comBlogger305125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-44693351023939552632010-05-14T19:33:00.009+01:002010-05-15T22:36:22.600+01:00Moving Bellamy on may be a tough call Mancini has to make<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwu0LATo9aPY2KOPgZjuQqHW1iDDtjOaJsd5j8R_bxZQ82-Dvad4iWdFvIOH8n_CHLBqUpCnoVXFRZFoAlq9rIDirLBznpuQR7Eo2c8IZIUFPHYmv5iTiotCQ7SMYPJJvn3KQpzJm-t8/s1600/cb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwu0LATo9aPY2KOPgZjuQqHW1iDDtjOaJsd5j8R_bxZQ82-Dvad4iWdFvIOH8n_CHLBqUpCnoVXFRZFoAlq9rIDirLBznpuQR7Eo2c8IZIUFPHYmv5iTiotCQ7SMYPJJvn3KQpzJm-t8/s400/cb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471213520230838802" border="0" /></a>When you look back on the season which finished with a draw at Upton Park last week, most of the highlights will inevitably involve two of our attackers - Carlos Tevez, who almost bagged himself thirty goals, and Craig Bellamy - a minstrel who had for a short while appeared to have found his spiritual home.<br /><br />Since joining from West Ham sixteen months ago, a move which at the time was seen as a desperate one by former boss Mark Hughes, Craig has almost certainly enjoyed his best spell as a Premier League player. Notoriously injury-prone, his body has held up quite well, and overall he's matured from an inconsistent but lively striker into a lethal play-making wideman.<br /><br />Away from the pitch he had been having a quiet time of it, too. Few headlines, charming and honest on camera, never seeming less than 100% gracious to be here, and with his good work in Sierra Leone paying dividends. Indeed, it's been difficult to understand why his reputation throughout football has grown into one of a widely-derided pantomime villain.<br /><br />As fans, we don't really know what goes on behind the scenes. Information is so instant nowadays that any falsity can reach a significant audience in seconds, and though most know not to trust what they read in the tabloids or on forums, some shit will always stick. How good or bad the relationship between Bellamy and Roberto Mancini is really isn't known, but you get the impression the situation is at least uneasy.<br /><br />The issue of extra training being a problem for some of the senior players was an odd one. One of Mark Hughes' stronger points was allegedly his and his team's expertise in terms of fitness, and he often spoke about improving facilities, the overall shape of the squad and working hard on the more physical aspects being the scenes to see results on the pitch. As much as someone like Bellamy may need nursing through the latter stages of an injury-hit career, a monthly double-shift surely isn't that much of a manager to ask?<br /><br />As well as the player's beef at having to spend a couple more hours around Carrington - a problem other squad members had, it must be said - there have been other examples of his change in mood since the managerial switch. David Moyes was said to have earned Craig's backing during the ridiculous events late on in the defeat by Everton. I've no idea whether that happened or not, but it strikes you as the sort of thing a younger, more mischievous Bellamy might get up to.<br /><br />After the deflating defeat by Spurs, the fixture that ultimately cost us our Champions League hopes, there was the curious sight of a beaming Bellamy almost knocking the opposition manager out with the shine from his pearly whites after losing what would have to be classed as one of the biggest games of his career. That may have simply been honourable sportsmanship, but coming from a player hardly known for that sort of thing there have to be doubts.<br /><br />The biggest signals that Craig's honeymoon period at City is over, though, have been his overall body language coupled with a decline in form. I guess you could argue that since Mancini's been in charge, and the football hasn't really flown, few have performed consistently, but i don't accept that the former Inter boss is negative, nor that his style of play isn't suited to getting the most from the likes of our number thirty-nine.<br /><br />Towards the business end of the season there were several games i came away from disappointed with the Welshman's contribution. Again, he wasn't alone, but the Bellamy we saw against Spurs, Arsenal, United, Everton, to me looked one well short on he who dragged the whole side kicking and screaming earlier, and the fire in the belly isn't as apparent as it once was.<br /><br />Not that the lad needs writing off. We've a squad assembled at vast wealth, and over the season he more than pulled his weight, but inconsistency does begin to make you wonder if, as a whole, given how hugely important next season is, whether Bellamy's presence around the squad makes complete sense for a manager yet to win over his troops.<br /><br />At the start of this season just gone, Hughes talked to the press about establishing his "power base" at the club. During his tenure, he was allowed to be judged on his own players, prematurely, admittedly, but there were senior figures amongst the playing staff whose presence at the club undermined his position. The most obvious of those was Elano - a hugely talented mard-arse who most fans would admit we've missed this year, on the field at least.<br /><br />In fairness, Roberto has been quick to play down the heat between the pair, but i have my doubts as to whether he's the sort of personality who knows when to use the carrot and when the stick with sort of livewire Bellamy certainly is. If we're to make further strides next season the squad will have to be tighter than ever, and if Craig insists on playing the naughty schoolboy then it's probably best all round if we move him on sooner rather than later. It'll be a sad day, but a move that's perhaps best all round.Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-34994493749721161562010-05-11T21:22:00.003+01:002010-05-12T00:08:12.725+01:00Is relieving Liverpool of Gerrard and Torres really the answer?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULQnqEytxm9nMMg06JIvu7vqujTLDmIh8D8w2nXiX31oud6rr9kR0HdZ5JrLQeirOnFzoQ4BFK30nsfPZyMThfSOGJIAVEYC7GWOGKQiIS6w7tk6KsjLg91ah0RUWxx3CfYhwTneOu2s/s1600/ft.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULQnqEytxm9nMMg06JIvu7vqujTLDmIh8D8w2nXiX31oud6rr9kR0HdZ5JrLQeirOnFzoQ4BFK30nsfPZyMThfSOGJIAVEYC7GWOGKQiIS6w7tk6KsjLg91ah0RUWxx3CfYhwTneOu2s/s400/ft.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470150412085533554" border="0" /></a>Less than two years into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sheikh</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mansour's</span> reign as City owner we're already well used to every man and his dog being linked with a big-money move to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Eastlands</span>. Most are stories concocted by fat journos in order to save them having to put the hours in doing real digging, others agents in search of a quick buck, players wanting new deals where they are, or even rarely, something with legs. The latest being linked are Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.<br /><br />The fact that the tales linking both players with summer switches aren't being met with as much derision as when mooted a year ago in itself proves that we've made progress. Not only that, but Liverpool's overall situation - the uncertainly over the future of their bumbling manager, the performance of the side over the last season, but mainly the financial position of the club, which some sources have as being so bad that the 'a'-word is beginning to be bandied about - means that such moves might actually make sense all round.<br /><br />At present, though their ever-vocal fans will vehemently disagree and point to shiny things lifted aloft in the past, we're better than Liverpool. We just are. That's how the league system works. We're better than them in the same way Spurs are better than us, Arsenal than them - sides where they are, for better or worse, on merit and not by default or accident, and given that, it shouldn't be seen as fantasy, even by disciples of the boot room bible, that we could syphon their most valuable assets.<br /><br />That said, even the staunchest Blue couldn't deny that Spurs spoiling the party recently will have weakened our position to some degree when approaching the elite players in the world. Whether Gerrard would still fit into that category is debatable, but on reputation at least there aren't too many fatter fishes in the pond. It would be a huge coup, but without the Champions League carrot not as obvious a step forward in the most important sense as it could have been.<br /><br />Torres, as good a centre-forward as there is in the world when fit, probably didn't aspire to pulling on the sky blue shirt of Manchester's premier club as a nipper whilst volleying oranges round the backstreets of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fuenlabrada</span>, but it's no more far-fetched than to say he might have dreamt of one day emulating, say, Robbie Fowler - bagging goals for fun in a mediocre side whilst picking up more serious injuries than honours.<br /><br />The World Cup will quite probably play a big part in where the Spaniard begins next season playing his football. Another good tournament and sides who we can only dream of matching in every respect bar the cash readies will be equally willing to take advantage of the malaise at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Anfield</span>, but for now, should either Fernando choose to move on, or some suit or other at the club make the decision for him, then his options aren't all that obvious.<br /><br />The main factor to consider would be the transfer fee. Even after a season dogged by injuries and bouts of sulkiness Torres would command a fee of £40m at the very least, so immediately the serious suitors could be counted on one hand - ourselves, Barcelona, Chelsea if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Abramovich</span> has decided he's interested in spending again, possibly Inter Milan, and Real Madrid - the latter being about as likely an option as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Everton</span> considering <span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;">El <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Nino</span></span>'s <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Atletico</span> past.<br /><br />The common consensus regards Gerrard is that he'd only ever leave Liverpool for a foreign club, and remembering how the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Scouse</span> public who've afforded him <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">demi</span>-God status over the last decade were quick to burn effigies and label him a money-grabber when he's threatened to move on to better things in the past, it's probably a safe bet, and another summer of spending at Real Madrid could provide the most likely route out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Tracksuitville</span>.<br /><br />Unlike his Spanish colleague, any move for Gerrard from Liverpool would absolutely have to be the right one. Thirty this month, time isn't exactly on his side. Barring a takeover, a manager who knows what he's doing being brought in, plus some serious spending, that's never going to happen at Liverpool. Though we're unlikely to be banging on the door next year as things stand, we'd certainly be the club who ticked most boxes in terms of needing and being able to offer a key role to the player, having no problems with the fee, and promising to offer at least a distant threat to the title contenders.<br /><br />Beyond completely sealing the sad demise of Liverpool Football Club as a force in English football, though, and however much we might need a central midfielder who does something other than move or pass sideways, and a true centre-forward to complete the most fearsome attacking line in the country, is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">splodging</span> daft money on superstars such as these two soft lads the way? I think examples, both in terms of the goose-chases we've been on over the last two years, and the side who beat us to fourth this time round, indicate it may not be.<br /><br />People alleging that we'll always struggle to sign truly world-class players until we're in the Champions League have to some extent been disproved already. Admittedly both the signings of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Robinho</span> and Carlos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Tevez</span> were under extreme circumstances, one being the only ticket out of Madrid, the other seen as the ultimate chance to prove a doubting manager wrong. Both were and continue to be paid very well for their troubles, it must be said, but nobody could deny either were/are "world-class", as much as the term itself is a bit daft.<br /><br />For every superstar we have wrestled from a more-established club, however, there have been two we've failed to convince to take the plunge. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Kaka</span> was on the verge but shat himself at the last minute, possibly after meeting Garry Cook for the first time. John Terry seemed to fancy it before declaring his unwavering loyalty to Chelsea once a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">payrise</span> had been agreed. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Ronaldinho</span> was linked for a while, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Eto'o</span> decided winning a European Cup was more important than pinching fifth place in the Premier League, and the likes of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Buffon</span>, Villa and several others have all claimed to have rejected our advances.<br /><br />Given such high-profile snubs, then, you wonder why we continue to press ahead with these biennial forays into the 'daft money' market. The contrasting fortunes of the beanpole strikers at opposite ends of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Eastlands</span> pitch last Wednesday, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Tottenham</span> crushing our hopes of what should have been a relatively routine march to being crowned best of the rest at the end of a poor Premier League season should perhaps give us food for thought.<br /><br />Both of the clubs who have successfully 'broken' the top four have done so without knocking together sides disregarding cost. Arguably, Spurs strongest point this season has been their manager's ability to put his arm around those not considered key players and turn them into such. As much as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">i'd</span> like to see Torres or Gerrard here, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">i'd</span> take more satisfaction, even if goals weren't achieved quite as quickly, from seeing Mancini build a real team, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">i'm</span> not convinced 'marquee' signings are the way.Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-34640804204644864012010-05-09T19:13:00.005+01:002010-05-09T20:56:27.421+01:00Fifth it is as season ends with a draw at West Ham<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdv5j1eAjTSWrAO9oiCkgB8vzCqtwZYVKoWP-q4bSv9hO0x3szhPu15MrIket-6HCJc_wNVY7tGy-I70XHOtEuZf7B-tVEJKKno7nwy8iSZuiWi8vrp8ErkLUrsSU66Jy77oBP6YsWnk/s1600/swp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdv5j1eAjTSWrAO9oiCkgB8vzCqtwZYVKoWP-q4bSv9hO0x3szhPu15MrIket-6HCJc_wNVY7tGy-I70XHOtEuZf7B-tVEJKKno7nwy8iSZuiWi8vrp8ErkLUrsSU66Jy77oBP6YsWnk/s400/swp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469358283664963522" border="0" /></a>The Blues today wrapped a credible but ultimately deflating campaign up with a 1-1 draw at Upton Park. With West Ham already safe and us unable to achieve Champions League qualification but safe in the top six it was hardly blood and thunder, but we created the better chances and came away with the point that would have guaranteed fifth place irrespective of what happened elsewhere.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sylvinho</span> replaced Wayne Bridge at left-back, Patrick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Vieira</span> came into central midfield for the injured Gareth Barry, Shaun Wright-Phillips took Craig Bellamy's place and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Roque</span> Santa Cruz earned a rare start ahead of former Hammer Carlos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tevez</span> in a rigid 4-4-2.<br /><br />For West Ham, Swiss youngster Fabio <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Daprela</span> got the nod over Jonathan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Spector</span> on the left of defence, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Diamanti</span> and Boa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Morte</span> came in on the flanks, the latter starting his first game in a year after a serious injury. Otherwise it was the same side that lost at Craven Cottage, with the in-form <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ilan</span> partnering Carlton Cole in attack.<br /><br />West Ham took the lead in the seventeenth minute and against the run of play. Alessandro <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Diamanti</span> coolly back-heeled a ball between the City defence and winger Luis Boa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Morte</span> raced clear and fired across <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Fulop</span> into the far corner. A very well taken goal, indeed.<br /><br />The leveller didn't take too long to arrive, and involved our two English wingers in front of the watching national team assistant manager. Adam Johnson <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">dinked</span> a deep cross over from the byline and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">SWP</span>, all five feet five of him, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">leapt</span> like a salmon at the far post to head inside Green's far post.<br /><br />Two minutes later we may have had a penalty. Johnson went on one of his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">mazy</span>, Waddle-like runs, cutting in and between three players. As he was about to get his shot away Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Upson</span> lunged in, taking both ball and man. The decision could have gone either way, but the official waved for play to continue.<br /><br />To add to our frustration we were then disallowed what appeared to be a perfectly good goal. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Kolo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Toure</span> sprayed a pass over the defence, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Adebayor</span> for once had looked to have timed his run correctly, but the linesman flagged early and in truth Green did very little to stop the shot.<br /><br />West Ham's best chance fell to the unpredictable <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Diamanti</span>, his effort smashing against <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Fulop's</span> post after he'd shaped in from the left, but it was us who ended the half the stronger. Firstly, Johnson's punt forward was chested down into Emmanuel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Adebayor's</span> path by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Roque</span> Santa Cruz. The £22m signing from Arsenal laid across the edge of the penalty area, but sadly Pablo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Zabaleta</span> was the man in space and his shot sailed aimlessly wide. Johnson then slid Ade in on goal, but Green saved, and in added time Santa Cruz headed wide when unmarked around six yards out from a corner.<br /><br />The game certainly felt like an end-of-season affair, yet at the same time was relatively end-to-end and interesting. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Ilan</span> could have put the home side ahead into the second half after a buccaneering run through the middle of the park by Parker, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Fulop</span> saved. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Daprela</span> earned a yellow card for a cynical lunge on Johnson, and Santa Cruz fired over after another lovely move down the left involving <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">SWP</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Manu</span>.<br /><br />West Ham rallied in the last twenty, only a great last-ditch challenge from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Zabaleta</span> saving out skin when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Ilan</span> had wriggled through. Both sides made changes, with the introduction of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Tevez</span> being met with the biggest cheer of the afternoon from all four corners of the ground. Franco had a low drive saved, Stanislas fluffed his lines when free in space, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Tevez</span> wormed through but the ball ended on the roof of Green's goal, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">SWP</span> and Franco could have settled it for either side with headers.<br /><br />I thought it was a relatively commanding performance, but given neither side needed to win it's hard to read too much into the whole game. Adam Johnson was obviously the standout performer once more and outstanding for the first hour particularly. Wright-Phillips was involved in most things we did well going forwards, too, and his cameos on the left may give Mancini food for thought.<br /><br />We can end the season with our heads held high knowing that we've improved considerably over the last twelve months. Though fourth place was well within reach the experience of falling just short will hopefully hold us in good stead for next season and beyond. With a couple of key additions over the summer we should stand a good chance of making that next step up. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Forza</span> Mancini!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team</span>:<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Fulop</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Zabaleta</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Sylvinho</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Tevez</span> '73), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Toure</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Kompany</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Jong</span>, A.Johnson (Cunningham '89), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Vieira</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Adebayor</span>, Santa Cruz (Richards '73), Wright-PhillipsNorfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-20082743835884204372010-05-09T10:51:00.007+01:002010-05-09T12:54:09.721+01:00Preview: West Ham v City<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjK_nx6yPvPTOI27HFFR_wduJ3da7IiXdHrdS6TtDQVBQ2JImW0Ehkj9_fbb8ln-OpatXR1iB8rkT4GG0Z3aYLc3j1BWPlpHYQJWzdVS7jofVco3LLXtwSRevZlivLxuskqRMu_9rmsaE/s1600/up.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjK_nx6yPvPTOI27HFFR_wduJ3da7IiXdHrdS6TtDQVBQ2JImW0Ehkj9_fbb8ln-OpatXR1iB8rkT4GG0Z3aYLc3j1BWPlpHYQJWzdVS7jofVco3LLXtwSRevZlivLxuskqRMu_9rmsaE/s400/up.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469229611730461538" border="0" /></a>An afternoon which looked set to end in either wild celebrations or glorious failure will most probably now simply be more a case of going through the motions for both sides, despite the two still having <span style="font-style: italic;">something</span> to play for. West Ham are safe, but could still swell the Upton Park coffers to the tune of £2.4m by picking up their third consecutive home win. With the game likely to be Franco Zola's final in charge, too, him and Steve Clarke will no doubt want to end on a high note.<br /><br />For us, top four hopes have been dashed but Europa League football already secured. With that in mind the players mightn't be completely up for the game, especially those now with one eye on the World Cup, but Villa can still overtake us, which i'm sure their supporters would see as some sort of huge morale victory, but more important than that, finishing a point behind a very good Spurs side simply looks better than ending up trailing them by as many as seven.<br /><br />Marton Fulop did quite well on Wednesday, the goal aside, and should make his final appearance. Gareth Barry is out for a month with ankle ligament damage and is now a doubt for the World Cup. With Stevie Ireland missing, too, Patrick Vieira will come in. Craig Bellamy could be rested, with SWP and Adam Johnson playing wide of the front two. Joleon Lescott hasn't travelled with the squad. Martin Petrov and the well-documented treble of goalkeepers are still missing.<br /><br />The Hammers will be missing two key midfielders - the superb Valon Behrami, linked with a move here in the past, and impressive academy graduate and match-winner last time round, Jack Collison. Kieron Dyer is surprisingly out injured and hasn't completed a game for the club since featuring in a draw with Wigan almost three years ago. Herita Ilunga has a calf problem, and Zavon Hines has also been ruled out.<br /><br />With national team manager Fabio Capello to name his thirty-man preliminary World Cup squad next week several on show this afternoon will be hoping to plant seeds in his mind with a good final day showing. Given the form of Joe Hart, Michael Dawson and Darren Bent, plus the rumoured return of the woeful Jamie Carragher, members of West Ham's English spine will all have concerns over their places. The injury to Gareth Barry, however, should give Scott Parker a chance after another good season saw him retain their Player of the Year award.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Possible teams</span>:<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">West Ham</span>: Green, Faubert, Spector, Upson, da Costa, Parker, Noble, Kovac, Cole, Ilan, Diamanti<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">City</span>: Fulop, Zabaleta, Bridge, Toure, Kompany, de Jong, Wright-Phillips, Vieira, Tevez, Santa Cruz, A.Johnson<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Prediction: <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">West Ham 1</span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">City 1</span></span><br /></div>Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-34429234375638780702010-04-30T23:53:00.005+01:002010-05-01T01:06:36.203+01:00Friday mp3: The Postal Service<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zpX2_tJGWta6_rO5p4O9fajcBH1ObViQvVf2R8uTtoBaP7wFhCIwbAYogFDGK1ZEHlwSGvPMEuhYTnwkytijLn2jvfZ_fJJ5XZnXkYEVmx34woXvHNWB1PtsCXxab9Qkaq3-oBr7Dm8/s1600/tps.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zpX2_tJGWta6_rO5p4O9fajcBH1ObViQvVf2R8uTtoBaP7wFhCIwbAYogFDGK1ZEHlwSGvPMEuhYTnwkytijLn2jvfZ_fJJ5XZnXkYEVmx34woXvHNWB1PtsCXxab9Qkaq3-oBr7Dm8/s400/tps.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466086036801766546" border="0" /></a>The Postal Service were/are Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie (bit shit), and Jimmy Tamborello of Dntel (whose third record <span style="font-style: italic;">Life Is Full of Possibilities</span> is decent enough). The band came about after Gibbard guest-vocalled on that record, with well-received remixes encouraging the pair to make a full record together.<br /><br />Released in 2003, <span style="font-style: italic;">Give Up</span> is Sub Pop's best-selling album to date. Interestingly, the pair worked on the record separately, with Tamborello sending the electronic instrumentals via post (cue the name) to Gibbard, who added lyrics and instruments, resulting in one of the best LP's of the decade.<br /><br />Mp3: <a href="http://www.sendspace.com/file/irqet0">Clark Gable</a><br /><a href="http://www.normanrecords.com/poogle/index.php?q=postal+service&btnG=Search">Buy the records</a><br /><a href="http://www.postalservicemusic.net/">Website</a><br /><a href="http://open.spotify.com/search/postal+service">Spotify</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/thepostalservice">Myspace</a><br /><a href="http://www.last.fm/music/The+Postal+Service">Last.fm</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%22the+postal+service%22&aq=f">Youtube</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Postal_Service">Wiki</a>Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-5875602912161865312010-04-30T20:03:00.005+01:002010-05-01T00:31:53.582+01:00Preview: City v Villa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs7B9MQR2XrOlgTujLWYf9nTfniANpyVZjx25awBdM9mymn6aCpO7CNfbGvNJscNkve86ciHC0TEvHhS2nhhMgMLmwvYPIJ3LpFCqtzW1tW2R4EjjkBpVXp4qLup0MuyQ8_kEFw2z6c0/s1600/mon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs7B9MQR2XrOlgTujLWYf9nTfniANpyVZjx25awBdM9mymn6aCpO7CNfbGvNJscNkve86ciHC0TEvHhS2nhhMgMLmwvYPIJ3LpFCqtzW1tW2R4EjjkBpVXp4qLup0MuyQ8_kEFw2z6c0/s400/mon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466072781105256546" border="0" /></a>Three games, seven points needed, possibly more, it's squeaky-bum time and rather than being able to enjoy these sort of end-of-season tussles we craved for so long, i can safely say i'm absolutely bricking it. City are "in crisis" again, every man and his dog wants out, Villa are in great form, anything could happen. Drink through it and hope for the best remains my motto.<br /><br />Marton Fulop, whose arrival seems to have caused a bout of amnesia for Martin O'Neill, is likely to make his debut, no pressure. Wayne Bridge hobbled off with a dead leg at Arsenal but should recover, but if not then Javi Garrido may come in, with Sylvinho still struggling with a calf injury. Failing that, Pablo Zabaleta, Nedum Onuoha or Micah Richards could switch flanks.<br /><br />Gareth Barry is said to have a hamstring injury and could miss the vital game against the club he played over four-hundred times for. Should that be the case we wouldn't be spoilt for options - either Patrick Vieira, most likely, or Stephen Ireland. Ade is still suffering from a thigh strain but it didn't seem to hinder him too much during the second half at the Emirates.<br /><br />Villa have their complete first eleven available, with only Fabien Delph and Curtis Davies out long-term. Delph won't be back until Christmas after rupturing his knee ligaments. Davies hasn't started a league game since scoring at Anfield in August. A half of League Cup action at Brighton in January all he's managed after surgery on a troublesome shoulder.<br /><br />Though the game against Spurs has been declared the big showpiece, this fixture is just as important, and for both clubs. Realistically, Villa need six points from six, and even then they only have an outside chance given their goal difference, but their fans seem humble enough about that. We may not absolutely need maximum points, so long as we get three midweek that should, theoretically, mean a win at West Ham would see us home, but we have to guard against the possibility of Tottenham knocking in a cricket score either at home against Bolton or on the final day.<br /><br />As it goes, Villa are a club we tend to get the better of. Sunderland aside, i think i'm right in saying the side we've taken most points from in the Premier League, and they've beaten us only five times in all competitions in that period. Their only success at Eastlands was a 0-2 win during 2006/7, during which we only managed five victories at home and escaped relegation by less than a handful of points.<br /><br />This current Villa side, however, is easily the strongest we'll have faced over recent seasons, and O'Neill has done a great job of improving them year after year. They're a true side whereas we often rely on moments of magic from a small band of real game-changers. From a goalkeeper showing no signs of slowing down, to a defence that remains one of the strongest in the division, wingers capable of causing problems from either flank, and a striking partnership who link up to good effect, and that's not even mentioning thier best player!<br /><br />It's hard to really pick holes in Villa's lot, and it says something about their strength that players such as Stan Petrov and Stephen Warnock, whose performances may go unnoticed by non-Villains, will be up there behind James Milner for their Player of the Year. Carlos Cuellar is a defender i enjoyed watching during his time at Rangers, he was mountainous there in the centre of defence, even against better opposition in Europe. He took a while to get going at Villa Park, and has made the right-back slot his own after Luke Young's good form last season, but i've seen him caught out several times this year and we could get a bit of joy if Craig Bellamy's on his game.<br /><br />Most Blues would admit that the centre of midfield has been our main concern thus far, despite Nigel de Jong and Gareth Barry doing well in parts. Martin O'Neill's decision to replace Barry with Milner has proved a masterstroke, and if we allow their midfield as much time on the ball as we did during our last home game, the late defeat against them lot, then the England man won't need a second invitation to stamp his mark on the afternoon.<br /><br />In an ideal world we'd just go all guns blazing tomorrow, and if it doesn't work out than so be it. Sadly, we know we won't see it. We'll be cautious, occasionally force play and hope to grab a goal, which could again backfire. Mancini's record is admirable, but had our balls been a bit bigger we could quite easily be sat here having picked up three more points than we managed from two admittedly tough fixtures.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Possible teams</span>:<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">City</span>: Fulop, Onuoha, Zabaleta, Toure, Kompany, de Jong, A.Johnson, Barry, Tevez, Adebayor, Bellamy<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Villa</span>: Friedel, Cuellar, Warnock, Dunne, Collins, Petrov, Downing, Milner, Agbonlahor, Carew, A.Young<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Prediction: <span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">City 1</span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Villa 1</span><br /></span></div>Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-68464766517811281442010-04-28T22:22:00.005+01:002010-04-28T23:50:46.469+01:00Pressure no more on us than it is Villa or Tottenham<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgne30Y80TjdyHE2ztJU90zAGv3mo0K_-Rqam-UQ9DxFEg8JWaSrWYM4YpXL4rlhjVE6Jph8KrYeZeIqnpyWInYIqHYSoPqScjttrcg2rY_EXf-dJW61BIOsawul-rsJDBMGtPyNkH6tXk/s1600/rd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgne30Y80TjdyHE2ztJU90zAGv3mo0K_-Rqam-UQ9DxFEg8JWaSrWYM4YpXL4rlhjVE6Jph8KrYeZeIqnpyWInYIqHYSoPqScjttrcg2rY_EXf-dJW61BIOsawul-rsJDBMGtPyNkH6tXk/s400/rd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465318209520620642" border="0" /></a>Former City captain Richard Dunne's words implying that the heat is all on his beloved Blues and not his current employers Villa ahead of Saturday's game has already proved the main soundbite ahead of a weekend which will not only play a big part in the fortunes of both clubs but prove an afternoon of heroes and villains (no pun intended), scores to be settled, good versus, well, you get the picture.<br /><br />So far as 'needing' Champions League football, Dunne's probably right in the medium-term, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">i'm</span> not sure i agree that it's absolutely essential this season. At the start of last year Mark Hughes was given a target of finishing in the top half, we achieved that. This year's target, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pre</span>-season at least and publicly stated by both <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Khaldoon</span> Al Mubarak and Garry Cook was top six. That objective, again going from what we were told on record, was then fast-tracked in light of extra funds given to the then manager, and his subsequent sacking certainly indicated that goals had been brought forward by a year.<br /><br />The main factor in any disappointment that would follow for fans of any club realistically involved in the race for fourth has quite simply been the form of Liverpool. Even if they'd been slightly less below-par they'd be well away in their usual position of being the best of the rest but not quite good enough for the main prize. Their ten league defeats have opened a door, but that's not to mean that any side of the three who doesn't grab that final slot would have had a disappointing term.<br /><br />Time seems to be a quick healer, certainly as far as pressure on managers goes. It wasn't all that long ago that Martin O'Neill was being heckled by those who go to Villa Park, being labelled 'tactically inept' by those who mainly don't, and couldn't give assurances of his future amidst rumours of unrest with owner Randy Lerner. Top six and two trips to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wembley</span> surely shows further signs of progress, but odds are he'll pack his bags should they not achieve their greatest target.<br /><br />It would be interesting to see how Spurs' season may go having to accommodate Champions League football should they see their way over the line. I think they'd be okay, and certainly no worse of than they'd be with the prospect of nineteen Europa League fixtures on the horizon. They are where they are because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Redknapp</span> has gotten full use of a squad which at the start of the season, with several players having either not shown their true form or being said to be unhappy, didn't appear, on paper at least, a touch on ours. With the likes of Gareth Bale, Sebastien <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Bassong</span>, Michael Dawson, Niko <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kranjcar</span> and Roman <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Pavlyuchenko</span> coming in and performing, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Tottenham's</span> strength-in-depth is now not a concern at all.<br /><br />Overall, though, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">internet</span> baloney aside, most Spurs fans would have been quite content with a top six finish this season, and whilst the way <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Redknapp</span> has turned them round deserves enormous credit and any potential slip may not be a huge disaster, not being able to offer regular Wednesday evening European football next year would make it more likely that the "bigger" clubs (not wanting to get involved in that particular debate) express an interest in their best performers, and should they not grab fourth then certain members of their squad could quite possibly be prized away, most likely <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Luka</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Modric</span>, or the current Lane hero, Gareth Bale.<br /><br />What no City, Spurs or Villa fan would deny is that the club with most to lose here are the outsiders, the former greats of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Anfield</span> Road. They have a slim chance, assuming Spurs don't royally mess things up, but the possibility of Europa League success might be the only thing to persuade their two players - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Nando</span> Torres and Steven Gerrard, to stay put, the latter being due his biennial transfer request.<br /><br />Where the pressure is, then, is difficult to say. Playing the other contenders on our own patch given our great record there, well, us failing to get the necessary results will certainly be painted out as us bottling it, for want of a better phrase, but we're due to be playing two terrific sides who the league table shows are at least as good as us.<br /><br />Particularly irritating is the assumption by the dimmer amongst us that Spurs and Villa are both some sort of potential saviours of football's soul against a game that's becoming more and more money-orientated. We shouldn't forget that Spurs squad itself has cost the best part of £200m, and Martin O'Neill has brought over £100m of players into Villa. It's hardly obscene <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">bucketloads</span> versus paupers, and certainly isn't an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">unlevel</span> playing field.<br /><br />Should we not qualify for the Champions League this year then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">i've</span> no doubt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">there'll</span> be big decisions made at board level, but then there's likely to at both Villa and Liverpool, too, should neither of them manage it. Next year, whichever way it goes, will be a huge season, and the owners will almost certainly request an improvement once more. Gambling on a new face or sticking with Mancini would be a big call. I'd err towards the latter, as over his time at the club his results stand up to any of the other contenders, and though it might mean several departures, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">i'd</span> prefer a manager to be judged on his players and not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">anothers</span>.<br /><br />One of the biggest plus-points about our situation is that it lessens the possibility of our better players being syphoned. Not that we're completely invulnerable to the vultures; the clubs who, let's be honest, have the prestige we could only dream of, but being in a position where you don't have to sell and any key player would have to take a hit to his pride (wallet) to move on, well, as much as anyone edging above us would be seen as a huge victory, a rival club strengthening window after window would worry me.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Dunney's</span> assertion that the pressure is very much on us, then, is pretty nonsensical. Our manager is no more likely to be out of job if fourth isn't achieved than his, our star players are much less likely to move on, and we'll maintain the strongest hand to make further additions over the summer. Whilst the business models of both them and Spurs may well be better set-up to cope with seasons after season of dodging the biggest club competition in the world, we're clearly in the most commanding position to keep having a go at it, which surely makes it all the more vital that they grab their chance whilst they can.Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-35795862090517736102010-04-27T21:26:00.005+01:002010-04-27T22:56:00.642+01:00Give Gunnar a go!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrXb1mbnFhuQGVlxpZ7Ww1rxJQskKIKEoDlWm8YysH5lkLkNpdhz3gNg4ihGjcsDTneYUJN6Sr1X_WJMBp24ytpk65GaHZ2y5Y_8sj5Ze4_qHIwTGKEwpwynu7AnPi16nFpQCkSPAUpo/s1600/gn.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrXb1mbnFhuQGVlxpZ7Ww1rxJQskKIKEoDlWm8YysH5lkLkNpdhz3gNg4ihGjcsDTneYUJN6Sr1X_WJMBp24ytpk65GaHZ2y5Y_8sj5Ze4_qHIwTGKEwpwynu7AnPi16nFpQCkSPAUpo/s400/gn.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464933699929329154" border="0" /></a>The only thing of note at all during ninety horrible minutes in London on the weekend was the unfortunate injury to our first-choice 'keeper Shay Given. An innocuous save to his left from a tame <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Abou</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Diaby</span></span> shot saw the Irishman stretchered off, and being without three possible replacements for one reason or another means lumps in throats ahead of the visits of rivals Aston Villa and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tottenham</span></span>.<br /><br />Losing Shay is as cruel a blow as we could have been dealt approaching the final fortnight of the season. There's not a player more vital to us, in my opinion, even top scorer Carlos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tevez</span></span> or frequent heartbeat of the side, Craig Bellamy. Though there have been slight wobbles this year, compared to last at least, we can excuse those considering he's barely played behind a settled defence. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lescott</span></span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kompany</span></span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Toure</span></span> and Bridge have all spent spells on the sidelines, and any goalkeeper will perform better with a regular back-four in front of him. Shay remains one of the best in the business.<br /><br />Criticism of our backup options for Given is pretty nonsensical, too. There's not a side in the division with a top-class reserve 'keeper. Even the current or former title contenders have Hilario, Ben Foster and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lukasz</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Fabianki</span></span>, respectively. Good goalkeepers will always want to play, even if it involves dropping down a level, and finding a good number two goalie is a difficult task.<br /><br />In Joe Hart's case, his move could not have gone better - leaving for regular football, behind a defence that has proved relatively solid, it's worked out fantastically well for all parties (until now in our case!), ending with him being voted the best in his position in the league. The injury to Given, sad as it is, solves one problem in that unless he makes a very speedy recovery indeed, Joe will go into next season as a Manchester City player.<br /><br />His career at City was to some extent fast-tracked. On signing he probably wouldn't have expected to have amassed over sixty first-team starts within three seasons, but he took his chance well and was worthy of being the number one. As a transfer window opened last January, however, and with us suffering indifferent results in Mark Hughes' first season, experience was needed all round, and no-one could argue that the arrival of Given shored things up, mainly down to him having significantly greater experience of organising defences.<br /><br />Had there not have been a World Cup looming and potential for a seat on the plane to South Africa as none of his rival national team goalies stood out domestically, he may have stuck around, but the simple facts of it are that Joe Hart's good enough to play week in, week out at any level, and such an embarrassment of riches really forced our hand. Keeping him here just wasn't an option solvable solely by bumping up his take-home.<br /><br />The signing of Stuart Taylor wouldn't have got Blues too excited, but with some Premier League and European Cup experience he was probably about the right level of player - happy to be here, capable of the odd emergency performance, on relatively low wages, and someone to help bring the younger alternatives on. It's certainly not as simple as saying our bank balance should ensure cover in every single department. An outfield player has scope to switch positions <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">whereas</span> in terms of a goalkeeper it's simply not the case.<br /><br />With Birmingham keen to earn favour in the hope of acquiring Joe's services once more next season it should come as no surprise that they've at least stated <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">publicly</span> that they would be open to an early return. Whether <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">McLeish</span></span> would go for that is another story entirely, and he'd have a point had they anything at stake beyond a couple more quid in handouts.<br /><br />Should they agree to give us England's finest back a fortnight ahead of schedule then i can think of no logical reason why the Premier League should deny our request. It is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">after all</span> an emergency, and it would be a shame if the climax to a very exciting race for the final Champions League place wasn't played out fairly. If Spurs had loaned out a fit Carlo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Cudicini</span></span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Gomes</span></span> picked up a serious injury, hand-on-heart <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">i'd</span></span> have no qualms with them looking at bringing him back early.<br /><br />Our chances of having the former <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Shrewsbury</span></span> man between the sticks for Saturday's game with Villa, however, would appear extremely slim. Spurs, Liverpool and Villa themselves will no doubt be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">cosying</span></span> up to the suits behind the scenes, and it looks more likely that we'll bring in some sort of unspectacular <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">bench-warmer</span>, with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Marton</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Fulop</span></span> being heavily linked.<br /><br />I've not seen enough of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Fulop</span></span> to say whether he'll do short-term, but going into the next two games especially with him in goal makes me no less nervous than were it Nielsen. He did nothing wrong on Saturday, though in truth had very little to do. At time of writing he's the most senior goalkeeper we've got available, and whilst it's not ideal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">i'd</span></span> rather we put an arm around him, give him a go and just see how things pan out. He may well prove himself to be completely inadequate and deserving of the tag of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Faroe</span></span> Islands number two, but then, just like Joe Hart, Kasper <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Schmeichel</span></span> (for a time), even Arni <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Arason</span></span>, and certain others, he <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">might</span> just surprise us.Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-28153239368859641262010-04-24T20:38:00.007+01:002010-04-24T23:39:06.354+01:00Tedious ninety minutes but a potentially huge point from the Arsenal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YQf71mO9JNaRQdFs-69GYHSHbvLtTT0KXe0B8cHT01yKS-8PWLzNpmTxmzmwmON74Il-gIuG7aRcYdZ3BgwzzgM-d2ulVzkmWq1mKxG8lV149ayltfvj6gUSSdaRCgTwoRYS03QBSJ8/s1600/a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YQf71mO9JNaRQdFs-69GYHSHbvLtTT0KXe0B8cHT01yKS-8PWLzNpmTxmzmwmON74Il-gIuG7aRcYdZ3BgwzzgM-d2ulVzkmWq1mKxG8lV149ayltfvj6gUSSdaRCgTwoRYS03QBSJ8/s400/a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463833981883556498" border="0" /></a>City and Arsenal this evening walked around a pitch for a bit doing absolutely sod all between them in a game reminiscent of a pre-season friendly. Almost certainly our most uneventful fixture of the season to date, and one that proved a right waste of a couple of hours for all who watched, i'm sure. The draw however does see us gain on Tottenham and disappointing game aside a point away at one of the Big Four should never be sniffed at.<br /><br />Roberto decided to go with a midfield three as we thought he might, with Patrick Vieira replacing Emmanuel Adebayor. Pablo Zabaleta returned to the starting eleven at right-back in place of Nedum Onuoha.<br /><br />Alex Song came back into the Arsenal side for academy graduate Craig Eastmond. Robin van Persie, who made an impressive comeback from injury in the second half of the defeat at White Hart Lane, started alone in attack. Mikael Silvestre kept his place in the centre of defence.<br /><br />It's difficult to make such a dire serving of football sound at all interesting. At the break my notes simply read "Wayne Bridge injured, later replaced". An Arsenal team missing several of their key offensive players and whose hopes of the title had already gone really had no bite, and we sat back occasionally threatening on the break but rarely if at all actually troubling Fabianski.<br /><br />It took forty minutes for the first real shot at goal - Samir Nasri hitting across Given from the left. To our credit we defended resolutely throughout the half, especially Kolo and Vince, but with the wingers stuck to their lines and nothing in terms of an attacking central midfielder Carlos Tevez ploughed a lonely furrow up front and we offered very, very little.<br /><br />Even after the interval things didn't brighten up, though the introduction of Adebayor woke up the home crowd and when switched to 4-4-2 we at least began to keep the ball and pressure the opposition, but the whole affair had the feeling of a final day game in which neither side had anything at all to gain from winning.<br /><br />The biggest talking point came just after the seventieth minute when a speculative shot from outside the area by midfielder Abou Diaby forced Shay Given into a relatively routine save down to his left. Sadly, the Irish centurion suffered what would appear to be a serious injury. Faroe Islands international Gunnar Nielsen came on for his debut and did okay under limited pressure, but losing Shay will come as a terrible blow.<br /><br />I think we have to see this as a potentially vital point gained despite the fact that the Arsenal side we faced were down to their bare bones and generally off colour. Anything less than a draw today would have realistically meant we had to win all three of our remaining games, but it now should (though it might not pan out exactly this way) be a case of a win against Spurs and four points from the other six being enough.<br /><br />The main plus point of this afternoon were the performances of the centre-halves, both of who were solid throughout. It's difficult to really point out any others, and i'm sure Arsenal fans would say similar about their side. At the start of the day i'm certain most of us would have taken Spurs losing and us not doing, plus a West Ham win means no final day six-pointer at Upton Park. Can't grumble.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team</span>:<br />Given (Nielsen '76), <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Zabaleta</span>, Bridge (Richards '27), Toure, Kompany, de Jong, Vieira (Adebayor '53), Barry, A.Johnson, Tevez, <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Bellamy</span>Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-58474775146003204672010-04-23T22:59:00.004+01:002010-04-23T23:53:47.000+01:00Friday mp3: The Delfonics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6lLIH4CxAe8dWJ4iVfhDKYDmZmbiHxg5TeslDhSVvscB_hZ-C7rMXv8b6Y8HHytnMZw25bX6fEqL781Mtme9_8uLKy0Mp98lzAX1F8Nec36hptrPxq1E2EF5F9fNyMMoXQ4GXb4b2TE/s1600/delf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6lLIH4CxAe8dWJ4iVfhDKYDmZmbiHxg5TeslDhSVvscB_hZ-C7rMXv8b6Y8HHytnMZw25bX6fEqL781Mtme9_8uLKy0Mp98lzAX1F8Nec36hptrPxq1E2EF5F9fNyMMoXQ4GXb4b2TE/s400/delf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463466351922405122" border="0" /></a>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Delfonics</span> were a pioneering Philadelphia soul group, most popular in the late sixties and early seventies. Sampled by countless modern R&B artists, they earned a second wind after <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">soundtracking</span> Quentin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tarantino's</span> 1997 film <span style="font-style: italic;">Jackie Brown</span>.<br /><br />The third of five records in six years, their self-titled LP was the first to both feature exclusively self-penned tracks and break the Billboard 100. Main songwriter Thom Bell would go on to produce bands such as The Stylistics.<br /><br />Trying to swerve the obvious pick, this is from that eponymous LP.<br /><br />Mp3 - <a href="http://www.sendspace.com/file/vz5svp">Funny Feeling</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=delfonics&x=0&y=0">Buy the records</a><br /><a href="http://open.spotify.com/artist/6YPRXu1dazGYcSZv4HJEH4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Spotify</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/thedelfonicsmusic"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Myspace</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.last.fm/music/The+Delfonics">Last.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">fm</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=delfonics&aq=f"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Youtube</span></a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Delfonics">Wiki</a>Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-60140178534970034882010-04-23T19:52:00.005+01:002010-04-23T22:50:02.565+01:00Three points at Arsenal?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8dGgD_nqzWZuGmAWbVwXrjM82IX9bQD2PAO2qXan3UuRmRyineMUDwoqyL57U45cPVZXjLDRa6lNFwNVPxJ0lbOTofstXtJvUWteIs4bpC8VO8Jzvn_MYUDFuJprOY6OfrN8OOUYT_I/s1600/a1c4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8dGgD_nqzWZuGmAWbVwXrjM82IX9bQD2PAO2qXan3UuRmRyineMUDwoqyL57U45cPVZXjLDRa6lNFwNVPxJ0lbOTofstXtJvUWteIs4bpC8VO8Jzvn_MYUDFuJprOY6OfrN8OOUYT_I/s400/a1c4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463441409095975954" border="0" /></a>Three wins in one season over them who until very recently had excelled in being our biggest bogey side would be too much to ask for, right? Pulling one out of the bag on a weekend in which both us and our greatest rivals for that elusive fourth Champions League position are expected to be beaten, well we'd be dreaming, no? Nurse...<br /><br />Other than the usual suspects - Michael Johnson, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Joleon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lescott</span> and Martin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Petrov</span>, only <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sylvinho</span> and Micah Richards are deemed doubtful. Micah was to be assessed after training today and should be involved in some capacity, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sylvinho</span> might be lucky to make the final eighteen.<br /><br />Arsenal could be missing half of their strongest eleven plus a fair few bench-warmers. Manuel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Almunia</span> has a wrist injury so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lukasz</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Fabianski</span> will continue in goal. First-choice central defensive duo Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Gallas</span> and Thomas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Vermaelen</span> are unlikely to play again this season with calf injuries, a problem that should also keep Andrei <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Arshavin</span> out despite press reports indicating otherwise midweek. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Cesc</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Fabregas</span> has a broken leg. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Denilson</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Djourou</span>, Gibbs and Ramsey will also be absent.<br /><br />In twenty-five competitive home games this season Arsenal have only failed to win four. One of those was the 2-2 draw with the best team in the world, Barcelona not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Everton</span> who also left the Emirates with a draw. Their only two defeats have come against Chelsea - where they were simply overpowered, and United - who again demonstrated that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Gooners</span> can struggle with the counter-attack.<br /><br />I think we might see a tactical change tomorrow, and a switch back to the 4-3-3/4-5-1 from 4-4-2. In both tests away against members of the Big Four under Mancini so far we've gone with a very rigid midfield three, and so Patrick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Vieira</span> or Pablo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Zabaleta</span> might come in, possibly for Adam Johnson or even Emmanuel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Adebayor</span>.<br /><br />Providing Alex Song passes a fitness test he should make up a back five that otherwise picks itself. Thomas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Rosicky</span>, who's been just about the pick of a bad bunch over a few rotten weeks for Arsenal, ought to start opposite Theo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Walcott</span>, with the new Gareth Bale - Ivorian villain-cum-hero Emmanuel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Eboue</span> likely to make up a the midfield with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Nasri</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Diaby</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Niklas</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Bendtner</span> will probably continue, but the inclusion of Robin van <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Persie</span> would certainly lift the home crowd, the Dutchman pushing for a starting place after impressing from the bench in the defeat at Spurs.<br /><br />With Arsenal's season pretty much over it wouldn't come as a complete surprise if we got something in a game that we'd otherwise expect absolutely sod all from. Their bad form (one win in six), and a squad largely made up of players whose eyes may be on South Africa, certainly gives us a faint hope, and knowing we need at least eight points from twelve, well, stranger things have happened. Pundits and the man in the street seem to fancy us as the nap of the weekend, but this sort of blind optimism might perhaps be tempered by our record both away in this particular fixture, and overall of late. At <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Fulham</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Burnley</span> we had the ball against teams with other things on their mind or who were simply rubbish, respectively. Arsenal will have several points to prove.<br /><br />The headlines will inevitably centre around Ade's first return to his former employers since he acted like a complete numskull not once but twice during the earliest of our two <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">maulings</span> of them this season. Running the length of the pitch to wind up those who used to pay his wages was tempestuous if initially funny, but kicking a former team-mate in the face was pretty unforgivable, and though i agree with 5Live pundit and former Gunner Perry Groves that the best way to deal with a big ego on an opposing team is simply not to feed it, he'll be the star attraction.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Adebayor</span>, for my money, has had a relatively successful campaign, but we must agree that the assessment of most Arsenal fans <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">pre</span>-season has been proved correct. You can't argue with a goal ratio better than one-in-two, but his overall form dips greatly and there seems to be little middle ground. Since the events of the African Nations he has generally performed better, but he'll never be anything less than frustrating simply because he has everything needed to be as good a centre-forward as there is. His languid style masks the fact that he's as quick and skillful as pretty much anyone, but so long as we're winning <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">i'm</span> not that arsed that he's occasionally a bit of an arsehole, he's a professional footballer, for f*<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">cks</span> sake, i imagine it would be hard not to be having had your ego pampered to for your adult life.<br /><br />From our point of view, you have to look at the central core of the Arsenal back-line as being an area we can get at. Our main front three have over fifty goals between them, their back 'three' have been at fault for several goals of late between them, or in the case of Song, won't be playing in their natural position. A failed fitness test there would come as especially welcome news, with Mikael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Silvestre</span> lumbering his way towards retirement.<br /><br />Although on paper at least whatever side we put out should be stronger than them in every department, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">i'm</span> still not convinced we have it in us to go there and dictate possession. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Trophyless</span> and ultimately disappointing seasons or not, they're the best there is in this league with the ball, and only an outstanding, workmanlike performance plus them having an off-day will see us come away with anything. Here's hoping it's one of those weird, largely lifeless, end of season turn-ups.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Possible teams</span>:<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Arsenal</span>: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Fabianski</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Sagna</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Clichy</span>, Campbell, Song, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Diaby</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Walcott</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Eboue</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Nasri</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Bendtner</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Rosicky</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">City</span>: Given, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Onuoha</span>, Bridge, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Toure</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Kompany</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Jong</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Zabaleta</span>, Barry, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Tevez</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Adebayor</span>, Bellamy<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Prediction: <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Arsenal 2</span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">City 2</span></span><br /></div>Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-15740960151655570932010-04-22T20:34:00.005+01:002010-04-22T22:54:31.714+01:00Villa now just as big a threat as Spurs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWhoDI-23mUcPw6Ua57AfYTjC2LCJlDntkFXlzwfcRly5lV2dJ78_LCrD-42EmlNBixf_zf9Hc2RO6xSbPHcubK7Q0eRH_sQEzjTuALMB4qpO8tH0dpsaekCl4s10lj5aOt5DMos0Rfk/s1600/av.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWhoDI-23mUcPw6Ua57AfYTjC2LCJlDntkFXlzwfcRly5lV2dJ78_LCrD-42EmlNBixf_zf9Hc2RO6xSbPHcubK7Q0eRH_sQEzjTuALMB4qpO8tH0dpsaekCl4s10lj5aOt5DMos0Rfk/s400/av.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463081200359538098" border="0" /></a>As we head into the season's final lap, wounded by a late Paul Scholes header, the mood around the club is still generally upbeat. We now must win eight or nine points from a possible twelve. How we do so isn't important, just so long as reading the final table from north to south informs you that we've somehow gazumped a Spurs side who in all honesty have been better than us since August.<br /><br />Our run-in could barely be more difficult. Less than half of the division's clubs realistically still have something to play for - we face four of them. Not that we're moaning, just a bit anxious that we're past Easter with something to still play for at the right end of the big league. As the only club in the top eight with no experience of battling for Europe (via the respected means, at least!), safe to say most Blues are feeling a mixture of trepidation, downright nerves, and the general 'typical City' expectation that we might royally balls it up.<br /><br />It's long been thought that the game with Spurs, which could have quite easily been rescheduled for any of several dates over April, would be the biggie - a play-off of sorts - Gray, Keys & Redknapp Jnr shouting a lot for no reason, rubbing their hairy hands and nervously adjusting their skinny ties, respectively, as the "moneymen", a term no-one connected to Sky Sports can resist when discussing Manchester City, fall flat on their faces right at the wrong time.<br /><br />Thing is, as much as a defeat that particular night would put Spurs more-or-less out of reach, i think we might be taking our eye off the ball in that a very good Aston Villa side are just as capable of coming to Eastlands and spoiling the party. A single league defeat in fifteen and three years of solid away form should command a touch more respect than assumptions that they'll merely be coming to make up the numbers.<br /><br />Despite every man and his dog predicting that Villa would inevitably fall away they stand three wins off the seventy point mark that would normally see a club home. Their poorer goal difference could still see them fall just short even so, but they're going about their business effectively and quietly whilst those around them get most of the plaudits and headlines. The pressure isn't on them, and they know <span style="font-style: italic;">exactly</span> what they have to do. With that in mind, i fail to see how it's a two-horse race.<br /><br />By the time we take to the field at the Emirates on Saturday evening Villa will most likely have edged us into sixth position. The third city derby may not be a formality, but you would fancy them heavily against a Birmingham side already on their jollies. That would make their trip to Manchester as huge as Spurs' visit the following Wednesday, and they have players who can hurt us just as much.<br /><br />More than that, what Villa will have is a deep-rooted desire to beat us based on more than just edging us for fourth place. The most obvious score to be settled would be by Richard Dunne, a fans favourite and regular Player of the Year winner whose forced exit didn't sit well with lots of Blues. On a pure footballing basis i thought it was best for all parties at the time, but how it was done wasn't right and although Dunnaldinho's early season brilliant form may have tailed off, he's still proved a canny acquisition by Martin O'Neill.<br /><br />Richard Dunne, as he'd freely admit, is City through and through, and as a leader, off the pitch at least, was never anything less than a superb role model. On it he came back from the brink to give us at least three splendid seasons, and whilst his respect for our support has never been questioned, he'll have a message to send to the suits at Eastlands, and understandably so. The best way for him to do that would be to help his side to three vital points on May Day Weekend.<br /><br />Another edge to the game has come to fruition this week in press reports linking Villa's current finest - winger-cum-midfielder James Milner, with a £20m+ move here in the summer. The truth behind such tales is debatable given that we don't know who our manager will be next season and the player in question would, on current form, walk into any side in the country. It could be the press simply playing games ahead of the run-in, but each season we're linked with a raft of players shortly before details of the following year's season tickets are announced, and Milner, along with Young, di Maria, Cardozo, Torres, well, it's fair to say they're all bums-on-seats sorts.<br /><br />Beyond that, though, i wonder if people behind the scenes at the club are toying with Villa - leaking stories, true or false, in order to unsettle a rival. I wouldn't put it past them, and i'm not convinced it's a coincidence that the Manchester Evening News and Guardian were first to break the 'news'. I may be wrong, and Martin O'Neill is quick to point out that there's no real evidence to back those sort of thoughts up, but we really don't need to be giving a side as good as us, in a decent vein of form, and with more experience in these sort of end-of-campaign duels, any more excuse to come to town and end our season.Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-76757760325134509672010-04-16T22:34:00.002+01:002010-04-16T23:12:09.097+01:00Friday mp3: The Clean<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh143wpZGvS7_N7N9EAzXwnQ6TPOE3Qy1HRBaRjviC9_cvbgari2AyOPIbHP3l4IQwxhIuVL6zhVytHjo4nsx0fKpFsGlLQBeUH76N1u3K5hyphenhyphenzec-UFDNp9hrNQ3tAFdelle8rqJGr5kDE/s1600/tc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh143wpZGvS7_N7N9EAzXwnQ6TPOE3Qy1HRBaRjviC9_cvbgari2AyOPIbHP3l4IQwxhIuVL6zhVytHjo4nsx0fKpFsGlLQBeUH76N1u3K5hyphenhyphenzec-UFDNp9hrNQ3tAFdelle8rqJGr5kDE/s400/tc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460861442391260002" border="0" /></a>The Clean formed in Dunedin, New Zealand in 1978, one of a number of exciting Kiwi bands who made up the 'Dunedin Sound' around the turn of the eighties, including the previously covered Verlaines. Stephen Malkmus of Pavement cites them as a major influence and the two bands are to play together next month in London.<br /><br />A sound heavily influenced by both The Ramones and sixties English bands, the Flying Nun group remain a cult favourite. Their 2002 <span style="font-style: italic;">Anthology</span> is superb.<br /><br /><br />Mp3: <a href="http://www.sendspace.com/file/6cw7m8">Anything Could Happen</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Anthology-Clean/dp/B00007L7E1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1271455579&sr=1-1">Buy the records</a><br /><a href="http://open.spotify.com/artist/6LRmgzRManplPQghd2BMqz">Spotify</a> (recent albums only)<br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/theclean">Myspace</a><br /><a href="http://www.last.fm/music/The+Clean">Last.fm</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%22the+clean%22+%22new+zealand%22&aq=f">Youtube</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Clean">Wiki</a>Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-29724362626588859642010-04-16T19:25:00.006+01:002010-04-16T22:33:54.849+01:00Preview: City v United<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHZvF3tvNQ7VVATmNeKZ58xtW7nep2hjYCMQC0xDu0uMRU3wAUb82A4Hxk02vD7D8V_s6FWcs7CoUnLIKmZN3bE6KeTFM5Bll1O_qSvR67dLSh73zi6gplUcDMebFN64mzdUchfxbKWM/s1600/ct.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHZvF3tvNQ7VVATmNeKZ58xtW7nep2hjYCMQC0xDu0uMRU3wAUb82A4Hxk02vD7D8V_s6FWcs7CoUnLIKmZN3bE6KeTFM5Bll1O_qSvR67dLSh73zi6gplUcDMebFN64mzdUchfxbKWM/s400/ct.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460847948335819618" border="0" /></a>The most important Derby since Dennis Law used the back of his boot to send his beloved United down in '74, allegedly. For the first time in God knows how long we've actually got something to play for at the top of the table (or there abouts!) post-Easter. The day-trippers are preparing their butties, the Snot & Custard <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">scarved</span> ones are on their way to Manchester.<br /><br />A number of faces return for City ahead of the most important derby in donkey's years. Pablo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Zabaleta</span> has served his two-match suspension, Wayne Bridge could make his first appearance in a month after groin surgery, Pat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Vieira's</span> rest sees him back in the squad, and Stevie Ireland has recovered from an ankle knock. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sylvinho</span> is rated 50/50. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lescott</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Petrov</span> and Michael Johnson are unlikely to play again this season.<br /><br />As for the dark side, well, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand will both be rushed back from well-documented ankle and groin injuries, respectively, as their title hopes enter the Last Chance Saloon. Ryan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Giggs</span> is thought to be unlikely to start, and Wesley Brown, Anderson and young, canny buy of the summer and twenty goal cert Micky Bowen are all absent.<br /><br />Having bagged eleven goals in our last two games 'keep as is' would be the most obvious plan, but i think <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Berto</span> will make changes. Ned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Onuoha</span> hasn't put a foot wrong in recent weeks, but Pablo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Zabaleta</span> is one of Mancini's most-trusted troops, and he could come back in. Also, Pat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Vieira</span> may well earn a recall to counter the possibility of a five-man United midfield. If so, Adam Johnson would be the most obvious to lose out, though he's been in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">scintillating</span> form, but it's hard to second-guess the manager's team selections. Wayne Bridge should come in for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Javi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Garrido</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Dimitar</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Berbatov</span> was in typically sulky mood at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Ewood</span> last weekend, a game in which United started well but badly faded out of. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Fergie</span> could choose to stick with him, and Derby Day can make a hero out of these unfashionable sorts, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">i've</span> a feeling Park will come in somewhere, possibly behind Rooney. John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">O'Shea</span> is surely <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">United's</span> best bet against Bellamy, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Evra</span> and Fletcher will return, and i fancy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Alligs</span> may opt for the Ginger Prince over Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Carrick</span>.<br /><br />It's odd going into a Derby with everything going so right for us and so wrong for them. Our eleven on paper is now at least as strong as whichever one they could muster, and there are so many people tipping us to win that the whole thing feels a little uneasy. They're shot, we're looking like Barcelona, it's all too good to be true, isn't it? A moribund humbling surely awaits, does it not? Fuck that.<br /><br />You can't really look beyond their latest Madrid-bound talisman as their main danger. Almost a goal a game this season says it all, and whilst they have struggled to replace the goals of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Ronaldo</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Tevez</span> no-one can doubt that Rooney will be a worthy winner of Player of the Year. From an England point of view it's been a pleasure to see him mature from young talent to a member of the truly world class elite, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">i'm</span> sure he could do it in any major league in the world, and we'll get the chance to see either way on that one.<br /><br />United, though, should never, ever be written off and are often at their best when wounded. I don't really buy into the "couldn't be playing them at a better time" malarkey. They have to win, HAVE to. You could argue we do, too, but our position is slightly more comfortable for our relative target. The worry is an over-confidence on our part. I guess it's up to the manager to have the lads in the right frame of mind, to not have their eyes further than the next result.<br /><br />Luis Valencia has had a splendid first season at Old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Trafford</span>, from what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">i've</span> seen. I like him. He's direct, as good wingers often are, he's got pace, strength, a good footballing brain and his delivery is decent. During the League Cup win, a game in which i thought we rode our luck in, he was the main danger. We, or more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Javi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Garrido</span>, struggled to cope with high <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">crossfield</span> passes to the right and their attacking threat came almost exclusively from the Ecuadorian. Aside from their top scorer i see him as the main danger.<br /><br />No-one can really call a Derby, but if we play to our capacities i think we'll have enough. In recent years we've rarely been in the position of the result meaning more than just bragging rights, United are seasoned at winning when it matters, but their side is lacking spark and at home we shouldn't fear anybody, seven points from nine against the other members of the so-called 'Big Four' bears that out. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">G'wan</span> lads!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Possible teams</span>:<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">City</span>: Given, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Zabaleta</span>, Bridge, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Toure</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Kompany</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Jong</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Vieira</span>, Barry, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Tevez</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Adebayor</span>, Bellamy<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">United</span>: Van <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">der</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Sar</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">O'Shea</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Evra</span>, Ferdinand, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Vidic</span>, Fletcher, Valencia, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Scholes</span>, Park, Rooney, Nani<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Prediction: <span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">Us 3</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Them Lot 1</span></span><br /></div>Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-16631594060017699572010-04-13T21:51:00.003+01:002010-04-13T22:32:55.404+01:00Santa Cruz gets an hour as reserves see off Wigan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlY221BTzfknMf0Dh6n85tyzZl_4GJ8BLmW2rhMyN5ocagwFNUe4m95yavzqwvQHu_VYA9tY7p9d-FGk71Jh8AY8mzuwsoE7PbwNzDtnagvtDRUVePwHphxlGYgTz37qFyqTjYJCGNkog/s1600/r.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlY221BTzfknMf0Dh6n85tyzZl_4GJ8BLmW2rhMyN5ocagwFNUe4m95yavzqwvQHu_VYA9tY7p9d-FGk71Jh8AY8mzuwsoE7PbwNzDtnagvtDRUVePwHphxlGYgTz37qFyqTjYJCGNkog/s400/r.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459737221569562258" border="0" /></a>Roberto Mancini was briefly in attendance tonight as the second string beat near-neighbours Wigan by two goals in their penultimate league game of the season. A goal each from David Ball and Alex Nimely, both included in senior match squads in recent months, settled the game. City move above Liverpool into second.<br /><br />The young Blues started the game extremely brightly and could have taken the lead within a minute, Alex Nimely threading through for Santa Cruz whose fierce strike was well pushed away by Nicholls. Nimely then sliced a chance from the resulting corner, and Scott Kay drove through the Wigan midfield, almost getting on the end of a great reverse ball from the big Paraguayan.<br /><br />Robbie Mak, playing on the left, cut in and forced another good stop from Nicholls, and repeated the feat moments afterwards after a driving run down the flank from left-back Gregg Cunningham, this time scuffing his shot well wide after beating his man easily. Debutant 'keeper Loris Karius didn't have too much to do, easily saving a hopeful long drive from McManaman.<br /><br />The deadlock was broken just after the quarter-hour. Tripper powered forward down the right and had looked to be taken out. The official played on and David Ball's speculative effort appeared to have nestled in the side netting. To the surprise of most of those in attendance the restart was signalled, and it has since emerged that the strike may have taken a deflection off a Wigan centre-half.<br /><br />City certainly took their time getting going in the second half, and though the opposition's chances were extremely limited they at least began to keep possession and make it a bit of a contest. Kupisz and McManaman both called Karius into action with shots from outside the area, low saves on both counts, but the first twenty after the break were quite lifeless all round.<br /><br />Santa Cruz was replaced on the hour having been in and out of a game without every really showing his class or experience. Some nice touches early on promised a productive evening, but he faded badly, possibly after a knock around the tenth minute, only showing occasional good link-ups with David Ball after the interval. Main thing is he's got a bit of gametime under his belt as the seniors season reaches the business end.<br /><br />With Roque off, the side settled into their natural rhythm, and Alex Nimely ought to have extended our lead in the 65th minute, racing on to a high ball but his low shot just falling wide of Nicholls' left-hand post. At the other end McManaman again tested Karius from distance, and Serrano's left-footed free-kick dipped agonisingly wide of the upright.<br /><br />Andrew Tutte's introduction saw Abdi Ibrahim push further forwards, and he began to make his mark on the game, getting into two or three good positions only for his finishing to let him down. A deep cross from the left found him at the back post but he scuffed his attempt at goal straight into Nicholls' arms.<br /><br />As we approached the last five minutes Alex Nimely coolly controlled with one foot and smashed at Nicholls with the other from the edge of the box, heading comfortably for the top corner but for the save of the game. The same player put the game beyond doubt late on, going in bravely with the 'keeper after a ball over the top to prod home.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team</span>:<br />Karius, Trippier (Veseli '23), Cunningham, Boyata, Warbara, Kay, Ball, Ibrahim (Chantler '85), Santa Cruz (Tutte '63), Nimely, MakNorfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-73158955845553665642010-04-11T20:02:00.004+01:002010-04-12T19:01:24.752+01:00Brum brushed aside by clinical Blues<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_F46sMemFx_qRhYwH2kJ2CFh2VCV3n5Y5tZqxc385vh-aZjwIK3uAWfO2_j5dToo4y7g0ozrH2uvTjdzje4BswONgFV9AAZd7lH11xIpKcbyyRHPTG1QZUziZ9MYQZpAy3vikA09LUfc/s1600/b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_F46sMemFx_qRhYwH2kJ2CFh2VCV3n5Y5tZqxc385vh-aZjwIK3uAWfO2_j5dToo4y7g0ozrH2uvTjdzje4BswONgFV9AAZd7lH11xIpKcbyyRHPTG1QZUziZ9MYQZpAy3vikA09LUfc/s400/b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458978914118364354" border="0" /></a>A potentially tricky fixture against a resolute Birmingham side this afternoon resulted in an emphatic 5-1 home win as City made it eleven goals in two games to cement their place as favourites for the all important fourth Champions League place. Strikers Carlos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tevez</span> and Emmanuel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Adebayor</span> each grabbed a brace. Forty-one for the season now for the £50m pairing. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nedum</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Onuoha</span> was also on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">scoresheet</span>.<br /><br />The only surprise in the City line-up was the inclusion of midfield workhorse Nigel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Jong</span>. Having amassed nine yellow cards so far this season it was expected he would be rested, but an injury to Pat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Vieira</span> in the warm-up forced Mancini's hand. Javier <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Garrido</span> replaced <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sylvinho</span> at left-back, the veteran Brazilian injuring a calf at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Burnley</span> last week.<br /><br />Alex <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">McLeish</span> made just the one change from the side which earned a point against Liverpool - Joe Hart unable to play due to the terms of his loan agreement. Former <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Fulham</span> and Northern Ireland stopper <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Maik</span> Taylor replaced him. Otherwise it was the back four that's served them so well this year; Carr, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Ridgewell</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Dann</span> & Johnson. James McFadden played off top scorer Jerome, with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Fahey</span> and Gardner wide in midfield.<br /><br />There was never really a point during proceedings that Birmingham looked threatening, though Cameron Jerome taking advantage of some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Kolo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Toure</span> dithering early on should have resulted in the first chance. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Nige</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Jong</span> typically smashed a shot miles wide as we began to put our foot down, but it was pretty tentative - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Tevez</span> and Bellamy both unable to find their range after good moves involving Emmanuel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Adebayor</span>.<br /><br />It was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Adebayor</span> who had the better of opening chances, Johnson's cross found <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Tevez</span> whose lay-off to de Jong was headed on by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Barry</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"></span>, Ade pulling wide but not hitting the target. A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Garrido</span> shot was then pulled down brilliantly by the big Togolese forward but Johnson timed his saving challenge well.<br /><br />The deadlock was broken from the penalty spot, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Tevez</span> keeping up his 100% record. The decision had gone our way after Johnson cut in past two men on the right flank and found Ade who tried to wriggle between the centre-halves to get his shot away and was nudged by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Dann</span>. It was a naive challenge but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">i'm</span> not completely convinced it warranted a penalty, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Carlito</span> sent Taylor the wrong way and that was that.<br /><br />Two minutes later we extended our lead. Another goal from a corner, something we seem surprisingly adept at of late, Johnson from the left, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Onuoha's</span> diving header, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Tevez</span> getting the touch virtually on the line. All dead and buried it seemed, but not so. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Toure</span> gave McFadden too much space down our right and his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">dinked</span> cross was easily headed home by Jerome.<br /><br />To round off a madcap few minutes we put the game to bed before the interval. Less than a minute had elapsed before Gareth Barry picked up possession on the halfway line and looped a staggering pass over the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Brum</span> full-back to Bellamy. The striker-cum-winger only had to cut in and square to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Adebayor</span> who tapped into the half-vacant goal.<br /><br />The second half continued as the first had ended, with us threatening and Birmingham looking constantly vulnerable. Barry's quick free-kick was volleyed just wide by Ade, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Onuoha</span> almost grabbed a fourth, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Bowyer</span> doing his best to prevent him from dispatching the header from close range. Johnson broke from the left-back position and the splitting runs of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Adebayor</span> and Barry left us two-on-one, opting for the latter Barry failed to control.<br /><br />After that there was a short lull as Birmingham pressured. We began to look rushed in possession and were pressed deep inside our own half. Keith <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Fahey</span> should have pulled one back, shutting his eyes with the goal at his mercy after Given had flapped at a deep Gardner cross. On two or three occasions we allowed them far too much space down our left but luckily they couldn't make anything of it.<br /><br />On the hour <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Tevez</span> wriggled through and only had one defender in between him and yet another treble. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Manu</span> screamed for the ball to be played inside but Carlos went on his own, eventually stumbling into Johnson's challenge. Lee <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Bowyer</span>, who had an awful afternoon, then gifted us a free-kick around five yards outside of their box, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Tevez</span> curling towards Taylor's top corner but the German-born goalie saving well.<br /><br />Chances continued to come - Barry sprayed another ball over the opposition defence, Bellamy back-heeling into Johnson's path and the signing from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Boro</span> seeing his rising shot just go the wrong side of the bar. Ade again found himself through, squaring for his strike partner but El Apache having another attempt blocked.<br /><br />Stand-in right-back <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Onuoha</span> put any lingering hopes of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Brum</span> rally to bed with fifteen left on the clock. The defender roamed into midfield and tried to find <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Adebayor</span>. A fortunate bounce saw the ball return to him and he drove right through the centre of their defence coolly finishing with his unfavoured left peg for what he must have then thought was his second of the afternoon.<br /><br />Shaun Wright-Phillips, Gregg Cunningham and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Roque</span> Santa Cruz were all introduced late on, none surprisingly for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Jong</span> who managed to evade the tenth booking that would have meant he missed two games. As time wore down Ade turned the final defender, a trick he's demonstrated a few times of late, clear through on goal he took a touch and finished confidently. A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">Seb</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">Larsson</span> smash sailing just high of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Given's</span> goal late on being the only remaining scare.<br /><br />As with the result at a drenched Turf Moor last week, today was a splendid demonstration of us at our scintillating best. Birmingham are no mugs, they're rarely beaten handsomely, but we dismantled them in third gear and there was very little fault to find at all. Ade led the line well and when he plays as he's starting to he looks every inch the £25m forward. The other attacking players continue to dazzle, too.<br /><br />The goal conceded and the occasional lapses in concentration from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">Javi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">Garrido</span> aside there wasn't too much to moan about at the other end either, though <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">McLeish's</span> men were short of ideas. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">Onuoha</span> may have been given the Man of the Match award, but i personally thought Gareth Barry shone brightest. His tireless performance reminded us of the box-to-box, game-changing midfielder of his Villa days, and he appears to be shaking off his patchy form at just the right time.<br /><br />Today was a game we had to win, and we did it quite easily. The mood seems positive at the moment, and results elsewhere, either in terms of Liverpool dropping more points or Spurs' getting a confidence knock ahead of three tough games, exiting the FA Cup at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">Wembley</span>, went our way. Next up is a Derby which will be huge for both sides. Play like today and we should have enough to get the job done.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team</span>:<br />Given, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">Onuoha</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">Garrido</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">Toure</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">Kompany</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">Jong</span>, A.Johnson (Cunningham '89), Barry, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">Tevez</span> (Santa Cruz '87), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">Adebayor</span>, Bellamy (Wright-Phillips '81)Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-11286366447920186692010-04-11T18:45:00.004+01:002010-04-11T19:52:21.699+01:00Slick academy lads make easy work of Bolton<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpDCSPknhmvN-aC4EGIiG_Gj3Obxcsygut4wdvQHdEWUWCF7opupTGIUu7u_2naWwkFpUAGkzPPlAL3goy0iXRTXAI0CuKBxi6PIttI1Meh275pUTDTCwcmQ-XAJk1bo3rTAjgOoQ2HM/s1600/acad.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpDCSPknhmvN-aC4EGIiG_Gj3Obxcsygut4wdvQHdEWUWCF7opupTGIUu7u_2naWwkFpUAGkzPPlAL3goy0iXRTXAI0CuKBxi6PIttI1Meh275pUTDTCwcmQ-XAJk1bo3rTAjgOoQ2HM/s400/acad.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458953328096369618" border="0" /></a>City's under-18s rode to a routine 3-0 victory over near-neighbours Bolton at Platt Lane yesterday. Norwegian youth international Omar Elabdellaoui grabbed two goals, midfield maestro Ahmad Benali notching the other and putting in a terrific Man of the Match display.<br /><br />It was Benali who opened the scoring in the seventh minute somewhat against the run of play, rounding off a lovely move involving left-back Tom Smith and big striker <span class="caption">Emerick Hippias</span>. Smith burst forward and exchanged passes with 'Eric', crossing low for Ahmad to knock in with relative ease.<br /><br />The lead was extended just after the half-hour, and again the goal involved some lovely touch passing. Centre-half Fredi Vaseli, who skippered Switzerland to under-17 European Championships glory earlier this season broke out of defence and another move involving Hippias and Benali was stuck away by Elabdellaoui.<br /><br />Before half-time they should have had a third. Elabdellaoui was put through moments after the second goal but shot straight at the Bolton 'keeper. <span class="caption">Hippias later turned his marker but saw his effort go wide. A bright opening five minutes aside it was a </span>relatively routine first half's work.<br /><br />Bolton did at least come into the game for a short period after the break. Their number eight lashed a shot at Wood's goal, the Welshman getting fingertips to it to stop fantastically. On the hour they should have had a penalty, Wood clearly taking out the onrushing forward but the ref being unmoved.<br /><br />Sub Harry Bunn almost made it three, a roaming run infield by left-back Tom Smith seeing the ball fall to him but he couldn't finish. A cross from the right then made its way to Fredi Vaseli but his powerful volley was well saved. With only a couple of minutes left we did grab the deserved third, breaking from a Bolton free-kick and Smith forging forward once more, picking out Bunn who crossed for Elabdellaoui to grab his second and seal a comfortable victory.<br /><br />All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable game. Bolton's occasional threats were well dealt with and like the first team the lads always looked at their most dangerous on the counter-attack. Most impressive, however, was Benali. He looks like a terrific prospect and turns possession well. From the centre of the park he ran the show and has a real eye for a pass.<br /><br />It would be unfair to single too many out as it was a great team performance, and to a man they all played very well, but the left-back Smith was also outstanding - comfortable defending but always wanting to push on. <span class="caption">Hippias, too, demonstrated a nice touch and strong work ethic and caused the opposition defence terrible trouble.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team</span>:<br />Wood, Mitchell, Smith, Vaseli, Wabara, Kapsalopodas (Grandison), Paris (Bunn), Benali, Elabdellaoui, Hippias, Olle (Robinson)Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-70583651188594486652010-04-09T23:26:00.004+01:002010-04-10T09:05:18.416+01:00Friday mp3: Bloc Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX25ot1g0BBE9b-dQ8bsRB80HPb9Q_rpPP8WCUikTcVIniYYo9iYAnxI8hhYXmbK3hEL1NEYmCtSlNfuPE6D8V2MOMWFBqnGrD3ZK5gmDQEEgvh5tTjQt3HlWxKfs8vu1fbTIhwpw59HY/s1600/bp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX25ot1g0BBE9b-dQ8bsRB80HPb9Q_rpPP8WCUikTcVIniYYo9iYAnxI8hhYXmbK3hEL1NEYmCtSlNfuPE6D8V2MOMWFBqnGrD3ZK5gmDQEEgvh5tTjQt3HlWxKfs8vu1fbTIhwpw59HY/s400/bp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458274156480293730" border="0" /></a>When Bloc Party released their first couple of singles in 2004 they seemed like a genuinely exciting band. Sadly they never really pushed on and the lead vocalist was soon discovered to be a proper moany bastard and they quickly descended into unremarkable 'middle of the road' bores.<br /><br />Their best work to date, a saving grace amongst albums of filler spoiled by the odd decent single, has been the surprisingly good remixes of two of their three records. This is from <span style="font-style: italic;">Silent Alarm Remixed</span>.<br /><br />Mp3: <a href="http://www.sendspace.com/file/scst4b">Banquet [Phones Disco Edit]<br /></a><a href="http://www.normanrecords.com/poogle/index.php?q=bloc+party&btnG=Search">Buy the records</a><br /><a href="http://open.spotify.com/artist/3MM8mtgFzaEJsqbjZBSsHJ">Spotify</a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/blocparty">Myspace</a><br /><a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Bloc+Party">Last.fm</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%22bloc+party%22&aq=f">Youtube</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloc_Party">Wiki</a>Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-73916415267177713642010-04-06T23:22:00.002+01:002010-04-06T23:28:08.444+01:00Ireland must be ready to make an impact as climax draws near<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTauabk3BKxRBTR1_Yhu_CePd8FZnNv0HKEHwdLwwvOyQ3m_KqEZmdnHtILJ4SLRd-BwXUh_Ad2CUUknaSRpqWHOqWJ2_lc0dacayOYjN2LreDE_zOb-VkZSuj27HNAcBEurXeWRI5JE/s1600/s.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTauabk3BKxRBTR1_Yhu_CePd8FZnNv0HKEHwdLwwvOyQ3m_KqEZmdnHtILJ4SLRd-BwXUh_Ad2CUUknaSRpqWHOqWJ2_lc0dacayOYjN2LreDE_zOb-VkZSuj27HNAcBEurXeWRI5JE/s400/s.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457151378625808994" border="0" /></a>Over a dozen goals and God knows how many assists last season earned a certain young midfielder plaudits from fans of clubs across the country. This year hasn't quite gone to plan for him and for whatever reason the sparkle has gone from the eye of the boy who carried the hopes of an entire club and its support almost exclusively on his shoulders.<br /><br />I still believe that Ireland is the most natural talent to emerge from our academy since its formation, and possesses a footballing brain as sharp as that of any other professional on the books. If rumours that he'll be looking to move on in the summer are true then it would be a sad, sad day for the club. I can't imagine a single Blue would like to see him plying his trade elsewhere, but there doesn't appear to have been much of a knuckling down, and when given games (twenty-nine so far) he's rarely, if at all, performed to the levels of last season.<br /><br />The main obstacle in his progress this year is widely accepted as having been the arrival of Carlos Tevez. Whilst there are vast differences in many aspects of the two player's games, both are undeniably at their best playing in between the midfield and attack, and both excel as the main ball player. Fitting the two into the same side isn't really the problem, getting the most from both in their strongest roles, however, is.<br /><br />Another blow to Stevie would have certainly been the injuries, poor form and eventual departure of his partner in crime last season, occasional world-beater Robinho. The two forged an immediate understanding, and were both at their devastating best when working in tandem. Just a few short months back it would have been impossible to imagine our first team without both.<br /><br />Other issues for the Eire absentee have included a string of niggling injuries. Since the end of last season he's suffered with knee, ankle, hamstring and more recently shin problems. The knee has been troublesome for some time and is often heavily bandaged. Knocks to the knee and hamstring were picked up or at least aggravated in the victories over Arsenal and Wolves, respectively, and the shin during the recent home defeat by Everton.<br /><br />Those rivalling him for a regular starting place in the centre have also had up-and-down seasons. Nigel de Jong tends to shine when called upon for the big occasion or against sides who line-up in a system which enables him to cling to an advanced midfielder, especially at home. Against sides who bypass the central midfield with long passes, either centrally or diagonally, he can begin to have less effect, and whilst i'm a fan of the player i see him more as an asset that can be employed when games suit than a must against all opposition.<br /><br />Gareth Barry's form declined steadily over the middle months of the season. Initially looking like a deep role alongside de Jong might see him excel, he's gone on to do only an occasionally steady job in neither a holding nor box-to-box role. For City he often looks to lack both the mobility and physical presence to carry out the former of those two jobs well, though for England he's proved a vital cog in the role under Fabio Capello.<br /><br />In theory the return to 4-4-2 may hinder a player such as Ireland even further, with the discipline needed to hold together the midfield as one of a two another excuse used for his dip in form earlier in the season. A side does need balance, and very few nowadays, Spurs being a notable example, succeed in playing an offensive midfielder centrally as well as widemen and more than the now customary lone forward.<br /><br />Pat Vieira's initial performances in a blue shirt have also met mixed reviews, but in Ireland's absence he's certainly the closest thing we've got to a box-to-box midfielder, and though he at times appears leggy and off the pace, and he's struggled to find his passing range, you can see what he's trying to do, and i don't think it's any coincidence that our two better performances of late - Burnley and Fulham, have involved him taking a driving role.<br /><br />The fact that we're beginning to rely on a battle-weary veteran such as Vieira perhaps makes the decreased gametime for Ireland even more galling. Criticism of the manager for using him sparingly, however, isn't really fair. It's up to the player to force his way into his plans and he's so far shown few signs, a couple of great assists aside, that he's up for that battle.<br /><br />Should Mancini remain at the helm beyond this season, as is looking more and more likely, then midfield reinforcements will almost certainly be his first concern of the summer. In effect, Ireland has half-a-dozen games to prove to the Italian that he can play a vital part long-term. Yes, he's young, and the niggling injuries, squad rotation and change in systems are all valid points, but in proving himself as a player capable of making a significant impact in the Premier League he's been rewarded in terms of a vastly-improved contract, and as such i think we should rightly expect a bit more magic from the boy many still consider to be as good as we've got.Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-28213294845777162572010-04-02T20:51:00.007+01:002010-04-03T00:29:10.987+01:00Preview: Burnley v City<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9MtkP2ufbbCEuY2lx_kV3uUQbskmZCZsEIpDUBjVQHR-Bxamf8HTGXkZXZe8YADvcx27SSEb2AJ3tkjSOZOEjcPI7PnyhyphenhyphenJG02pmW9kCEVGNfN26NEqsT849YTMkhrIVsTAiF7bruHU/s1600/tm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9MtkP2ufbbCEuY2lx_kV3uUQbskmZCZsEIpDUBjVQHR-Bxamf8HTGXkZXZe8YADvcx27SSEb2AJ3tkjSOZOEjcPI7PnyhyphenhyphenJG02pmW9kCEVGNfN26NEqsT849YTMkhrIVsTAiF7bruHU/s400/tm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455678011880895282" border="0" /></a>On a weekend in which the contenders for the final Champions League place all travel away from home, the short trip to neighbouring <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Burnley</span> becomes the latest 'must win' game for the Blues. A happy hunting ground for us in the recent past, we can't afford any slip-ups as the season reaches its climax.<br /><br />Pablo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Zabaleta</span> serves the first of a two-game suspension for earning his tenth booking of the campaign midweek. Micah Richards should take his place at full-back. Gareth Barry is also likely to return, most probably for Patrick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Vieira</span> whose performance last time out left a lot to be desired, though Mancini's appeal to the Frenchman this week coupled with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nige</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">saling</span> dangerously close to a suspension may mean he keeps his place.<br /><br />Craig Bellamy ought to win his spot back, too, Shaun Wright-Phillips most likely to make way, though Mancini could well surprise. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Joleon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lescott</span>, Wayne Bridge, Stevie Ireland, Martin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Petrov</span> and Michael Johnson are all still missing.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Burnley's</span> Chris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">McCann</span> will miss around two months after surgery on a troubled knee. Richard <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Eckersley</span> has an ankle injury, earned during a loan spell at Plymouth, and former Blue Stephen Jordan requires a late fitness test on a knock which saw him replaced by Daniel Fox in the derby defeat to Blackburn last weekend.<br /><br />Even the most regular <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Burnley</span> fan doesn't seem to have the slightest clue which side Laws will put out as he continues to struggle to make any positive impression at Turf Moor at all. Club captain Steve Caldwell returns from a groin injury but may have to make do with a place on the bench. Clark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Carlisle's</span> choice words for sections of his own support might make Laws' decision a bit easier, with Mike Duff, Andre <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Bikey</span> and Leon Cort all pushing to replace the hapless <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">brainbox</span>.<br /><br />The Clarets sole victory since they earned their only away point of the season at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Eastlands</span> in November saw them beat fellow relegation candidates West Ham. The short-lived days of Turf Moor looking like an intimidating place where the 'bigger' boys struggle appear well and truly over, and Pompey, Wolves and Blackburn all managing to take three points there over recent weeks should mean we fancy our chances.<br /><br />Bottom three and heading for the drop or not, however, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Burnley</span> are reaching the stage of having to get points on the board. Our performances of late have been uninspiring if relatively fruitful. The 3-0 scoreline against another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Lancashire</span> rival, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Wigan</span> Athletic last week, flattered us greatly, and any repeat of that, where we were continuously flustered and struggled to retain possession could result in an unnecessarily uncomfortable evening.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Possible teams</span>:<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Burnley</span></span>: Jensen, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Mears</span>, Jordan, Cort, Duff, Alexander, McDonald, Elliott, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Nugent</span>, Fletcher, Paterson<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">City</span>: Given, Richards, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Garrido</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Toure</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Kompany</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Jong</span>, A.Johnson, Barry, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Tevez</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Adebayor</span>, Bellamy<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Prediction: <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Burnley</span> 1</span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">City 2</span><br /></span></div>Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-19088374030329638042010-03-29T22:46:00.004+01:002010-03-30T00:01:25.936+01:00Carlos treble flatters borish Blues<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj901zhg5Lu767iTjo-1wH0NcXRMhDe0570gmuH7JYRa1UBo1SFyLqwzmZlmq3Rc9SjnibyF0r4yWHW6vGnzLvwjEoIOQSh4H7hLRUfLzto2_OLJLa5k2JkHtH31DlHVzCEsIAJU1VoIak/s1600/ct.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj901zhg5Lu767iTjo-1wH0NcXRMhDe0570gmuH7JYRa1UBo1SFyLqwzmZlmq3Rc9SjnibyF0r4yWHW6vGnzLvwjEoIOQSh4H7hLRUfLzto2_OLJLa5k2JkHtH31DlHVzCEsIAJU1VoIak/s400/ct.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454193080846358722" border="0" /></a>A soggy Eastlands tonight played host to an even damper display by City, who somehow came away having beaten a brave Wigan side by three goals. A twelve minute Carlos Tevez hat-trick sees us back up to fifth, and whilst job well done we again did the business at home without playing at all like a team worthy of Champions League football.<br /><br />Roberto decided to risk wholesale changes to the side which lost against Everton last week. Craig Bellamy, Gareth Barry and Micah Richards were all relegated to the bench, and Stevie Ireland's shin injury meant he didn't make the squad. Javi Garrido came in, with Pablo Zabaleta moving back to the right. Pat Vieira partnered Nigel de Jong in a central two, with Adam Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips wide and Emmanuel Adebayor returning after his four-match ban.<br /><br />Wigan lined up in a 4-5-1 as expected, with top scorer Hugo Rodallega left and promising youngster James McCarthy right of lone striker Marcelo Moreno. Diame, Thomas and Scharner formed a physical central three, with Serbian 'keeper Vladimir Stojkovic replacing Chris Kirkland in the only change from their recent 1-0 victory over Burnley.<br /><br />The first half never really got going and in the end we were treated to more of the same old drab fayre we're slowing beginning to get used to at Eastlands as the flowing football that not so long back was earning us plaudits seems a dim and distant memory. The first half-chance came on ten minutes, Johnson finding Tevez down the left and his cross picking out Ade in the area but Bramble doing well to block. Tevez then forced a great stop from the stand-in goalkeeper, on the end of a great one-two with SWP. It never really got much better.<br /><br />Though Wigan didn't have a clear-cut chance themselves they were certainly more confident in possession, Rodallega working the left channel well and Moreno proving an effective target in attack. Our defending was rushed and nervy, and as was our undoing against Everton, not to mention several other games this season, we were constantly lethargic picking people up from set-pieces. A last-ditch tackle from SWP prevented Rodallega making more of his unchallenged run in from wide, Given eventually tipping wide.<br /><br />On the half-hour Vincent Kompany elbowed Rodallega in the jaw and was lucky to escape punishment. Moreno's free-kick was straight at the wall but Scharner's half-volley from the edge of the area forced a great stop from Shay. As the half ground to a halt and most struggled to stay awake, the home fans frustrations became more obvious as Patrick Vieira began to look every bit his fifty-three years, pass after pass woefully adrift of blue shirts.<br /><br />Mancini bowed to public pressure and introduced Bellamy at the break, Sean Wright-Phillips making way after becoming less effective once moved to the left. Early on we looked bright, and the passing more crisp, occasionally even accurate. Vieira found Johnson who spotted the run of Tevez infield, the Argentinian unleashing a shot that rebounded off Stojkovic for Adebayor to prod home, but he was a yard off and it was correctly ruled out.<br /><br />In the fiftieth minute Johnson went on a mesmerising run, his twinkle toes somehow preventing the ball going out for a throw and him then making the beating of four men look like playground stuff. Caldwell could have been penalised for handballing inside the area, one of around a dozen penalty shouts we had, almost all fanciful, and at the other end Rodallega's pace almost caught us out.<br /><br />The game changed ten minutes into the second half, Caldwell's horrid start to his Wigan career continued as he was given his marching orders for a foul on Tevez. It was clearly mistimed, high and dangerous but probably not deserving off a sending-off, and though it certainly worked in our favour it summed up the official's evening quite well, as he was repeatedly off with decisions.<br /><br />Still, down to ten men Wigan soldiered on, and could have taken the lead on the hour, Moreno exquisitely controlling a long ball from Scharner with one foot, splitting our centre-halves, and crashing a left-pegged volley just wide of Given's goal. The big Bolivian worked his socks off all night, and if Wigan can keep him, Rodallega and N'Zogbia fit i don't envisage they'll be lured into the battle just below them.<br /><br />Both our full-backs were booked before the opening goal, and both were correct decisions. Garrido scythed down Rodallega on the halfway line, then Zabaleta blocked his man after being beaten for pace and will now serve a two-game ban having accumulated ten yellows.<br /><br />The breakthrough came eighteen minutes from time, a move leading to a hopeful Vieira prod through, the hapless Serbian sticksman unwilling to put his body on the line due to a high Adebayor foot, and Tevez notching his nineteenth in as many games. It should have been two within a minute, Carlos lobbing over the Wigan defence to Adebayor, but he dwelled on it and Scharner made a good late block.<br /><br />Before long it was two-nil, Tevez again. A corner was laid back to Garrido, the stand-in full-back sailed a cross in low, Vincent Kompany backheeled across goal and Tevez finished with ease at the far post. Not a lot else of note happened before Carlito had bagged his second treble in City colours, some great closing down from Johnson, a ball down the right channel to El Apache who took Scharner one way and the other before effortlessly beating Stojkovic at his far post.<br /><br />Someone who didn't watch this evening's performance could be given the impression it was relatively comfortable. Not so. For the most part we were bloody awful. Three points and a clean sheet can't be sniffed at, but there was very little endearing about another soulless home display. The main point of concern was again the central midfield, which just doesn't seem to be working whichever formation or personnel the manager tries. For most of the game there was a forty yard gap between the midfield and attack, meaning our threat off second balls was virtually nil.<br /><br />More than that, the general standard of passing was well below par, the bar set alarmingly low by Vieira. He did improve, and played a part later on, but at times it was as if he was blindfolded, and whilst you can understand a player losing pace with age he should still be able to spot a pass and even occasionally execute it. There's an obvious lack of creativity through the centre, something we often get away with due to moments of magic by Tevez or Bellamy. The former salvaged us tonight, but in possession we're a mile of a Spurs side that are so much easier on the eye.<br /><br />Bottom line is a win's a win, and we'll take them every week until the end of the season irrespective of performance. The lack of confidence in the side is quite discouraging, though, and for all the money spent we don't look like a team, a side, a set of players pulling in one direction. The season as a whole has been peculiar, on the verge of our best finish in years it really feels like a bit of a damp squib. Let's not procrastinate for too long, however, we needed to win and we did. Well done, just.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Team</span>:<br />Given, <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Zabaleta</span>, <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Garrido</span> (Sylvinho '88), Toure, Kompany, de Jong, Wright-Phillips (Bellamy '46), Vieira,<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> Tevez</span> (Onuoha '88), Adebayor, A.JohnsonNorfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-16764926829331539272010-03-28T21:13:00.003+01:002010-03-28T21:49:03.589+01:00City on Woman's Hour<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdW13GUO9_Jom16bFfknU04iFLnhPWyM2EZEGmDyiPfd2zyPkcfz1FbkQREoNnchCDO9BjNYuFKXZnmTsqn8DfanOu-inxZO_xMg2YQX7-fOIWqT9GHLimiVBvGASj5crX5fFfan0kr1c/s1600/ac.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdW13GUO9_Jom16bFfknU04iFLnhPWyM2EZEGmDyiPfd2zyPkcfz1FbkQREoNnchCDO9BjNYuFKXZnmTsqn8DfanOu-inxZO_xMg2YQX7-fOIWqT9GHLimiVBvGASj5crX5fFfan0kr1c/s400/ac.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453789428618261698" border="0" /></a>City were the subject of a feature on Radio 4's Woman's Hour this past Friday. The piece tells of the club's formation as St Mark's (West Gorton) by Anna Connell. Borne out of the need to both curb anti-social activity in East Manchester at the time, and enable players of a recently-formed cricket team to keep up their fitness, we're now thought of as being the only professional football club in the world founded by a female, something i was unaware of despite being familiar with the story.<br /><br />Within two decades we had undergone two changes of name, first to Ardwick before becoming Manchester City in 1894, and had won the Second Division title, achieving our first major honour within a quarter of a century with a side that featured the prolific Billy Meredith.<br /><br />Anyhow, if you didn't catch it at the time there's a link below. Excuse the clueless few outside the ground who the media often do such a great job in picking out. Best to forward to around 18:12 if you want to avoid listening to a studio of old ladies talking about biscuits.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00rghvh/Womans_Hour_26_03_2010/">Woman's Hour, 26/03/10</a>Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-36873538853070745142010-03-28T17:54:00.007+01:002010-03-28T22:23:51.061+01:00Preview: City v Wigan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYn4dGGaDXxxKs9-7plar8VUGr-q5398r5oQK6Ylai1EunTIxbBVQPcDTBgeB5zeOrynnFHHbXZbpNnyOzhhBWg6wYMq7fpORRschPrfy1JpDpbhBegYJUlRo8Dd4XipCTTLUpAU0XLI/s1600/rm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYn4dGGaDXxxKs9-7plar8VUGr-q5398r5oQK6Ylai1EunTIxbBVQPcDTBgeB5zeOrynnFHHbXZbpNnyOzhhBWg6wYMq7fpORRschPrfy1JpDpbhBegYJUlRo8Dd4XipCTTLUpAU0XLI/s400/rm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453796389322098466" border="0" /></a>A fixture that would have been widely considered our most straight-forward of the season's remainder has now taken on extra significance in light of the recent reverse at the hands of David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Moyes</span>' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Everton</span>. The knives are out for Mancini again, and a general losing of cool as well as our undefeated home record means we approach the game not certain of three points as we might previously have.<br /><br />Emmanuel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Adebayor</span> has now completed the four-match ban for his red card at Stoke. Stevie Ireland hurt a shin during that painful defeat and will have a fitness test. Other than that the bodies missing are the same as expected - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Joleon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lescott</span> (hamstring), Wayne Bridge (groin), Martin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Petrov</span> and Michael Johnson (both knee).<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Wigan</span> are likely to be without influential midfielder Charles <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">N'Zogbia</span> who has injured a hip. The former Newcastle man bagged the opener during the reverse fixture in October and has excelled in a right-sided role this season. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Emmerson</span> Boyce and Paul <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Scharner</span> have groin and thigh problems respectively, but are both expected to make the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Latics</span> final eighteen.<br /><br />The visitors have won only two away games in all competitions since a splendid opening day victory at Villa Park. Last time out saw them making the short drive back from Bolton having been on the end of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Lancashire</span> Derby mauling. They do have a relatively good record against us, however, earning a couple of wins at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Eastlands</span> over recent years, and although those were against a very different City side, they generally prove stubborn opponents.<br /><br />Now that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Eastlands</span> has been breached it will be interesting to see if the Blues can do what good sides tend to and put a poor result behind them and get back to business. I thought we lost the physical battle in midfield on Wednesday, and if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Wigan</span> line up with a central three as expected then we mightn't have it all our own way.<br /><br />Though his form has been patchy this season <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">i'm</span> sure Mancini will opt to recall <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Manu</span>. Seven points from twelve without him hasn't been a bad return, but on Wednesday especially we struggled to keep the ball <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">upfield</span>, and despite our better football of the season coming in his absence there's only so much work Carlos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Tevez</span> can do.<br /><br />I thought Pablo did okay at left-back against <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Everton</span>, and he should continue there. Hopefully we'll see a more mature performance from the centre-halves, too. Both were disappointing, and as has been covered several times both here and elsewhere, that came as a bit of a shock to the system after the progress Vince and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Joleon</span> had been making over previous weeks.<br /><br />If Martinez does attempt a containment job on our midfield then impressive youngster James McCarthy and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Rodallega</span> could play wide of a lone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">targetman</span>, ether new arrival Marcelo Moreno or Jason Scotland. Either still to open their Premier League accounts has the nerves <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">atwitching</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Livewire</span> winger Victor Moses, allegedly a target for us before making a £2.5m move to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">JJB</span>, may also figure from the bench.<br /><br />Given Spurs winning yet again, and Liverpool overtaking us, this is absolutely must-win, and i think we'll get a real clue about our credentials for a top four place. Several times this season the lads have proven us wrong when approaching potential 'typical City' trip-ups, and though this isn't the most exciting of fixtures we must make sure that we turn up, cut out the wobbles, and get the job done. A fixture that tends to be settled by a single goal, a repeat of last season's scrappy 1-0 will be fine.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Possible teams</span>:<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">City</span>: Given, Richards, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Zabaleta</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Toure</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Kompany</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Jong</span>, A.Johnson, Barry, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Tevez</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Adebayor</span>, Bellamy<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Wigan</span></span>: Kirkland, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Melchiot</span>, Figueroa, Bramble, Caldwell, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Scharner</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Diame</span>, Thomas, McCarthy, Moreno, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Rodallega</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Prediction: <span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">City 1 </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Wigan</span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> 0</span></span><br /></div>Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-52617383588508957842010-03-26T23:51:00.003+00:002010-03-27T00:38:21.325+00:00Friday mp3: Asobi Seksu<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eUoiN8fEicZWdbHo2XkdclCe2GrGn3ZMVcxLA_Umdn0F2jpUsrXmhcIvB-RMleHnv8lVpAUl0jfn6YJdQ0BA5XOdDZmqbMpa8EGuQq-SdHxq9NTCeP14oUGsV0f475JXzNfNVmfPiO0/s1600/as.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eUoiN8fEicZWdbHo2XkdclCe2GrGn3ZMVcxLA_Umdn0F2jpUsrXmhcIvB-RMleHnv8lVpAUl0jfn6YJdQ0BA5XOdDZmqbMpa8EGuQq-SdHxq9NTCeP14oUGsV0f475JXzNfNVmfPiO0/s400/as.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453106059126541314" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Asobi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Seksu</span> are an American/Japanese <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MBV</span>-schooled <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">shoegaze</span> band based in New York and consisting of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Yuki</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Chikudate</span>, James Hanna, as well as tour and session bassists and drummers. Describing them as a mix of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Slowdive</span> and Lush mightn't be completely accurate, but it's the best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">i've</span> got.<br /><br />The band's third LP, 2006's <span style="font-style: italic;">Citrus</span>, is certainly the best starting point. This is a track from that splendid record.<br /><br />MP3: <a href="http://www.sendspace.com/file/mgfdnq">Lions and Tigers<br /></a><a href="http://www.normanrecords.com/poogle/index.php?q=asobi+seksu&btnG=Search">Buy the records</a><br /><a href="http://open.spotify.com/artist/7vXdfh8G9fJVGvfUSkqf62"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Spotify</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/asobiseksu"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Myspace</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Asobi+Seksu">Last.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">fm</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=asobi+seksu&search_type="><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Youtube</span></a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asobi_Seksu">Wiki</a>Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-660455339297627076.post-4535495771098484702010-03-26T19:38:00.006+00:002010-03-26T23:51:43.522+00:00Fourth or not, calm and humility needed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZPMeQCVCp0gx3xNI6ukjQMiYeDseB2D8PT5NcRCRugBNJuFkhB4B7AE9jnSh8f7fnHYOiMEq0yvDCGM77pMgKSKAQITDBOe2c2YgX3WdWCNgDvU_AZ0OjU62bW9U7RXxotjm-ORrav4/s1600/rm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZPMeQCVCp0gx3xNI6ukjQMiYeDseB2D8PT5NcRCRugBNJuFkhB4B7AE9jnSh8f7fnHYOiMEq0yvDCGM77pMgKSKAQITDBOe2c2YgX3WdWCNgDvU_AZ0OjU62bW9U7RXxotjm-ORrav4/s400/rm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453092451875341042" border="0" /></a>So, eight games left, five of which are at the only-recently penetrated fortress that is Eastlands. The club in the best financial position it, or any other has ever been, a tried and tested foreign manager, a squad assembled at eyebrow-raising cost, a season which has seen us make an impression at least on those we hope to ultimately catch. You'd think we'd be dancing jigs, wouldn't you? You'd be wrong.<br /><br />Perhaps it's natural that as the stakes get higher the tension increases, but i get the impression that a good number of Blues are enjoying following the side less than ever. A support well-known and generally respected for it's ability to not take itself so seriously now seems fractured, short-tempered and in lots of cases a bit too keen to play the kid hard done by, perhaps as much a complaint about top-level football nowadays as anything.<br /><br />Attitudes from the outside changed pretty much overnight as the takeover came to fruition, i think that's quite natural. How we're thought of outside of the club and its support is certainly a bone for contention. As a football fan in general as well as a Blue a certain part of me is against money dominating the game, but you sweep those calls of conscience under the carpet in the hope of seeing the club you love and live through better itself.<br /><br />My concern is that we're beginning to live up to the image that a proportion of others have of us, that we're demanding of success despite not having had sniff of it in almost two generations, gradual improvement not good enough, glory wanted overnight, and the financial position we now find ourselves in cause enough for a swagger that we really haven't in any way earned.<br /><br />Not that our olde place as a favourite of the neutral wasn't borne out of a certain deal of sympathy. A formerly great club stifled by a stubborn chairman and dwarfed by the rise and rise of its nearest neighbours, we had little choice but to have a sense of humour, we didn't have a leg to stand on. Without wanting to come across all Schindler, i do feel that's ebbing away, but then again, in the modern game maybe that's to be expected, i'm sure there are those over the city who would agree.<br /><br />As we approach the business end of what should prove our best season in donkeys years you'd think that there might be a celebratory mood around the club, a sense of relief that for the third consecutive year we've made obvious progress, and a general air of excitement at the possibility we could achieve Champions League football. Thing is, i don't feel it, more so an anticipation that we're bound to fail.<br /><br />The midweek loss against Everton was our first defeat at home in any competition in almost a year. A year. Twelve months. Afterwards the 'typical City' tosh was trotted out as usual, despite the fact that the position we now find ourselves in is completely new to us. All our rivals, let's not forget, have suffered late season heartbreak and wobbles when competing towards the top of the table. We haven't, blips will occur, we'll be stronger for them, and lessons will be learned, it's a natural case of a club growing.<br /><br />In the day of instant opinions it seems that any football club is one disappointing result away from its latest crisis, or an unexpected three points off temporarily being the best thing since sliced bread. A handsome victory at Stamford Bridge and we're "certs for fourth", Mancini a genius, three dropped and he's suddenly under pressure, criticised for making changes, mocked for losing his cool.<br /><br />I'm always slightly uneasy when people hark back to our darkest times as reason for us to not be disappointed with occasional lapses in either form or performances at present, but ten, five, even three years ago we could have only dreamt about being in the position we find ourselves now - on the verge of a place in the elite club competition in the world, and with it all in our own hands. Though only mismanagement had us there in the first place our ascent up the top three divisions of league football in just over a decade means we should be especially proud of where we now find ourselves.<br /><br />Our remaining eight games will quite rightly be billed as cup finals, so in that sense perhaps the pulling out of hair is understandable. You could argue that the next few weeks are the most important in our history, but that's not to mean that falling just short would be reason for ripping everything up and starting again, or that any result which goes against us on the way is a crisis, or decision a conspiracy.<br /><br />I can only speak for myself, but though nervous to the extent of occasionally feeling physically sick as we approach such a vital run of games, can we not just sit back and enjoy the bloody ride, keep our sense of humour, win and lose with dignity, accept that we're moving forwards, not get on our high horse because we've got so much to lose, and should it come off or not then graciously take the plaudits or accept defeat, win friends on the way up and all that?<br /><br />I sincerely hope we can.Norfstanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660863644936867507noreply@blogger.com9