Transfer news...

Transfer news...

[h=1]Samir Nasri and Emmanuel Frimpong clash in post-match tunnel row[/h] • Players argued as they left field and continued off it
• 'There were no punches thrown but there was a lot of noise'





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Arsenal's Emmanuel Frimpong and Manchester City's Samir Nasri battle for the ball during the game. Photograph: Anthony Devlin/PA

Samir Nasri and Emmanuel Frimpong clashed in the tunnel after Sergio Agüero's 83rd-minute goal allowed Manchester City to beat Arsenal 1-0 and advance to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.
The former team-mates had tussled throughout the tie and at the end of the match they appeared to start arguing as the teams walked off the pitch, before their disagreement continued in the tunnel.
An Arsenal spokesperson confirmed the bust-up and said: "Words were exchanged - that was that, there were no punches thrown but there was a lot of noise. Sami was speaking in French and Mani wasn't. It was handbags but they didn't even touch."
Nasri had received boos throughout the game from the home support at the Emirates following the Frenchman's move to City from Arsenal in the summer. Following his departure from the north London club Jack Wilshere tweeted then: "Good luck to my friend @Nanas08 (mr Nasri) learnt a lot from him. World class player! Will be missed!" But Frimpong appeared to mock this or Nasri's decision when replying: "'Pfffff come on Jack."
While Arsène Wenger said he did not see the argument and admitted "frustration" at his side's defeat after they had dominated the tie, Roberto Mancini stated that only in January could he assess City's chances of winning all three domestic trophies this season. He said: "I don't know if we can win all three. The season is hard. December and January will be crucial months because we play big games every three days. After January we will know if we can win or not."

Regarding Nasri, who is yet to become a regular first-choice at City after his £25m move, Mancini added: "I think Nasri can play better than tonight. It [the booing] maybe affected him. It's not easy for him after being here for a few years. He's a very top player. When you arrive in a new team sometimes it takes to settle in. He can improve a lot because he is a champion."




 
[h=1] Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours [/h]

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For updated transfer news and gossip throughout the day, read our breaking news service Sportsday Live
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Newcastle have been linked with a £1.5m January transfer move for Celtic midfielder and captain Scott Brown, who will be a free agent in the summer.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Liverpool are planning a £12m move for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Jadson.
Full story: Caughtoffside
Blackburn manager Steve Kean is eager to keep his transfer targets a closely-guarded secret after being informed of his January budget by the club's owners.
Full story: Lancashire Telegraph
United States international defender Tim Ream, a reported target for Bolton and West Brom, is unlikely to move to the Premier League unless he is guaranteed first-team football.
Full story: Bolton News
Chelsea are monitoring Palermo's £25m-rated attacking midfielder Josip Ilicic.
Full story: Daily Mail
Arsenal have joined Newcastle in the hunt for 25-year-old Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud.
Full story: Inside Futbol
Manchester United and Chelsea have been joined in the pursuit of Udinese centre-back Mehdi Benatia by Juventus.
Full story: talkSPORT
Dutch striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel, who has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea, says he plans to stay at Sporting Lisbon.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Manchester United are reportedly chasing Schalke midfielder Christian Fuchs. (Kicker Magazine - in German)
Italian giants Inter Milan are prepared to pay a huge asking price to beat Liverpool and Arsenal to the signing of Lille midfielder Eden Hazard.
Full story: talkSPORT
OTHER GOSSIP
QPR captain Joey Barton claims he quit Newcastle because of a row over bonuses.
Full story: the Sun
Sunderland legend Gary Bennett believes fan power means manager Steve Bruce's departure is now "inevitable".
Full story: Newcastle Chronicle
Meanwhile, the Wearside club are believed to be making contingency plans after the club's poor start to the Premier League campaign.
Full story: Sunderland Echo
Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini feels his side can win the title by taking advantage of their rivals' Champions League commitments.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has suggested top clubs should field schoolboy teams in the Carling Cup in a bid to highlight the fixture pile-up in the football schedule this season.
Full story: Manchester Evening News
Norwich winger Anthony Pilkington insists helping secure the Canaries' Premier League status is more of a focus for him than gate-crashing the Republic of Ireland's European Championship squad.
Full story: Eastern Daily Press
Everton manager David Moyes has backed midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov to put a "difficult" period behind him after he praised the Russian's professionalism at Goodison Park.
Full story: Liverpool Echo
Stoke manager Tony Pulis is eager for veteran keeper Thomas Sorensen to sign a new deal at the club.
Full story: Stoke Sentinel
AND FINALLY
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson says fielding Manchester United's kids in the Carling Cup can help him find the next David Beckham.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Master engraver Graham Short has successfully engraved all of England's World Cup goalscorers between 1950 and 2010 in a tiny football stud.
Full story: Humans Invent

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes the club should erect a bronze statue to celebrate the amazing career of team-mate Ryan Giggs, who turned 38 on Tuesday.
Full story: the Sun
 
[h=1]Fergie: Playing kids in Carling Cup can help find the new Beckham[/h] Published 22:30 29/11/11 By David McDonnell


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Sir Alex Ferguson has defended his Carling Cup selection policy - and claimed it could help unearth the next David Beckham.
Fergie plans to give his Manchester United youngsters a rare chance to impress for the first-team in Wednesday's home quarter-final against Championship side Crystal Palace.
In the past, the United boss has come in for criticism for fielding weakened teams in the competition.
Indeed, his controversial selection policy was raised in the Houses of Parliament in 1994.

Ferguson faced a petition from Port Vale fans that went all the way to Westminster after he made wholesale changes to his team for a second round tie that United won, 2-1.
The United boss named Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Nicky Butt in his starting line-up (see below) that night, long before the quartet - who had just 13 appearances between them at the time - became global stars.
Of course, all four went on to have glittering careers at United, making 2,059 appearances between them.
And Ferguson is adamant the Carling Cup is still the ideal platform for the stars of the future.
With the likes of Ezekiel Fryers, Paul Pogba, Ravel Morrison, Jesse Lingard and Davide Petrucci all in contention for a starting place against Palace, Fergie plainly has no qualms about giving youth a chance.
"I like the Carling Cup," he said. "It's a change of scene with different opposition, different managers and different players.
"It's a refreshing competition that has served Manchester United well over the years.
"Some regard it as the poor relation of the cup competitions but I don't knock it. It was a trophy we won to keep us in touch with the honours board before we were able to crack the League Championship.
"We have won it five times altogether and it has also served us well in terms of being a valuable development aid for our younger players.
"It's more than proved its worth by enabling me to give senior pitch time to players who are perhaps not quite ready for full action in the Premier League, but who need to play at the kind of level that will bridge the gap and get them there.
"I smile when I think back to the days when I perhaps startled many people by ringing the changes - in particular I remember the fuss my selection for a League Cup tie at Port Vale provoked.
"Vale supporters, disappointed at the prospect of not being able to see some of our star names at their ground, took their complaints to the press and even to the House of Commons.
"John Rudge, who was manager of Port Vale at the time, told me that even his wife was one of the people who complained.
"What they didn't know of course was that they would be witnessing the launch of the Beckham era and we know how successful they went on to become!
"I like to think that I never took my policy to extremes and that I always sincerely felt that every team I selected for the League Cup was good enough to win [the game].
"It will be exactly the same as we welcome Crystal Palace. I'll stick by the squad that has got us this far, continuing to stick to the format we have established for the competition."

***
Manchester United line-up for that 1994 League Cup tie at Port Vale: Gary Walsh; Gary Neville, David May, Roy Keane, Denis Irwin; David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Keith Gillespie; Simon Davies, Brian McClair

David McDonnell's Manchester United column: Why Alex Ferguson has started to love the taste of Carling


 
[h=1]Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Wednesday's papers[/h] Published 08:56 30/11/11 By Football Spy

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...p-from-Wednesday-s-papers-article836615.html#
PaperTalk.jpg


Transfer stories from today's Daily Mirror
Van Wolfswinkel says he'll snub United and Chelsea PLUS watch him scoring for fun
Man City on alert as armed robbery raises questions about Lavezzi's Napoli future
EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle chase Celtic skipper

Prem quartet prepare to battle for Bristol City star
United tie will put Palace starlets in shop window admits Freedman
Coyle: I have no money to spend in January
Lille star reveals Premier League "dream"
Spanish starlet Gonzalez decides on future
Leeds chase 6ft 6in German keeper
Stories from other papers and websites
Manchester United want Schalke midfielder Christian Fuchs and scouted him at the weekend (Kicker)
Juventus are in for United and Chelsea target Mehdi Benatia of Udinese (Talksport)
United also fancy Peterborough centre back Ryan Bennett (Grimsby News)
Tottenham will bid £7m for Blackburn's Junior Hoilett in January and finance the deal by selling Niko Kranjcar (Goal)
Andre Villas-Boas is targeting Palermo's £25m-rated attacking midfielder Josip Ilicic to cure Chelsea's blues after scouting him for a second time at the weekend (Mail)
Didier Drogba's agent says the Chelsea striker he could move to Russia, Qatar or the USA as he has to "pay the bills" (Sun)
Liverpool will negotiate directly with Real Madrid in a bid to snatch Royston Drenthe , currently on loan at city rivals Everton (Guardian)
Liverpool will go for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Jadson in January (CaughtOffside)
Arsenal want to hijack Newcastle's move for Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud (InsideFutbol)
Inter Milan will pip Arsenal and Liverpool to sign Lille midfielder Eden Hazard (Talksport)
 
[h=1]Wenger told: Hands off the porno midget[/h] Published 09:31 30/11/11 By MirrorFootball


Gabriele-Torje-udinese+cropped


Arsenal's chances of signing Udinese's Gabriel Torje - nicknamed "the porno midget" - look over after the Serie A side's owner issued a hands-off warning.
Arsenal plot move for 'the Romanian Messi' (plus video)
The Gunners reportedly fancied a double bid for winger Torje and goalkeeper Samir Handanovic in January.
But Giampaolo Pozzo said: "I request for the local media to stop talking about the transfer window because we have absolutely no intention of or need to sell.

"In fact, we only have the need to act on the market regarding possible acquisitions. My ambition is to make this club grow."
Torje's penchant for late-night partying - including a reported threesome - earned him his "porno midget" nickname during his time at Dinamo Bucharest.

He was seen as a definite Arsenal starter, while Handanovic would have been a reliable back-up for the outstanding Wojciech Szczesny.

But with Udinese third in Serie A and only two points behind leaders Juventus, Pozzo is understandably reluctant to sell.


 
[h=2]Chelsea 0-2 Liverpool[/h] [h=1]André Villas-Boas says Chelsea's form has made Stamford Bridge anxious[/h] • Manager concerned by crowd's tension during home games
• December's games are key to season, says Portuguese





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André Villas-Boas said after Chelsea's defeat by Liverpool that his players were struggling to cope with the tense atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action Images

André Villas-Boas admitted that Chelsea had lost their way at Stamford Bridge and become anxious when they play there, after they slumped to a third home defeat in four matches and were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Liverpool.
The manager was candid in his post‑match assessment, describing the performance as "not good" and admitting that Liverpool were "superior" and worthy winners. Although he urged patience and understanding for Fernando Torres in the wake of the £50m striker's latest anonymous display, he suggested that Didier Drogba would return in his place for Saturday's Premier League fixture at Newcastle United.
Villas-Boas also admitted that he and the team faced their do-or-die moment next Tuesday, when they play Valencia in the final Champions League group tie. They need a win or a 0-0 draw to avoid what would be a damaging exit. The match is also at Stamford Bridge.
"Away from home, we've been more solid, statistically and as a team," Villas‑Boas said. "That is a fact. At the moment at home, we've just not been good enough. I think we need to get our fans behind us when we play at home. We need to get the emotions right. I know, and you can feel, that Stamford Bridge has become anxious about Chelsea playing at home but we need their full support behind us. That's the only way you can build the atmosphere to take us through this period.
"The Champions League is a competition which is life and death and this standard won't be enough. We need to up the tempo and play that game [against Valencia] with the ultimate desire."
Villas-Boas is pinning his hopes on his players finding form and results during a testing December. If they were to win what he suggested were six-pointers against some of their rivals, they could yet challenge for the Premier League title. He did not have to spell out the consequences of failure, although he did insist that all would not be lost.
"Regarding the Premier League fixtures, for our challenge to be alive, we need to make the most out of the December fixtures," he said. "You know they include Newcastle, Manchester City and Tottenham. If we do that, we'll be back on track. It will have a major impact by the end of December. We recovered two points at the weekend. But for us to continue to challenge, we need to make the most of the December fixtures. That is our challenge.
"In the situation we are in, 10 points behind, it can invert what can happen in the Premier League in four months' time. I'm not a wizard and I won't say what will happen afterwards can't have an impact – the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League come into play – and March and April can be as decisive as December. But it's a fact, given we play the top teams, that we can put our challenge back on track."
It can be painful to watch Torres on evenings such as this and his impact was measured in the fact that the travelling Liverpool supporters hardly booed him. It was because he hardly touched the ball.
"It must come with confidence and time," Villas-Boas said. "We believe in him and will continue to pursue his individual form. Our task, as technical staff, is to get the best out of a player so if we don't do that we've failed. He faces tough competition. We'll go back to 4-3-3 against Newcastle and he's still going to have to compete. Didier is showing good signs of returning. Fernando has shown that ability before and he can again."

[h=2]Three defining games [/h] After a fifth defeat in nine games, Chelsea now face three big tests
Newcastle Utd v Chelsea Saturday
A trip to St James' for André Villas-Boas and his side is looking tougher than might have been expected at the start of the season after a fine start for Newcastle, who lie fourth

Chelsea v Valencia 6 Dec
Chelsea must win or hold on for a score draw in order to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League – Valencia scored seven in their last European match against Genk

Chelsea v Manchester City 12 Dec

The Blues host the Premier League leaders knowing defeat will almost certainly end their chances of winning the title



 
[h=2]Chelsea 0-2 Liverpool[/h] [h=1]André Villas-Boas says Chelsea's form has made Stamford Bridge anxious[/h] • Manager concerned by crowd's tension during home games
• December's games are key to season, says Portuguese





Andr--Villas-Boas-007.jpg
André Villas-Boas said after Chelsea's defeat by Liverpool that his players were struggling to cope with the tense atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action Images

André Villas-Boas admitted that Chelsea had lost their way at Stamford Bridge and become anxious when they play there, after they slumped to a third home defeat in four matches and were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Liverpool.
The manager was candid in his post‑match assessment, describing the performance as "not good" and admitting that Liverpool were "superior" and worthy winners. Although he urged patience and understanding for Fernando Torres in the wake of the £50m striker's latest anonymous display, he suggested that Didier Drogba would return in his place for Saturday's Premier League fixture at Newcastle United.
Villas-Boas also admitted that he and the team faced their do-or-die moment next Tuesday, when they play Valencia in the final Champions League group tie. They need a win or a 0-0 draw to avoid what would be a damaging exit. The match is also at Stamford Bridge.
"Away from home, we've been more solid, statistically and as a team," Villas‑Boas said. "That is a fact. At the moment at home, we've just not been good enough. I think we need to get our fans behind us when we play at home. We need to get the emotions right. I know, and you can feel, that Stamford Bridge has become anxious about Chelsea playing at home but we need their full support behind us. That's the only way you can build the atmosphere to take us through this period.
"The Champions League is a competition which is life and death and this standard won't be enough. We need to up the tempo and play that game [against Valencia] with the ultimate desire."
Villas-Boas is pinning his hopes on his players finding form and results during a testing December. If they were to win what he suggested were six-pointers against some of their rivals, they could yet challenge for the Premier League title. He did not have to spell out the consequences of failure, although he did insist that all would not be lost.
"Regarding the Premier League fixtures, for our challenge to be alive, we need to make the most out of the December fixtures," he said. "You know they include Newcastle, Manchester City and Tottenham. If we do that, we'll be back on track. It will have a major impact by the end of December. We recovered two points at the weekend. But for us to continue to challenge, we need to make the most of the December fixtures. That is our challenge.
"In the situation we are in, 10 points behind, it can invert what can happen in the Premier League in four months' time. I'm not a wizard and I won't say what will happen afterwards can't have an impact – the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League come into play – and March and April can be as decisive as December. But it's a fact, given we play the top teams, that we can put our challenge back on track."
It can be painful to watch Torres on evenings such as this and his impact was measured in the fact that the travelling Liverpool supporters hardly booed him. It was because he hardly touched the ball.
"It must come with confidence and time," Villas-Boas said. "We believe in him and will continue to pursue his individual form. Our task, as technical staff, is to get the best out of a player so if we don't do that we've failed. He faces tough competition. We'll go back to 4-3-3 against Newcastle and he's still going to have to compete. Didier is showing good signs of returning. Fernando has shown that ability before and he can again."

[h=2]Three defining games [/h] After a fifth defeat in nine games, Chelsea now face three big tests
Newcastle Utd v Chelsea Saturday
A trip to St James' for André Villas-Boas and his side is looking tougher than might have been expected at the start of the season after a fine start for Newcastle, who lie fourth

Chelsea v Valencia 6 Dec
Chelsea must win or hold on for a score draw in order to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League – Valencia scored seven in their last European match against Genk

Chelsea v Manchester City 12 Dec

The Blues host the Premier League leaders knowing defeat will almost certainly end their chances of winning the title



 
Steve Bruce sacked........................details to follow...............
 
[h=1]Everton official 'leaves club' following release of private emails[/h] • Director of communications Ian Ross reportedly moves on
• Emails critical of club's chief executive were published online





Goodison-Park-007.jpg
Ian Ross has reportedly left Everton following the publication of private emails. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Everton's director of communications is understood to have left the club after his private emails, critical of the club's chief executive, were published online.
A host of correspondence involving Ian Ross, including unused press releases and conversations with fellow Everton employees, was posted online on a popular fans' website on 17 November. The emails were later removed by the website's administrators but were reportedly reproduced elsewhere.

In the emails Ross allegedly criticised the chief executive, Robert Elstone, and claimed working at Everton was akin to "working in a kindergarten". There was also reference to "paranoia" and "financial meltdown" within the club.
Ross, one of Everton's most senior employees, privately claimed that some of the emails were altered before being published online, while Elstone attacked "individuals claiming to be Evertonians [making] attempts to undermine the people of Everton Football Club by actions almost every one of us would find wholly unacceptable".

However, the Liverpool Echo reported that, following the club's internal investigation, Ross has left the club.




 
[h=1]Football transfer rumours: Carlos Tevez to Corinthians?[/h] Today's half-truths now know the price of a new boiler



Carlos-Tevez-007.jpg
Make it stop. Photograph: Lee Smith /Action Images

The draw for today's Rumour Mill has been divided into three seeding pots, using some coefficient or other. In the draw procedure, each Rumour will consist of one item from each pot:
Pot 1
Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Albert Adomah (Bristol City), André-Pierre Gignac (Marseille), Augusto Zambrano (Schalke), Nathaniel Clyne (Crystal Palace), Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace), Carlton Cole (West Ham), John Carew (West Ham).
Pot 2
Corinthians, Sunderland, Spurs, Everton, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Guangzhou R&F, Guangzhou R&F.
Pot 3
£15m, £3m, loan, £2m, £3m, £5m, free, free.
And so to the draw:
Rumour A: Carlos Tevez, Corinthians, £15m
Rumour B: Albert Adomah, Sunderland, £3m
Rumour C: André-Pierre Gignac, Spurs, loan
Rumour D: Augusto Zambrano, , Everton, £2m
Rumour E: Nathaniel Clyne, Aston Villa, £3m
Rumour F: Wilfried Zaha, Liverpool, £5m
Rumour G: Carlton Cole, Guangzhou R&F, free
Rumour H: John Carew, Guangzhou R&F, free
And that concludes the draw for today's Rumour Mill.
Oh dear. That wasn't very exciting.
Oh.
 
[h=1]Friday's gossip column - transfers and rumours[/h]
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TRANSFER GOSSIP
Arsenal have been told that Borussia Dortmund playmaker Mario Gotze will not be sold for less than £30m. The Gunners had hoped to tie up a deal for the Germany international for £25m in advance of the transfer window opening.
Full story: talkSPORT
Arsenal are also chasing £25m-rated Internacional and Brazil striker Leandro Damiao, 22.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Arsene Wenger is considering a move for Germany international forward Lukas Podolski, 26. The Arsenal boss faces competition from Italian side Lazio for the Cologne striker in the January transfer window.
Full story: TalkSport
Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United could be drawn into a January bidding war for 17-year-old River Plate striker Lucas Ocampos. The Argentine club are contemplating selling the teenager in January and are thought to want £15m.
Full story: Metro
Aston Villa are closing in on a deal for Nice striker Yannick Djalo. The 25-year-old is available on a free transfer after Fifa refused to ratify his transfer from Sporting Lisbon in August, leaving him unable to play for the French side.
Full story: the Guardian
Ajax right-back Gregory van der Wiel is set to turn down a move to the Premier League - with both Chelsea and Manchester United interested in the 23-year-old - and sign for Valencia.
Full story: Footie Online
Italian side Roma are set to make a move for Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka. The 25-year-old wants to play in Euro 2012 for Croatia, while Roma want him to replace the injured defender Nicolas Burdisso.
Full story: Daily Mail
Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to sign 19-year-old Cliftonville striker Rory Donnelly.
Full story: Daily Mail
OTHER GOSSIP
Manchester City's on-loan reserve goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon wants to make his stay at the Etihad Stadium permanent by overtaking Joe Hart in the pecking order.
Full story: Manchester Evening News
Newcastle striker Demba Ba believes his team fully deserve their top-four spot in the Premier League. "We haven't stolen anything from anybody, and we haven't cheated anybody," he said.
Full story: Newcastle Chronicle
Wolves attacker Stephen Hunt says that the club's players are "all on trial" before the transfer the window opens, attempting to convince manager Mick McCarthy not to strengthen the squad in their position.
Full story: Express and Star
Rangers could be banned from European football next season after breaching Uefa's new Financial Fair Play Regulations by publishing their latest set of accounts without having them signed off by an independent auditor. (Daily Record)

AND FINALLY
Crystal Palace's Carling Cup hero Darren Ambrose, who came on as substitute and scored a screamer to help beat Manchester United at Old Trafford, has revealed he fears being dropped for Friday's league game against Derby.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Former Liverpool attacker Ryan Babel has had a run-in with a former convict dressed as children's cartoon character Spongebob Squarepants. Babel hired the entertainer for a children's party but argued with him after Spongebob removed his costume and started smoking in front of guests.
Full story: Liverpool Echo
 

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FOOTBALL
O'Neill 'says yes to Sunderland'


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Martin O'Neill has agreed to succeed Steve Bruce as Sunderland manager, BBC Sport understands.
 
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Sunday, 27 November 2011 17:54 UK
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[TD="class: c1"]1[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Man City[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]31[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]35[/TD]
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[TR="class: r1"]
[TD="class: c1"]2[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Man Utd[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]17[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]30[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: r2"]
[TD="class: c1"]3[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Tottenham[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]12[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]28[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: r1"]
[TD="class: c1"]4[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Newcastle[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]7[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]26[/TD]
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[TD="class: c1"]5[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Chelsea[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]11[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]25[/TD]
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[TR]
[TD="colspan: 15"]
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[/TR]
[TR="class: r1"]
[TD="class: c1"]6[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Liverpool[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]5[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]23[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: r2"]
[TD="class: c1"]7[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Arsenal[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]3[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]23[/TD]
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[TR="class: r1"]
[TD="class: c1"]8[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Aston Villa[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]-1[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]16[/TD]
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[TR="class: r2"]
[TD="class: c1"]9[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Everton[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]12[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]-1[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]16[/TD]
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[TR="class: r1"]
[TD="class: c1"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Norwich[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]-2[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]16[/TD]
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[TD="class: c1"]11[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]QPR[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]-10[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]15[/TD]
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[TR="class: r1"]
[TD="class: c1"]12[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Stoke[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]-10[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]15[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: r2"]
[TD="class: c1"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Swansea[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]-4[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]14[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: r1"]
[TD="class: c1"]14[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]West Brom[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]-8[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]14[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: r2"]
[TD="class: c1"]15[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Fulham[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]-1[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]12[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: r1"]
[TD="class: c1"]16[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Sunderland[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]0[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]11[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: r2"]
[TD="class: c1"]17[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Wolves[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]-10[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]11[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 15"]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: r1"]
[TD="class: c1"]18[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Bolton[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]-12[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]9[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: r2"]
[TD="class: c1"]19[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Wigan[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]-12[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]9[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: r1"]
[TD="class: c1"]20[/TD]
[TD="class: c2"]Blackburn[/TD]
[TD="class: c3"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: c4"]-13[/TD]
[TD="class: c5"]7[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
 
[h=1]New boss must make Sunderland more ruthless[/h] 29




Post categories: Football, football tactics
Alistair Magowan - BBC Sport | 23:26 UK time, Wednesday, 30 November 2011


Thirteen games into last season, Sunderland were sixth in the Premier League table and riding high following a 3-0 victory at Chelsea.
After the same number of games this term, it is a starkly different picture. The Black Cats are fifth from bottom following their injury-time defeat by fellow strugglers Wigan last Saturday, and it was enough for manager Steve Bruce to be sacked after what owner Ellis Short called a "trying start to the season".
Results were not good enough, Short said. But the strange thing is that when you analyse many of Sunderland's performances this season, they have not been playing that badly.
They have scored the same number of goals in the same period, despite losing strikers Darren Bent, Asamoah Gyan, and the on-loan Danny Welbeck in the last year.
They have improved their shots on target, their pass completion and their crossing, while they have conceded only two more goals than at the same stage last season. In fact, only the top seven teams have a better goal difference than them.

sunderland_13games_226.jpg


Where it really mattered, though, Sunderland fell short. In the top flight, the Black Cats have won only three times in front of their home fans in 2011, and a poor injury record and a vast influx of new players taking their time to bed in have not helped either.
Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini, who is a co-presenter on BBC Radio Newcastle, believes the team has been lacking the same kind of approach that saw them tear Chelsea to shreds at Stamford Bridge last November.
"That's the trouble with us - not enough wins," said Gabbiadini, speaking before Bruce was sacked. "Our goal difference is excellent compared to everybody else around us, and we seem to be doing very well in games up to a certain point, but we just can't seem to kill games off.
"If you look at the squad we haven't got enough players with that killer instinct. As an ex-striker I was someone who probably gave the ball away too much at times, because I was always trying to take the man on and trying to turn into dangerous areas, but Sunderland have not got enough players who do that."
Sunderland were almost spoilt for strikers last season, whereas this term they have had to rely on Connor Wickham, Stephane Sessegnon and the on-loan Nicklas Bendtner.
Decent acquisitions all of them, but Bendtner is not known for scoring as regularly as Bent, Wickham is making his debut season in the Premier League and Sessegnon is more of a forward who works between the opposition midfield and defence.
Bruce was not helped by a recent injury to Wickham suffered against Manchester United, just as it looked like all three were beginning to gel. Yet Gabbiadini, who scored 74 goals in 157 appearances for the Black Cats, believes that Bendtner needs to be more involved in areas where he can make a difference.
"I know there are people who said that Bent didn't score that many goals last year and the team have scored more goals from different positions, but he was a very good target man," added Gabbiadini.

Bendtner_touches_226.jpg


"People used to say differently, but he makes very intelligent runs and holds the ball up and brings others into play. He also plays the 18-yard box as well, which sounds obvious, but look at Bendtner in comparison.
"He's a great footballer, but I watched him on Saturday and he spent most of his time outside the width of the 18-yard box. As a striker I was always taught that when things aren't going too well for you, just play the width of the penalty box and even narrower sometimes if you want to get in on the action.
"He's an intelligent footballer, and he's actually done very well for us, but at the moment and with our injury record over the last two seasons, we haven't got anyone to support him."
That may be helped by the return of Fraizer Campbell, who is due to return from a knee injury in the coming weeks. And before the crushing defeat by Wigan, where Wes Brown's mistake helped Franco di Santo to score an injury-time winner, Sunderland were actually four games unbeaten at home.
How much spending power the incoming manager will have is unclear - Bruce made 10 signings in the summer.
With the likes of Brown, John O'Shea, Sebastian Larsson and Craig Gardner among them, there is some undoubted quality to enable the club to return to winning ways. But Gabbiadini believes fans should be realistic about the club's ambitions.
"Sunderland finished 10th last season, but that doesn't mean you are going to be 10th every season," he said. "This is the first time we've been in top flight for five consecutive seasons since the 1980s.
"Until we can become a club who can move onto the next level we have to take it on the chin. I'm not saying we have to be fighting relegation every year but we have had two seasons where it's been quite comfortable.
"We've signed a lot of players who are a decent age and hopefully will all be at the club for a few years so, if we can get it right, it looks promising for the future."
If the new manager can mould Bruce's buys into a more ruthless outfit, then Sunderland can look forward to re-establishing themselves where most fans think a club of their size belongs.
You can also discuss more tactical issues and follow me on Twitter
 
[h=3]Comments[/h] Sign in or register to comment.



  • [h=4]Comment number 1.[/h] At 00:43 1st Dec 2011, markyboy89 wrote: I'm sorry but I can't take this blog seriously when they say Bendtner 'is a good footballer.'

    Chelsea have been below par since that loss to Sunderland as well. A defining match for both teams as it seems neither have recovered in over 12 months since it happened.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 2.[/h] At 04:54 1st Dec 2011, conradk wrote: I am surprised Short sacked Bruce, he hasn't done a bad job since he's been in charge although losing Bent and bringing in Bendtner is laughable, he's spent most of his Arsenal career so far warming the bench and rightly so!

    I must admit though I thought Kean would be the first to go, how he's still in a job, never mind on a better contract than at the start is just beyond me!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 3.[/h] At 06:20 1st Dec 2011, MessibeatslittleRio wrote: I thought he would have been given at least a few more weeks to turn it around. Some people think that Bruce didn't display any loyality at some of the clubs he was at so what goes around come around. 3 or 4 more games looking at the fixtures they have coming up and if they were in the same position then sack him.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 4.[/h] At 08:20 1st Dec 2011, The Tenth Beetle wrote: Bruce had to go. Sunderland have the stadium, money and fan base to be a top 6 side. To be sitting 15 points behind rivals Newcastle is just not good enough for thge supporters. If a good manager is brought in I can see Sunderland still ending up top 6 this season.

    My Soccer Space | Social network for football fans


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  • [h=4]Comment number 5.[/h] At 09:38 1st Dec 2011, Ryushinku wrote: "Results were not good enough, Short said. But the strange thing is that when you analyse many of Sunderland's performances this season, they have not been playing that badly."

    But again, results were not good enough. No extra points for playing style.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 6.[/h] At 09:56 1st Dec 2011, ghost_of_cygan - n Stuff wrote: @ 4

    "Sunderland have the stadium, money and fan base to be a top 6 side."

    Really? I think all of those things are pretty debatable.

    "To be sitting 15 points behind rivals Newcastle is just not good enough for thge supporters. "

    This is the biggest problem for Sunderland and subsequently Bruce. Newcastle's unprecedented start to the season has cranked up the pressure massively as it can be argued both Newcastle and Sunderland's base goal after to survival will be to finish above one another and right now one is outshining the other to quite a degree.

    "If a good manager is brought in I can see Sunderland still ending up top 6 this season."

    I think that's a tad unrealistic, who are you propising Sunderland will dislodge, Arsenal? Chelsea? City? Liverpool? Spurs? United?


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  • [h=4]Comment number 7.[/h] At 10:12 1st Dec 2011, GraniteCitMackem wrote: Disappointed in the season so far and in the reaction to Bruce from the crowd, but have to admit that something is missing and a change is probably for the best. Being against Bruce because of where he's from and who he supported is as sad as comparing how we're doing based purely on how Newcastle are doing. If they were bottom would our season so far suddenly be good?

    Can't agree with comments on Bendtner; he's a quality player. Might only be a squad member somewhere like Arsenal, but he's definitely good enough for the Premier League overall. We aren't a Champions League club.

    Hopefully whoever we get can get that bit extra out of the players we have, who undoubtedly have quality, and also add a goal scorer to the mix. Fraizer Campbell coming back will help, but we need at least one more who can finish. Losing Bent did remove a lot of goals from the squad, but whatever else he might have added Gyan was not a goal scorer. Wellbeck was never our player, so replacing him must always have been in the plan, especially after he made the England squad. He just turned out be a far better player than envisaged as he developed over last season and therefore more critical and difficult to replace.

    I agree with the comment that we need to be realistic about where we are in the grand scheme of things. However, the danger is that by sticking with Bruce for too long we make the mistake we made by giving Peter Reid one season too many. We were a bit fortunate to end up tenth last season and given that the start of this season mirrors the end of last season I agree with the decision to make a change. We've had almost a year of failure, even with significant changes to the squad, which isn't good enough.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 8.[/h] At 10:13 1st Dec 2011, Tom wrote: Bruce has made one extremely large mistake. He's lost faith in his own system, panicked and changed it. To make 10 signings in the off-season for a non promoted team is incredible. This many changes doesn't lead to better performances 8 out of 10.

    The other problem is the quality. Out went Bent, Gyan, Henderson and in came Bendtner, Gardner and Larsson. In my eyes, his signings are a regression, not an improvement to the team, and this is where he has failed.

    Instead of identifying the weak links and improving them, he has bought in almost a whole new team. If he had made just 4 quality signings, instead of 10 average ones, then Sunderland would not be where they are now. It always amazes me when managers do this. Which companies have a complete overhaul of staff and do better? They make the key areas better, while keeping the best performers around.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 9.[/h] At 10:20 1st Dec 2011, drinkthat wrote: Only one man for the Sunderland job.
    Lee Clark at Huddersfield.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 10.[/h] At 10:23 1st Dec 2011, SleepingSpurs wrote: Surely replacing Bruce with Hughes is like-for-like. One failed United old boy for another. Two managers living on reputation. For Sunderland getting MON or Paul Lambert would be far more shrewd.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 11.[/h] At 10:30 1st Dec 2011, Harry Hotspur wrote: #8: It's not that simple, though, is it? Signing 10 average players for an average club is straightforward, but signing even one quality player at an average club is a challenge. Look at Spurs, we only got our top-quality players because either we picked them up before they were famous or, in the case of van der Vaart, because we'd just made the Champions' League. If Sunderland get there, then they can start bringing in the real quality.

    #9: Great shout, Lee Clark looks like he'll be hot property in a couple of years, and as a Sunderland old boy I'm sure the fans will be very forgiving if it takes him a while to get things sorted. Now that you mention him, I'm surprised more people haven't said the same.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 12.[/h] At 10:31 1st Dec 2011, Torquay400 wrote: As with all Premier League supporters many have unrealistic expectations.
    3 clubs have massive financial backing. Man City, Man Utd, and Chelsea.
    Then there is the next group including Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham, also spending a lot.
    So on that basis Sunderland will only ever be somewhere around Mid Table, sorry but there it is!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 13.[/h] At 11:25 1st Dec 2011, toon_toon wrote: #9 & #11: Lee Clark is a hardened Geordie. He was kicked oout of Sunderland as a player because of his support for Newcastle. After Steve Bruce i can't see Sunderland wanting to appoint another Geordie as manager and I can't see Lee Clark wanting to go there.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 14.[/h] At 11:26 1st Dec 2011, Rowan23 wrote: Yes, i too agree with Lee Clark. Seems to be doing a decent job and will (hopefully) provide some stability. If Sunderland is really ambitious they should go for Martin O Neill or even try Ancelloti (why not?)

    Also i think, what is really hurting the fans is that Newcastle is playing so well, even though they are back just one year, whereas inspite of the great consistency of being in the league, Sunderland is laggin that far behind.. Maybe that has cost Brucie his job. Also there were so many outs and ins especially the buying of United pensioners for the price at which they were bought.. just might not have seemed right to the fans.. (did it?)

    Anyway, whoever takes over, has to first ensure stability and ensure they have strong finish to the season.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 15.[/h] At 11:43 1st Dec 2011, AndyVN wrote: #9 Lee Clark?? Great manager, but black and white through and through!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 16.[/h] At 11:45 1st Dec 2011, cricket_and_nufc wrote: Those suggesting Clark, you all do realise why he left Sunderland? He was pictured wearing a t-shirt which said 'Sad Mackem B***ds' on the same day Newcastle were playing in the FA Cup final. Something tells me he wouldn't be welcomed back, although football fans have very short memories I suppose.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 17.[/h] At 12:07 1st Dec 2011, wellinever223 wrote: Alistair - the 'crisis' at Sunderland is perhaps as much to do with Newcastle's success as it is to do with the Black Cats own results? Also Steve Bruce's 'Georgie' connections makes him the perfect 'sacrificial lamb'?

    Bruce had no 'back up plan' for when Bent left and he has been struggling ever since, losing Gyan and Henderson was also unfortunate and importing so many new players all at once, did not help. On paper Sunderland do have enough 'talented players' to be doing better, whether Mark Hughes or Martin O'Neil can 'wave the magic wand' for

 
  • [h=4]18.[/h] At 12:21 1st Dec 2011, ManchesterUnited4Ever wrote: Interesting stats they have the same number of goals and only conceeded 2 more goals than at the same point last season but they have picked up 8 points fewer than before. Those two goals could have cost 4 points (2 one-nil wins become 2 one-all draws) but there are still another 4 points to find. I think then that would mean that the difference between this season and last season is that they have concentrated their goals in fewer games ie instead of 1-0 wins they picked up 2-0 wins and so when they conceed goals in other games it costs them.

    I think the sale of strikers has cost them in terms of regularity of goals - better to have a striker who will score a few less goals in total but spreads them around than someone who picks up a lot of total goals but only in a few games (more chances of points from the goals)


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  • [h=4]Comment number 19.[/h] At 12:36 1st Dec 2011, catswestlondon wrote: This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 20.[/h] At 12:42 1st Dec 2011, averageBBC_journalist wrote: I cant believe this... the article says

    "trouble with us not enough wins"

    Hows that for insight from Gabbiadini. Gorden Bennet a new low


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  • [h=4]Comment number 21.[/h] At 13:09 1st Dec 2011, SuperCaspersavestheday wrote: It is Simple the players Steve Bruce has brought in are not good enough.

    He buys Man U rejects: Brown, OShea, Campbell, Bardsley Richardson (Tried to get Gibson) His buys are from teams got relegated: Gardiner, Larson, Vaughan they played ok but must be a reason they got relegated... The Man U players are terrible players mostly, who hid behind a fantastic man u bunch (I feel dirty for saying that)

    All this add ups to poor/average team that cannot cope against most of the teams who are better.

    If it wasnt for helping Man U get some extra money id feel sorry for him....

    To all Sunderland fans, I do hope you guys stay up though as your a good football club with some top fans. Keep the faith.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 22.[/h] At 14:02 1st Dec 2011, Farquhar wrote: 19. catswestlondon wrote:
    "Bruce has been forced out by racists simply because he comes from Newcastle"

    *****
    Bruce had great support for a couple of years, but 3 home wins in 2011 would test anyone's patience. Stupid comments about racism resulting in his sacking are just laughable and utterly uninformed.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 23.[/h] At 14:45 1st Dec 2011, Vox Populi wrote: 21.At 13:09 1st Dec 2011, SuperCaspersavestheday wrote:
    It is Simple the players Steve Bruce has brought in are not good enough.

    He buys Man U rejects: Brown, OShea, Campbell, Bardsley Richardson (Tried to get Gibson) His buys are from teams got relegated: Gardiner, Larson, Vaughan they played ok but must be a reason they got relegated.
    The Man U players are terrible players mostly, who hid behind a fantastic man u bunch ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Utter rubbish.

    Apart from the last game, Wes Brown in particular has been excellent this season for Sunderland, and they've actually managed to keep him fit! If you look at their defensive record this season, it's decent, so I don't know why Brown, O'Shea and Bardsley are being blamed- their problems are quite obviously putting the ball in the net at the other end where two talented strikers (Bent and Gyan) effectively walked out on them.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 24.[/h] At 14:46 1st Dec 2011, LeftieAgitator wrote: There's something seriously wrong at Sunderland. The Mackem desk at work normally do nothing but talk about Newcastle. Before the season started it was Sunderland have a team of young lions, Newcastle has nobody. Since the season began, they've been talking about their own side. Even when they were yo-yoing in and out of the Premier League, they never did that.
    Any prospective manager has to consider his biggest challenge will be to keep Sunderland up this season.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 25.[/h] At 15:08 1st Dec 2011, Redsknowbest wrote: Sunderland are a big club. They have a decent ground, good support and have spent enough money to expect mid table at worst. Look at what everton spent this summer and they wouldn't expect the results that Sunderland have been getting because they have a top class manager.

    Any manager who is given the backing to bring in ten players like Steve Bruce was and converts that into relegation form is a dead man walking, especially with more accomplished managers like Hughes, o'neill and even Sven looking for work. I bet that all three of those men would get more out of this Sunderland team than Bruce has been able to without a big January outlay.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 26.[/h] At 20:42 1st Dec 2011, RobNox wrote: I was surprised to see Bruce sacked so early in the season, I was sure it would be another Steve who would be the first to lose his job this season.

    However, if they were thinking of making a change, now is a good time to do it. It will allow a new manager a few weeks to get to know his squad and assess where he needs to change things in time for the January transfer window.

    If I was the owner, I'd look no futher than MON for the job. He has a track record of turning teams around very quickly and with Sunderland's resources I could see him achieving a top ten finish this season and then kicking on a bit more next season. How far he could take them will depend on how much Sunderland are able or willing to invest.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 27.[/h] At 20:59 1st Dec 2011, SuperCaspersavestheday wrote: Vox P

    Brown has cost Sunderland points in Wigan, Man U game with big mistakes that is 2 out of 12 games he has played and I get a feeling maybe one more, but that might be wrong. Thats quite a high rate of mistakes for a good player.

    The others are in his first team if fully fit and clearly not helping if they are were they are. This blog states they have scored the same amount so your point about losing Bent and Gyan them stats wise is not correct. I guess three is a subconcious effect but that shouldnt be an excuse.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 28.[/h] At 21:20 1st Dec 2011, Rosalind Mercer wrote: Like skittles they will fall: Bruce, Keane, AVB and no doubt others. Chelsea treated Carlo Ancelotti disgracefully I am so please they are not doing well.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 29.[/h] At 22:06 1st Dec 2011, baldythemackem wrote: There are some quite uninformed statements posted on this page.

    Fans did not turn on him until the Wigan game. This was a straw and camel back situation.

    The fans turned on Bruce because
    1) He didn't get the results
    2) He was tactically baffling and inept
    3) He was patronising and insulting towards fans in post match comments. We are not obsessed with Newcastle like he is.
    4) He lost some essential player (Cana, Collins, Bent, Gyan, Henderson and Zenden)

    We could deal with getting beat by Newcastle and finishing behind them IF we could see progress at the club. We are realistic fans but with the set up at our club we do expect progress. Bruce was too old fashioned and slap dash in his approach to management. It probably didn't help him to mention the flipping derbies after each defeat either.

    Good riddance to him. He brought in some excellent players and balanced the books. However he is very limited technically and tactically. Lets have an intelligent manager to organise the good players we have left.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 30.[/h] At 22:37 1st Dec 2011, hackerjack wrote: Sunderland are not a big team, not really, having a big stadium is not enough anymore and if the fans think their history is really better than at least 25 other teams I can think of then they are deluded.

    However with that said, they are a decent club who should be regular top 10 finishers up there challenging for Europe alongside Everton and Aston Villa.

    Bruce has never really impressed me, he seems able to spot decent hard working players who are willing to sign for him based on his ex-man u reputation but is completely inept in both identifying the necessary cogs he needs to add to his teams and then finding players who fit those spaces (something his ex-boss Fergie does to a T). He has always had a scattergun approach to recruitment, never more so than this year where he seemed to be panicing and buying up every half-decent premiership player who looked his way.

    Bentner could have done well as a third striker like Welbeck was last year, O'Shea is solid when fit, Wickham will be a good player in a few years. but none of them were ever going to replace Bent and when you have such an obvious hold to fill but ignore it then you get what you deserve with the sack.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 31.[/h] At 01:13 2nd Dec 2011, Liverpaul85 wrote: At the end of the day, Bruce didn't do enough to replace Bent and Gyan. Ok, replacing Gyan at the last minute was going to be difficult but it has been 10months since bent left and he hasn't got close to finding someone who will get 20 goals a season.

    I know the stats say that they have scored as many goals and only conceded 2 more thn last year but they are obviously not doing enough to win games and that has to be down to the manager as much as the players.

    The Manager needs to instill that belief into the players. the players need to go out there thinking they are going to win, not thinking about how they are going to spend their tens of thousands of pounds in wages.

    Bruce wasn't strong enough with them which is strange because as a player he was a leader of men, where has this passion gone?


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  • [h=4]Comment number 32.[/h] At 02:49 2nd Dec 2011, Liverpaul85 wrote: So Martin O'Neill has said yes to the job, according to BBC sources?! No Offence to sunderland but thought he would want a bigger job than this one.

    Am surprised by his decision if i'm honest. Think he will do well though and good luck to both O'Neill and Sunderland


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  • [h=4]Comment number 33.[/h] At 08:19 2nd Dec 2011, Collymonster wrote: Why do people think so much of Martin O'Neill, I have had the dubious pleasure of seeing his teams play at Celtic, Leicester, Wycombe, Villa, all of them hit back to front early and most were pretty much football free zones. I have lots of mates who support Celtic and are season ticket holders, they are not daft and realise the SPL is a two team league. Despite their success under O'Neill virtually to a man, they hated the way MON had the Celtic team playing and thinking ones among them were quietly pleased when he left. Sunderland under Steve Bruce were unlucky in the fact that they lost Bent and Gyan, neither were great players, but Bent is a great goalscorer at Sunderlands budget and Gyan could not be replaced for the same money. Sunderland fans, prepare for a limited passing environment under O'Neill, at the SOL, you deserve better.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 34.[/h] At 10:22 2nd Dec 2011, jardinuk wrote: I have wanted O'Neill for years. Quite frankly, his tactics are proven successful which is what we need - fancy football doesn't gain points anyway.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 35.[/h] At 13:25 2nd Dec 2011, MackemWWE wrote: Apparently it's fair game to call for Steve Kean to be sacked since Blackburn have been so abysmally poor since he took over.

    If you compare Sunderland and Blackburn's results in the period since Keanr took over, Sunderland actually have the worse record. And that's just in league games - Aldi knocked out of both cups in the first round against lower league sides.

    And Kean certain hasn't had the time or resources that Bruce has had, nor has he been able to shape his own squad to the same extent - Bruce brought in over 30 players in his two and a half years.

 
[h=1]Can Milner provide a third way for Man City?[/h] 16




Post categories: Football, football tactics
Alistair Magowan - BBC Sport | 23:52 UK time, Thursday, 20 October 2011


Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has some interesting dilemmas ahead of what is likely to be one of the most hotly-contested Manchester derbies in years at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Does he play with two strikers - a formula that has been successful against weaker teams in the Premier League - and look to exploit a Manchester United defence which has conceded vastly more shots on target this season?
Will the Italian manager opt for the formation which was key in beating United during the FA Cup semi-final last season, where Yaya Toure operated behind lone striker Mario Balotelli?
Or with a draw enough to keep City top of the league, could he opt for a more conservative approach which was more in keeping with the early part of last season?

mancity.gif



City's biggest struggles this term have come in the Champions League and some of the games, including their narrow win over Villarreal on Tuesday and the defeat by Bayern Munich last month, appear to have crystalised Mancini's options.
During the first half of the Villarreal victory, the City boss withdrew winger Adam Johnson to add more control to central midfield with Gareth Barry and Nigel de Jong operating behind Toure.
But it wasn't until Sergio Aguero came onto the pitch to replace Nigel de Jong late on that City finally landed the telling blow with the Argentine scoring an injury-time winner.

The key difference on Sunday is that City do not need to win. With United's firepower and an unsettled defence, Mancini may opt for a similar course of action to Tuesday by keeping it tight before unleashing his attacking options.
"City are probably still trying to find their feet about what sort of team they are and what sort of formation they will play because they had a lot of new additions in the summer," says former City right-back Danny Mills.
"Naturally a lot of these players want to go out and attack. Last season they were very Italian and very rigid under Mancini, but the flair players have settled in a bit more and have taken them to next level. At the moment, though, City look a bit fragile at the back when they attack."

dejong.gif


No more was that underlined than in City's defeat by Bayern, where De Jong sat on the bench and a front four of Aguero, Edin Dzeko, David Silva and Samir Nasri left City's defence overexposed.
Following the negativity from last season, it might be a price that City fans are occasional willing to pay but there may be another way of incorporating two strikers without undermining their defensive solidity in midfield.
We are talking here of James Milner, who was the architect of City's stoppage-time winner on Tuesday, and also showed further evidence of his improvement with a superb pass and finish against Aston Villa last Saturday.
The 25-year-old can offer a balance to City's midfield should Mancini want to keep United's defenders on their toes.
Mills, who played with Milner at Leeds, adds: "James has a good engine, he will get forward and score the odd goal but he gives you assurances. When you go to Old Trafford in a derby it's a cauldron, and the odd tasty tackle will be flying in. You need to know what you are going to get.
"Do you know what sort of game Nasri is going to play? Do you know what sort of game Johnson is going to play? Possibly not. Even Aguero, you are not quite sure, but Milner is going to give you an eight out of 10 performance no matter what."
The Italian in Mancini may opt for a five-man midfield including Milner and without Nasri, but that system at Chelsea last season turned out to be a passive one.
Yet the problems United have suffered in defence will have not gone unnoticed at the Etihad.

manutd.gif


United keeper David de Gea has made the most saves of any keeper in the Premier League this season and Mills believes this stems from an unsettled defence.
"United have still struggled to find a replacement for Gary Neville, although it hurts me to say that," Mills states. "Rio Ferdinand has been unfortunate with injuries and Nemanja Vidic has been a massive loss.
"Phil Jones has come in and done pretty well but he's only played a few games, and Jonny Evans does not cut it for me as a Manchester United centre-half, so you have three or four defenders who have been injured, out of form or not settled.
"Vidic will be a huge plus coming back in, but who plays alongside him? If you think about it, Fabio, Jones, Chris Smalling and Antonio Valencia have all played at right-back. In defence it is very difficult to build relationships and understanding when players are constantly changing."
Despite United's defensive problems, Mills believes they still hold the advantage and will use the pace of Wayne Rooney and Nani to get at City's backline as Mills thinks they have issues of their own.
That may prove to be the telling factor for City and getting the balance right on Sunday will be a tricky task for Mancini.
Still, against Villarreal he showed no fear of changing tactics when things were not going to plan and in that aspect, and the ability to draw a late winner from his team, he has shown qualities that mimic his United adversary Sir Alex Ferguson.
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[h=1]Can Milner provide a third way for Man City?[/h] 16




Post categories: Football, football tactics
Alistair Magowan - BBC Sport | 23:52 UK time, Thursday, 20 October 2011


Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has some interesting dilemmas ahead of what is likely to be one of the most hotly-contested Manchester derbies in years at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Does he play with two strikers - a formula that has been successful against weaker teams in the Premier League - and look to exploit a Manchester United defence which has conceded vastly more shots on target this season?
Will the Italian manager opt for the formation which was key in beating United during the FA Cup semi-final last season, where Yaya Toure operated behind lone striker Mario Balotelli?
Or with a draw enough to keep City top of the league, could he opt for a more conservative approach which was more in keeping with the early part of last season?

mancity.gif



City's biggest struggles this term have come in the Champions League and some of the games, including their narrow win over Villarreal on Tuesday and the defeat by Bayern Munich last month, appear to have crystalised Mancini's options.
During the first half of the Villarreal victory, the City boss withdrew winger Adam Johnson to add more control to central midfield with Gareth Barry and Nigel de Jong operating behind Toure.
But it wasn't until Sergio Aguero came onto the pitch to replace Nigel de Jong late on that City finally landed the telling blow with the Argentine scoring an injury-time winner.

The key difference on Sunday is that City do not need to win. With United's firepower and an unsettled defence, Mancini may opt for a similar course of action to Tuesday by keeping it tight before unleashing his attacking options.
"City are probably still trying to find their feet about what sort of team they are and what sort of formation they will play because they had a lot of new additions in the summer," says former City right-back Danny Mills.
"Naturally a lot of these players want to go out and attack. Last season they were very Italian and very rigid under Mancini, but the flair players have settled in a bit more and have taken them to next level. At the moment, though, City look a bit fragile at the back when they attack."

dejong.gif


No more was that underlined than in City's defeat by Bayern, where De Jong sat on the bench and a front four of Aguero, Edin Dzeko, David Silva and Samir Nasri left City's defence overexposed.
Following the negativity from last season, it might be a price that City fans are occasional willing to pay but there may be another way of incorporating two strikers without undermining their defensive solidity in midfield.
We are talking here of James Milner, who was the architect of City's stoppage-time winner on Tuesday, and also showed further evidence of his improvement with a superb pass and finish against Aston Villa last Saturday.
The 25-year-old can offer a balance to City's midfield should Mancini want to keep United's defenders on their toes.
Mills, who played with Milner at Leeds, adds: "James has a good engine, he will get forward and score the odd goal but he gives you assurances. When you go to Old Trafford in a derby it's a cauldron, and the odd tasty tackle will be flying in. You need to know what you are going to get.
"Do you know what sort of game Nasri is going to play? Do you know what sort of game Johnson is going to play? Possibly not. Even Aguero, you are not quite sure, but Milner is going to give you an eight out of 10 performance no matter what."
The Italian in Mancini may opt for a five-man midfield including Milner and without Nasri, but that system at Chelsea last season turned out to be a passive one.
Yet the problems United have suffered in defence will have not gone unnoticed at the Etihad.

manutd.gif


United keeper David de Gea has made the most saves of any keeper in the Premier League this season and Mills believes this stems from an unsettled defence.
"United have still struggled to find a replacement for Gary Neville, although it hurts me to say that," Mills states. "Rio Ferdinand has been unfortunate with injuries and Nemanja Vidic has been a massive loss.
"Phil Jones has come in and done pretty well but he's only played a few games, and Jonny Evans does not cut it for me as a Manchester United centre-half, so you have three or four defenders who have been injured, out of form or not settled.
"Vidic will be a huge plus coming back in, but who plays alongside him? If you think about it, Fabio, Jones, Chris Smalling and Antonio Valencia have all played at right-back. In defence it is very difficult to build relationships and understanding when players are constantly changing."
Despite United's defensive problems, Mills believes they still hold the advantage and will use the pace of Wayne Rooney and Nani to get at City's backline as Mills thinks they have issues of their own.
That may prove to be the telling factor for City and getting the balance right on Sunday will be a tricky task for Mancini.
Still, against Villarreal he showed no fear of changing tactics when things were not going to plan and in that aspect, and the ability to draw a late winner from his team, he has shown qualities that mimic his United adversary Sir Alex Ferguson.
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  • [h=4]Comment number 1.[/h] At 05:53 21st Oct 2011, Liverpaul85 wrote: I feel City have to go for the jugular to have a chance of beating united on sunday. I think if they play with Aguero, Silva, Nasri and Toure as a front four they will tear United open.

    united look shaky at the back at times and with a couple of fairly inexperienced but talented youngsters they may struggle positionally although vidic and Rio may struggle against the strength and guile of players such as Toure and silva.

    i think the keepers will have a massive part to play in this game and maybe Hart just has the edge over De Gea at the moment. Just feel like Hart in much more confident. I thnk technically they are similar, but Hart just edges it for me at the moment.

    also, the midfield battle is going to be a massive one. I'm interested to see whether Ferguson will play Nani from the start becasue he has been on fire so far this season when he has played but not sure that Ferguson is confident enough that he can do a job defensively unlike someone like Park.

    Should be an interesting game!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 2.[/h] At 07:26 21st Oct 2011, Georgieboy1968 wrote: "I think if they play with Aguero, Silva, Nasri and Toure as a front four they will tear United open. "

    Hardly a suprising 'prediction' from a scouser but no chance sorry paul. It's at Old Trafford pal. Mancini will revert to type and look to shut up shop. Tight game and I reckon Rooney or Nani to nick it one nil putting the champions back where we belong!

    COME ON UNITED!!!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 3.[/h] At 07:31 21st Oct 2011, DINESH wrote: i think it will be a cagey game, city will come for a draw and will be more than happy to take it, As a home game for United they have to attack.

    1-1 is my prediction or a last gasp 1-0 or 2-1 man united win


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  • [h=4]Comment number 4.[/h] At 07:35 21st Oct 2011, TimBokTrue wrote: As a neutral I hope its a cracking game. The real fun is Sunday 9:00 ITV1 though ;-)

    I predict a 1 - nil united victory. Wellbeck in the 12th minute of Fergy Time.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 5.[/h] At 07:43 21st Oct 2011, gjashley wrote: This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 6.[/h] At 07:45 21st Oct 2011, Dont call my name Dont call my name Chicharitoooo wrote: I think Mancini will play not too lose as we did last weekend. Old Trafford is a hard place to go, as is Anfield.
    I don't think de Jong has played this season (I think) due to Citys fixture list so far this season. And because of that you have seen how attacking City have been this season. I am not knocking de Jong, I think he is a fantastic player and I rate him highly, he does a great job as DM. But I think he will play Sunday and will show a more defensive City, like last season.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 7.[/h] At 07:51 21st Oct 2011, 1878onwards wrote: I remember Tommy Docherty predicting the results of games and mostly he only succeeded on firing up the opponents,so no prediction from me.
    Apart from Spurs, the noisy neighbours have had a fairly comfortable season so far,if you include the CL games,then they have struggled when faced with a more organised team,so it will be up to SAF to get the tactics right.
    My beloved Utd on the other hand have played Chelsea,Arsenal,Liver,Spurs and a couple of tricky away games with WBA and Stoke.
    No doubt the neutrals will side with the bitters and that will suit Utd fine but with one win at Old Trafford in 37yrs,Utd will not want to let citeh improve this abysmal record.
    No doubt Nani will be paid special attention if De Jong plays.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 8.[/h] At 08:15 21st Oct 2011, niro_d_wolf wrote: I'd be surprised if Mancini plays anything other than being conservative. It will be 2 holding midfielders in a midfield of 5.
    I think similarly Sir Alex will match up and put in 5 midfielders too.

    It will either be a hugely entertaining game with constant attacking, and hard tackles galore, or a cagey no-risk game, I have a feeling it will be the later.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 9.[/h] At 08:16 21st Oct 2011, Dan Dawson wrote: Man U have looked dodgy at the back when teams have really gone at them. Both Norwich and Chelsea could've beaten them - and OK, they didn't, but they still carved them open repeatedly and created a load of chances.
    If Norwich can do that, I would think Silva and co will have a field day if they're given the chance.
    This could turn out to be one of the games of the season if City go for it, because we both know both sides have the capacity to be terrifying going forward... but I don't think Mancini's got the balls to do it. I hope he proves me wrong, but I think he'll keep it tight - in which case, I think this game's too close to call.

    But if he DOES go after them... I think United fans could be reassessing just how good their squad is this season - coz I think they might get a beating.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 10.[/h] At 08:30 21st Oct 2011, swindonbluearmy wrote: Oh no a Man City Blog with Milner - how long before "he's rubbish and so is Barry" comments page after page....

    Milner is fantastic...a proper English footballer how doesn't feel the need to "hoof" it up field...say what you want about him and Barry but they get in the side that's top of the league...cant be that bad!


    ...............As for the result??? I'll take a draw but as long as we show intent I'm not overly concerned; losing to the Champions at home is not exactly a disaster! Still think we'll win though


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  • [h=4]Comment number 11.[/h] At 08:44 21st Oct 2011, ethec wrote: Cant help thinking if United just held on to John O'Shea for the right back slot their defence would have been much more settled.

    Obviously with Rio, Vidic, and Evra too that back four may have seemed a little old but given their injury problems they could do with that experience.

    Age seems to have saved Jonny Evans, as Wes Brown (if fit!) would offer more than him too.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 12.[/h] At 08:45 21st Oct 2011, dogeared wrote: I think Ferguson will be playing for the win - and he needs to, because City look the more likely champions at the moment (spoken as a neutral)

    This might play into the hands of City however if they can hit Utd on the break.

    I reckon there will be goals for both sides but City to nick it 1-2.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 13.[/h] At 08:46 21st Oct 2011, It wasnt me A big boy did it and ran away wrote: Milner, he's rubbish and so is Barry


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  • [h=4]Comment number 14.[/h] At 08:54 21st Oct 2011, swindonbluearmy wrote: 13. At 08:46 21st Oct 2011, It wasnt me A big boy did it and ran away wrote:
    Milner, he's rubbish and so is Barry

    ------------------------

    HAHA that has cheered me up sat at work being all depressed about how long away Sunday is 🙂


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  • [h=4]Comment number 15.[/h] At 08:55 21st Oct 2011, Eddie Shaw wrote: I have to disagree with Danny Mills on the Johnny Evans comment. He has been Uniteds most impressive/consistent defender this season and has improved a great amount in the last 18 months. I think United will go up a gear or 2 on Sunday and we are more likely to see a Man City side like playing they do in the Champions League (not very well against solid opposition).


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  • [h=4]Comment number 16.[/h] At 08:57 21st Oct 2011, It wasnt me A big boy did it and ran away wrote: 14.At 08:54 21st Oct 2011, swindonbluearmy wrote:

    Glad to oblige 🙂


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  • [h=4]Comment number 17.[/h] At 09:06 21st Oct 2011, Zeemo wrote: I've always looked forward to Manchester derby matches in the past. I'm still looking forward to this one but I hope the fact that it's a top-of-the-table clash doesn't turn it into a 'let's make sure we don't lose' bore draw.

    Stats can always be misleading. City's opening fixtures have been kind.
    So shots to goals ratios, goals, etc will be high.

    Utd conceding shots on goal is no surprise either. After De Gea's early season blunders many teams adopted a shoot on sight policy. So the high ratio is not just down to poor defending.

    From a FF point of view I hope it's a 5-4 classic!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 18.[/h] At 09:17 21st Oct 2011, Paolo Rossi wrote: Let's wait till December when 19 games have been played, then see what the table looks like. Utd. have played all the top teams. City have not.

    I can't see City being in the top four at the end of the season.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 19.[/h] At 09:21 21st Oct 2011, Kapnag wrote: Is this the City fanzine I've logged onto this morning? Alan Hansen saying City will become the dominant club, Milner being the guy to lead the way - I wonder if BBC will do an article on United to balance it out (other than Rooney and his temperament)?

    Not that it matters, but then it is becoming a bit of a joke now, every single week someone at the BBC is saying "City are improving all the time, and should now be taken seriously" - City will NEVER be taken seriously, ask their fans, they know the deal. It's just not meant to be


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  • [h=4]Comment number 20.[/h] At 09:28 21st Oct 2011, united_kaz wrote: I had a sneaky feeling after the first few games of the year that this game would come along with both teams unbeatan, as pointed out by some we have played arsenal, tottenham, chelsea, liverpool and after this weekend city(the teams who more than likley will be in the top 6 end of year) all in the 1st 9 games so if we remain undefeated after this sunday i will be ecstatic

    As for the game im quietly confident because after watching city's cl games its obvious a team which is well organised and has a threat up front will cause city problems. So aslong as we have vidic, ferdinand and evra in the back and carrick can shield the back four im confident we will not only be alot more solid at the back but in turn can pick city off at the other end, add to the fact its at OT where we have a 19game winning run in the league i predict a 3-1 win for us

    COME ON UNITED


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  • [h=4]Comment number 21.[/h] At 09:34 21st Oct 2011, bluemoonSi wrote: I'd quite happily let no one take us seriously if it gives us more trophies like last year!

    Hopefully United won't take us seriously this weekend too and we'll show them the quality football we've been playing so far this season and why (as the above stats suggest) for the first time in a long time they're going into a derby match at Old Trafford as the UNDERDOGS.

    Now if that doesn't get a reaction I don't know what will! ;-)

    Seriously though I think if we play like we have been we can break through United defence with ease, whether it's at Old Trafford or not. As usual, it's not about how good United are that will determine the result, but which City turn up on the day.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 22.[/h] At 09:38 21st Oct 2011, LondonsFinestClub wrote: I fully agree that De jong is crucial for City, he balances City through the middle and provides a spring board for the counter. United Have the players to circumvent this and City have the players to play through an ordinary United defence. Both keepers are crucial and it will take either a mistake or brilliance to decide this game from either Hart or De gea. Personally, I hope United win as it will peg City back and set doubts in their minds. Chelsea are improving at a rate of knots and would prefer this. United aren't the force they used to be and Mancini has an Italian streak in him which will want to be less cavalier towards the business end of the season. Winter is coming and some of his players won't like the frosty chill followed by the stinging tackle that the season brings. I expect to see some more personal problems emerge as City are still unconvincing in Europe and English coaches will have taken note of their European counterpart's tactics. I feel De gean will be targeted in the air during this game and I expect Dzecko and Balotelli to be fed with plenty of free kicks, corners and probing crosses to test the Keeper's confidence, any breaking ball will be pounced on by City at some stage. United will also use the width of the pitch and are more likely to break the offside trap with the speed of their players.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 23.[/h] At 09:38 21st Oct 2011, Paolo Rossi wrote: "As usual, it's not about how good United are that will determine the result, but which City turn up on the day."

    What a statement! Spoken as if City have won 19 league titles, and United a perennial loser, suddenly coming into money. LOL!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 24.[/h] At 09:38 21st Oct 2011, dogeared wrote: As a Liverpool fan I think it's quite telling to see how worried the Utd fans are.

    I think they know deep down that City are going to overtake them.

    Hansen got it right - City have the better players but Utd have the better manager and team ethic, or at least that's how it was last season.

    The writing is on the wall guys.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 25.[/h] At 09:39 21st Oct 2011, wirral18 wrote: @20

    "So aslong as we have vidic, ferdinand and evra in the back and carrick can shield the back four im confident we will not only be alot more solid at the back"

    Mate, I have defended Carrick for the last few years but now the patience has all gone. He doesn't keep up with play. I can't ever rememeber him making a decent tackle, players seem to just run past him. If we have a midfield 2 of Carrick and Anderson we will lose. In fact if I see that as the line up I will go to the bookies and put a lot of money on it.

    That partnership just doesn't work, they're so slow getting around the picth. They don't break up play well and Anderson still plays too many Hollywood passes as soon as he gets the ball.

    As for this shots per game ratio, this is ALL down to our midfield. Teams just flood through all game creating chance after chance, it's not our defence or keeper it's our lack of central midfielders!!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 26.[/h] At 09:41 21st Oct 2011, Kapnag wrote: Break through it with ease, well you couldn't break through Villareal's with ease, and United have won the last 19 league games at Old Trafford


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  • [h=4]Comment number 27.[/h] At 09:42 21st Oct 2011, Paolo Rossi wrote: When City fall out of the top four, I will lead everyone to this post - you heard it here first. This City team us not united. The manager has lost the dressing room. The players will suffer over the cold Christmas period, when instead of a break, more games are played.

    Chelsea went the same way - buying players and all. The difference? They had a great manager in Mourinho. Mancini is a joke!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 28.[/h] At 09:42 21st Oct 2011, MrBlueBurns wrote: For all talk of the creativity and tactics that may be key to one side or the other winning, I suspect this will be a draw on par with the Liverpool v Man U game last week. That would probably suit both sides. Of course, it would also suit me as well but I doubt I figure that highly in their thoughts!

    Man U will no doubt deploy Fletcher and Park as is Ferguson's want in this sort of fixture and Mancini is in the position of being able to stick rather than twist.

    And I hope that come Monday morning, the partisans are not blaming a refereeing decision for the result!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 29.[/h] At 09:44 21st Oct 2011, wirral18 wrote: "24.At 09:38 21st Oct 2011, dogeared wrote:
    As a Liverpool fan I think it's quite telling to see how worried the Utd fans are."

    Oh dear.

    Is this all Liverpool fans have going for them now?? It used to be that they had more league titles, now it's that they KNOW City are going to go ahead of us.

    City are now one of our main rivals, in the same way that Chelsea came to become our main rivals for the title a few years ago. But always remember, whatever new team comes up they will ALWAYS be OUR rivals and not yours i'm afraid.

    Different sides have come and gone in the last 20 years but United will always be there or there abouts. Yes City will challenge us soon (maybe this year, maybe not) but we will always be there for the challenge.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 30.[/h] At 09:44 21st Oct 2011, Kapnag wrote: #24 worried? We have heard this bluster and chat now non stop for the last 3 seasons. If it's not City giving it the big one, it's arsenal or Chelsea, not so much Liverpool these days though - we are used to being fired at, because we're at the top


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  • [h=4]Comment number 31.[/h] At 09:45 21st Oct 2011, united_kaz wrote: for the first time in a long time they're going into a derby match at Old Trafford as the UNDERDOGS.


    yeah you keep telling yourself that, city have been very good this year but favs in a match at OT? someones been at the glue this morning

    --------------------

    Hansen got it right - City have the better players but Utd have the better manager and team ethic, or at least that's how it was last season.

    The writing is on the wall guys.



    why would a liverpool be so jolly about this, surely if city are getting so good its putting more distance between the time liverpool will ever win a league title again? oh but i guess at the moment since liverpool have no chance to win a league title they have to suppurt their 2nd team who challenge united weather it be arsenal, chelsea and now city


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  • [h=4]Comment number 32.[/h] At 09:49 21st Oct 2011, swindonbluearmy wrote: 18. At 09:17 21st Oct 2011, The Patriot wrote:
    Let's wait till December when 19 games have been played, then see what the table looks like. Utd. have played all the top teams. City have not.

    I can't see City being in the top four at the end of the season.

    --------------------------

    HAHA brilliant - even hardened united fans would admit we're nailed on for 3rd at the bare minimum! Maybe we're going to be relegated? wake up!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 33.[/h] At 09:49 21st Oct 2011, united_kaz wrote: Mate, I have defended Carrick for the last few years but now the patience has all gone. He doesn't keep up with play. I can't ever rememeber him making a decent tackle, players seem to just run past him


    i will admit carrick is not always on it and games will pass him by but before chelsea in the cl last year he was getting bashed by fans but then throttled the chelsea midield in his best perfiormances of the year, i meant if we get a game similar to that from him im confident of the win


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  • [h=4]Comment number 34.[/h] At 09:52 21st Oct 2011, Kapnag wrote: #32, it's all academic though, what with City ending up in the Europa regardless


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  • [h=4]Comment number 35.[/h] At 09:55 21st Oct 2011, wirral18 wrote: @33

    Ha, that's a very risky way of looking at it. The problem is I'm not sure you play Fletcher instead as I still feel he's at least a yard slower since this virus problem. The main thing for me is Nani & Young start. Not only does this force Richards & Clichy/Kolorov back I also think attacking is the best form of defence.

    Midfield of Young, Anderson, Fletcher, Nani.

    Play Rooney a bit deeper and start with Wellbeck. Whatever City fans say, they are still fearful of us (especially at OT) and if we line up like that and attack them I think we'll get the result we want.

    I do think he'll play Park though I just hope it's not at the expense of Nani.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 36.[/h] At 09:58 21st Oct 2011, bluemoonSi wrote: I really thought I'd get a bigger reaction than that, I used to anyway.......wonder what's changed? Maybe some people are taking us seriously after all, eh?

    ------------------------

    It's almost immature just how excited I get in the build-up to derby day - just happens to be my birthday on Sunday too and I'm predicting it's going to be a happy one!

    I'm just hoping both team's play their best in a great game free of dodgy refereeing and Fergie Time - so you have no excuses.....


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  • [h=4]Comment number 37.[/h] At 10:00 21st Oct 2011, Zeemo wrote: @10

    A big fan of Milner. He puts a shift in when played out wide.
    But he's wasted out there. If he's given a run in centre mid he will show what he can really do.

    Reminds me of a mixture of Viera/Gerrard rolled into 1.
    (I'm not a city fan, by the way)

    As for Barry- he had a mad season will Villa a couple of seasons back hence the interest from Liverpool at the time and City later. Everything he did just came off that season. Goals, assists, free kicks, you name it.
    But he's never had any pace. A poor mans Didier Deschamps.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 38.[/h] At 10:04 21st Oct 2011, balothello wrote: Ah, the Eternal Sporting Enemy...
    C'mon City!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 39.[/h] At 10:07 21st Oct 2011, swindonbluearmy wrote: 37. At 10:00 21st Oct 2011, Zeemo wrote:

    I partially agree but his game has never been about pace..he's not the marquee player or the star but he does a job and does it well! As far as I'm concerned if no one wants him playing for England that's fine by me but he'll continue to be picked by city and that's all I really care about


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  • [h=4]Comment number 40.[/h] At 10:07 21st Oct 2011, Dont call my name Dont call my name Chicharitoooo wrote: It is quite stupid to suggest City will not finish in the top 4. It is wishful thinking.

    Alot of immature posts so far.....it is quite obvious City are now serious contenders.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 41.[/h] At 10:09 21st Oct 2011, Football_UK wrote: Nice article but, so early in the season and, given what opposition the two clubs faced so far, aren't these statistics unreliable? When I saw them, SKY came to my mind and some really stupid statistics they show, because someone has surely told them to talk with facts.

    It's a mystery what team Mancini will present on Sunday. Last night, jokingly, I wrote that Mancini will play De Jonk as the lone striker. I wouldn't be surprised if he plays 3-4-5 defensive midfielders. I would like to see City trying to win the game, if the can. It's not far away now. Let's wait and see. I'm looking forward to this fixture.

    Statistics are nice but everyone keeps overlooking the important ones:
    a) City are topping the table right now because their results were good but the oppositions they faced were lesser to ones United faced so far.
    b) Goals, opportunities create, etc, are of a lesser importance given (a)
    c) City have serious problems within their team. Their players have arguments (to avoid saying the other, concerning Yaya Toure and Balotelli). They're a bunch of expensive players put together. United on the other hand always play as a team.
    d) City, so far, won with comfort all their easy fixtures and appeared to have difficulty in all the difficult / key fixtures they have. Is the match at Old Trafford any easier? United won all the must-win fixtures up to date.

    What was entertaining so far has been Alan Hansen's appraisal of the forthcoming match at Old Trafford. On the Anfield fixture, he was certain that Liverpool would win and placed all his reasons. Now he appears the Old Trafford match between United and City has draw written all over it. Doesn't he ever worry about his credibility? I'm expecting him to say, after the match, that United played with grit and determination, using the width of the pitch, defending as a unit and attacking as a unit and all his other standard cliches. I used to read his assessments on forthcoming teams to learn something. Now I read them to be entertained.

    Everybody at Manchester must be thinking of the match on Sunday.
    I'm wondering how SAF motivates his players, although I have a good idea about it.

    As Rooney said: bring it on!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 42.[/h] At 10:12 21st Oct 2011, dogeared wrote: @29

    SAF is holding together your average squad and making them into more than the sum of their parts, but fair play, he's a brilliant manager.

    When he's gone however you had better get used to some rather unpleasant times.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 43.[/h] At 10:18 21st Oct 2011, Football_UK wrote: @ Alistair Magowan,

    "Will the Italian manager opt for the formation which was key in beating United during the FA Cup semi-final last season, where Yaya Toure operated behind lone striker Mario Balotelli?"

    It is one thing to have unaware fans talking about how City beat United in the semi final of the F.A. Cup, last season:
    a) Rooney was not playing
    b) City had an 8 days rest, being thrashed by Liverpool at Anfield because they were resting players for a match that would take part 8 days later - or is it my idea?
    c) United were on the latter stages of playing 11 matches in 35 days.

    Some perspective would be just logical.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 44.[/h] At 10:19 21st Oct 2011, wirral18 wrote: @42

    I'm afraid that's very wishful thinking and irrelevant at this moment in time.

    Like I said, is this what Liverpool fans look forward to now?? Someone other than United winning the league because you know deep down your team and certainly your manager aren't good enough any more to win the league??!!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 45.[/h] At 10:22 21st Oct 2011, Thrashball wrote: Really looking foward to this game as it should be quite an equal contest. I wish people could be slightly less biased when discussing their teams but guess its just one of those things.

    I think Man City will go there and be solid but I don't think Man Us defence if quite as good as last year (obviously something to do with the chopping and changing and integration of new players) and City could be persuaded to have a go as they do have some great quality. Having said that United are hardly a blunt tool up front!

    I'd go with 2-1 to Man U just but I do worry about their central midfield especially if Carrick starts.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 46.[/h] At 10:30 21st Oct 2011, Kapnag wrote: #42, the problem is the squad isn't as average as you lot make it out to be - Liverpool fans have been convinced they've had the better team practically every season for the last 10 years


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  • [h=4]Comment number 47.[/h] At 10:30 21st Oct 2011, Morphius Bane wrote: Hoping City win it. But as always, I will be content if the team who plays better and deserves it on the day win the game.

    As an aside, Jason Mandford made me laugh the other day when he said he'd met his first glory hunting City fan. Apparantly he was talking to some guy from the home counties. The chap asked him what team he supported, to which Jason replied Man City. Came the reply: "Oh really? My son supports City too, yes, he thinks they're just tremendous!". Grimace.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 48.[/h] At 10:39 21st Oct 2011, The_soul_patch_of_David_Villa wrote: The good news for Manchester United is that they've got Clattenburg back in their starting line-up. He always seems to perform well for United in these really big games, and he's a like-for-like replacement for Martin Atkinson.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 49.[/h] At 10:41 21st Oct 2011, Football_UK wrote: @ 48. At 10:39 21st Oct 2011, The_soul_patch_of_David_Villa.

    Yes, I've read this about Clattenburg yesterday from a City fan, as he was attempting to find excuses for a City defeat on Sunday.

    So, 2-3 days before the match, excuse #1 is already on the table.
    Bring the rest on.
    You can keep the excuses. United fans want the result.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 50.[/h] At 10:45 21st Oct 2011, wirral18 wrote: @48 zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

    What's quite amusing about all these comments is that are any of them actually about Milner and this article. I think it goes to prove the point that Milner ain great and he aint bad. He's just one of those players that goes about his work.

    He doesn't put fear into any opposition fans but on the other hand no City fans will be appalled if he's starting of if he's on the bench. Where his best position is?? I wouldn't say winger as he doesn't have the pace to be a world class winger but then i don't know where he'd fit in the City midfield to be honest.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 51.[/h] At 10:46 21st Oct 2011, Glorfindel1 wrote: @43

    Rooney may not have been playing, but neither was Tevez. And I have been told time and again by my red friends that we were a one man team and we'd never win anything without him.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 52.[/h] At 10:47 21st Oct 2011, Kapnag wrote: to be honest, I haven't even read the article. I don't really read any articles on BBC these days


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  • [h=4]Comment number 53.[/h] At 10:47 21st Oct 2011, Paolo Rossi wrote: BBC Sport - Manchester City hand Carlos Tevez reduced charge

    The collapse has begun! Mancini has been proven a liar!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 54.[/h] At 10:47 21st Oct 2011, united_kaz wrote: clattenberg? i thought our man was webb? at least get the names of our refs right, atkinson! lol the same atkinson who pretty much cost us a game at chelsea last year


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  • [h=4]Comment number 55.[/h] At 10:47 21st Oct 2011, MrBlueBurns wrote: #50 wirral18

    I doubt that Milner will be the difference between the teams or that any result may hinge on his contribution.

    Bore draw, everyone blames each other for this and that and we move on, with never the twain agreeing on anything.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 56.[/h] At 10:51 21st Oct 2011, Football_UK wrote: @ 50. At 10:45 21st Oct 2011, wirral18,

    Milner is a very good player who will give his all for 90' plus extra time.
    He's not an executioner but a very good unit in a team.
    To me is like Fletcher of United, with more flair on the wings.

    But what more to say about him?
    I'm surprised he was picked as a key factor for the Sunday match
    Perhaps, he was picked because he always gives his all, unlike many other top (I have to admit) players in the City line up.
    Yet, this is the norm at United.

    Everybody keeps talking about the grit and determination (should I copy from Hansen?) that helped City beat Villarreal midweek.
    Still, did you see any urgency in the City team? Because I didn't.
    Perhaps this is why Milner has been picked as the theme of the pre-match talk.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 57.[/h] At 10:52 21st Oct 2011, Paolo Rossi wrote: Will Phil McNulty and the rest of the utterly abysmal journalists who basically crucified Teyez now issue an apology?


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  • [h=4]Comment number 58.[/h] At 10:52 21st Oct 2011, Glorfindel1 wrote: I haven't been paying much attention to the comments on these until recently when I realised my job was too boring to actually do, but it The Patriot a troll?


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  • [h=4]Comment number 59.[/h] At 10:55 21st Oct 2011, wirral18 wrote: @55

    It does have bore draw written all over it or us nicking it at the death. Occasionally something pops up like the 4-3 a couple of years ago but only occassionally between the top teams. The eventful games between the top teams nearly always have to involve Arsenal which I will give Wenger credit for.

    Either it's because he's failed to find good enough to defenders which forces him to attack regardless or that his genuine philosophy means the games are always open and interesting.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 60.[/h] At 10:55 21st Oct 2011, duffy wrote: Until the charity shield game, I would have agreed that City had the psychological egde, but with that result along with the Tevez debacle has made City more vulnerable. When they beat Utd in the FA cup they wore Utd down throughout the game & stopped them from playing (Scholes got annoyed & then sent off).

    It is commendable that City have still looked imperious without Tevez though & therefore they should not be underestimated in this game. Utd do have Vidic back though so hopefully that will stem the tide of goals conceded.

    Looking forward to an open game (hopefully). Come on Utd.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 61.[/h] At 10:56 21st Oct 2011, Football_UK wrote: @ 51.
    At 10:46 21st Oct 2011, Glorfindel1 wrote:

    @43

    Rooney may not have been playing, but neither was Tevez. And I have been told time and again by my red friends that we were a one man team and we'd never win anything without him.

    ----------------------------------

    I can't understand why I stilll remember so many fans asking, prior to that semi, if Rooney was playing. I can't remember any United fans worried about Tevez though.
    And it was a fixture where City came from an 8 days rest and United on the latter stages of a gruelling 11 matches played in 35 days.

    A 1-0 win with a late Yaya Toure effort, profiting from the wrong pass from a tired United player. It's not what I'd call "demolition job", is it?


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  • [h=4]Comment number 62.[/h] At 10:56 21st Oct 2011, Paolo Rossi wrote: This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 63.[/h] At 10:57 21st Oct 2011, Kapnag wrote: grit and determination is the biggest waste of space cliche on BBC blogs - what does it mean? Can you win a game on determination alone, or do you think skill and effective tactics and interplay are more important? Unsurprising it came from Hansen, who hasn't come up with any new material for 15 years.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 64.[/h] At 10:57 21st Oct 2011, Adam Friend wrote: City "do not need to win", what kind of warped mentality is that? How can you possibly say they don't need to win, who knows what the table will look like in May and how important a couple of dropped points may be


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  • [h=4]Comment number 65.[/h] At 10:59 21st Oct 2011, becks-phone-call-went-to-me wrote: Ahh derby day. City fans claiming their inevitable superiority, scousers watching in glee as they anticipate the arch enemy's fall from grace, united fans goading their rivals with their efforts in the past two decades and no one with the ability to look at the match objectively.

    1) City have started like a house on fire and seemingly dealt with the Tevez fiasco (much to my annoyance) while United have gone off the boil but are still grinding out results.
    2) United are formidable at Old Trafford.
    3) Both teams had hard fought wins with their strongest 11 in the CL
    4) City still have an inferiority complex (see Charity Shield)
    5) United will never say die
    6) United have SAF, Rooney & Nani
    7) City have De Jong, Aguero & Silva
    8) Both sides have no cohesion at the back but the GKs are good shot stoppers.

    All things considered...it will be a draw and all the bitters will be placated.

    The Premier League...(apparently) the best league in the world! Well, depending on what happens on Sunday. No doubt "soul patch" etc are sharpening their knives as we speak.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 66.[/h] At 10:59 21st Oct 2011, Pundit wrote: Chelsea will be top of the Premier League by next weekend..................

    .............and nobody has even mentioned them this season.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 67.[/h] At 11:00 21st Oct 2011, Football_UK wrote: @ 64. At 10:57 21st Oct 2011, Adam Friend ,

    It was a typo, I think.
    He meant to write "City can't win on Sunday".


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  • [h=4]Comment number 68.[/h] At 11:01 21st Oct 2011, Paolo Rossi wrote: 32. At 09:49 21st Oct 2011, swindonbluearmy wrote:
    18. At 09:17 21st Oct 2011, The Patriot wrote:
    Let's wait till December when 19 games have been played, then see what the table looks like. Utd. have played all the top teams. City have not.

    I can't see City being in the top four at the end of the season.

    --------------------------

    HAHA brilliant - even hardened united fans would admit we're nailed on for 3rd at the bare minimum! Maybe we're going to be relegated? wake up!

    _________________________________________________________________________

    Swindonbluearmy,

    With no support from players or even the coaching staff w.r.t the Tevez affair, Mancini will be out by Christmas. I wouldn't be surprised to see him gone after the Manchester derby.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 69.[/h] At 11:02 21st Oct 2011, Glorfindel1 wrote: @61

    I don't recall anyone else calling it a demolition job either. And it wasn't a particularly late winner.




 
  • [h=4]70.[/h] At 11:03 21st Oct 2011, Proverbial Outhouse wrote: Milner is the most overrated player I know. What does he offer the team? Don't tell me "hard work and commitment", thats not a skill, anyone can work hard. Some will say he tracks back and wins the ball, is that why he keeps getting booked very early in his games for Englnd and looks like a walking red card, remember the World Cup, he was so bad Capello brought him off before half time. Some will say he can create chances and score goals, last season he scored 1 EPL goal and assisted 5. He is passenger for most of the game passing sideways much like Gareth Barry and Michael Carrick, all english, all overrated. But it's ok, they work hard, this makes them world class (please note sarcasm).


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  • [h=4]Comment number 71.[/h] At 11:03 21st Oct 2011, MrBlueBurns wrote: #57 The Patriot

    Tevez has become a whipping boy for all that is bad in the game, despite the fact that other players are guilty of similar 'crimes'.

    Anyway, I would have thought it was pretty obvious that the issue of the sub would be one person's word against someone else's.

    All that said and done, Tevez doesn't seem to be very bright and his agent just seems to be a self important leech.

    His agent sums up ills of the game more than Tevez does.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 72.[/h] At 11:04 21st Oct 2011, Thrashball wrote: Patriot, you seem to have an axe to grind. Just because it can't be proved doesn't mean its not true. Much like Evra and Suarez, if it can't be proved it doesn't mean that it's not true. That's why allegations need to be taken seriously for the nature of them and the fact that mud sticks.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 73.[/h] At 11:04 21st Oct 2011, Jaap_Stam_Is_Bigger_Than_Your_Ground wrote: #48.
    New day, new blog but same drab as yesterday...

    #64.
    Perhaps it means that for City avoiding defeat could be more important than having to win the game at this moment?


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  • [h=4]Comment number 74.[/h] At 11:05 21st Oct 2011, Paolo Rossi wrote: And to all you horrible posters here who crucified Tevez without even any proof.....

    Shame on you!!!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 75.[/h] At 11:05 21st Oct 2011, wirral18 wrote: @66

    Agreed that Chelsea could be in the best position of the lot. As a lot of people are saying they are a couple of points behind and I don't think a single blog has been written on their chances this year!!!

    You don't write a team like Chelsea off so early but like City they've only had 2 difficult fixtures at OT and Britannia and only got the 1 point from the 2 games. The other thing happening this year is African Cup of Nations. WHich teams will lose out the most from this??


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  • [h=4]Comment number 76.[/h] At 11:07 21st Oct 2011, kane wrote: There'll be only one winner of the Manchester Derby on Sunday and that's Chelsea. The bookies will tell you that the draw is the least likely result of said Derby but I struggle to see Utd winning that game, so it will be City or the draw for me, leaving Utd in 3rd by the end of the weekend and that is where they will finish come the end of the season too because the defence at Utd is unsettled, I think Rio's legs have gone, Jones is cavalier through immaturity, Vidic has a lot of miles on the clock and signs of wear and tare are showing, I like Smalling a lot but surely Fergie will wrap him in cotton wool and turn to a different pairing more often than not, Jonnie Evans? please play him every week Fergie.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 77.[/h] At 11:08 21st Oct 2011, becks-phone-call-went-to-me wrote: Got to agree all Milner is acclaimed for is his professionalism.

    He is an "ok" footballer. He has some pace, can pass ok, can't really dribble, is versatile, high energy, and is ok at crossing the ball.

    Unfortunately, he's not going to win you a CL or World Cup. Best suited to right back or doing the donkey work in midfield where he can't get in the way of the real footballers. Poor man's John O' Shea (at a grossly inflated price!).


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  • [h=4]Comment number 78.[/h] At 11:09 21st Oct 2011, villaman22 wrote: @37

    Totally agree with you about Milner. When MON moved him into the middle at Villa he looked a completely different player with that rare ability to spot a pass ahead of the run. He was turning into a very, very good attacking midfielder. I never thought he was a winger cos he doesn't have raw pace or trickery (although his crossing is decent). I can't help but feel he made a mistake joining City who play him out of position all the time, he'd fit in well in the United team right now in the "Scholes" position. I know loads of ignorant people (including #70) will diagree with me but if you'd seen him in his last season at Villa you'd understand where I'm coming from.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 79.[/h] At 11:09 21st Oct 2011, wirral18 wrote: On the whole 'what is wrong with football?' debate that will rage now that Tevez is sadly back in the news.

    Did anyone watch the Fulham game last night????!!!! It actually made me physically angry how that player held his face. Why aren't UEFA banning this player for bringing the game into disrepute!!??

    I remember they did the AC Milan keeper (Dida?) when he pretended to be struck in the face by a Celtic fan, surely this is exactly the same thing?


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  • [h=4]Comment number 80.[/h] At 11:09 21st Oct 2011, Ben wrote: I still feel that the problem with City this year will infact be their defence and hopefully that will show against United, no one doubts that both United and City have imense attacks and alot of goals to score but I beleive Citys defence isnt good enough to stop goals going in against them mainly against the big teams and this will be their downfall this season.
    so far this season they have both conceded the same amount but Uniteds have been against the bigger teams such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal with them making up 4 out of the 6 conceded. whereas citys have been against lower teams such as fulham, bolton and villa.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 81.[/h] At 11:13 21st Oct 2011, united_kaz wrote: There'll be only one winner of the Manchester Derby on Sunday and that's Chelsea

    hmmm apart from if one of united or city win? chelsea have had a ridiculously easy start to the season(fixture wise) compared to us and your still 3rd


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  • [h=4]Comment number 82.[/h] At 11:14 21st Oct 2011, Proverbial Outhouse wrote: @78 villaman22

    To be a "Scholes" type player you need more than 5 assists in 33 games, Milner can't create a sandwich.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 83.[/h] At 11:14 21st Oct 2011, MrBlueBurns wrote: #79 wirral18

    On the whole 'what is wrong with football?' debate
    ------------------------------------------------------
    The irony is that it is probably the media that fuel this argument the most, to keep the sport talked about. And yet, it is their sensationalised reporting and mis-information that harms the perception of football the most!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 84.[/h] At 11:15 21st Oct 2011, becks-phone-call-went-to-me wrote: This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 85.[/h] At 11:15 21st Oct 2011, vimbly Big in the Game wrote: @ 18
    any reasons ?


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  • [h=4]Comment number 86.[/h] At 11:19 21st Oct 2011, It wasnt me A big boy did it and ran away wrote: @53.At 10:47 21st Oct 2011, The Patriot wrote:

    "The collapse has begun! Mancini has been proven a liar!"

    The article says that Tevez will be charged:

    "Striker Carlos Tevez will be charged by Manchester City for refusing to warm up against Bayern Munich when he attends a disciplinary hearing on Friday."

    So how on earth does that make Mancini a Liar?


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  • [h=4]Comment number 87.[/h] At 11:22 21st Oct 2011, Jaap_Stam_Is_Bigger_Than_Your_Ground wrote: I think Mancini's primary objective will be not to lose the match. For this reason he will adopt the defensive approach he used for the majority of the big PL games last year especially the first game vs Utd.
    Also he will still have the Bayern game in the back of his mind and will be aware that similar events could happen at OT should he play a similar attacking formation and tactics.
    This is why a cautious low scoring draw has to be the most likely outcome...we all hope that something the complete opposite could happen.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 88.[/h] At 11:24 21st Oct 2011, Proverbial Outhouse wrote: @ 86

    Too true, It would be irresponsible for Mancini to allow Tevez to go onto the pitch without having warmed up. Therefore if you don't warm-up then you are also refusing to play.


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  • [h=4]Comment number 89.[/h] At 11:26 21st Oct 2011, Football_UK wrote: @ 66.
    At 10:59 21st Oct 2011, R777 wrote:

    Chelsea will be top of the Premier League by next weekend..................

    .............and nobody has even mentioned them this season.

    ------------------------------------------------

    Please, repeat it on Monday 🙂


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  • [h=4]Comment number 90.[/h] At 11:27 21st Oct 2011, MUFCTILLIDEPART wrote: Everybody saying citeh 2 points ahead and they've laid down the gauntlet to united, hardly......united have played spurs, Chelsea, scousers aswell as gone to WBA and Stoke, citeh have played villa, toffees, rovers, fulham, Swansea, Wigan, spurs, Swansea....with the squad they have should they not be winning these games anyway(no disrespect to any of the teams mentioned), but it comes down to how you against the teams in and around you, the harsh reality is if citeh don't win anything this season mankini will be gone, after spending an uncompromising amount of money, the owners will want to see some sort of return other then the FA cup.....putting that all to one side, how can anyone have the foresight to bet against united at home in the prem, they could be on their worst run of form ever, but can beat anyone in the world at the fortress!!!!!!!! Prediction: cagey affair, Mancini is going to leave his Jacobs at home, 2-1 united!!!!!!!!

    WE'LL KEEP OUR RED FLAGS FLYING HIGH COZ MAN UNITED WILL NEVER DIEEEEEE!!!

 
  • [h=4]91.[/h] At 11:27 21st Oct 2011, Kapnag wrote: loads of people have mentioned Chelsea. Usually along with the words "nobody has mentioned ". And it's only October for goodness sake, we'll see who is in the run in come March


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  • [h=4]Comment number 92.[/h] At 11:30 21st Oct 2011, Football_UK wrote: @ 79.
    At 11:09 21st Oct 2011, wirral18 wrote:

    On the whole 'what is wrong with football?' debate that will rage now that Tevez is sadly back in the news.

    Did anyone watch the Fulham game last night????!!!! It actually made me physically angry how that player held his face. Why aren't UEFA banning this player for bringing the game into disrepute!!??

    -----------------------------------------------

    Is this situation news to you?
    I didn't see you posting your disgust when the player who sent Vidic off, midweek, was caught by the camera, stopping crying for his hurting with all the right moves of arms and legs and, as he was laying on the grass, opened his right eye, looking around to see how his act was taken by referee and the rest.

    When I saw it I couldn't help laughing even though it meant a sad red for Vidic.
    On the next day, many said, quite enthusiastically, that it was a high tackle that could result to a serious injury. Not one saw the replay I'm talking about. Or, perhaps, everyone was quick to forget it, because it served their interests best?


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  • [h=4]Comment number 93.[/h] At 11:33 21st Oct 2011, Paolo Rossi wrote: 72. At 11:04 21st Oct 2011, Thrashball wrote:
    Patriot, you seem to have an axe to grind. Just because it can't be proved doesn't mean its not true. Much like Evra and Suarez, if it can't be proved it doesn't mean that it's not true. That's why allegations need to be taken seriously for the nature of them and the fact that mud sticks.
    ________________________________________________________________________

    Trashball, so, you take the word of a manager, and crucify a person?

    This is nonsense. Yes, take allegations seriously, but not to the extent of the like of Phil McNulty and others crucifying him, effectively judging him guilty, and fans on here lambasting him based on irresponsible journalism.

    So yes, I do have an axe to grind - proper, truthful journalism!!!


    Complain about this comment (Comment number 93)

  • [h=4]Comment number 94.[/h] At 11:34 21st Oct 2011, R-Brooker wrote: What a bummer. I had a few euros on Gaddafi being spotted with a light blue kaftan at OT. Oh well. Come on United.


    Complain about this comment (Comment number 94)

  • [h=4]Comment number 95.[/h] At 11:37 21st Oct 2011, Paolo Rossi wrote: #86 and #88,
    Wait for all the details to come out. Mancini is a liar because he said he told Tevez to come on as a sub. His coaching and other players subscribe to this version.

    I was actually present for that game. The City bench seemed to be in disarray!


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  • [h=4]Comment number 96.[/h] At 11:39 21st Oct 2011, wirral18 wrote: @92

    Didn't see the game I was listening to Collymore though who didn't mention the look at the camera. Although I agree, this is equally disgusting I think it's far harder to punish as Vidic did raise his studs etc.

    What happened in the Fulham game was a push in the shoulder followed by the guy writhing on the floor clutching his face. This is very easy to punish and would very slowly bring back some supporters who have lost total faith in the beautiful game.

    Obviously this is one incident and we get so many each week but I felt this was beyond belief!!


    Complain about this comment (Comment number 96)

  • [h=4]Comment number 97.[/h] At 11:39 21st Oct 2011, MrBlueBurns wrote: #95 The Patriot

    I was actually present for that game.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    You were on the bench/within earshot and can tell us exactly what was said?


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  • [h=4]Comment number 98.[/h] At 11:42 21st Oct 2011, Football_UK wrote: I don't understand what all this about Tevez is.
    We know what happened in Munich.
    We also know what is happening now: it's called "actions and reaction".

    City have accumulated a huge payroll, due to the excessive salaries they pay to their players. They need to sell Tevez to recoup as much as they can, to support that payroll bill. The rest is just-words-and-impressions.

    If you want to have an uncontrollable laugh about Tevez and City, though, let me know and I will comply. 🙂


    Complain about this comment (Comment number 98)

  • [h=4]Comment number 99.[/h] At 11:44 21st Oct 2011, Alinem wrote: Alan Hansen
    "While Manchester United have the experience to know that titles are not won in October I actually think this is a bigger game for them. If City win and go five points clear, United might never see them again".

    Is anybody there who can tell me please what Hansen means when he says "If City win and go five points clear, United might never see them again". I couldn't believe how can he say something like this. Liverpool fans, can you please show Manchester United some respect. Two decades ago we were I believe 12 titles behind you, and for now, we won the Title more than you. So, I kindly ask show some respect for the 'genius' Sir Alex and his team. Thank you.

    Bring it on Sunday.


    Complain about this comment (Comment number 99)

  • [h=4]Comment number 100.[/h] At 11:45 21st Oct 2011, Paolo Rossi wrote: Sorry, was meant to read ".....do not subscribe....."

 
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