WBA 2 – 1 MAN CITY – Kids do Their Best But Not Good Enough…
23 Sep
Oh well, the Carling Cup never mattered anyway, did it… Alas, that outward macho facade hides what, in reality, is a major disappointment. As stated in my preview yesterday, this particular knockout cup offered the Blues a fantastic opportunity to achieve success this season, yet ultimately, as has become the norm, we failed to grasp the chance. Goals from Simon Cox and Gianni Zuiverloon handed the hosts a surprising victory, after Jo had put City ahead.
If we look further along the line, this defeat may prove to be a blessing in disguise, as it reduces the number of games we must play in a hectic, action-packed season, but in the meantime, there is a feeling of anger mixed with a tinge of disappointment.
My good friend Roberto Mancini, having already stated his desire to rotate a number of players, surprised everyone by opting to replace the whole of the starting eleven from the Wigan game. The stylish Italian clearly had Saturday’s fixture with Chelsea uppermost in his mind, as he handed debuts to Swedish striker John Guidetti, and defenders Ben Mee and Javan Vidal. Promising Irish full-back Greg Cunnnignham started his first match for the Blues, whilst Abdi Ibrahim partnered Patrick Vieira in midfield. There was a place in the team for Adam Johnson, which perhaps suggests he may not be involved at the weekend, whilst Roque Santa Cruz made his first appearance of the season.
After a fairly even start to the game, the much maligned Brazilian striker Jo continued his rich vein of goalscoring form with a mightily impressive finish, turning delightfully before smashing the ball past Boaz Myhill in the West Brom net. It was the forward’s second goal in as many games, justifying to some extent Mancini’s constant faith in him, despite criticism from many esteemed football experts … and myself!
Shay Given, with something to prove after being displaced by Joe Hart this season, demonstrated that actions speak louder than words with a succession of superb saves in the first half, including a breathtaking double stop as West Brom pushed forward in search of an equaliser. But the experienced Irishman was powerless to prevent the home side from drawing level and then foraging ahead. In the space of just a couple of minutes, first Gianni Zuiverloon and then Simon Cox dashed City’s hopes, both scoring decisively past Given.
The visitors threw on the trio of Pablo Zabaleta, James Milner and David Silva in search of a reply, but none was forthcoming. Putting a positive slant of such a depressing result is inevitably tough, but it must bode well for the future to see yet more Academy graduates progressing to the first team. Our whole defence was under 22 and, collectively, had only one appearance for the main side under their belt. I’m sure all will have benefitted enormously from the experience.
Thoughts now turn to the vastly important game at the weekend. Chelsea pay Eastlands a visit, hoping to exact revenge for their two defeats last season. However frustrating and dismaying this result was, expect a totally different team, atmosphere and outlook come the weekend. Let’s put this behind us and focus on the next game. In Mancini (via the wallet of Sheikh Mansour) We Trust.
The guy commentating on ‘The League Cup Show’, that esteemed football programme, said that Mancini has told Given he can leave in January…
Also, who was the guy who wore the number 60, he looked crap.
Given will leave in January, possibly to Celtic or Fulham. Number 60 was debutant John Guidetti. Very promising Swedish striker. Apparently, he did quite well.
To be honest Browny, he may have looked crap in the 38.5 seconds of footage (or however long it may be), but as with MotD, one has to be very careful when passing judgement on the performance of players.
Tis a shame about Shay – quality player who is very unlucky that he is at a club with such an outstanding keeper as Hart.
Guidetti, number 60 Dan, got given City’s man of the match i’ll have you know! Whats more I can practically call him my best friend as I met him in Parswood Cinema and he was somewhat shocked someone knew who he was!Hahahaa
The last thing you want is to have City players stretched out in 4 different competitions, and then we end up not doing well in either. We are already short one defender for Chelsea game with existing injuries. As the article states, Curling cup exit is a blessing in disguise. Hopefully this exit goes a long way toward having a less injury prone squad during the season.
‘despite criticism from many esteemed football experts … and myself!’
You’re far too modest Steven!