MAN CITY 1 – 0 Reading – MY THOUGHTS
14 Mar
Wembley, here we come! For the first time since that infamous day in 1999, Man City will be in action on the hallowed turf of England’s national stadium. An FA Cup semi-final awaits against Manchester United after this deserved victory over Reading, and whilst it promises to be a nerve-wracking day, it’s one that we should, if possible, try to enjoy.
The negative thoughts in my mind tell me that it’s a good thing to have drawn United in the semi’s. A loss against them in the final would be unbearable, a defeat in the last four would be just about tolerable, but there is no reason as to why we can’t go there and record a win. We will have to improve on this performance though, a bland, uninspired display, but ultimately one that did the job thanks to Micah Richards’s bullet header in the second half.
Here are my main reflections on the game:
David Silva’s Brilliance
I can’t praise him enough. He is our most important player without any shadow of a doubt. His vision, passing, movement, control and creativity are just so natural. He makes us play. Indubitably, he was my man of the match, the only one who looked interested in the first half and the creator of our good chances. We are privileged to have him.
The Return of Nigel de Jong
His lengthy absence from the side made us realise just how important he is to the team. Breaks up play superbly and distributes it quickly, an aspect we have been lacking recently. Keep the game ticking over and with him back, it allows Yaya to be more imposing further forward and gives us greater security. Looked tired, understandably, towards the end, but he will be an important figure for the rest of the season.
Carlos Tévez and the Freedom of the City Frontline
It was certainly noticeable that in the absence of both Mario Balotelli and Edin Džeko, Tévez had one of his best games recently. He could play the role he likes, without being forced to drop deeper or out wide to influence the game. His link up play with Silva was effective, and although he didn’t score, his performance deserved a goal.
The FA’s Greed
This is something we all hark on about, and the noises will only get louder in the next few weeks. The semi-finals, as we are all aware, are played at Wembley for financial reasons. The FA needs all the money it can get, so they devalue the whole essence of ”The Wembley Experience’ by hosting the semi’s there as well. They should be at neutral grounds, especially more so considering that the four semi finalists are all northern!
If City beat Dynamo on Thursday and progress to the quarter-final stage of the Europa League, the first leg of that round will be on Thursday 14th April. That would necessitate the FA Cup semi final against United to be played on Sunday 17th. That however, is also the date of the London Marathon and additionally, is when Liverpool travel to Arsenal in the league. So good luck getting to the game. A train journey with 60,000 Mancunians and Scousers followed by a navigating a packed London…
But we need to put the thought of Wembley to the back of our minds. With the Dynamo game on Thursday, followed by a critical Premier League match on Sunday against Chelsea, we have a fair few important fish to fry before we can start thinking of Wembley glory.
As you said David Silva’s effect on game is unequivocal, if only we had another player in mid-field who is an attacking mid-fielder by nature (like Lampard), we would be riding on cloud nine. At this moment we are missing a link to complete the circle (at least this is my impression).
Although we scored through a corner but our set piece deliveries are awful. God knows how many corners we have had during past games and all have been the worst I have seen. We have tall and strong players and a decent and proper delivery can go along way in scoring goals.
Come on lads, let’s win the cup and make it top 4. I am sure you all have the qualities to make it happen
Fully agree here. We are winning corners and wasting them.
The problem appears to be this: Mancini bought Kolarov, a player he obviously rates/rated.
Right from the pre season games where Kolarov featured it was clear that the team was under directives to leave all set pieces to him.
So he starts the season , and I think it’s fair to say that we all had high hopes. After some injury time, we gave him chance to recover, and get used to the premiership.
No we are in the middle of March. Kolarov has taken about 50 corners and 20 free kicks. He has also crossed the ball from the left many times.
How many goals have resulted from Kolarov’s deliveries?
So far he has 1 goal and 3 assists, from all of those set pieces an crosses in open play. Bring back Terry Phelan and Ricky Holden?
Leighton Baines by the way has 10 assists.
The answer is also in your mail. DAVID SILVA. Let our best, most intelligent and creative player deliver the set pieces.
Give the free kicks within shooting range to Balo, and give the delivery free kicks to Silva.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48fwnPDdPnw
Manchester of City forever!! The Moscow Dynamo with all the heart for you!!! Forward to victories!!