Chelsea 0 – 0 MAN CITY – MY THOUGHTS
26 Nov
In what was largely a listless affair, a draw was undoubtedly the fair result. Both sides possess such talent going forward, players capable of turning a match in an instant but there was a general lethargy about the game and neither team could have justified claiming all three points.
Joe Hart only had two straightforward shots to save whilst City´s best chances fell to the heads of Sergio Aguero and David Silva. It was just one of those days. Quality was at a premium, the match was characterised by grit, determination and poor passing, and a goalless draw seemed right.
It is a sign of our expectations these days that claiming a point away to Chelsea is regarded with more than just a tinge of disappointment. Stamford Bridge has never been the happiest of hunting grounds for City, but the home side looked vulnerable and if we had any sort of spark about our play, the victory was there to grab.
Sadly, with David Silva superbly shackled by Chelsea´s tactics, we lacked any hint of creativity or purpose. Our majestic Spaniard was outstanding during the week against Real Madrid where he was afforded time and space in which to weave his magic, but the Londoners had a clear game plan against Silva, doubling up on him and forcing him to drop deeper and deeper for the ball as the match wore on. And with our main (perhaps only) creative outlet nullified, we never truly looked like scoring.
Yaya Touré had an off day, as has been the case on too many occasions this season, his play lacking the drive which makes him such a feared opponent. Disappointingly, his lack of incisiveness was matched by the rest of the attacking players on show, culminating in a dour game where the defences earned the plaudits.
For City, it perhaps says everything about the performance that the quintet who impressed the most were all defensively minded – Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Barry and Milner. On the right, Zabaleta was quick to the tackle, had an intriguing battle with Ashley Cole as both fullbacks bombed forward and defended solidly, and managed to limit the considerable threat of Eden Hazard.
In the middle, Barry was his usual terrific, overlooked self. His reading of the game was excellent, his positional awareness making sure he was first to any loose ball and he was effective in possession, keeping the play ticking over and building attacks. It was a display from the England man that we have become used to and his importance in proving that integral balance in midfield was manifest.
Opposition View: Chelsea, under new manager Rafael Benitez, looked a whole heap more organised than under previous incumbent Roberto Di Matteo. They may not have shown too much of an attacking flair, but faced with City´s quality in forward areas, they needed to remain compact and committed. They did just that.
This encounter will not be remembered too fondly by any means, but with City having controlled possession, there is a feeling that it is a case of two points dropped rather than one gained. And that is a sign of how far we have come in recent years.
Next up is a visit to face Wigan on Wednesday before Everton are the visitors to the Etihad Stadium at the weekend. Fixtures are coming thick and fast these days and momentum will be key, so hopefully the Blues can take confidence forward from this game into that pair of matches.
It bemuses me that Yaya is never rested or substituted during the game. He along with Joe Hart has almost played every single game and most minutes.
Considering Nastasic’s age, I think we have hit the jackpot by signing him. It is going to be very difficult for Lescott to take his place.
Overall, I found the game dull as both teams played it safe and both seemed be happy with a point despite the fact City was the dominant team.
From what it looks like, it seems ,for sure, the cup remains in Manchester this year as well.
How the hell did Mancini think it was a good idea to start Dzecko over Tevez. Baffling
Baffling that my fellow city fans forgave tevez … Can u even forgive someone without an apology? But yeah that’s also baffling makes a mug of r club welcomed back with open arms never will I be happy to see him in are starting 11 and never will I cheer one of his goals people talk about how mancini shud do this and tevez is in form he’s doing this but the fact is city fans don’t pay attention to the fact if tevez had returned 1 game later he wudnt of received a medal for winning the league coincedence? He’s a disgrace to r club I find r club a laughing stock wiv him and ballotelli so fuck nos what other fans think don’t fucking badmouth dzeko for that prick cos atleast dzeko sticks around when he’s not getting his own way rant over fellow blue ctwd
Chill out Josh. Tevez is a low life mercenary that I do not think anyone can forgive him. However, keep in mind, the Club is paying him 200000 pounds per week. As long as he help the club [not out of love but only being a professional], I do not see why we should not leverage him esp if he is doing a great job on the pitch. And once his contract is up, he can f… off. It is very easy for others to criticize the club in this regard, as they are not the one who foot the bill.
Thats the thing Siamack a majority of are fans r stupid enough to forgive him I dont agree with fans bad mouthing an underperforming Dzeko when Teez just went 7 games with no goal
Personally, I can never find a city game dull because I invest too much emotion into it, so even on sunday i still stand in my living room and watch the game rather than sit on my couch. Having said that for the neutral it was a none event. Overall there was still a number of positives to be taken from the game and I was fairly happy with the result. One point gained for me.
I had to smile BB.
That description could be me!!
I am so glad that you are one of the few, alongside me, who see Barry for what he is. The lad was magnificent once more. Very eloquently written paragraph about him as well
this will be an important point at the end of season