MAN CITY 2 – 0 Fulham – MY THOUGHTS
20 Jan
Job done. It may not have been City’s best performance of the season – indeed, for large spells yesterday there was an insipidness about our play, a lack of drive and an absence of purpose – but the three points was all that mattered. It was a routine display, effective enough and a brace from the hitherto goal-shy David Silva was sufficient to secure the victory and maintain the pressure on Manchester United at the top of the table.
The majestic Spaniard had opened the scoring within a couple of minutes and perhaps the early timing of that goal affected how we played for the remainder of the first half. The players maybe thought they could stroll around, play without an intensity and still coast to victory but Fulham acquitted themselves well, had more possession than most visiting teams at the Etihad Stadium and combined with our lethargy, it made for a closer contest than initially thought.
Silva took the plaudits after the game and rightly so for his pair of controlled finishes, the first a cushioned pass into the far corner after Edin Dzeko’s shot was parried. The second was him at his delightful best, displaying a delicate touch to chip Mark Schwarzer and make the points safe. The Spaniard’s general play is based around creating chances for others, his ability to produce that defence-splitting pass unrivalled in our squad, but his finishing is usually below standards. Here, he was clinical, measured and got his just rewards for his recent form.
Alongside him, the only other player to come out with any real credit was Gael Clichy. In a team performance that was sloppy and lacked a spark, the Frenchman, as he so often does, hassled his opponents throughout, closing them down and forcing them into errors. His character and spirit is something that often gets overlooked, but his energy and vibrancy down the left is essential when we press teams. There were perhaps a few doubts about his defensiveness awareness when he joined from Arsenal, but he settled superbly last season and has kicked on this time around.
As for the team as a whole, we were laboured for the most part. The only times we looked dangerous were when the attackers, led by the tireless Carlos Tévez, pressed as a unit, producing mistakes and sloppy passes from Fulham. In open play, there was no tempo to our game, no-one willing to move the ball on quickly and take control of proceedings. However, against a side who had no shots on target, all we needed was one moment of class to secure the win. David Silva produced two.
Opposition View: Fulham reacted well after going behind so early, managing to have lengthy spells of possession but for all their endeavour, they lacked penetration. Joe Hart was not forced into a save and despite some pretty touches in midfield and around the final third, the Cottagers never looked like creating opportunities.
As for the Blues, an FA Cup trip to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke is next on the agenda. I’d think we would have to perform with a lot more conviction and desire if we are to get a result then. This was job done and that’s fine, but there’s still plenty more gears to find.
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At times our mid-field is very slow. Folks have been trying to justify this short-coming mostly by using Yaya as scape-goat. But the reality is our DMs are slow by nature and when faced by teams with pace, we are in trouble. Just take a look at the incident that resulted in Kompany’s red card in Arsenal game. You would see how easily Jack Wilshere cruised through Barry and Garcia. On the other hand, in today’s game, Ramieris had a tight leash on him with his speed, stamina and work-rate
We do really need a fast paced box-to-box midfielder. I do hope Rodwell can step it up and patch the area if we can not get anyone
If Rodwell starts in the middle over Milner im writing to Mancini
Agree though I can see it happening!
My statement was based on the fact that Mancini tends to use Milner as a RW. Rodwell is a great player and I do not see why people crucify Youth players for a mistake or two. They did it to Boyata in Arsenal game after his world-class displays against Chelsea and United. He never recovered after that game.
I remember even our captain fantastic has had terrible moments like that namely two that I remember is West Brom game and community Sheild against United.
I didnt rate rodwell before he came but now hes a city player i will support him. Having said that i would have him no where near the starting line up if it was up to me
So obvious. Milner in place of (one passed, unassured toych) Garcia the fore giving energy, skill and , importantly, good form. Then put Nasri or, dare I say it, the unproven Sinclair.
*paced not passed
Holy cow – got to stop this Sunday drinking – touched not toych.
Holy fuck -*therefore *on to the *
right wing.
I thought Tevez was immense. He was like a terrier at the heals of the opposition and forcing errors, thus winning back possession. Doesn’t get enough credit (I think people are still paining over the AWOL incident). I also think the second half was excellent from our boys and not enough credit has been given to a well motivated, well organised Fulham team who didn’t lie down. Decent 3 points, I’ve been really encouraged by the last few games, ok it hasn’t been spectacular but the lads seem to be showing they are not giving up their crown without a fight. Lets hope Van Persie gets the Black Death cos Utd are looking like a one man team at the mo, he goes down and they will struggle.
fuck your Asshol