Man Utd 1 – 2 MAN CITY – MY THOUGHTS
9 Apr
A superb performance, a semblance of pride regained and the lingering feeling of ‘what if’.
This was a terrific team display from the Blues, full of purpose, intensity, character and with one moment of sublime class that secured the points. It was a message to Manchester United that City will be back next year, stronger for the experience of this stuttering campaign and yet it was a showing that left a wistful air, a knowing grin of what could have been.
Had the Blues shown this sort of drive and hunger throughout the season, last night’s result would have had a significant impact in terms of affecting the league. Instead, it merely delays the inevitable. The passion on show at Old Trafford has been absent in frequent patches, the enjoyment of watching our attacking stars click and cause havoc largely missing from matches. The battling spirit was admirable last night, but where was it in away fixtures at Everton, Southampton, West Ham and Sunderland, to name but four?
That said, the immediate aftermath of a derby victory, and especially one so thoroughly deserved as this, should be a happy one. Inquests into what has gone wrong can be put on hold while yesterday’s win is analysed and enjoyed.
For a start, there was cohesion and positivity in equal measure. The first half an hour was electric but after that, the game settled down and City controlled matters. Gareth Barry was magnificent, his patrolling in midfield, pressing high up the pitch and seamless distribution all catching the eye. He was afforded the opportunity to push that little further forward, with Yaya Touré a touch deeper, his pace to cover the counter-attack a possible explanation for Roberto Mancini’s decision. Barry thrived and if it had not been for James Milner’s energy, bite and touches of quality, he could have had a viable claim for man of the match.
In reality, it is tough to single out anyone as a standout performer. Milner was exceptional with regards to his workrate, his defensive duties carried out diligently and then still possessing the energy to be a penetrative force at the other end. Behind him, Pablo Zabaleta was everything we have come to expect – uncompromising, full of heart and the ultimate warrior. On the other side, Gael Clichy thrived in his battle with Danny Welbeck. Carlos Tevez, up front on his own, held the ball up superbly, his first touch a lesson for Edin Dzeko. David Silva was his inventive self. Sergio Aguero was introduced to inject pace and a spark. He did just that and more, scoring the winner thanks to a glorious run full of balance, poise, power and composure. I could go on.
This was the City we remember so fondly from last season: a swift, all-action unit that enthralled and excited. The pity is that we haven’t seen it more often this time around. For now, however, we should focus on last night and successive victories at Old Trafford. The time will come to reflect on the season as a whole. Now is the time to enjoy a derby win.
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The collective defensive display was fantastic. Barry was my man of the match. He was immense. City should keep and offer him a contract. Considering his age, he can still produce world-class performance provided he is played one game per week.
Also credit to Bobby for getting his tactics right, esp when there some City fans out there waiting to jump the gun with the first opportunity they get
I watched the game last night and hugely enjoyed it, but I’m still a little surprised that everyone is saying “what if”, quite as much as they are.
I fully acknowledge that the guts and fight that was there last night have been absent on numerous occasions throughout the season, and the reasons why must be figured out and ironed out.
However, I also think that the way United played – quite positively – allowed us to play our preferred game. The problems this season, Goodison Park aside, have generally come from teams who have “parked the bus” where, even with the desire we showed last night, I just think we lack some of the tempo and counter-attacking threat that United have and that, in fact, is what has really cost us. At Sunderland and QPR, in particular.
I usually wait for this to appear on Newsnow but it didn’t.
Problem there VfaB?
If so just let Berko and me know, we’ll pop along to their offices and ‘request’ a reconsideration of their policy towards you.
Know what I mean Squire?
‘no pasa nada.’
Alph
Alph