A frustrating draw today, as these are the games we have to get 3 points from when teams above us drop points. Wigan is always a tough place for us to play, but in my opinion we should have done better. I was surprised that Ireland wasn't in the line-up, especially after everyone was else was involved in qualifiers and he wasn't. I think there are large gaps that Hughes has to address, there was a very big hole right behind the striker as Barry and De Jong didn't get forward as much as they should have. The only goal that we had was from Petrov, straying to the wide open space behind the strikers were we should have put Ireland. Zabaleta's mental lapses also hurt us dearly in the end. Overall, it should have been three points and I can only come away disappointed. We have Fulham next week, and I am hoping for a good week of training and a much needed pummeling next weekend.
Living for the City's Man of the Match:
Nigel De Jong - I love watching De Jong play, good performance and displayed his toughness by cleanly tackling anything that moved.
Any thoughts? Post them below.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Recent Influx in Transfer Rumours
This past week has found us linked with more transfers then any other since the summer transfer window closed. There are five rumours that I will be touching on.
In-
Franck Ribery - Midfielder/Winger - Bayern Munich
This would be a good bit of business in my opinion. Ribery is a world class play maker and would only improve our team. This would only work though if Robinho left, as they both play similar positions and neither would like to show up on the bench.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
3/10
At this point its purely speculation.
Yaya Toure - Center Back/Defensive Midfielder - Barcelona
This is a long term target for Hughes, and is more likely by the day as he is slipping down the pecking order at Barcelona. The rumour here is some sort of swap deal for Robinho.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
8/10
Hughes is an admirer, and his brother Kolo is now our Captain. In my opinion this is a matter of when not a matter of if.
Carles Puyol - Center Back - Barcelona
This rumour is considered part of the swap deal for Robinho. Hughes has reportedly been chasing the very experienced center back this summer, only to pull away after our signing of Lescott. He would bring much experience to the squad, but at 31 he doesn't have too many years left in him.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
5/10
Although experienced, none of the experience comes in the Premier League. He would bring leadership, but for how long?
Yossi Benayoun - Midfielder - Liverpool
Personally I think this would be a great deal of business, especially if we do qualify for the Champions League next season. He would be a terrific "first man off the bench" and can play many different roles in midfield. And from watching him at Liverpool, he has little problem featuring off the bench.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
3/10
Although a very typical Hughes signing, it is merely speculation at this point.
Diego Tardelli - Striker - Atletico Minerio
I think this is just Brazilian paper talk. He is 24 years old and failed on loan spells in Europe twice, neither in the much more physical Premier League. This goes against every Hughes signing.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
0/10
Paper talk.
Out-
Robinho - Barcelona
My gut tells me that Hughes doesn't get on well with Robinho, and that if another signing more towards Hughes' preference, signs on, Robinho will be gone.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
7/10
Too many similar rumours from too many different sources to ignore this one. My gut says there is probably something in it.
Vincent Kompany - Barcelona
I can't foresee this happening.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
1/10
Not much in it.
Micah Richards - Anywhere
Reportedly falling out with Hughes and Capello, he thinks he might need a move to revive his career.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
7/10
I can see this happening. It is clear Hughes has some issues in his game.
I will keep updating rumours such as these, I am especially keeping my eye on Robinho, Ribery, and Benayoun.
In-
Franck Ribery - Midfielder/Winger - Bayern Munich
This would be a good bit of business in my opinion. Ribery is a world class play maker and would only improve our team. This would only work though if Robinho left, as they both play similar positions and neither would like to show up on the bench.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
3/10
At this point its purely speculation.
Yaya Toure - Center Back/Defensive Midfielder - Barcelona
This is a long term target for Hughes, and is more likely by the day as he is slipping down the pecking order at Barcelona. The rumour here is some sort of swap deal for Robinho.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
8/10
Hughes is an admirer, and his brother Kolo is now our Captain. In my opinion this is a matter of when not a matter of if.
Carles Puyol - Center Back - Barcelona
This rumour is considered part of the swap deal for Robinho. Hughes has reportedly been chasing the very experienced center back this summer, only to pull away after our signing of Lescott. He would bring much experience to the squad, but at 31 he doesn't have too many years left in him.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
5/10
Although experienced, none of the experience comes in the Premier League. He would bring leadership, but for how long?
Yossi Benayoun - Midfielder - Liverpool
Personally I think this would be a great deal of business, especially if we do qualify for the Champions League next season. He would be a terrific "first man off the bench" and can play many different roles in midfield. And from watching him at Liverpool, he has little problem featuring off the bench.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
3/10
Although a very typical Hughes signing, it is merely speculation at this point.
Diego Tardelli - Striker - Atletico Minerio
I think this is just Brazilian paper talk. He is 24 years old and failed on loan spells in Europe twice, neither in the much more physical Premier League. This goes against every Hughes signing.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
0/10
Paper talk.
Out-
Robinho - Barcelona
My gut tells me that Hughes doesn't get on well with Robinho, and that if another signing more towards Hughes' preference, signs on, Robinho will be gone.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
7/10
Too many similar rumours from too many different sources to ignore this one. My gut says there is probably something in it.
Vincent Kompany - Barcelona
I can't foresee this happening.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
1/10
Not much in it.
Micah Richards - Anywhere
Reportedly falling out with Hughes and Capello, he thinks he might need a move to revive his career.
Living for the City's possibility meter -
7/10
I can see this happening. It is clear Hughes has some issues in his game.
I will keep updating rumours such as these, I am especially keeping my eye on Robinho, Ribery, and Benayoun.
Monday, October 5, 2009
City at Villa Park
Came away with a draw today, which in my opinion was a good result after seeing the first half. The game changing moment was when Ireland was subbed on. I think that Ireland's natural position is a Gerrard like role, right behind the striker, meaning that Tevez would be much more efficient if he were to be playing on the right side, where SWP plays. A full match report will come tomorrow morning but there were some clear positive and negatives that can be taken from this game.
Positives-
1. Bellamy played another great game and capped the performance with a goal. His running at Cuellar was very effective and at many times of the game seemed our only real attacking threat.
2. Ireland played a great game off the bench. I felt Ireland was the exact change we needed as he filled the pocket between their defensive line and midfielders. His passing behind the defence was the game changer.
3. In the second half I thought our defence did a great job of not falling asleep when dealing with the counterattacking from Villa's speedy wingers.
4. Dunne scored the goal that lost us two points. Dunne is a Manchester City legend and proved that once a blue, always a blue with his celebration.
5. Ade is back in black. Did a good job bringing the ball down out of the air, showed great leaps on the corners, and displayed great composure on his assist for Bellamy.
Negatives-
1. Boo boy Barry seemed a bit of a liability on defensive corners. Gave Dunne a free header on almost every corner they took.
2. Tevez appeared very ineffective during the first half. I can't seem to grasp his natural position, when he played behind Ade we seemed to be missing a link from midfield to attack. Hughes will have to go back to the drawing board on trying to figure out where we can get the most out of the work-horse like performances from our Argentine.
3. Injuries. De Jong seemed to pick up a bit of a knock, as well as Toure and Zabs. Hope they are all fine for upcoming games.
4. Two points dropped when the scum, Liverpool, and Tottenham all dropped points on the weekend.
Living for the City's Man of the Match-
Craig Bellamy
Highlights-
http://footyroom.com/aston-villa-1-1-manchester-city-2009-10/
Positives-
1. Bellamy played another great game and capped the performance with a goal. His running at Cuellar was very effective and at many times of the game seemed our only real attacking threat.
2. Ireland played a great game off the bench. I felt Ireland was the exact change we needed as he filled the pocket between their defensive line and midfielders. His passing behind the defence was the game changer.
3. In the second half I thought our defence did a great job of not falling asleep when dealing with the counterattacking from Villa's speedy wingers.
4. Dunne scored the goal that lost us two points. Dunne is a Manchester City legend and proved that once a blue, always a blue with his celebration.
5. Ade is back in black. Did a good job bringing the ball down out of the air, showed great leaps on the corners, and displayed great composure on his assist for Bellamy.
Negatives-
1. Boo boy Barry seemed a bit of a liability on defensive corners. Gave Dunne a free header on almost every corner they took.
2. Tevez appeared very ineffective during the first half. I can't seem to grasp his natural position, when he played behind Ade we seemed to be missing a link from midfield to attack. Hughes will have to go back to the drawing board on trying to figure out where we can get the most out of the work-horse like performances from our Argentine.
3. Injuries. De Jong seemed to pick up a bit of a knock, as well as Toure and Zabs. Hope they are all fine for upcoming games.
4. Two points dropped when the scum, Liverpool, and Tottenham all dropped points on the weekend.
Living for the City's Man of the Match-
Craig Bellamy
Highlights-
http://footyroom.com/aston-villa-1-1-manchester-city-2009-10/
New and Old City Sites...
Firstly, I would like to thank Gary Nolan from the Blog We've Got Robinho for Living for the City's inclusion in this video. It was a great idea and another way to get the new and exciting information about our blues out to everyone interested!
VIDEO
VIDEO
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Ade's Celebration Ban
Sorry for the delay in posting, my posting should become much more regular in the near future.
Good news today as the FA had the hearing for Adebayor's length of the pitch celebration. He was given a two match delayed suspension, meaning he will have to serve a two game ban in December 2010 only if he breaks anymore of the FA's rules. He was also fined 25,000 pounds for his celebration.
This is good news, as he is now able to line-up against Villa on Monday. The only question remaining is who will get dropped for Ade to appear in the starting line-up. Will it be Petrov and have Bellamy move back to Left Mid, or will Bellamy be rested a game? We will have to wait and see until Monday, all in all, I am hopeful of Ade to be able to regain his early season success and poach many more goals for us this season.
Good news today as the FA had the hearing for Adebayor's length of the pitch celebration. He was given a two match delayed suspension, meaning he will have to serve a two game ban in December 2010 only if he breaks anymore of the FA's rules. He was also fined 25,000 pounds for his celebration.
This is good news, as he is now able to line-up against Villa on Monday. The only question remaining is who will get dropped for Ade to appear in the starting line-up. Will it be Petrov and have Bellamy move back to Left Mid, or will Bellamy be rested a game? We will have to wait and see until Monday, all in all, I am hopeful of Ade to be able to regain his early season success and poach many more goals for us this season.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Today's Goals
Here is a video of today's goals for your viewing pleasure.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldkDkbtBK48&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwevegotrobinho%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F2009%2F09%2Fman%2Dcity%2D4%2D2%2Darsenal%2Dvideo%2Drichards%2D19%2Ehtml&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldkDkbtBK48&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwevegotrobinho%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F2009%2F09%2Fman%2Dcity%2D4%2D2%2Darsenal%2Dvideo%2Drichards%2D19%2Ehtml&feature=player_embedded
Arsenal game and Player Ratings
This morning's game against Arsenal was absolutely fantastic. I came away from watching this game with so much more proved about the new look City team. With De Jong in the line-up sitting in a holding role, it proved we can break up the fluid play of the old big four teams. Arsenal looked completely hopeless out there for the first half, with us forcing them to try the long passes which we picked off with ease. Our defense looked as if we were never going to allow a goal all season (which would change in the second half). Kolo Toure led the defense with the same sense of leadership which I expect of a captain. Micah Richards' goal was a fluke, but although it was being named as an own goal but I would give credit to the kid for a great all around performance. With performances like this from Richards, it makes me feel a bit different about Zabba being knocked down to a rotational player. Bridge was in my opinion the best player on the pitch in the first half, getting forward with ease and cutting through Arsenal's midfield.
The second half was exciting to no end. Van Persie's goal was well deserved, a great shot from outside the area. Although I have negative opinions of this lad, it was a well taken effort. From this point on I was sitting on the edge of my seat, assuming the Arsenal would come away with a late goal and poach all the points this afternoon, but to my excitement this was definitely not the case. The defense looked a bit shaky, but at the end of the day did the job they were supposed to. Bellamy then put the game to 2-1 with twenty minutes to go with a great effort from around the penalty spot, assisted by Richards. Then City shifted up to fifth gear, with us running at all cylinders, breaking up play on the defensive end and counter-attacking with great speed and fluidity. All this counter-attacking was done in large parts by Bellamy and Wright-Phillips using their respective speed to hassle the full-backs Sagna and Clichy. The next goal was scored by Adebayor on a great header in transition, with the assist coming in from SWP. SWP knocked in the final goal for City in the 84th minute on a great counter-attacking play from Bellamy, leaving SWP to chip the helpless Alumnia who looked completely lost all game today. The afternoon was capped with an irrelevant goal from Rosicky, who received his first appearance in over 15 months. All in all a great performance, leaving me smiling with a drink in my hand all day long. Manchester City 4 Arsenal 2.
Manchester City Player Ratings:
Given- 8
Looked solid at back as always, saving a fantastic diving header by Gallas. Organized the defense well, as he also had to deal with numerous corners.
Richards- 8
Very good going forward, scored the first goal and made a great assist to Bellamy's go-ahead goal. Looked assured at defense with some much needed help coming from SWP's tracking back.
Toure- 7
Looked confident confronting every ball and did a good job organizing the team and utilizing the captain's armband.
Lescott- 5
A rating of five may be a bit harsh, but I was left rather upset with his marking on corners, leaving 2 or 3 players open for headers throughout the game.
Bridge- 8
Best player in the first half in my opinion, looked solid defensively and looked confident going forward. Faded out of the game a bit in the second half, but didn't make any big errors.
De Jong- 8
Looked a bit out of place in the beginning of the first half, but showed up exactly when he needed to when Arsenal started pouring forward looking for goals in the second half. Did a great job breaking up play. I applaud his grit and physicality on the pitch, and will prove to be a useful tool when playing against better attacking teams.
Wright-Phillips- 6
Played a much better second half, scoring a goal and getting an assist. His running was deadly as the opposing defense tired out. Held onto the ball for far too long on many instances in the first half, and missed a beauty of a sitter that Adebayor set up for him in the second half.
Ireland- 5
Looked the poorest player on the pitch for us today, faded out of the game, didn't make smart passes, and held onto the ball for a bit too long in certain circumstances. Subbed out for Petrov in the second half.
Barry-6
Played a strong physical game but didn't do too much special, or make too many mistakes for that matter.
Bellamy-9
Great game today, ran relentlessly and never gave up. Looked particularly strong when the defense began to tire, and was fantastic counter-attacking. Tracked back brilliantly and capped the excellent display with a well taken goal.
Adebayor- 9
Man of the match today, played a great game. Strong on the ball as always, and powerful in the air. Cleared many balls off our line during Arsenal's corners as well. Scored a great goal and received a yellow card for running the entire length of the field to celebrate in front of the almost rioting Arsenal fans. 4 goals in 4 games. Can't ask for a much better start.
Petrov- 7
Not a bad day, did some good running and didn't look out of place whatsoever. Could turn out to be a super sub for us this season.
Regarding Adebayor, he is rumoured to be having his confrontation with Van Persie looked at by the FA and have a possible suspension. When I know more information, so will you. Feel free to leave comments and disagreements regarding the player ratings.
The second half was exciting to no end. Van Persie's goal was well deserved, a great shot from outside the area. Although I have negative opinions of this lad, it was a well taken effort. From this point on I was sitting on the edge of my seat, assuming the Arsenal would come away with a late goal and poach all the points this afternoon, but to my excitement this was definitely not the case. The defense looked a bit shaky, but at the end of the day did the job they were supposed to. Bellamy then put the game to 2-1 with twenty minutes to go with a great effort from around the penalty spot, assisted by Richards. Then City shifted up to fifth gear, with us running at all cylinders, breaking up play on the defensive end and counter-attacking with great speed and fluidity. All this counter-attacking was done in large parts by Bellamy and Wright-Phillips using their respective speed to hassle the full-backs Sagna and Clichy. The next goal was scored by Adebayor on a great header in transition, with the assist coming in from SWP. SWP knocked in the final goal for City in the 84th minute on a great counter-attacking play from Bellamy, leaving SWP to chip the helpless Alumnia who looked completely lost all game today. The afternoon was capped with an irrelevant goal from Rosicky, who received his first appearance in over 15 months. All in all a great performance, leaving me smiling with a drink in my hand all day long. Manchester City 4 Arsenal 2.
Manchester City Player Ratings:
Given- 8
Looked solid at back as always, saving a fantastic diving header by Gallas. Organized the defense well, as he also had to deal with numerous corners.
Richards- 8
Very good going forward, scored the first goal and made a great assist to Bellamy's go-ahead goal. Looked assured at defense with some much needed help coming from SWP's tracking back.
Toure- 7
Looked confident confronting every ball and did a good job organizing the team and utilizing the captain's armband.
Lescott- 5
A rating of five may be a bit harsh, but I was left rather upset with his marking on corners, leaving 2 or 3 players open for headers throughout the game.
Bridge- 8
Best player in the first half in my opinion, looked solid defensively and looked confident going forward. Faded out of the game a bit in the second half, but didn't make any big errors.
De Jong- 8
Looked a bit out of place in the beginning of the first half, but showed up exactly when he needed to when Arsenal started pouring forward looking for goals in the second half. Did a great job breaking up play. I applaud his grit and physicality on the pitch, and will prove to be a useful tool when playing against better attacking teams.
Wright-Phillips- 6
Played a much better second half, scoring a goal and getting an assist. His running was deadly as the opposing defense tired out. Held onto the ball for far too long on many instances in the first half, and missed a beauty of a sitter that Adebayor set up for him in the second half.
Ireland- 5
Looked the poorest player on the pitch for us today, faded out of the game, didn't make smart passes, and held onto the ball for a bit too long in certain circumstances. Subbed out for Petrov in the second half.
Barry-6
Played a strong physical game but didn't do too much special, or make too many mistakes for that matter.
Bellamy-9
Great game today, ran relentlessly and never gave up. Looked particularly strong when the defense began to tire, and was fantastic counter-attacking. Tracked back brilliantly and capped the excellent display with a well taken goal.
Adebayor- 9
Man of the match today, played a great game. Strong on the ball as always, and powerful in the air. Cleared many balls off our line during Arsenal's corners as well. Scored a great goal and received a yellow card for running the entire length of the field to celebrate in front of the almost rioting Arsenal fans. 4 goals in 4 games. Can't ask for a much better start.
Petrov- 7
Not a bad day, did some good running and didn't look out of place whatsoever. Could turn out to be a super sub for us this season.
Regarding Adebayor, he is rumoured to be having his confrontation with Van Persie looked at by the FA and have a possible suspension. When I know more information, so will you. Feel free to leave comments and disagreements regarding the player ratings.
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