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
Saturday, September 12, 2009
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.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Injury News
A positive article came from the Daily Post today, saying that Carlos Tevez's knee twist which occurred during Argentina's 3-1 home loss to Brazil on Saturday, should only put him out of action for about a week.
"The 25-year-old picked a knee injury while on international duty with Argentina, but City hope he will ready to face Manchester United the following weekend."
"The hope is that he will be okay for the derby, but we will have to determine that when he comes back." (Mark Hughes)
So if everything goes according to plan, he will be out for the clash this weekend against Arsenal at the City of Manchester Stadium, but will be back in time for the all important away leg of the derby with Manchester United.
With Robinho it is a different story, because the knock he picked up this weekend was an old injury, right above his ankle which caused him to miss some time last season. The hope for Robinho is that he will be fit for selection this coming weekend, but he should be ready for the game against Manchester United as a worse case scenario.
"The 25-year-old picked a knee injury while on international duty with Argentina, but City hope he will ready to face Manchester United the following weekend."
"The hope is that he will be okay for the derby, but we will have to determine that when he comes back." (Mark Hughes)
So if everything goes according to plan, he will be out for the clash this weekend against Arsenal at the City of Manchester Stadium, but will be back in time for the all important away leg of the derby with Manchester United.
With Robinho it is a different story, because the knock he picked up this weekend was an old injury, right above his ankle which caused him to miss some time last season. The hope for Robinho is that he will be fit for selection this coming weekend, but he should be ready for the game against Manchester United as a worse case scenario.
New Blog
I have started this new Blog called Living for the City, based upon all things Manchester City. I will be logging in and offering news, analysis, transfer gossip, insight, and my opinions on all things about the greatest club in all the land and all the world. Everyone who is connected with Manchester City knows that it is an exciting time to be a fan hence me starting this blog, to share some passion and news on the Manchester City Revolution. I will try to give updates daily and I have numerous ideas on how to make this as exciting of a blog to read as exciting as it is to be a City fan.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
