Well, what a shambles that was. A huge, if not must-win game, and City come up short thanks to some horrible defensive frailties, allowing Wolves to come from behind twice to take a point in a game that City should have won handily.

So what went wrong? The unlikely combination of Altidore and Big Jan caused Wolves problems, and we looked to genuinely carry a goal threat for much of the game, so why did we look so nervy at the back?

Zayatte wasn’t playing, which obviously didn’t help. Mouyokolo looked reasonably solid in his first chance to really shine at centre-half this season, but Anthony Gardner looked particularly shaky in his long-time defensive partner’s absence. The Tigers captain was largely at fault for both Wolves goals; first with a comedically sliced own goal, and then dithering on the ball, before a poor clearance which eventually led to the visitor’s second equaliser.

It may have been coincidence. Gardner has been consistently solid for several months now, and so was entitled to have a bad day at the office. He wasn’t helped by his full back either, who both had error-strewn games that placed the defence under unnecessary strain on too many occasions.

One bright spot came in the appearance of Amir Zaki, who looked lively on his Tigers debut. While perhaps a little off the pace, he looked to have the technique, strength and quality to cause other teams problems in the remainder of the season. If Brown can keep the Egyptian’s head in the right place, then City will truly have an asset at a crucial point in the relegation battle.

So how are we now shaping up for the battle? The only players to have left in today’s window were those who were surplus to requirements, and the club’s financial situation was not so dire as to necessitate Stephen Hunt’s departure to Wolves (thank the lord). Adam Pearson’s refusal of ANOTHER bid for the Irishman was a statement of intent – selling Hunt would have been tantamount to suicide.

If the defensive problems can be ironed out (which as former defender Phil Brown must be mortified by), then City can go into the next two games with at least a hope of getting some points. Home games against Chelsea and then Man City will be tough, but both of the big-spending outfits have looked vulnerable at times this season, and City will feel they could secure at least one draw from the two encounters.

I’d expect Brown to keep it tight, possibly playing a 4-5-1 formation against the league leaders on Wednesday night. These tactics worked well at Stamford Bridge in the season opener, and City were just minutes away from a hard-fought point before Drogba’s late winner.

Man City should present more chances for City to score on Saturday, so I’d like to see Brown be a little more adventurous, and go 4-4-2 with real width. It should make for an exciting game, with two games that really represent a free hit for City, with any points against these two big-hitters.

Do City have any chance of getting points this week? What do you think?
Cheers,
TC