ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Manchester City- Unbelievable

Posted by Wallace Poulter on 05/14/2011

Think back, if you will, to another weekend in May. The time is 4.42pm on Sunday May 30th 1999 and Robert Taylor has just put Gillingham, managed by Tony Pulis, 2-0 ahead against Manchester City in the Football League Second Division play-off final. If I told you right there, right then, that 12 years later City would win the FA Cup, against another Tony Pulis side, would qualify for the Champions League and be the richest club in the world? Well... I think I'd have been locked up!

This is the one I wanted. Not the League Cup, not even the Premier League and certainly not the Champions League qualification. You see as a kid everyone knew who had won the FA Cup. Winning the league was important, certainly, however the FA Cup - now that was a little bit special.

Who won the league in 1973, I couldn't tell you, but the FA Cup is easy. That was the Sunderland of Bob Stokoe, Jimmy Montgomery, Bobby Kerr, Billy Hughes, Ian Porterfield and Dennis Tueart. Or 1974 when Keegan and Liverpool won; 1975 a Bobby Moore led Fulham lost to West Ham; 1976 and Southampton's upset over Man United. I could go on, the 1977 final I missed because we were at a camp in Hexham in Northumberland, but I still know United beat Liverpool to prevent the Treble and 1978 where Bobby Robson's Ipswich, who had beaten my home town Hartlepool earlier in the competition, knocked off Arsenal 1-0.

Of all of those the only League Champion I know, without looking it up, is Liverpool in 1977 and that's specifically because they lost the Treble when they lost in the Cup Final to United. Cup Final day was different too. It was an all day affair with wall-to-wall coverage by both the BBC and ITV, the latter featuring the late great Brian Moore. You didn't go anywhere, you didn't do anything else. Everyone watched the Cup Final.

There was none of this abomination that sees the Premier League play games prior to the start of the final. Screw the lawyers, come the revolution the first ones up against the wall are the prats that came up with that.

The FA Cup mattered... over everything else in football.

I've received some comments asking why I didn't write a column about beating Spurs and qualifying for the Champions League and the honest truth is that I really don't care. We came fourth, in the league. Yawn! I know it's important for the long term of the success of the club and there will be some great nights ahead for the club. And I'll enjoy them, but it's not winning. It's just qualifying for a UEFA cheapened competition that bastardizes what was a truly great institution, the European Cup. Frankly I think United should be in a champions competition in Europe, because they are, you know, the champions and City, Chelsea, Arsenal shouldn't be there.

But the FA Cup. City didn't get fourth in the FA Cup and then qualify for something. Manchester City are the WINNERS of the FA Cup. They beat the best, literally in this case having ousted United in the semi-final, in the best domestic club competition in the world. It's been a long time coming, no not 35 years since the League Cup victory as the club is so often reminded by our neighbours, rather the 42 years since Francis Lee, Mike Summerbee, Colin Bell, Tony Booth, Tony Book, Alan Oakes and the late Neil Young beat Leicester 1-0 in 1969.

City will, I suspect, build on this. The ability to offer Champions League football will attract even better players and nothing beats the confidence derived from winning - there's a reason why the statement is made that winning the first is the hardest. And yet even if City go on to challenge for and even win the Premier League and Champions League this will remain the stake in the ground.

May 14th 2011. FA Cup Winners - Manchester City

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Comments

Posted by Mick on 05/14/2011

Welcome back Wallace thought you had left us! I hope you are well. As Official ESPN Man City correspondent you're insightful articles have been missed. One of the happiest days in our club's history. I'm looking forward to reading who you think we should try and get at the club in summer.

Posted by Daniel on 05/14/2011

I'm so happy right now I don't even know how to respond. Wonderful display and wonderful day! I went into this season thinking to myself either 4th or a trophy of some sort and I would feel we had met expectations... to get both is beyond what I thought possible!

I'm exhausted and happy and... and... I don't even know how to express how I feel!

Thanks for the wonderful blog! Still waiting to see who you think our big summer targets are! ;)

Posted by Romeo on 05/14/2011

you said in your last post that you would tell us who you'd like to see at City. TELL US THEN

Wallace Reply I will soon... had some excessive travel.

Posted by matthew on 05/14/2011

Thank you for expressing a sentiment I didn't realize I felt until the final whistle blew today, one that mushroomed when I heard the sky blue side of Wembley roar when Tevez lifted the trophy. I felt satisfied when City beat Spurs to clinch CL, especially since it paid back Tottenham for last year. But I was stoked (pun mildly intended) for City to finally close the deal and come in first...especially, as you pointed out, downing United along the way.

Do you think the euphoria of the moment has any impact of the likelihood of Tevez staying? Mancini has done a remarkable job in a year and a half getting the team where they are, but even a Tevez still seeking to get back in prime form was a reminder (for me) of how vital his play is to City's success. I know you've written on how he isn't a classic fit for Mancini's Inter Diamond, but do the positives not outweigh the complications? If he does leave, does Balotelli become the lead striker, or an as-of-yet unarrived outsider?

Wallace Reply I still think Tevez is gone this summer, almost certainly to Italy.

Posted by sydneyblue on 05/14/2011

Hey Wallace,

What a day! What a day! From my days as a junior blue with the club i have waited for this day for 39 very long years. I now live in sydney and drag my sorry arse out of bed in the middle of the night to watch my beloved team, often left frustrated by poor performances and bad team selections, but didn't they get this one spot on! I like you, remember the days when the FA Cup was an all day affair. i fondly recall 1981 and the 6 hours of hype leading up to the match, the anticipation was unbearable. I was 9 years old and i recall tears falling when Ricky Villa danced his way through our defence during the thursday replay. i regularly read your blog and haven't posted before now, today seems a good time to start. Love your analysis and take on the game, i don't think you post enough, but then maybe it's so good because you don't... the blue moon is certainly rising! Congratulations to the club and supporters alike, roll on next year.

Sydney Blue

Posted by Elisha on 05/14/2011

Wonderful read Wallace! As a fairly new City supporter- I live in the states and picked them 5 years ago because to many of my friends were United fans- this was much more satisfying than the win over Spurs. In fact this is the first sporting event outside of a UNC-Dook (I went to UNC for undergrad) game that had me on my feet cheering and fist pumping. A truly spectacular event and you could really feel the emotion of the moment in the tears flowing from the thousands of city fans in the stands. That crisp new Yaya Toure jersey that came in the mail 2 days ago looks even better now! Go City!

Posted by Rick on 05/15/2011

Wallace,

I recently started watching soccer about 10 years ago (thanks to a video game nonetheless). I love your posts and the tactical side of games that I do not catch as a standard viewer. I have been checking your posts since you wrote.... I know exactly who I want at City and if the papers are to be believed he's available...Now that City has qualified for the Champions League are you able to elaborate? Who would you like to see in City Blue? Do you think there will be a lot of change and who would likely be on the chopping block?

Thanks Wallace and keep up the good work!

Wallace Reply Hopefully the next column will address that issue...

Posted by Kartik on 05/15/2011

The whole of Manchester has reasons to be happy now.....

Posted by Andy Buffalo Ny on 05/15/2011

Totally agree with you about the F.A Cup Final being an all day event. I remember watching BBC and ITV from 8.00am all the way to 5.00pm. No other games were played, joke.
Just like all of a sudden, debt and money comes into play in the champions league. Wow, City are a unlucky club. It was ok for Juve , Barca , Inter ,Man Yawww to spend millions but as soon as an outsider does it there is a new rule.
Anyway, i hope we terrorize the european defenses like Allisson said we would.

Posted by Eric on 05/15/2011

Fantastic win both for City and it's supporters. "Next Year" has arrived at last. Hopefully "Typical City" will come to mean something rather different than its usual inference in the seasons ahead.

Rest up Wallace; looking forward to your thoughts on the next steps forward and how you think our club can protect itself against going backwards.

Posted by Mukul on 05/15/2011

Now that arsenal have lost and opened the gate for city to come third, do u think they can?

Wallace Reply The cup final notwithstanding I actually think City match up poorly against Stoke. So fingers crossed that the team gets something of a result...

Posted by Martin Nazimek on 05/15/2011

Come On CITY!!!
Here in the states nobody knows what the FA Cup is or who City are, but at 11 in the morning I was screaming in Buffalo Wild Wings as numerous people look at me with crazy looks on their faces. I really dont mind since its the first time in my life CITY have won a trophy. And the feeling...amazing. I just wish I was celebrating with you lads in Manchester. I hope its the first of many. Good to have you back Wallace. CTID

Posted by jasonwilcox on 05/15/2011

Winning the Charity Shield to start the new season will be a great way to kick off....!

Posted by Leigh Coddington on 05/16/2011

The next stake in the ground will be the Charity Shield - There was a time when City held the FA Cup, the Charity Shield & the League trophy. That was a fantastic time at Maine Road. I wish the club well in the years ahead. - How do you get a ticket for Wembley for August the 6th or 7th when you reside in Australia?

Posted by micky-2-times on 05/16/2011

Blue Mooon!!! What a week for Citah. After the joy a huge feeling of relief. Great to get that monkey off the back. CITY WIN! Eneough said.

Posted by Jordi_Cruyff_14 on 05/16/2011

Wallace,

I'm a Man United fan, and I'd like to tell you that your article is a thoroughly enjoyable read on a consistent basis. I find your views both objective and intelligent, and you certainly are a student of the game - not just Manchester City.

Regarding City's success, congratulations are certainly in order. as you put it, to win a trophy is far more significant than qualification for another competition. I think that United, like Liverpool, have to let go of a superiority complex held over their rivals and accept that times have changed, and adapt accordingly.

The sooner United let go of the notion of "noisy neighbours" and "Little City", the easier it will be to accept their inevitable rise, and also counted their success with a much needed improvement on our part.

Thank you.

Posted by jeff on 05/16/2011

Wallace,

I think that it will not be easy for Man City if we need to play in UCL qualifying round. Recently I've found that Bayern, Lyon, Villarreal, Benfica and Dinamo Kiev have got higher UEFA coefficient than us. If both Benfica and Dinamo Kiev get into the final qualifying round, then we will be unseeded, and we could end up playing against super giants like Bayern and Lyon. Against the likes of Villarreal will be tricky, too. Luckily Arsenal lost against Villa, but to be realistic, I think that unless we get all the remaining 6 points, the chance of dropping back to Europa League is quite high. What is your view?

Wallace Reply I think from a practical perspective it doesn't matter in that having qualified for the CL, City will be able to increase sponsorship deals etc. that will allow the club to work towards the UEFA Status Quo rules. It's getting over that initial hurdle that was significant. Now from a footballing standpoint, I'd much prefer City get third and not have to work about qualifying. It will be really interesting to see who CIty can now bring in... players that wouldn't have considered the club without CL football.

Posted by Elisha on 05/16/2011

Wallace,
I have a few questions in regards to Tevez. Since his standard two years at a club are up do you see him leaving this summer? Also he is constantly talking about the distance from his family. Am I missing something? The man is a multi-millionaire why not move his whole family to wherever he's playing? How are Spain or Italy any closer to Argentina?

Wallace Reply I've expected Tevez to leave all year and nothing I've seen or read recently changes that opinion. As much as City have needed his goals, Tevez isn't a good fit for the system that Mancini runs.

Regarding his family, Tevez split from the mother of his children and she took the kids back to Argentina. You may recall that it was the registering of his kids at a local day care/school after it was clear he was leaving United that gave us the first clue that he was City bound. I honestly think Tevez has 3 more years, until the next World Cup, in Europe and then he'll return to Argentina to play.

Posted by Elisha on 05/16/2011

Wallace,
Great points. What type of forward do you think would be better suited to Mancini's system? More of a holding forward type? I feel like Dzeko and Balotelli could work if Mario would get his head on straight and Dzeko would become a little more aggressive, he disappears a lot in games. Ibrahimovic would be great I'd think but it doesn't sound like we can get him.

Wallace Reply I believe a Balotelli and Dzeko partnership can be absolutely top draw once they have learnt to play with David Silva working behind them as a creative midfielder. Also Kolarov and Boateng need to improve their crossing when over lapping.

Posted by Noah Wexler on 05/16/2011

It's looking more and more like Mario and Dzenko will form the top two next season. I am very excited to see Dzenko develop but I think if as you suggest Silva is going to be playing in the hole where he should we need to get a back up for him now. I have said a number of times that I think Javier Pastore would be excellent in this role. I saw the tabloids about Cesc but I feel that is unrealistic. I would also love to see an upgrade brought in for Jolean/Kolo to partner with Kompany and a permanent replacement for Barry moving forward. I think Milner will have a better year next year and is worth keeping around, johnson will continue to grow and the regulars will as well (de jong, boateng, kolorav, zaba...) Who else do you see us targeting in the midfield and at center back?

Wallace Reply The club needs veteran leadership added to the squad. This is particularly true in the centre of defense, attacking midfield and up front.

Posted by Don-X on 05/17/2011

Well Wallace ...

What I have wanted and desired all along has happened ! and it seems it could get better if ManCity finishes 3rd instead of 4th for a CL spot with the FA cup as a bonus !
I am very happy for the fans, the club and the players ! .. I knew they could do it ! now ...
I cannot wait for next season !
I'll be seeing ManCity play live in Vancouver Canada against the whitecaps this summer with my son ! ... hopefully, Manciny will be more daring next summer so we get to have more goals galore from city next season. Hopefully, Dzeko and Balotelli will be the talk of europe next season as the duo from Hell !

Posted by alen on 05/17/2011

if city get ibra. i am no longer a city fan. i believe he is one of the most overrated players in Europe. wat we need is a center back and another creative midfielder. yaya has done a good job. but i have seen him miss many one on ones wit the goalie. if he scored that second goal against everton we wudve been up 2-0. and the result might have been different.

city need to replace gareth.

Wallace Reply Gareth Barry is fine when he is given the chance to roam forward. He suffers as a stay at home defensive midfielder. I'm with you with Ibra... have yet to be impressed.

Posted by Elisha on 05/17/2011

Well Wallace, if these are Tevez's last games in City blue it's been a heck of a finish! Those were two of the prettiest goals of the year, well done Tevez! If there's one thing you can always say about Tevez that's a positive, he may have a lot of off field issues but when he gets on the pitch he's one of the best in the world, Balotelli should take notes!

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