ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Manchester City- Thoughts on the Chelsea defeat

Posted by Wallace Poulter on 12/14/2011

You have to laugh at the gutter press. Defeat to Chelsea and City have failed their big test and will now struggle to win the Premier League.

Really? City have lost one game, one. The club has beaten Manchester United and Spurs away from home, drawn with Liverpool also away from home and lost to Chelsea. All four sides, plus Arsenal, still have to visit City in Manchester. How losing to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge can be considered some monumental momentum swing is beyond me. Chelsea are expected to win at home.

Which is why Mario Balotelli waltzing around the keeper with less than two minutes gone in the game was such a surprise. I don't care how well City have played this year, that's really not on the script when you play Chelsea.

Interesting game though. Referee Mark Clattenburg confirmed his place as the most embarrassing waste of space in the whole of Britain missing a clear trip on David Silva in the penalty area which, had it been converted, would have given City a 2-0 and changed the complexion of the game. Similarly the County Durham official appeared to miss Yaya Toure and Juan Mata coming together a couple of times that could, and should, have resulted in at least a yellow card for Toure and City really wouldn't have a complaint if the midfielder had been sent off. But two up with Toure off the field I'd have fancied City's chances because Chelsea were pretty dire.

I looked forward to the game because I'd be hearing so much about Mata and Oriol Romeu. I have to say I was, on this viewing, singularly unimpressed. Mata ran around a lot, but there was very little quality and Romeu was fairly non existant. I'd be ticked if I was Frank Lampard being preferred by these two, Raul Meireles and Ramires in the Chelsea midfield.

But back to City and despite the early goal and overwhelming momentum in the first half the team was unable to score again. City really missed Micah Richards. Not a phrase I've written in a while, but as good as Pablo Zabaleta is, it is Richards ability to link up in attack that has been overlooked by a lot of commentators this year. Without that right flank thrust, combined with an unusually static James Milner, City lacked the situational tactical advantage that they have been creating against the left side of the opposing defense this season.

So a comeback always seemed on the cards and when Gael Clichy was dismissed for his second yellow card, a decision Clattenburg got correct, you felt there was only going to be one winner. Joleon Lescott's subsequent hand ball in the box, again no arguments on the call, gave Lampard the opportunity to smash the ball into the net.

If we're honest, this was a game City were always likely to lose. The key to beating Chelsea is usually counter attacking speed and this is the one game a year that the club really misses Craig Bellamy. I'd actually put Aguero on the wing in this fixture, as strange as that sounds, with Adam Johnson on the other to take advantage of the tendency of the Chelsea full backs to get forward too much.

On the evidence of this game, despite their win, I suspect Chelsea will struggle to make the Champions League. United and Spurs seem clearly superior and either Arsenal or Liverpool are capable of a closing surge that could knock the club into fifth place in the Premier League.

And City? It is was it has always been. United have lost just once all year. Yes it was that unbelievable day at Old Trafford, but as I commented then it still was only three points. This thing is going down to the final few weeks of the season when City play United at the end of April.

Comments

Posted by dimitriy on 12/14/2011

Be careful about romeu. people didnt think that makalele was not important either. but he proved to be the most important player on the team once he left madrid and chelsea. same with xabi alonso. people thought yeah and what. once he left liverpool ... well we all know what happened.

with romeu we are winning, he has not been a losing side...with mikel we lost. we were leaking goals left right and centre. so even though he may not have been doing much...he does a lot regardless.

Wallace Reply Oh I agree. Makelele and Alonso would go down as two of my best Premier League players of all time. I just didn't see Romeu have anywhere near that level of influence on the game, but as you say still young.

Posted by puneet on 12/14/2011

I am stunned reading your un-failingly biased article - sure you seem to be a United fan - but one unwilling to appreciate quality. Sure Mata misplaced a few passes, but to say that his performance and espacially Romeu's as unimpressive is being more than a tad unjust to the two. Compared to the United squad which has all its wheels coming off - Vidic, Chicarito, Anderson, Cleverly all out - City are vastly superior. While I concede that CFC may not feature in the title race, it is quite unconceivable to me that United will either. City will most likely run away with it. And you should pinch yourself if you think that Spurs, Arsenal and especially a mediocre Pool is stronger than Chelsea - either you are dreaming or have completely lost it.

Wallace Reply I think you'll find should you care to read my previous posts that I do indeed appreciate quality regardless of club. I'm on record as a City fan as saying Duncan Edwards is the greatest player of all time and I have and do sing the praises of players on different clubs.

Mata was, frankly, horrible against City. Sorry, he was. Romeu was fairly anonymous all night as well, which doesn't mean he had a poor game. It just means I didn't notice him being that central anchor.

Spurs are at this moment significantly stronger than Chelsea. There may not be a better midfield pairing in the entire Premier League than Parker and Modric.

We'll have to see about United. I think you and many others write them off at your peril. For all of their issues this season they are still second and capable of winning the league. Also take a look at their run in the final couple of months of the season... very easy.

Posted by FORCA BLUES!! on 12/14/2011

What a load of tosh,You have clearly not seen the game.Silva dived to win the penalty.He could've easily had a shot on goal when he faked.Bosingwa tried to tackle but pulled out his leg at the last moment,there was minimal contact.Mata and Romeu didn't impress you?What about the outrageous piece of skill when he skinned Kompany(who is the best CB in EPL after Vidic) on the left side in the 2nd half?Kompany should've got a second yellow for the tackle he made on him at that moment.And Romeu was the key in stopping Yaya Toure in the middle of the park.He is just 20,don't forget that as well.We won't get the 4th spot,you predicted that at the start of the season as well.In your face mate,in your face,we will get the 2nd or 3rd one.If we can beat the best team in the league,then we can beat anyone.We are not like Liverpool who beat Manchester United one day and the next week loses to Fulham.

Wallace Reply Was going to say that I appreciate your thoughts about Kompany but I don't really see him as the second best central defender in the Premier League. And then it kind of hit me... who is the second best defender in the Premier League? Thomas Vermaelen at Arsenal maybe?

And yes, saw the game. Stone cold penalty.

Posted by FORCA BLUES!! on 12/14/2011

On a side note,you should be a little unbiased as well.The only team you see is Man City.Don't forget that Man utd are just 2 points behind now.

Wallace reply I think you'll find that I'm pretty unbiased. Call it like I see it whether it is City, United, Chelsea or anyone else in the Premier League. Chelsea got old way too quick. AVB is the right manager for them, but he needs two more transfer windows minimum to get it right.

Posted by Nick on 12/14/2011

Wallace,

What are your thoughts on the play of Yaya Toure? It appears, to me, that he doesn't give 100% effort very often. He does come up with clutch goals from time to time, but I get the feeling we will be better off with De Jong playing in his place while he is at the African Cup of Nations.

Wallace Reply I was very disappointed in his play against Chelsea. Seemed at least a yard off the pace. I would have preferred Milner to play inside with Aguero out on the wing and Dzeko or Johnson also playing.

That being said I think Toure seems to have the number of the Manchester United midfield and will be more than a little useful in the FA Cup 3rd round.

Posted by KD on 12/14/2011

Agree that Chelsea were ordinary and we made them look superior. We certainly missed Micah, but down the left, Clichy had an especially poor game, getting repeatedly mugged and delivering poor balls.

I am overall a fan of Mancini's substitutions, and understand trying to play out a draw with 10 men. Against Chelsea's all out attack though, I wonder whether taking off the creative component of our attack and piling the defence sent out the worst kind to message to allow Chelsea to hammer us even further. Maybe if they had the looming threat of a quick counter, it may have held them back a bit, rather than the relentless onslaught that ensued - after that, inevitability.

I don't mind the loss so much in the long term. If other teams look at the match and think that is how you beat City, than they will get surely get a surprise. But please Mancini, if you want some clean sheets, put Nige back in !

Wallace Reply According to my Arsenal friends Clichy always delivers poor balls...

Posted by Jon on 12/14/2011

Wallace,

I thought Ian Darke got it right when he said Silva's natural movement cost him getting the call. As much as I love City's magician, he does bring some of the Spanish tactics of rolling around and embellishing (not that the English don't - mind you. I just think the Spanish are the worst atm). Although I do think it was a penalty regardless, Silva did himself no favors. I was a referee for several years as well, and I could see how I would let something like that go if it was over embellished.

Another thought, under Roberto Mancini City have struggled against Arsenal, scoring only once in four meetings (Aguero in the Carling Cup match). It is an interesting change from the Mark Hughes era, where City won three straight matches at home, by a 10-2 aggregate score (I remember Craig Bellamy sweeping the ball past Almunia and Adebayors header like it was yesterday). What are your thoughts behind this discrepancy between the two sets of results for the different managers?

Wallace Reply It's all to do with the styles that Hughes and Mancini play. While the results this year would seem to refute this, I feel that in many ways Hughes was the more tactically smart manager against the top clubs allowing teams such as Chelsea and Arsenal to almost beat themselves by attacking too much and hitting them on the counter attack. Hughes' failing was in the easy matches. Mancini in some ways seems the opposite.

Interesting thought on the penalty call. It may be that national reputations in this case played a role.

Posted by FORCA BLUES!! on 12/14/2011

You are unbiased mostly I agree,but not this time.You have totally neglected Ramires's performance as well,who was like a leopard all evening.Caused City's defenders to foul him because they couldn't catch him.And Sturridge(your old boy) was immense as well.

Wallace Reply I thought Sturridge was the best Chelsea player on the pitch. Although with Ramires we'll have to agree to disagree on that one also. Yes City fouled him but even when they didn't there was little end product.

Posted by Blues4Life on 12/14/2011

I think you are biased despite you arguing differently. And I don't say that viciously, it's natural and rather impossible not to be when you are a supporter of any team.
I also thought peno for sure against Silva at first glance but after additional looks there was no contact so no peno. Bosingwa got his leg back in time and Silva went down in anticipation of contact.
As for Romeu and Mata, you're just ridiculous. These two are Chelsea's best signings thus far this season and while Mata may not have been as influential vs City than in previous matches, he's still a top drawer creative mid. Doesn't help when the thugs of City are kicking him all over the park :)
I for one have gained massive confidence from the win and see AVB is slowly learning his tactics. I still do think City will win the EPL with Chels or United in 2nd and Liverpool in 4th with Arse and Spurs to battle it out for 5th.
Up the Chels!

Wallace Reply This was my first chance to study Mata for the full 90 minutes. I wasn't impressed and in fact was disappointed specifically because of what you mention. The general consensus seems to be that he has been a great signing for Chelsea, but I saw lots of effort but again no end product. But I'll make the point of watching him again as soon as I can.

Posted by Sam on 12/14/2011

Normally find your articles to be some of the best on here but this one struggles to reach the heights of the Canadian praries. You make it sound like you have never seen Mata and Romeu play before. Neither played their best game but were far from poor. Also you continuously fall into the hype around British players. Johnson is not good enough to start yet for City, Lampard is struggling to adapt to the new Chelsea style which requires quicker passing, Bellamy is not good enough consistantly enough, and Mark Hughes was a bad coach for city. As Mancini commented, what was he thinking when he let Sturridge go and paid Santa Cruz a fortune!
With Lampard I would say he would only surplant Mireles in the midfield, Mata, Romeu and Ramires have all offered more of late but in a different way.
As for the game, def. penalty for city, Kompany lucky with no second yellow, good win for Chelsea but City look the goods in the long haul. Should be clear favourites against Arsenal at home

Wallace Reply General rule for posters... If you are going to insult me, make it funny! "height of the Canadian prairies"... classic.

To your points. Indeed I have not seen Mata or Romeu in-depth having seen various highlights. I normally like to watch a player for five games following them, rather than the action, to get a proper sense of the player and I've yet to do that with either player. I will almost certainly with Romeu because to appreciate such a player it's normally more about what the opposition can't do than what he does. But... when's the last time you saw a through ball split two central defenders for a goal against City when de Jong played? That happened within 2 minutes of the start against Chelsea so by default Romeu has failed, even if that sounds harsh.

regarding Johnson and British hype. I also disagree with you, but rather it is based on specific tactics. Johnson doesn't play a lot for City because his defensive tracking back is poor and Mancini places an emphasis on that. Balotelli for all his perceived attitude does so constantly for example.

However against Chelsea, as was shown a couple of season's ago, pure speed on the counter attack can unlock them effectively. Hence my belief that Johnson should have played and that Bellamy would have been an asset in such a situation.

Posted by Leon on 12/14/2011

Your initial comment ref "Gutter Press" was spot on! The media are so predictable these days.Although you say your view is unbiased, its not. This is completely understandable, as any fan would struggle to hide their feelings when analysing an important game that their team lost. As a Chelsea fan, i have to admit that the first 20 minutes of the game had me fearing the worst, and for Clattenburgh not to have given the penalty for the foul on Silva was a travesty. In the end we ground out the result so it all worked out. Romeu is clearly a very special young player with immense talent. Ferocious in the tackle, but with the ability to pick out space and spray 40 yard passes to either wing at will. Although Makelele was the master of breaking up the opposition attack and passing forward to a more attack minded player, he couldn't make long range passes with any great affect. In my opinion, the only player really able to do both of these things in the modern game is Xabi Alonso.

Wallace reply Alonso, one of my favourite players of all time, is a very high bar to set. If Romeu becomes half the player that Alonso is, then Chelsea have found themselves a special talent.

Posted by Greg Kremer on 12/14/2011

I completely disagree on the hand ball penalty and am supprised that you thought it a good call. To me this was the poster child of a call that ref's at all levels get wrong. The ball was hit with force from 6 feet away and the defender's arm was in a natural position. Lescott had no time to move and did not seem to have any intention of hitting the ball with his arm. I realize that it is difficult to judge intent and what is a natural position, but this call seemed an early Christmas present considering the shot probably would have landed in the 40th row of seats.

Wallace Reply As much as it pains me to agree with Clattenburg that's a call that's going to be given every time not least because raising your arms is an example given in referee training about unnatural positioning. I agree completely that the ball was hit with force from a short distance. What most people (and here I mean commentators and pundits) don't understand is that it must be deliberate hand ball not just hand ball for the infringement to be called. Players are considered too skilled and would kick the ball onto an opponents hand/arm if it was just any kind of hand ball.

However, the raising of the arm while defending, unless considered a protective move, is for the purpose of the law considered a deliberate move even if the play doesn't actively move their arm to the ball. Hence the hand ball call.

Posted by FORCA BLUES!! on 12/14/2011

No end product?come on mate,Mata has had 9 assists so far in this season for Chelsea in just 16 appearences.Just 2 less than the high flying Silva.

Wallace Reply yeah but no end product in the game I was watching. I'm not saying Mata is bad, just watching him for 84 minutes didn't live up to the buzz. I'll keep watching him though.

Posted by David on 12/14/2011

It's bash Wally day! Expected you to not overreact to the result and must say I agree - A lot had to go Chelsea's way for them to beat City 2-1 at the Bridge. Sturridge was the best player on the pitch imo.

Going to give Clichy a pass as he's been better than expected for me so far and may have just had a bad day against an in-form man.

As to the City side of things - it seems that Lescott has been outperforming Kompany a good deal this year. You thought a lot of Kompany's praise last season could be attributed to De Jong's unpraised work in front - what do you think of the two CB's this year? Is Lescott seeming better because of the tactics played vs. City thus far?

Wallace Reply yes, I thought Kompany's excellence last year was misunderstood. He played well, very well, but de Jong's presence helped create the illusion that Kompany was a brilliant defender rather than what I believe which is given protection directly in front, the Belgian is superb.

Lescott has played better this year. Not sure why. His positioning has always been suspect and honestly I'm not keen to watch him play for 3 or more games to see if that has changed... and by watch I mean completely focus on Lescott checking his movement the entire game. However if he continues his stronger play I may be forced to...

Posted by Michael Mullins on 12/14/2011

Hi, Chelsea fan here. Pretty spot on analysis. the only thing Id say is the Silva trip was not called because he kinda jumped off of two feet after he was tripped and I think the ref saw it as a dive. Also I think we will make Champions league, hopefully we've turned the corner after our run of bad play. The title is still a possibility but most Chelsea fans would agree the number 1 goal this season is top 4. Good luck the rest of the way. Id much rather see City win the title than United!! KTBFFH!

Wallace Reply To a certain extent I think this year is the penalty that Chelsea must pay for winning the league two season's ago. That was the time to invest heavily in youth but instead Ancelotti's was brought in to get one last run with the old guard - that's Ancelotti's forte, you can't argue with his results. I think Chelsea will be there or there abouts this year, but still I think of all the CL teams that might fall out the top four they are my choice. Maybe I'll be wrong.

Posted by Hankinsohl on 12/14/2011

Hi Wallace:

Once again, another great article! Keep up the good work.

I'm in total agreement with one of the earlier commenters - Yaya was horrible for us yet again.

It's strange - Yaya has had some great games for City in the past, but as of late, he's had some real stinkers. I found myself literally yelling at the TV during the game each time Yaya gave the ball away. It actually seemed that 50% of his touches resulted in give-aways.

For me, the reason we didn't score more than once in the first half was that we gave the ball away cheaply killing our momentum. And the majority of those turn overs came from Yaya.

I've read on some of the City forums that Yaya has a "if I'm fit I must start" clause in his contract? Have you heard the same? And what do you think about sitting Yaya for a few games, maybe starting De Yong and Milner in lieu of Barry and Yaya and bringing in Nasri for the role Milner currently fills?

Wallace Reply I can't imagine City signing such a clause under any circumstances, but it's a fascinating thought. I'm still not a fan of Nasri, I think at best he is a back up for Silva.

Now you all think I'm completely crazy, but I'd be fascinated to see what Balotelli could do playing the Toure role. Not on a regular basis, but for all his reputation the Italian is a powerful player, willing to work and good at linking up with others. I know, I know... nuts. But it just appeals to me.

Posted by Wilbur on 12/14/2011

I watched most of the game and was shocked by the non call for Silva's penalty. Perhaps like a previous comment said his "Spanish" heritage caused the perception that he dove.

Anyway on another note regarding the fast approaching January transfer window and ways to effectively move Carlos Tevez. What about a straight swap for Fernando Torres? I still think Torres has something in him and would do well within City's quick passing game.

Thoughts?

Wallace Reply Given how good Tevez is I highly doubt that City will transfer him within the Premier League even if I'd love Torres to play for City. I think Silva would help bring back the old Torres very quickly.

Posted by rdnyong on 12/15/2011

I actually felt that MC played decently in that match, except the leftback role in glichy, where he failed awefully. What do u think if we get baine to fill tat role?

As for chelsea, im quite impressed by mata thus far and would be more than happy if MC sign him instead of nasri... Haven really c romeu in action though..

Posted by James on 12/15/2011

There have been a lot of reports of arsenal making a move for torres. Do you know of what the price tag is on him?
By the way I thought you wrote a very good article that was reasonably unbias. I dont get all the complaints about you focusing on man city, arent you the man city blogger?

Wallace Reply I am, but I actually try to be as unbiased as possible. Interesting about Torres, I've not seen those reports.

Posted by MCapital on 12/15/2011

Welcome back mate,
You just dont post enough - we enjoy your unbiased posts. Please consider posting at least after every City game.

I wonder when we can learn to make our point without resorting to lousy and insulting language. We are all supporters of our respetive clubs with lots of emotion but we should try keep our posts to you a bit decent.

Mark my words - if City does not win EPL this year, the cause will be de Jong's playing time or lack of; He is quite effecient and effective at what he does - protects the heart of City defence or direct route to Hart's goal and also breaks up opposition attacks before they get out of hand. De Jong would most probably have tracked Raul's run to equalise.

Kompany is not the same without de Jong.

One more thing - you seem to forget that City is now in the big leagues; every little mistake is going to be amplified twenty fold. Any self respecting City fan should see the progress that has been made to date.

I am United supporter

Wallace Reply I'm very interested to see what will happen when Toure leaves for the ANC.

Posted by micky2times on 12/15/2011

Hi Wallace, I was hoping you would post about the Chelsea game. I actually thought Mata and Meireles seemed to boss about the midfield. My problem was the choice of the team, you don't go the Bridge and pick that team, surly DeJong should have been in there, don't see them scoring either goal with him in the side.

Also, Why did Balotelli play the whole game? Milner or Barry, not both. Johnson should have played a role. Bring off Aguero and Silva, why? If we are looking for a goal, either is a better option than Balotelli, who looked tired towards the end. Dzeco gets only 7 mins? Yaya's head was all over the place, lucky to be on the pitch, and should have been taken off. Is the manager watching the game??

I mean, after about 35 mins City looked out of it, hard to see where our next goal would come from. Chelsea were there for the taking, Mancini made a hash out of it, total cock up!!

Clattenburg is a clown, definite penalty.
Vermaelen is 2nd best, after Vidic, No question.

Wallace Reply I can see the logic of the team that was selected in that it has been winning City games. But to me, you have to acknowledge that it is Chelsea that you are playing and adjust.

Posted by Digga on 12/15/2011

As usual, well done Wallace. Also plenty of good comments on the board although there are apparently some 1st time readers if they are calling you biased. Chelsea obviously have all the talent needed to finish in the Champions league but I think a larger cloud looms over head with AVB's change in personnel. His brash attitude doesn't help. Everyone seems to be happy now, hit a rough spell and there unity will be tested. As for my take on the doubts of City I say this, this team has really only played together for a few months. It would be naive to think Mancini doesn't think he can win multiple trophies this year and I think that means it would be naive to think Mancini won't try to improve the team in the January window...As you said repeatedly last year Wallace, City is well ahead of schedule in building this squad, and Mancini has done a masterful job so far despite enormous pressure. Silly to think Rome will crumble before it has been built.

Posted by Adithya on 12/15/2011

Wallace, I'm curious to know how you rate individual players. I've been reading your articles and I find your tactical analysis of games very interesting. However, on the occasions that you have cared to reveal your ratings of individual players, I find them surprising quite often. For example, I think Gareth Barry is one of your favourites, right? WHAT can the guy do, that any decent central midfielder can't? And Juan Mata is an absolute class act, don't judge him on one performance. Only he's terribly one-footed.
Just curious - who do you consider to be the best player in the world today, using whatever criteria you do?

Wallace Reply My criteria is subjective rather than quantitative. It sounds simple, but I watch players individually and see how they impact others around them as well as playing their own position. Nigel de Jong is a great example of this.

Barry is interesting in that I think he's actually not used correctly by Mancini. To me, Barry in his Villa days was a better player with a license to move forward in support of the attack, rather like Michael Johnson a couple of years ago when partnered by Dietmar Hamann. Barry, like Frank Lampard, is great at that arrive at the last minute from midfield play. Currently Barry is just very solid. He rarely makes mistakes and keeps the ball moving. Not particularly sexy but it does the job allowing Silva to be creative.

Best player in the world right now? Still Messi, but I have to say David Silva isn't that far behind and I'd start him, Silva, in any first world 11.

Posted by Cody on 12/15/2011

More so than the david silva penalty non call, my biggest question is how was raul meireles still on the pitch at the beginning of the second half. two extremely high late studs showing tackles and only 1 yellow each?? thought each could've been straight red

Wallace Reply How? Mark Clattenburg. Plain and simple. Makes Uriah Rennie look not completely useless and I didn't think that was possible.

Posted by Jon on 12/15/2011

I always appreciate your insight, don't listen to the doubters. You are quite unbiased which I like, if I wanted to read a blog that praised City and little else, I wouldn't be here.

Post more often! 2 and 3 week gaps between posts cause me to sigh in disappointment.

Wallace Reply Appreciate the kind word Jon

Posted by Durk on 12/16/2011

I see Ya Ya Toure different to most. I see him and Joe Hart as the two that give a very high % of balls to the opposition.
Ya Ya is a powerhouse when he is in his stride going goalward, but he does not see so many of his tam mates in position to score.
Joe Hart is a great goalkeeper, but his major failing is the number of time he gives the ball away to the opponents. It invariably puts his team under pressure keeping the ball out.
I am also one of the few who believe that City need Tevez, and things were made uncomfortable for him early this season.

Wallace Reply Completely agree with the observation about Hart. His kicking is one of the worst in the Premier League and it is something that needs to be worked on; he invariably pulls his kicks to the left for some reason.

I disagree about Tevez, but it has more to do with David Silva than Tevez himself. Tevez always comes back for the ball and into the space that Silva currently exploits. I don't think they could play successfully together.

Posted by Aashu on 12/16/2011

There are two things that concern me. One is that Mancini is becoming a bit predictable in the team that he selects. He has a very large team yet he seems to stick to the same set of players in the league. Its only in the Carling cup that he makes a lot of changes.

MC seems to struggle when good teams tend to defend deep & use the counter attacking strategy. Napoli used that to good effect in the Champions league. Chelsea also did that after the first goal.

I am also intrigued like some other readers about Yaya Toure not being substituted. Has he ever been substituted?! He always seems to play the full 90 minutes even if he looks spent on the field.

Wallace Reply I suspect Micah Richards, of all people, is actually they key here. When Richards plays and Silva and Milner have free reign, City often gain a tactical advantage on the right side overloading the opponents left full back. When Richards doesn't play, I think City need to look more at Adam Johnson in such games.

Posted by Lukayblues10 on 12/20/2011

Excuses Excuses EXCUSES end of the day we were the Better side!!!!!!!!!! CHELSEA FC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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