Archive for the ‘Manchester City’ Category

Pooling Power

Posted: February 1, 2012 by thebhoymcclay in Football, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Referees, Uncategorized
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suarez

"Is it this way to the goal?"

Andy Carroll was a man in form and in demand last year – a goal every other game for Newcastle United, an England cap which alluded to a rising stock for the long-haired front man.

Now the much maligned young striker has failed to live up to the hype which surrounded his £35million move last January – A fee which Carroll immediately attempted to distance himself from, deep down knowing that the Anfield club had bowed down to Newcastle’s overzealous estimation of the player following his striking feats in the black and white.  I was of the belief that if Suarez and Carroll had a successful run in pre-season and both stayed injury-free, this could be a very rewarding partnership for Liverpool and a masterstroke from manager, Kenny Dalglish. The tall target man, initiating the knock downs for the wily and tenacious forward in the Uruguayan – a match made in footballing heaven on paper. In reality, it’s started off with nothing more than a whimper.

Luis Suarez @luis16suarez

Great win for keep gaining points! Last match that I can not play with my colleagues! A hug and thanks for all the support!

The partnership was already without a reasonable period of togetherness this season following derailment due to injuries and meandering form, prior to Suarez’s eight game sabbatical when found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United star, Patrice Evra during October’s Premier League clash at Anfield. Given the haste in which the Uruguayan was convicted, it seems the FA have pandered to their own Euro ambitions and desires by allowing John Terry the chance to captain the national team this summer – the evidence, witnesses in tow would seem more clear-cut than the aforementioned “altercation”.

Step forward the evergreen former Celtic forward Craig Bellamy, now in his second stint with Liverpool, to attempt and recapture some semblance of a strike force in the number sevens’ absence. Where the Anfield side would be without the Welsh hitman in his current purple patch is hard to say – but perhaps not sitting fifth in the league or still in the hunt for two trophies might be a starting point. He is also just one goal away from his total return at Anfield during his first tenure in the 2006-2007 season. When Bellamy is not in trouble with officials or on the treatment table, he is a veritable joy to behold – he can turn defences inside out and score a variety and abundance of goals. He probably scored one of the finest hat-tricks in modern-day history at Tannadice when in the hooped shirt of the Bhoys.  He is also not a penalty box striker – which could help propel his recent efforts to a whole new dimension when Suarez returns at Spurs next Monday evening.

One of the few times this season when all three were on the pitch, was at Goodison Park back in October – with Carroll and Suarez both on target late on following Bellamy’s introduction with twenty minutes remaining.

Their first league win of 2012 against Wolverhampton and a long-awaited goal from Andy Carroll completed a resurgence in form for Dalglish’s men after dumping the two sides of Manchester out of the League and FA Cup in the same week. But just prior to that, a three one defeat at lowly Bolton Wanderers had seemed to question King Kenny and his managerial capabilities. They have a League Cup final and the chance for silverware against Championship side Cardiff City to look forward to, along with the return of their captain and talisman, Steven Gerrard to full fitness, Suarez champing at the bit and a newly confident Andy Carroll – when your best players are all on form, it is nigh on impossible to drop them to the bench.

Liverpool have been reverting to a 4-3-3 formation and I believe for the club to build on their recent good form, a three-pronged assault with Bellamy and Suarez supplying Andy Carroll has all the ingredients for success. Part of the Geordie strikers repertoire is also laying on goals, and his flick on’s in previous matches for Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy have showcased this ability perfectly. The Reds, currently just outside the Champions League places, are on their day a tougher, and more consistent prospect than both Chelsea and Newcastle who sit above them currently. Also now installed as rightful favourites for the FA Cup, you wouldn’t back against a  domestic double trophy haul for King Kenny and his Merry Men.

Top Goal Scorers

  1. Bellamy
    9
  2. Suarez
    8
  3. Carroll
    5

City Show Staying Power

Posted: January 23, 2012 by thebhoymcclay in Football, Manchester City, Referees, Uncategorized
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Mario Balotelli again had the final say in a second half fuelled with controversy and goals as he extended his sides winning home record in the Premier League to eleven. He calmly slotted home an injury time penalty after a desperate Ledley King challenge - many onlookers, including Harry Redknapp, felt the Italian should never have been on the pitch to convert the spot kick. Just five minutes earlier following a determined block from Scott Parker on a Balotelli goal-bound strike, the Italian spiraling to find his feet after the ricochet had apparently “stamped” on the England midfielder. At the time, and after several replays I still find it inconsistent at best, but the FA have seen fit to charge him following a video review.

Talk of video replays and a retrospective ban for the player overshadowed the main headline – Manchester City, now 2/5 for the title, won again in the League to cement their rightful position at the peak of England’s top flight. Tottenham, who arguably created the better openings in the second period and could have won it with Jermaine Defoe going despairingly close near the end, did themselves no disservice and will surely take points from the majority of sides in the top half between now and May.  Spurs have a creative and dynamic midfield, and with fast-flowing attacking potency at Redknapp’s behest, along with their ever-improving backline,  you can be sure their title credentials will be respected in the remaining fixtures.

With the armory at both side’s disposal you would have envisaged a busy opening for both goalkeepers, but the first half was more like a chess match with both teams cautious and only probing gently to test the mettle of either defence.  Half chances fell for Aguero and Defoe but neither were troubling of Friedel or Hart respectively. As Howard Webb sounded his whistle for the break many were wondering, as per the two previous encounters, would a solitary goal to nil decide this cagey affair.

A great through ball from the mercurial David Silva, a player who has shown consistently magical close control and vision which is normally only praise reserved for a certain Lionel Messi, and a lightning strike from Samir Nasri put City ahead on fifty-six – and the flames ignited. With barely time to regroup, the home side doubled their advantage from a corner, a nick on from by Dzeko and Joleon Lescott bundled home. Panto villan, Stefan Savic’s backheader was appallingly short only moments later and Defoe rounded Joe Hart, and finished with aplomb. Another exquisite whipped finish from the left boot of Gareth Bale from the edge of the box two minutes later, now had the away side with the advantage - only ten minutes previously they had looked down and out. The pendulum swung back & forth before the last-gasp finale which capped off a truly mesmeric second half – Roberto Mancini’s side where able to show their staying power for the title race – following some below par performances the previous week – while the White Hart Lane team won’t be far behind.

Balotelli Gold

Posted: January 12, 2012 by thebhoymcclay in Celtic Football Club, Football, Manchester City, Manchester United, Travel, Uncategorized
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"Well...now you come to mention it..."

One of the first occasions I set eyes on Mario, was during a highly-charged Champions League semi-final where the young eccentric number forty-five was having what appeared to be a touch-line rant at his own boss at the time, Jose Mourinho. Following Seville, many Celtic fans and neutrals have had an ongoing dislike for the egotistical Mourinho. He not only sent his Porto side out with barely a hint of sportsmanship that evening – but also, quite shockingly, neglected to acknowledge Martin O’Neills’ sides colossal effort in what turned out to be an enthralling struggle in the Spanish heat.

Therefore your sympathies at the outset, were with Balotelli. At first glance, even though you were totally enthralled at the theatre which was orchestrating itself out with the beautiful game on the pitch, there was a sense of worry as to why such an event had manifested itself during such a fixture? After a few minutes had passed it was revealed that the Italian youngster was asking the Portuguese boss for a substitution due to alleged racist chants directed at him from his own supporters wearing the black & blue from one half of Milan. A truly disgusting, but not unexpected act ,from supporters in Italy where unfortunately for a time this behaviour was accepted as the norm – Balotelli had only came on as a substitute twenty minutes from the whistle and ended the match by discarding his match shirt and throwing it to the ground in front of the vitriolic home crowd.

We fast forward twenty-months and to the Etihad stadium in last nights Carling Cup tie with Liverpool where the controversial star is returning after a knock which left him out of the equally polemically Manchester Derby on the 7th of January.

 “You can’t take your eyes off him”

Not a truer sentence has passesd from the lips of the much maligned, but mainly self-inflicted,pundit, Mark Lawrenson. From the team bus to the tunnel, pre-match warm up to the handshakes, to the pitch and the sometimes more encapsulating antics off it – Mario Balotelli is a character the type which has been missing from the spotlight of World Football for many years.  Last night was typical of his turbulent footballing career, City who were missing a few key men anyway, did not start the game or end it, in any sort of positive manner – the man in question could not control passes, at times stood statuesque and only broke a sweat chasing Charlie Adam after a foul and a clip on the ear from the ex-Ranger.  Thirty-five minutes into the game, he was replaced by Samir Nasri, gingerly leaving the field to muted and confused applause. Only a few days previously, social media was ablaze with Balotelli  trending following reports that on filling up his car with petrol, he held the pump overhead in jubilant exuberance and vowed to meet the costs of all other customers on the forecourt at that time.  Tales of this caliber are rarely given enough airtime within the media these days with the majority of stories focusing on the negative aspects of football, be it extra-marital affairs, drug & alcohol abuse or “illicit chanting” from supporters.

The Italian born forward seems to be singe-handily attempting to enhance the sports image, but with a fair share of his slightly idiotic actions he helps re-address the balance. That in itself is by the wayside, as a public figure he has entertained on & off the field so far this season and has helped catapult his side to the top of the Premiership – every headline that has centred around Balotelli this season has put a smile on my face whether it be football or firework related. Ian Crocker was against lambasted on Twitter during the week when the possibility of a Celtic Scottish Cup tie at Inverness arose following the few mentions he gave it during the defeat of Peterhead. For pundits, presenters and television companies, these upsets and “feel good” shocks are the lifeblood of keeping the neutral viewer South of the Border and further afield interested (we all know the rest of Scotland wants us to lose!), for the prosperity of ESPN, Sky Sports and Scottish football. So for “Super Mario” to be making such a name for himself after only just over a year in Britain, it keeps a healthy momentum of interest building around the beautiful game.

In the purest sense he probably isn’t the idea role model for children –  he is by far the worst and children from a technical aspect could not fail to be impressed with his skills – perhaps his temperament and work rate could be re-assessed in order to make a more rounded player, but I think trying to iron out his slight deficiencies would backfire on any respective manager looking to get a decent strike rate from the single-minded man. Not since the heyday of George Best, Paul Gascoigne or Frank Macavennie, has there been such spotlight and comment on one individual – the difference so far with Balotelli, is that he does not have the demons to go with it. Ill-mannered, stupid and sometimes irrational but his extroverted activities are for the most, comedic and done for no other reason than enjoyment and laughter – whilst his share in the City coffers have meant that his spare cash is not always frittered away, but often donated (see Petrol station scenario above) to others less fortunate than himself.  Driving around Manchester chucking notes out of his car window, giving a grand to a homeless man, and not to mention a couple of hundred to a local church – his good nature and love of life seems to shine through.

“The problem is because of his age, he can make some mistakes. He’s Mario. He’s crazy – but I love him because he’s a good guy.

They have not always seen eye to eye, but the words above of Roberto Mancini show that the Italian manager shows that the Italian manager has a real connection and belief in Balotelli’s abilities and maintains a fatherly outlook for the twenty-one year olds wellbeing. Mancini’s faith has been restored with a positive goal return of eleven so far this season, which is already one more than last term, and some startling performances to parachute the Blue side of Manchester into top spot. The return of the dark side to Carlos Tevez’s psyche has seen City’s three other star strikers given more of the limelight – which may in hindsight, have solved a possible selection headache for the manager. This positivity directed toward the Palermo-born star from the higher echelons is a far cry from his stint with Mourinho at the San Siro – a strained relationship which led to disciplinary problems and a public slaying by the Special One was not conducive to a productive player. If Balotelli can keep his focus on the pitch and enjoy his life in this country, I am certain he can fire his side to the Premiership title come May.

The Dying Art

Posted: January 9, 2012 by thebhoymcclay in Celtic Football Club, Football, Manchester City, Manchester United, Referees, Travel, Uncategorized
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The majority of the football community were united yesterday afternoon in condemning the unjust red card which was brandished at Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany early in their third round FA Cup tie against their bitter rivals. The City defender cleanly took the ball with one boot in a committed challenge with the momentum of the tackle trailing his left leg in a similar motion. As Andy Townsend correctly noted shortly after on commentary, a players challenge cannot always be perfectly executed and the sole, or studs of the boot, are sometimes the first contact with player or ball.

The fact Nani yesterday did not react or shriek in horror at the Belgian’s force surely also tells a story – only the pressure and antics of Wayne Rooney seemed to bring the incident to the attention of the man in black.  The Portuguese star has been known to go down rather easily in the past with little or no contact and the honest  manner in which he reacted was a shock to many.

A two-footed challenge by the “letter of the law”, is deemed a punishable and illegal offence in the officials book – but how grossly it is viewed and how much excessive force is used in the tackle determines the outcome of the decision. Kompany was full-blooded and determined – but only to win the ball, & at no time did he make malicious contact or have any intent to injure the Manchester United player. A number of pundits, ex-pro’s and managers were lining up recently to condemn referee’s for being to card happy and insisting the art of tackling was dying – Mick McCarthy noted that,  ”The fabric of our game is based on tackles. That’s why people come and watch because it’s exciting. It’s part of our game. If they take that out, it’s gone”. Despite a spirited second half display, the decision was made and City were down to ten after only twelve minutes – gone with it was their chance of FA Cup glory.

After witnessing several “hefty” challenges in Celtic’s cup clash at Peterhead yesterday afternoon which did carry intent, you have to wonder which wavelength some referee’s are on when brandishing cards out – in some instances yesterday, a yellow card was not even produced with Anthony Stokes having to watch & protect his own back.  All we really need is some common sense from the official’s and for them not to react to players brandishing imaginary cards in their faces or the partisan nature of the crowd – with so much pressure though, some mistakes will be made.  In what ways can the strain or demands on officials be lessened?

Henry Winter of the Telegraph this morning made a call for the sin bin method adopted in Rugby to be adapted for the game – obviously not everyone yellow-carded can be sent to the bench for ten minutes, but a possible reflection time for incidents when a referee feels the punishment is not quite worthy of a sending-off but deems it more serious than an initial caution, could be an option. A possible video replay of the incident during this  period could give a decision on the punishment straight away not just for the remainder of the game in hand – but for any future penalty and which could eventually render the current appeals process null & void. Certainly, some moves have to be made before we enter a no contact zone.

From Basle with Love

Posted: December 9, 2011 by thebhoymcclay in Celtic Football Club, Football, Manchester City, Travel, Uncategorized
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Chris "Evil Genuis" Sutton wants the ground to swallow him up after Basel defeat

In 2002, Celtic looked on course for the Champions League group stages after overcoming a shock 1st minute goal against the “supposed lowly” FC Basle, they took a three one advantage over to the Swiss side for the return leg.  What occurred next was a shock which at the time shook the club to its core, but by the end of the year had galvanised the team on a European run of some pedigree – The team managed by the former Spurs manager, Cristian Gross, took full advantage of their Celtic Park away goal to go through with a two nil triumph which added to the Parkhead side’s unwanted European record which, has not improved of much accord since.

Almost a decade on, Manchester United, having failed to beat the Swiss Home & Away, were dumped into the Europa League last night as their red & blue adversaries marched through as Group C Runners-Up with Benfica. The last time the Red Devils failed to advance through the groups back in 2006, Sir Alex Ferguson, dumbfounded and confused said “We probably lacked that experience and ability and when we needed top players they weren’t there”.

Basel fans in a sea of Red celebrate United's elimination

Since the humbling against their City rivals, United have stuttered and failed to impress in the League and been knocked out of the League Cup by Crystal Palace – the six one defeat has severely knocked United’s’ confidence and they have looked far from convincing in any matches since. Injuries have taken their toll in defence and an unsettled front line has shown as the Red Devil’s have only scored more than once in their last nine league matches. When probed or challenged this season, they have been unable to rely on their experienced players such as Giggs, Rooney or Ferdinand to inspire them to victory and the whole team has looked frail and disjointed. I do foresee a bright future for this squad – a great plethora of the finest young talent has been added – and this learning curve of defeats & eliminations will stand them in good stead for the coming seasons and their hunger for success will grow.

Manchester City also joined them in the Europa League second stage, after an impressive win against a depleted Bayern Munich side which ultimately meant nothing due to Napoli’s win at Villareal which sent Mancini’s men into third position. Ten points have been enough in most seasons to guarantee a passage into the last 32 of Europe’s elite, and this number or lower has also seen CSKA Moscow, Lyon, Bayer Leverkusen, AC Milan, Marseille, and both Apoel and Zenit in Group G progress through safely this time out – Nine was also enough for Celtic in 2007 & 2008 to go through to the knockout stage, but just not enough in Martin O’Neill’s first Champions League adventure in 2002.

City’s group appeared on paper – and on the park – much harder to navigate and it was a valiant attempt by them in their first full Champions League season – United are one of the old guard and to finish above their three opponents should have been easily achievable for a side managed by Ferguson. Manchester City have built on last season’s FA Cup triumph to remain unbeaten and unchallenged at the top of the Premiership with the immense array of talent they have all over the pitch. I feel Mancini now will not just want to concentrate on the League – but also send out a message to Europe in the form of a Europa League final win to showcase their presence on the big stage, much like Mourinho did in Seville before Porto went on the next year and won the big prize.

Celtic travel away to Udine next Wednesday knowing a win in Italy will send them past the group stages at their opponents expense due to their head to head record, and into the draw which will contain both halfs of Manchester & Stoke City and possibly Fulham, Birmingham City & Spurs. Atletico Madrid dispatched the Bhoys at Celtic Park last Thursday and despite a promising start by Lennon’s men, they could not convert their early pressure into a crucial goal. Udinese Calcio sit joint second in Serie A with AC Milan thanks to a dogged, determined and luck ridden performance at the San Siro last weekend to take the spoils against Inter Milan. Celtic will need not only to overcome a top side in Udinese, but also an unbeaten home record in all competitions this season. The Bhoys themselves have gone thirteen games domestically unbeaten, and with Gary Hooper & Anthony Stokes in rich veins of form in front of goal – aswell as competing in a healthy goalscoring dual – both teams go into the tie high on confidence.

The Parkhead sides away form improved markedly in France away to Rennes, combating two previous defeats in Sion and Madrid which proved a cakewalk for the home sides. Hopefully the lure of European football post-Christmas can galvanise the Bhoys to a special win – the confidence which can be generated from a convincing win at home to Hearts on Saturday could also assist with the mindset. Two weeks later a depleted Rangers visit, low on confidence in recent weeks, Celtic’s continual progression in improving points and performance should see them sweep aside their rivals like Hurricane Bawbag did to my neighbour’s garden shed. The Italian Job could therefore propel the Hoops juggernaut to greater things on the domestic scene, and I do predict an inspired side will go into the game with nothing to fear with long-term absentees through injury also rejoining the squad to add more depth, options and dimensions.

It’s me against the bookies….

Posted: November 25, 2011 by thebhoymcclay in Books, Celtic Football Club, Football, Manchester City
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Starting out last Saturday, as usual I opted for a Goals Rush/Galore and a four team accumulator. This is my offline money, so a tenner spent with five deep on each line. Both Sheffield teams are faring well in League One and seemed good value with the Blades at home to Carlisle and Wednesday impressing at 6/5 away to play-off chasers Tranmere. Southend away to relegation threatened Dagenham & Redbridge seemed to be a no-brainer and I was further vindicated in my selection when @tipstermetro took them as his super single – I finished that line off with West Ham continuing their decent  away form to lowly Coventry  - Three aways in the line up, even teams with decent form, can help increase your odds – on a regular weekend I reckon you would only get a confident away double at best. So around £55 was picked up from Ladbrokes on Saturday evening but then deposited into the wifes purse – her argument, she keeps it as I sent her in to collect it.  Scunthorpe scuppered my five-line goals galore with a pitiful defeat against leaky Hartlepool – at least Jeff was happy!

Geez yer money Laddies!!!

I hedged my bets on Saturday evenings X-Factor, staking a few quid on the first three front-runners for the axe. If you have grown tired of the copycat contestants & same old judge catchphrases, then having a flutter on the death of someone’s karaoke career surely can keep you entertained until Rihanna comes on and keeps Ofcom’s workers in a job. Craig at 13/8 refunded all three of my stakes, but it was almost extremely fruitful with twenty to one shot Amelia only just getting through on the public’s votes and Mischa saving herself with an Oscar-winning tearfest on Saturday nights VT. I’ll stick with Amelia and Mischa for this week whilst going ten deep on Little Pick n Mix or whatever their name is this week for outright winners at 15/8.

Strictly Come Dancing is harder to make any gains on, as the favourite, Harry seems a stick on but not worthwhile at 8/13 – therefore Chelsee at threes seemed a decent alternative – she has arguably been the most consistent on the dancefloor. This week I have taken an outside shot on Robbie Savage getting the heave-ho even though it seems the writing is on the wall for Angie.

In Napoli, one name stands out so far in front of the rest, you can recognise it from Genoa in the North – Edson Cavani. Again at anytime to score rather than first as Manchester City are quite unpredictable in their own attacking prowess but still quite light in defence for the Champions League. I doubled up on Cavani with Balotelli also at any time during this rich vein of form – a wager than even @tipstermetro was impressed by!!

Robin van Persie was up next for First goalscorer at the Emirates  as I was supremely confident if Arsenal did get a goal, the lethal Dutchman would be the one celebrating – there was some doubt in my mind which team might have broken the deadlock and I took a small wager but at greater odds for Dortmund’s Mario Gotze. Thankfully though for my £10 stake RVP at (odds) more than made up for the outgoings on the subbed German star.

An enthralling second 45 in the fixture list last night had me one goal – yes just a solitary strike from a £110 on Betfred’s Wednesday Goals Galore coupon. Shaktar Donetsk being the side that let me down, with Porto grabbing two late goals in Russia to deflate their hosts. Dortmund & Leverkusen found their feet in the second half and at the San Siro the ball got rolling in a sensational opening forty-five. Walsall & Exeter were the last of my five picks – it is quite an amazing bet which can have you down collecting your winnings after the opening half or biting your nails into injury time. Some bookies are getting smart to this though, and are either offering odds per game on scoring dependant on the teams or eliminating them from the coupon altogether!!

The NFL betting has captured my imagination since the Metro Tipster highlighted it in his column last week. The handicaps are set online but a few minutes after scrolling through the leagues and winning streaks, you can tell who to go for and avoid. Green Bay Packers are ripping everyone to shreds and they have come up trumps the two times I have backed them this week. Minus 6 last night away to the Detroit Lions & away to Tampa Bay. Houston, Dallas & Denver are also on hot form and I would take the Texans away to the Jacksonville Jaguars as my big tip to win on Sunday night.

So all in all I am in the black off-line by £55 and just keeping my head above water online at £22.50.

Bets for the Weekend start tonight with FC Koln to win at home to Borussia Monchengladbach at 21/10 and Lukas Podolski to score any time at 7/4.

 

Alan Pardew’s High Flying Birds

Posted: November 11, 2011 by thebhoymcclay in Football, Manchester City, Newcastle United
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Everyone with a keen eye on the Premiership will have been astounded by Newcastle United’s unbeaten start to the league campaign.  Of all the teams they took points from, you could argue that their opponent’s position in the table and form was also poor – only their home draw at Spurs was against a side in the upper echelons of the league. Even though these games have primarily been against teams in the lower half of the league, the performance level and set up of the side have been very impressive. You would never normally class them as being previously good on the road, but they have excelled with wins at difficult and imposing stadiums such as the Britannia and Stadium of Light, whilst also securing valuable points away to Villa, QPR & Wolves – the latter two teams will rely on home victories to secure their top flight status.

Alan Pardew has turned Newcastle's fortunes around

What has been as equally as impressive as the togetherness and spirit of the Newcastle United side, is the way they have coped with the loss of some seemingly invaluable players to their team. Joey Barton played two league games before moving to Loftus Road at the end of August, following former club captain Kevin Nolan, defender Jose Enrique & striker Andy Carroll who left in the summer and January transfer windows respectively. Barton, who even caused controversy in his two appearances before leaving this season, was a player that other teams loved to hate and the Toon Army adored – a combative, marauding midfielder who gave everything when he pulled on the Black & White jersey. The fans must have feared a gaping hole would be left in their battling midfield but with Yohan Cabaye & Danny Guthrie filling the central voids and the ever willing running of Jonas Gutierrez down the left flank, the energy and passion shown has been inspirational and provided the platform for the team to build on their amazing run. You can only beat what is put in front of you and Newcastle have professionally and effectively dispatched their opponents so far – coming up in November & early December though, they will have to dig even deeper.

In their next two games they are taking on Manchester & England’s top two at the Etihad and Theatre of Dreams – high-flying City are in no mood to give out favours and have fired in twenty goals in their last five in all competitions, whilst United – being on the end of six of those strikes – will be eager to find their feet in the title challenge again. Following some cagey performances in United’s last few outings, there is going to be a side on the wrong end of a Red Devils’ thrashing – but Newcastle’s water tight & ever-present back line have only conceded three in five away fixtures and they could prove an extremely hard defence to breach. Another positive for the Toon army in these upcoming fixtures is the space which can be created and will be available when on the counter attack – Manchester United capitulated spectacularly when chasing a goal against their rivals last month and whilst City have improved their against column figures, they will still be susceptible to a slip up.  Alan Pardew’s side have added some different dimensions to their attacking prowess this year and even without Andy Carrolls’ height and presence, Demba Ba, Leon Best and Shola Ameobi have all proved they can be a danger at this level. Of Ba’s eight league goals so far this season, four have been headed conversions and the Frenchman is oozing confidence given this purple patch of form. The versatility offered from direct route one football has seldom been used, but given the targets available to aim at in the offensive third, this could be an invaluable plan B in the forthcoming fixtures – John Terry and David Luiz have looked anything but imposing at the heart of the Chelsea rearguard so far and I predict an equally tough afternoon when they visit St J…I mean the Sports Direct arena(it’s not going to stick!) in early December.

Discipline & confidence have been qualities instilled into seemingly ordinary players by Pardew and his ability to let the team express their footballing talents has proved rewarding. Prior to the season kick off, you wouldn’t have been alone if you predicted the Magpies would be languishing in the bottom half of the table, flirting with another possible year in the Championship – you would be mad to think they could soar any higher in the table, but the groundwork is there for an impressive standing come May. Pardew’s predecessor Chris Hughton, was lauded for the job he did in the North-East, at this rate the former West Ham boss will get the freedom of the Metro Centre. Geordies and football fans alike rightly lambasted owner Mike Ashley for his treatment of Hughton & his general day to day running of the football club, but the appointment of Pardew will have clouded over his colourful past – well perhaps today’s announcement will have reminded them!

One of my first live matches was at St James’, pre fancy all-seater stadia days, standing with a few thousand die-hard Geordies watching Killer Kilcline rampaging through a 2nd division match against Barnsley on what can only be described as a mud bath with my uncle and father. I was astounded at the transformation just a few years later come the mid 90′s, names such as Cole, Shearer, Asprilla, Ginola, Clark & Lee were all household and Newcastle United were challenging for honours – this time around the big players have been swapped for a team with a great work ethic built on hard work, diligence and pride for the club they are representing.

Home where Hart is – City to put down marker

Posted: August 15, 2011 by thebhoymcclay in Manchester City
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This opening EPL weekend no team has yet triumphed on their home turf, leaving only Manchester City tonight at Eastlands with the task of breaking the sequence hosting newly promoted Swansea.

On paper, this is a no brainer and given Roberto Mancini’s plethora of attacking delights – City should comfortably get their campaign off the mark. Up until late on at The Hawthorns yesterday, it seemed like the old guard top four were also going to be held up in their quest for an opening day win. With a bit of luck the ball found its way into the net from Ashley Young’s low cross to give United the spoils in a nervy victory which also included a possible defensive headache for Sir Alex with Vidic & Ferdinand limping off. So with Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal held to surprising stalemates, is it time for City to shake off the shackles of  disappointment from last weeks showpiece Wembley defeat and show watching journo’s – this season city mean business.

A lack of complacency and the assembling of new players last year told its own story, with City at times looking disjointed and bereft of ideas when more experienced sides came calling. This year the spine of the team is solid, Joe Hart in sticks, Kompany and Lescott in front of him and De Jong and Toure bossing the middle of the park – Dzeko, bad boy Ballotelli and Aguero should have no problem doing the business in the oppositions final third.

Mancini is hoping to add to last years FA Cup success but admits himself the league might be out of his grasp, I think deep down he believes his side should have a say when the main prize is handed out in May. Tonight a comfortable and confidence boosting win should put them on the right track.

Joe spots Mario Ballotelli's gold encrusted suitcase