: Mon Dec 07, 2009 2:56 pm  

carl_spackler wrote:

Exactly. Some people and pundits are tipping Ivory Coast on the basis of the likes of Drogba, both Toure's, and Keita. But then when you look and see that the likes of Eboue, Meite, Zokora, Dindane, and Kalou are regulars, it's clear they are just as plain as us if not weaker throughout the rest of the side/squad. Not every position needs to have a world class player in it in order to do well.

Even the Brazil squad has players like Elano, Lucas, and Baptista floating around the first team, and they're most people's 2nd favourites. On paper, there's only Spain that look massively strong IMO.

I think you gave an excellent response to MEs post. However, I have to pick up on the reference to Elano. The lad is a talent. A big talent. He just needs the right role in the right team. Look at his assist in the goal against Enland. That pass was sublime, and I would go as far to say that no player in the England squad could produce such a pass.

As for Spain, they do have some weak points. I am not overly impressed with the full-backs. Please don't respond with 'Ramos is a quality full-back'. He's a show pony.

: Mon Dec 07, 2009 2:58 pm  

A couple of weeks ago I posted about the bravery and toughness of De Jong. Some said Essien was tougher and braver.

Anyone see Essien skip like a girl on two occasions to avoid a 50:50 with De Jong? I'd be embarrassed if I was Essien. He looked like a right tart.

: Mon Dec 07, 2009 3:00 pm  

A win against Arsenal and a win against Chelsea then the city fans return...how odd.

: Mon Dec 07, 2009 3:21 pm  

Enfield Exile wrote:

A couple of weeks ago I posted about the bravery and toughness of De Jong. Some said Essien was tougher and braver.

Anyone see Essien skip like a girl on two occasions to avoid a 50:50 with De Jong? I'd be embarrassed if I was Essien. He looked like a right tart.

I can't say I did see Essien skipping out of 50/50 balls, but with the way Howard Webb was refereeing the game I'm not surprised Essien pulled out of them because he was itching to give us yellows.

As an example, how the hell did Onuoha not pick up a yellow with the lunge that resulted in the penalty?

: Mon Dec 07, 2009 3:33 pm  

Enfield Exile wrote:

snip

What do you think of city's new ice hockey themed player entrance thing?

Lord God Jose Mourinho wrote:

I'm not surprised Essien pulled out of them because he was itching to give us yellows.

As an example, how the hell did Onuoha not pick up a yellow with the lunge that resulted in the penalty?

So because Webb didn't book the city player it showed he was itching to book Chelsea players?

: Mon Dec 07, 2009 3:42 pm  

Karlos13 wrote:

So because Webb didn't book the city player it showed he was itching to book Chelsea players?

We had six bookings. Citeh had one.

The penalty decision was a blatant yellow card offence, yet he didn't give him one.

: Mon Dec 07, 2009 3:57 pm  

Lord God Jose Mourinho wrote:

We had six bookings. Citeh had one.

The penalty decision was a blatant yellow card offence, yet he didn't give him one.

Welcome to our world, always happens with United at Stamford Bridge.

: Mon Dec 07, 2009 3:58 pm  

Karlos13 wrote:

What do you think of city's new ice hockey themed player entrance thing?

Which one, mate? On Wednesday the Blue Moon was projected on to the East Stand (opposite from where I was sitting - 3rd tier, Colin Bell Stand) and it was shown on the TV screens. On Saturday, the Blue Moon wasn't projected on to any stand. They simply projected it on to the TV screens. They also played the Blue Moon song on Wednesday, but didn't on Saturday.

TBH I thought it was great. Last Wednesday, about 5 mins before KO, the lights went out and I think a lot of people thought that there was a power- cut. Then the advertising hoardings lit-up and a Blue Moon was projected on to the East Stand. The music kicked in shortly after. I thought it was awesome. Highlight of the night for me. I thought it was atmopsheric. Eery at first but then with the music and the Blue Moon image, with the crowd reraction, it all became rather dramatic. I hope they do it at all night matches. It certainly meets my approval. I think the Blue Moon chant fits it perfectly. I just hope they drop the Blue Moon soundtrack that they used on Wednesday.

The atmosphere in the stadium needs to improve (I understand you have the same problems at Old Trafford ) and I believe that what happened on Wednesday did help to lift the crowd.


The City fans on the forums seem to like it. It appears that senior management (Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Garry Cook, Vicky Whatshername and others) are determined to improve the matchday expereince, as well as listening to what fans want. I bet you wish you supported a club that treats its fans so well. I doubt I would be happier supporting any other club.

Feedback from fans recently led to sultanas being removed fromn the Balti pies. That's fan power


I can imagine you appreciate it as you used to go and watch Manchester Storm at the MEN on a regular basis, mate.

So because Webb didn't book the city player it showed he was itching to book Chelsea players?

TBH I thought Onouha should have been booked. However, I also thought Beletti should have been sent-off for the challenge that ended Wayne Bridge's contribution. Beletti could also have been booked for a foul shortly after he received his first yellow, and he could have been given a yellow card for the way he kicked away the ball when we were awarded a free-kick.

: Mon Dec 07, 2009 4:01 pm  

Myler 7 wrote:

A win against Arsenal and a win against Chelsea then the city fans return...how odd.

I know, we are so fickle.

There are so many things I wanted to post in the last couple of weeks but my 8-month old daughter has been poorly. I hope that's acceptable to you.

: Mon Dec 07, 2009 4:06 pm  

Enfield Exile wrote:

I can imagine you appreciate it as you used to go and watch Manchester Storm at the MEN on a regular basis, mate.

They still do it at the ice hockey mate. Altrincham Ice Dome these days though. Good to see you are admitting to the poor atmosphere at city games. Seems a strange way to improve it though. Will be interesting to see if it has the same effect against when you play some of the lesser sides.

FC do a good job at listening to the fans.