***Official Wigan v City Thread***

[mr_nool]

What I can't get my head around is that we have both Jo and RSC on the bench. With this line up, we are more or less forced to pass our way over the goal line. There is no presence in the 16 yard area for the Wigan defence to worry about at all, making our game very static (let's face it, what need is there to swing crosses in, when we don't have anyone on the other end of it (over 5'2)).

So, are you saying the tactics are wrong Nooly?

For this game, yes. Cutting through a defensive Wigan with brilliant passing isn't that easy when it's pissing down. With the option of more (and earlier) crosses into the box, the Wigan defence would have to set up differently, leaving more space in the middle for our little midgets to run in to.

[CITYSTEVEDON]

we really need to get at them this 2nd half, we need to score atleast another goal

[pepsi_dave]

Hardly a Thriller but at least we have the lead. We could do with another couple though just to make it certain.

Great Finish by Tev :-D

[dikdik]

Practically speaking the middle of the pitch must be cutting up. Moving the play more to the wings with AJ and Milner should surely pay dividends.

[TomS]

I´ve only seen the last 8-10 Min.

To sum the first half up, we played slow, without strikers in the box and had no surprises/ideas for Wigan? Right?

[mr_nool]

I´ve only seen the last 8-10 Min.

To sum the first half up, we played slow, without strikers in the box and had no surprises/ideas for Wigan? Right?

Right.

[kinkylola]

I feel the opposite actually ... firstly wigan have big tall defenders ... Jo isn't an aerial beast and RSC hasn't played a game in how long? It's not like those are proven go to's. On the other hand, we are playing a team of cloggers who set up to defend at home, on a pitch that looks like a giant slip n' slide. We are drawing them into us so that we can create some space between their mid and D and we are looking to play in that area.

With this lineup ... I actually do not think we have a team suited to all out attack and I think that especially in this weather it is right to play a slow tempo with bursts of speed. Sometimes I wish we played at a steadier pace, but I think that this benefits the D more. Mourinho would be applauding this setup ... this is just the kind of result his teams would grind out.

[bluej]

goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool de manchesder cideh!

Haha.

Great finish from Tevez.

[Ted Hughes]

There's really no excuse for our lack of attacking verve. We already had a great attacking side without the new signings. We've had a bit of luck there but we really can't go into these games with such a half hearted attempt to attack if we want to get top 4 this season. You can see Tevez shouting at the team behind him to push forward.

So far, in all of these early games, we are desperately missing the attacking pace we used to have. I'd be confident of several goals on the break 2nd half if we still had it. Hopefully we'll get the goals anyway as Wigan come out.

[Crossie]

I dont care how we beat Wigan away, given our record in the last 8 years I'll take this score right now until full time.

[Beefymcfc]

If we go on to win it, I suppose we can class it as a 'Professional Performance' again, but just not very entertaining.

COME ON CITY - CARLOS FOR A HAT-TRICK!!!

[DoomMerchant]

All that money and talent, and we've turned into a hit and rush Blackburn-esque type team. Ah well, needs must I suppose.

i've said it for ages, and i'll say it again...Mancini's tactics ALWAYS seem to dictate that he needs really fucking talented players to take their chances, because they are only going to get a handful every match. that maybe stating the obvious, but it doesn't HAVE to be the case imho.

Relying on a finish like that for 3 pts every week is a bit iffy, but who would complain if we hold on for the win.

we just desperately need these fullbacks into the lineup and Balotelli to see what we really are capable of...we have the lurch of a wounded $500M animal at the moment, and it's awkwardly embarrassing in terms of the actual display on the pitch. We should be so much better than what's on display. Maybe that sounds arrogant, but i dunno how else to describe how i feel.

cheers

[Colin the King]

If we go on to win it, I suppose we can class it as a 'Professional Performance' again, but just not very entertaining.

That's exactly what it will be, and I'll take it. So many teams (including us in the past) struggle after a Thursday night game so as long as we win this one I don't care how it's done. Flair can come some other time.

[paddyblue]

kalou for chelsea 1 minute

[Ted Hughes]

All that money and talent, and we've turned into a hit and rush Blackburn-esque type team. Ah well, needs must I suppose.

i've said it for ages, and i'll say it again...Mancini's tactics ALWAYS seem to dictate that he needs really fucking talented players to take their chances, because they are only going to get a handful every match. that maybe stating the obvious, but it doesn't HAVE to be the case imho.

Relying on a finish like that for 3 pts every week is a bit iffy, but who would complain if we hold on for the win.

we just desperately need these fullbacks into the lineup and Balotelli to see what we really are capable of...we have the lurch of a wounded $500M animal at the moment, and it's awkwardly embarrassing in terms of the actual display on the pitch. We should be so much better than what's on display. Maybe that sounds arrogant, but i dunno how else to describe how i feel.

cheers

Balotelli is key but we shouldn't have left ourselves depending on him, he's just a kid & a nutcase.

[shawzy]

Game on...Come on lads.Give us a good 2nd half plz.

[Blue2]

Will Milner ever find a City player with a pass again?

[Sister of fu]

What do people really really want?? A team that wins trophys but with very little flair, a team that grinds our results and does what is required. Or a top notch entertainment unit that scores loads of goals, consides loads and doesn't win a bean. I know which one I would prefer.

Jose won the league for Chelsea on two occasions with a team that grafted and worked for one another, they were not flash but got the job done. Do you think the Chelsea fans moaned when they won league twice on the bounce??

[Slim]

Will Milner ever find a City player with a pass again?

I logged in to post that exact fucking thing.

If our gameplan is to have every move breakdown, just get Milner involved in the build up.

[CITYSTEVEDON]

good run by tevez, but once more nobody up and he had to go it alone