Blue glasses off - are we better than the rags?

[patrickblue]

I've said it all season, playing for a draw in any game given our players is ridiculous. We went to Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool and played for draws. We need to be going there and taking the game to them.

We came away from Arsenal and Spurs with a point in each game. If we'd gone for both games and lost, there would have been two three-point swings towards our closest rivals at important points in the season.

I suggest you go and have a look at the final table and re-assess just how 'ridiculous' this was (especially at Spurs on the first day with a few new players in the side).

Because playing for a drasw is never acceptable. It's anti football, we all criticized Rangers for it in the Uefa cup and I guarantee the next time a team comes to Eastlands, sits back all game and gets a draw that we'll criticze them for it. I wasn't iupset that we drew and they turned out to be decent results but the manner we approached those games was cowardly, absolutely pathetic to stick ten men behind the ball against anyone.

What about United at home when we barely had an attack? Are you gonna defend that?

I don't think we have been playing for a draw at all recently. Totally agree with you about the home game with scum, that was set up for a point (both sides TBF) and was unacceptable. Certainly don't think we went to Arse for the draw, it was just the fact that they were on fire that forced the situation (if you remember Mancini changed the setup after about 5 minutes as they were constantly getting behind us), Bobby just totally underated Liverpool and paid the price, and Chesea were just better on the day. That's the difference between the start and end of the season IMHO, we've stopped doing what we did at home to scum.

[Bridge'srightfoot]

I've said it all season, playing for a draw in any game given our players is ridiculous. We went to Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool and played for draws. We need to be going there and taking the game to them.

We came away from Arsenal and Spurs with a point in each game. If we'd gone for both games and lost, there would have been two three-point swings towards our closest rivals at important points in the season.

I suggest you go and have a look at the final table and re-assess just how 'ridiculous' this was (especially at Spurs on the first day with a few new players in the side).

Because playing for a drasw is never acceptable. It's anti football, we all criticized Rangers for it in the Uefa cup and I guarantee the next time a team comes to Eastlands, sits back all game and gets a draw that we'll criticze them for it. I wasn't iupset that we drew and they turned out to be decent results but the manner we approached those games was cowardly, absolutely pathetic to stick ten men behind the ball against anyone.

What about United at home when we barely had an attack? [highlight]Are you gonna defend that[/highlight]?

No I'm not, but that was (a) a home game and, (b) a very winnable game.

I don't give a fuck about the most ethical and unethical forms of football so you can speak for yourself there. The fact remains that if we'd gone gung-ho at Arsenal and, even more so, at Spurs, we'd have more than likely lost games that we couldn't afford to lose. We came out of both games with points that were more beneficial to us than our opponents and we're reaping the rewards now.

I wasn't saying go gung ho. I just wanted to see us attempt to win the game which we didn't do. Did we even have a meaningful shot against Arsenal?

On the other hand had we beat Arsenal and Spurs we would have been challenging for the title.

[Bridge'srightfoot]

Earlier in the season West Brom really took the game to Arsenal at the Emirates, had a right go and won. Considering the difference in quality it would have been easier for West Brom to sit back all game but they took a chance and won. The best way to play top teams is always to attack and give them somethign to worry about.

[bigblue]

I've said it all season, playing for a draw in any game given our players is ridiculous. We went to Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool and played for draws. We need to be going there and taking the game to them.

We came away from Arsenal and Spurs with a point in each game. If we'd gone for both games and lost, there would have been two three-point swings towards our closest rivals at important points in the season.

I suggest you go and have a look at the final table and re-assess just how 'ridiculous' this was (especially at Spurs on the first day with a few new players in the side).

Because playing for a drasw is never acceptable. It's anti football, we all criticized Rangers for it in the Uefa cup and I guarantee the next time a team comes to Eastlands, sits back all game and gets a draw that we'll criticze them for it. I wasn't iupset that we drew and they turned out to be decent results but the manner we approached those games was cowardly, absolutely pathetic to stick ten men behind the ball against anyone.

What about United at home when we barely had an attack? [highlight]Are you gonna defend that[/highlight]?

No I'm not, but that was (a) a home game and, (b) a very winnable game.

I don't give a fuck about the most ethical and unethical forms of football so you can speak for yourself there. The fact remains that if we'd gone gung-ho at Arsenal and, even more so, at Spurs, we'd have more than likely lost games that we couldn't afford to lose. We came out of both games with points that were more beneficial to us than our opponents and we're reaping the rewards now.

And by drawing you take 2 points off the other team. In a league competition, it's not just how many points can you get, but can you get more points than the other teams. And in some games last season a draw was a perfectly good result for us. Next season I don't see this trend continuing, but it's a strategy that works.

One thing I love about football is how there is no right or wrong way to play. The rules are simple and anyway that obeys the rules is an ok way to play.

[Bridge'srightfoot]

I've said it all season, playing for a draw in any game given our players is ridiculous. We went to Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool and played for draws. We need to be going there and taking the game to them.

We came away from Arsenal and Spurs with a point in each game. If we'd gone for both games and lost, there would have been two three-point swings towards our closest rivals at important points in the season.

I suggest you go and have a look at the final table and re-assess just how 'ridiculous' this was (especially at Spurs on the first day with a few new players in the side).

Because playing for a drasw is never acceptable. It's anti football, we all criticized Rangers for it in the Uefa cup and I guarantee the next time a team comes to Eastlands, sits back all game and gets a draw that we'll criticze them for it. I wasn't iupset that we drew and they turned out to be decent results but the manner we approached those games was cowardly, absolutely pathetic to stick ten men behind the ball against anyone.

What about United at home when we barely had an attack? [highlight]Are you gonna defend that[/highlight]?

No I'm not, but that was (a) a home game and, (b) a very winnable game.

I don't give a fuck about the most ethical and unethical forms of football so you can speak for yourself there. The fact remains that if we'd gone gung-ho at Arsenal and, even more so, at Spurs, we'd have more than likely lost games that we couldn't afford to lose. We came out of both games with points that were more beneficial to us than our opponents and we're reaping the rewards now.

And by drawing you take 2 points off the other team. In a league competition, it's not just how many points can you get, but can you get more points than the other teams. And in some games last season a draw was a perfectly good result for us. Next season I don't see this trend continuing, but it's a strategy that works.

One thing I love about football is how there is no right or wrong way to play. The rules are simple and anyway that obeys the rules is an ok way to play.

And if you win you take 6 points off them effectively

[Alioune DVToure]

And if you win you take 6 points off them effectively

Yes but you run the risk of losing and seriously damaging your season. It's not rocket science. A point at Arsenal or Spurs is a good result for any team other than Arsenal or Spurs.

[Bridge'srightfoot]

And if you win you take 6 points off them effectively

Yes but you run the risk of losing and seriously damaging your season. It's not rocket science. A point at Arsenal or Spurs is a good result for any team other than Arsenal or Spurs.

And that my friend highlights the difference between us and United. It's their mentality. You worry about what will happen if we lose, rather than think of how good it would be if we win. If you win you can challenge for the title.


There is never an excuse to play for a draw. Look at the teams who've beaten United and Arsenal this season. They all come from teams who attacked them. Not teams who play for a draw. It shows weakness and shows those teams we are scared to take them on.

[Alioune DVToure]

And if you win you take 6 points off them effectively

Yes but you run the risk of losing and seriously damaging your season. It's not rocket science. A point at Arsenal or Spurs is a good result for any team other than Arsenal or Spurs.

And that my friend highlights the difference between us and United. It's their mentality. You worry about what will happen if we lose, rather than think of how good it would be if we win. If you win you can challenge for the title.


There is never an excuse to play for a draw. [highlight]Look at the teams who've beaten United and Arsenal this season.[/highlight] They all come from teams who attacked them. Not teams who play for a draw. It shows weakness and shows those teams we are scared to take them on.

And where the fuck did they finish in the league?!

I suspect you're quite a young lad - if you've grown up watching some of the shite City sides that I have, you don't turn your nose up at a point away at Arsenal. There's not a team in world football who would see that as a bad result. And that's what football is all about - RESULTS.

You can't win every week - play to your strengths and be aware of your weaknesses.

And fuck United, we're developing rapidly as a team and in our own way. Don't give a flying cunt about their 'winning mentality' or how often they beat teams like Blackpool in the 87th minute.

That's the last thing I have to say on this coz it's getting cyclical now.

[Bridge'srightfoot]

And if you win you take 6 points off them effectively

Yes but you run the risk of losing and seriously damaging your season. It's not rocket science. A point at Arsenal or Spurs is a good result for any team other than Arsenal or Spurs.

And that my friend highlights the difference between us and United. It's their mentality. You worry about what will happen if we lose, rather than think of how good it would be if we win. If you win you can challenge for the title.


There is never an excuse to play for a draw. [highlight]Look at the teams who've beaten United and Arsenal this season.[/highlight] They all come from teams who attacked them. Not teams who play for a draw. It shows weakness and shows those teams we are scared to take them on.

And where the fuck did they finish in the league?!

I suspect you're quite a young lad - if you've grown up watching some of the shite City sides that I have, you don't turn your nose up at a point away at Arsenal. There's not a team in world football who would see that as a bad result. And that's what football is all about - RESULTS.

You can't win every week - play to your strengths and be aware of your weaknesses.

And fuck United, we're developing rapidly as a team and in our own way. Don't give a flying cunt about their 'winning mentality' or how often they beat teams like Blackpool in the 87th minute.

That's the last thing I have to say on this coz it's getting cyclical now.

What does that have to do with it.

A DRAW AGINST ARSENAL IS FINE. WHAT ISN'T FINE IS NOT EVEN HAVING A SINGLE ATTACK AND PLAYING LIKE A BUNCH OF NEGATIVE TWATS


Its because of a losing mentality that we're not at their level yet. You still think of the consequences of losing rather than the rewards of winning and until there is a complete overhaul of that attitude we aint overtaking them.

[BobKowalski]

And if you win you take 6 points off them effectively

Yes but you run the risk of losing and seriously damaging your season. It's not rocket science. A point at Arsenal or Spurs is a good result for any team other than Arsenal or Spurs.

And that my friend highlights the difference between us and United. It's their mentality. You worry about what will happen if we lose, rather than think of how good it would be if we win. If you win you can challenge for the title.


There is never an excuse to play for a draw. [highlight]Look at the teams who've beaten United and Arsenal this season.[/highlight] They all come from teams who attacked them. Not teams who play for a draw. It shows weakness and shows those teams we are scared to take them on.

And where the fuck did they finish in the league?!

I suspect you're quite a young lad - if you've grown up watching some of the shite City sides that I have, you don't turn your nose up at a point away at Arsenal. There's not a team in world football who would see that as a bad result. And that's what football is all about - RESULTS.

You can't win every week - play to your strengths and be aware of your weaknesses.

And fuck United, we're developing rapidly as a team and in our own way. Don't give a flying cunt about their 'winning mentality' or how often they beat teams like Blackpool in the 87th minute.

That's the last thing I have to say on this coz it's getting cyclical now.

What does that have to do with it.

A DRAW AGINST ARSENAL IS FINE. WHAT ISN'T FINE IS NOT EVEN HAVING A SINGLE ATTACK AND PLAYING LIKE A BUNCH OF NEGATIVE TWATS


Its because of a losing mentality that we're not at their level yet. You still think of the consequences of losing rather than the rewards of winning and until there is a complete overhaul of that attitude we aint overtaking them.

Where a team finishes in the league has everything to do with it. Mancini had to qualify for the CL whilst getting the team to gel and the new boys up to speed on the Premier League. Which he did. Wolves beat Manu and their reward was joint top billing on 'Survival Sunday'

The Manu game at home was simple. We had been dicked by three late goals in three separate games. Mancini was determined it wasn't going to happen again and proceeded to stink the place out by ensuring we didn't lose. Fans and neutrals may not have liked it but as far Mancini was concerned it was means to an end. The 'End' in case you were wondering was getting a top 4 finish and winning a trophy. And a top 4 finish and (more importantly) winning a trophy in turn breeds the winning attitude we need and starts to eradicate the 30 year old stench of failure. Getting dicked (again) in an entertaining game by a late goal (again) just gets us dicked and still stinking of failure

Someone had to come in and start building proper foundations and shovel a lot of shit. Hughes knew what had to be done, tried and got the boot. Mancini knows what has to be done and, so far, has succeeded. That Mancini's way of approaching this campaign with respect to certain matches has offended some people's code of what constitutes 'proper football' is unfortunate but I doubt if Mancini actually gives a fuck.

Come to think of it neither do I.

[Bridge'srightfoot]

Absolute horseshit. We played for a draw at home to United- fuking unacceptable.

[Alioune DVToure]

Mancini knows what has to be done and, so far, has succeeded. That Mancini's way of approaching this campaign with respect to certain matches has offended some people's code of what constitutes 'proper football' is unfortunate but I doubt if Mancini actually gives a fuck.

Come to think of it neither do I.

Amen.

[Beefymcfc]

Absolute horseshit. We played for a draw at home to United- fuking unacceptable.

What was worse was us playing for a draw against Birmingham the week after!

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Reading some of the crap in this topic, it almost makes me think that we aren't talking about man who delivered us 3rd spot in the league and first trophy in my lifetime. But yeah, fuck that all. Let's all just moan and fucking whinge.

Whatever, if you can't be happy with that, you'll never be.

[walmai]

Anyways, what do City, Barca and West Ham all have in common (proper fans apart)?

Yes, we've all knocked Taggart and his team out of a cup competition this season. And that may in fact be more of a clue to an answer to the OP than first thought.

When we destroyed (and we genuinely did) Man United last November, I have to accept straight away that Van Der Sar, Rio, Rooney and Berbatov didn't even travel. They had Evans and Smalling as CBs, but Hernandez played, as did Anderson, the twins etc (people at least on the bench on Saturday) - and they were well and truly beaten.

The reality is that your squad is very much deeper than theirs. I could name 6 or 7 of your midfield options that could be played in several competetive formations. Man United are presently stretched to name one.

Giggs and Scholes are finished and Carrick, Anderson, Fletcher, Obertan and Valencia are not the answer.

[Bridge'srightfoot]

I wish people would stop sucking Mancini off. Yes we've done fantastic but is that it now? SO we've won an FA CUP so therefore we can't look at ways in which we can improve ourselves?

Playing for a draw in any given game is pathetic, there's a difference between playing cautiously and playing for a draw and to answer the original question that is why we're nowhere near United's level. They have a winning mentality. We don't, yet.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

I wish people would stop sucking Mancini off. Yes we've done fantastic but is that it now? SO we've won an FA CUP so therefore we can't look at ways in which we can improve ourselves?

Playing for a draw in any given game is pathetic, there's a difference between playing cautiously and playing for a draw and to answer the original question that is why we're nowhere near United's level. They have a winning mentality. We don't, yet.

I would've sucked any manager off who brought us a title of some sort.

And is what what now? Basically a lifetime of dreaming of something like this and after two weeks it's "SO?". It's a big fucking deal. In fact fucking huge. I'll remember it for the rest of my life. I'm not going to start bash anyone off after triumph like that.

Personally I don't understand where some people are even heading. All of the sudden people have become so obsessed with "global domination" and winning the league by winning every single game by at very least seven goal margin and winning Champion's League in similar fashion and probably some Mickey Mouse World Club cup and what not.

I'm not CALLING anyone rag but honestly some people SOUND like fucking rags these days. I mean, how long have laughed at them the way they just shrug shoulders for winning the league or FA Cup or whatever? And after 35 years, we are all of the sudden so MASSIVE that FA Cup is big fat "SO".

[Blue Toy]

It's a big fucking deal. In fact fucking huge. I'll remember it for the rest of my life. I'm not going to start bash anyone off after triumph like that.

Absolutely nailed on there NQDP, well fucking said.

[Alioune DVToure]

I wish people would stop sucking Mancini off. Yes we've done fantastic but is that it now? SO we've won an FA CUP so therefore we can't look at ways in which we can improve ourselves?

Playing for a draw in any given game is pathetic, there's a difference between playing cautiously and playing for a draw and to answer the original question that is why we're nowhere near United's level. They have a winning mentality. We don't, yet.

[highlight]I would've sucked any manager off who brought us a title of some sort.[/highlight]

And is what what now? Basically a lifetime of dreaming of something like this and after two weeks it's "SO?". It's a big fucking deal. In fact fucking huge. I'll remember it for the rest of my life. [highlight]I'm not going to start bash anyone off after triumph like that.[/highlight]

Personally I don't understand where some people are even heading. All of the sudden people have become so obsessed with "global domination" and winning the league by winning every single game by at very least seven goal margin and winning Champion's League in similar fashion and probably some Mickey Mouse World Club cup and what not.

I'm not CALLING anyone rag but honestly some people SOUND like fucking rags these days. I mean, how long have laughed at them the way they just shrug shoulders for winning the league or FA Cup or whatever? And after 35 years, we are all of the sudden so MASSIVE that FA Cup is big fat "SO".

So you'd suck Mancini off but wouldn't bash him off?

With a gun to my head, being forced to choose between the two, I'd go for the latter 10 times out of 10.

As it happens I agree with what you're saying, but you probably already know that having read the thread. I'm enjoying the journey we're on - I would've been happy with 4th and a final but we got 3rd and an FA Cup. Dreamland.

[Murph]

I wish people would stop sucking Mancini off. Yes we've done fantastic but is that it now? SO we've won an FA CUP so therefore we can't look at ways in which we can improve ourselves?

Playing for a draw in any given game is pathetic, there's a difference between playing cautiously and playing for a draw and to answer the original question that is why we're nowhere near United's level. They have a winning mentality. We don't, yet.

Your talking utter shite! The team has evolved, grown in confidence and got better during the season, it's what happens when you have to integrate a lot of new players into a team! The games your moaning about were mainly few and far between and in the first half of the season, btwI didn't see us play for a draw at Wembley against the rags did you? As for a winning mentality that can only come by winning huge games, did you not see a difference in City after the semi-final?