"it was only the Carling Cup"

[Moonchesteri]

I fucking HATE those comments. I absolutely hate it when a fellow blue says that
we just missed out on a great chance to get the 2nd major trophy in my lifetime ffs

......sorry i just had to get that out of my chest

[1950]

Spot on.

My biggest gripe is handing them the home tie. Inexcusable.

It also means these cunts are going to Wembley & have a good shot at a trophy. Hate them.

[guv111]

It's "just another" cup we aren't going to win this season. There are now three we've pissed away.

[Ted Hughes]

Tbh, I don't give a fuck about the competition, because City don't give a fuck about it. I give a huge fuck about losing to an average Liverpool side, as I hate those cheating twats as much as I hate the rags.

I won't be going to any more League Cup games unless we use the competition to blood young players like Arse do. Putting out two experimental, shite sides in Semi finals v Liverpool makes me sick. I'm not wasting any more money so we can get to a semi against one of our most hated rivals & do that.

[Hazy2]

Tbh, I don't give a fuck about the competition, because City don't give a fuck about it. I give a huge fuck about losing to an average Liverpool side, as I hate those cheating twats as much as I hate the rags.

I won't be going to any more League Cup games unless we use the competition to blood young players like Arse do. Putting out two experimental, shite sides in Semi finals v Liverpool makes me sick. I'm not wasting any more money so we can get to a semi against one of our most hated rivals & do that.

The manager should read this, Spot the fuck ON.

[Dubciteh]

I hate losing to anyone.

But i agree with OP the whole "its only the carling cup" attitude wrecks my head, would love another trophy, if that's the case just play kids if we truly don't care about it. Last night was essentially a final as we would of walked the final either way.

[david yearsley]

Tbh, I don't give a fuck about the competition, because City don't give a fuck about it. I give a huge fuck about losing to an average Liverpool side, as I hate those cheating twats as much as I hate the rags.

I won't be going to any more League Cup games unless we use the competition to blood young players like Arse do. Putting out two experimental, shite sides in Semi finals v Liverpool makes me sick. I'm not wasting any more money so we can get to a semi against one of our most hated rivals & do that.

Hard to disagree with any of that. Our ambivilence over the SF was just what the dippers needed to gee them up

[Mingchester Mingy]

It's "just another" cup we aren't going to win this season. There are now three we've pissed away.

Its the reason why you play, to add trophies to your collection. With our performance in Champions League play , winning the Carling Cup would have been great.

[Ted Hughes]

Tbh, I don't give a fuck about the competition, because City don't give a fuck about it. I give a huge fuck about losing to an average Liverpool side, as I hate those cheating twats as much as I hate the rags.

I won't be going to any more League Cup games unless we use the competition to blood young players like Arse do. Putting out two experimental, shite sides in Semi finals v Liverpool makes me sick. I'm not wasting any more money so we can get to a semi against one of our most hated rivals & do that.

Hard to disagree with any of that. Our ambivilence over the SF was just what the dippers needed to gee them up

See,I don't mind us resting players, not at all, in fact I'm all for it; If we just put out a 2nd string version of our normal team & it gets beat, I can live with that. To put out a team with no creative midfield in the home leg, then that nonsense last night; Bob is too good a manager to believe either was the best option for those games. He's just testing players & systems out.

I'd rather see a team full of kids gain experience than a half baked system masquerading as the 1st team.

[guv111]

It's "just another" cup we aren't going to win this season. There are now three we've pissed away.

Its the reason why you play, to add trophies to your collection. With our performance in Champions League play , winning the Carling Cup would have been great.

I'd have loved City to have won it, or to have a chance of winning it by being in the final. Now all our eggs are in one basket because if we thought Mancini tinkered last night it'll be nothing to what he does in the Europa League. Arsenal have gone eight years without a trophy because of Wenger's attitude to certain cup competitions. Speaks volumes about looking down your nose on "lesser" competitions.

[Ted Hughes]

It's "just another" cup we aren't going to win this season. There are now three we've pissed away.

Its the reason why you play, to add trophies to your collection. With our performance in Champions League play , winning the Carling Cup would have been great.

I'd have loved City to have won it, or to have a chance of winning it by being in the final. Now all our eggs are in one basket because if we thought Mancini tinkered last night it'll be nothing to what he does in the Europa League. Arsenal have gone eight years without a trophy because of Wenger's attitude to certain cup competitions. Speaks volumes about looking down your nose on "lesser" competitions.

Tbf, Arsenal still don't win when they put the strongest team out either. Wenger is finished. I would be happy to see our new EDS recruits playing in that competition next season. A lot happier than watching Barry, Milner, DeJong passing the ball to Joe Hart.

[feedthegreek]

It's "just another" cup we aren't going to win this season. There are now three we've pissed away.

Its the reason why you play, to add trophies to your collection. With our performance in Champions League play , winning the Carling Cup would have been great.

I'd have loved City to have won it, or to have a chance of winning it by being in the final. Now all our eggs are in one basket because if we thought Mancini tinkered last night it'll be nothing to what he does in the Europa League. Arsenal have gone eight years without a trophy because of Wenger's attitude to certain cup competitions. Speaks volumes about looking down your nose on "lesser" competitions.

spot on mate if wenger had fielded decent sides in carling cup they would have won that trophy more than once in rec ent years.

[Blue Blood]

Sorry to say I don't rate the Carling Cup as a comp, I'm not saying this just because we are out either.

Honestly it seems every year no one is bothered about winning it until they win it and even if you do win it, who honestly takes much notice?

For me in rank of domestic prestige it goes:

1. Premier League
2. FA Cup
3. Carling Cup

You win a league title and everyone gives you respect, they have to, even the red bastards will have to choke on there pride and admit they were bettered, however win a Carling Cup and all you get a sarky well done and a smirk, it just isn't at the races a competition is it.

Deep down we all know that is just the way it is. Doesn't mean losing in it is good however, I'm just making the point that the comp itself is unbelievably weak in terms of prestige, honestly seems when you watch many of the games not just featuring us that no one is fussed about winning it until they do.

Too many "kids teams", "experimental teams" have removed mostly all prestige from winning the comp.

Imo it needs to be rebranded and rebooted as a cup, with larger financial incentives for winning it but that's just me.

[guv111]

Sorry to say I don't rate the Carling Cup as a comp, I'm not saying this just because we are out either.

Honestly it seems every year no one is bothered about winning it until they win it and even if you do win it, who honestly takes much notice?

For me in rank of domestic prestige it goes:

1. Premier League
2. FA Cup
3. Carling Cup

You win a league title and everyone gives you respect, they have to, even the red bastards will have to choke on there pride and admit they were bettered, however win a Carling Cup and all you get a sarky well done and a smirk, it just isn't at the races a competition is it.

Deep down we all know that is just the way it is. Doesn't mean losing in it is good however, I'm just making the point that the comp itself is unbelievably weak in terms of prestige, honestly seems when you watch many of the games not just featuring us that no one is fussed about winning it until they do.

Too many "kids teams", "experimental teams" have removed mostly all prestige from winning the comp.

Imo it needs to be rebranded and rebooted as a cup, with larger financial incentives for winning it but that's just me.

But we were out of the FA Cup by last night's game, so it stopped being our second best domestic competition the minute we lost to the Rags. You have to go for what's left to you, and a cup final isn't something to sniff at. If we reach the Europa League semi-final second leg with a realistic chance of getting to the final, I hope we would go all out to win it with the best team available. Either the EL or the League Cup would at least be a proper trophy if we don't win the league. One FA Cup in 36 years doesn't give us the right to turn our noses up at more silverware.

[Ted Hughes]

The Champion's League has destroyed the League Cup.

[Original Dub]

Carling anyone?
An absorbing Carling Cup semi-final provoked plenty of talking points for Alex Dunn to digest. Here he looks at the conclusions both clubs may draw as Liverpool booked their first Wembley appearance since 1996.
By Alex Dunn - Follow me on Twitter @skysportsaldunn. Last Updated: January 26, 2012 1:11pm

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Even Manchester City fans seem to like Craig Bellamy these days
Shivering on the touchline with hands cased in his sleeves substitute Adam Johnson bore the enthusiasm of a late night clubber trying to hail a cab on New Year's Eve clad only in a t-shirt. As a saviour he wasn't exactly Joan of Arc. He wasn't even Joan of Lumley. In short, Liverpool wanted it more.

It is a sign of how far these two clubs have risen and fallen respectively that a Carling Cup semi-final is seen almost as a distraction for Manchester City and a lifeline to Liverpool. Although fine lines and dubious penalty calls erred on the side of the Mersey over the two legs few would deny Kenny Dalglish's side were deserving of a first appearance at the new Wembley. For a club of Liverpool's stature the fact 60 clubs have trodden on the shifted hallowed turf before them will hurt, but as the old adage goes beggars can't be choosers and a first Wembley appearance since 1996 will be gleefully accepted.

The temptation of course is to draw too many conclusions from 90 minutes that represent a significant step forward for Liverpool but only a few steps backwards for Manchester City. In electing to start with Sergio Aguero on the bench Roberto Mancini showed his hand early; the Italian wants to be drinking champagne rather than Carling in May. If City miss out of the Premier League title at the season's conclusion he may look a tad foolish but true winners think big and the same accusation of treating silverware lightly could be even more vehemently cast across the city given the side Sir Alex Fergusonpicked against Crystal Palace in the previous round.

Liverpool can take great credit from their own performances over the two legs but while City never hit previous peaks at Anfield, Mancini will reassure his players that there's no disgrace in failing to win at a ground where Dalglish's men have now lost just once in their last 25 games. Talk of panic setting in at camp Etihad is reactionary in the extreme but that's not to say there isn't some tinkering that needs to be done...

That joke isn't funny anymore

I wish I could laugh

But that joke isn't funny anymore

It's too close to home

And it's too near the bone

The Smiths

The first misplaced Stefan Savic pass raised a belly laugh, as did a succession of early rushed clearances, but by half-time I'd rather have watched Shame with my mum than endure another of the hapless Montenegrin's mishaps. This was head behind the cushion stuff. Had Mancini not done the right and honourable thing in replacing him at half-time Joleon Lescott would have come out for the second period replete with a suspect 'tache and bowler hat combo, such is his defensive partner's predilection to get in fine messes.

The sound of no violins being played was deafening when earlier in the month Mancini opined he didn't have a big enough squad but if at this stage of the season he's being forced to field a player so raw and shot of confidence as Savic, his claims perhaps have credence. No wonder he looks so glum on the bench. Mancini is no mug in the transfer market and better judges than I have deemed the kid has something but for the moment he looks badly out of his depth. Vincent Kompany's return from suspension could not be timelier.

Saint Bellamy

'If Man City have anyone else like Craig they don't want to keep, they know where we are..' Kenny Dalglish

Craig Bellamy used to divide the football community like few others. You either disliked him a little or a lot. Mancini was in the latter category but it is testament to the player's professionalism that he invariably endears himself to supporters, if not opposition players. Leaving the field to a standing ovation and generous applause from City's charitable away following, a tidal wave of goodwill washed over the Welshman when he was replaced in the 87th minute. It's a given he'll offer infectious enthusiasm whenever he takes to the pitch but that shouldn't detract from the technical qualities he possesses. His 'winning' goal was of his own design and immaculately dispatched, while searing pace and shrewd movement caused all manner of problems to City's backline.

Opta confirmed post-match that Bellamy's obscenities-per-utterance ratio was amongst the best of the season too, with his 'Oi Zaba! Zaba! Zaba! F****** p****!' ode to City's right wing-back almost Shakespearian in its range and delivery. Technically the game may not have raised a torch to the overlapping El Clasico but Bellamy's comedy attack on Nigel de Jong midway through the second half was a resounding cuff to the ear to the nauseating histrionics over in Spain, where every single decision was contested with venom bordering on the hysterical.

Last season's failure to lead Cardiff City to the Promised Land appeared to a be footnote on a fading career; when he lines up against his boyhood club in February's final he'll do so in the form of his life.

Tactics board

It's fair to say Dalglish won the dugout duel. Mancini's decision to go with three centre-halves and wing-backs looked ill-founded from the off. The Italian's choice to deviate away from a 4-2-3-1 system that has brought so much success this season is a strange one. Presumably a desire to offer additional support to Savic was the motivation but the easier option would surely have been to move Micah Richards inside and start with Pablo Zabaleta at right-back in a flat back four. In either case the buccaneering advances of Richards, even more impressive since being handed the captain's armband in Kompany's absence, would have been manacled but at least it would have saved City from Savic.

Bellamy's ability to work the channels - the Welshman managed to put in seven crosses, a figure bettered only by Steven Gerrard - made the formation counter-productive in any case as the distances between the back three became wider; thus leaving Savic repeatedly exposed to runners from deep. As the central figure of the three the youngest of the trio was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea as he couldn't decide whether to keep his position or chase Bellamy. After a hellish 45 minutes he will have been as grateful for Mancini's mercy killing as everyone else was.

On the left Aleksander Kolarov was erratic at best defensively but at least showed some attacking intent, setting up Edin Dzeko's goal with a devilish delivery, as too often City looked congested without natural width. In the absence of an orthodox winger Kolarov took responsibility as an offensive outlet, with his nine crosses markedly up on Zabaleta's brace on the opposite flank. As demonstrated by his goal Dzeko thrives on balls into the box, but with Samir Nasri City's next best deliverer of crosses with just three, perhaps it should be no surprise that the big Bosnian cuts a forlorn figure at times.

When Yaya Toure returns City will be fine to play though the centre but in the Ivorian's absence it can be a case of all foreplay no penetration. That said, it shouldn't be forgotten that City scored twice away at a side with an excellent home record.

David Silva did his best to paint pretty pictures but never got high enough up the field to cause maximum damage, as Liverpool compressed any space by matching their opponent in terms of numbers in the middle of the field. Silva's understanding with Nasri remains a work in progress but for all the latter's criticism there have been subtle signs in recent weeks he is starting to feel more comfortable in blue. City's rise to the summit is so meteoric new players are no longer afforded a bedding in period and thus the pressure to impress becomes an immediate concern.

At the moment it could be said Nasri looks like a poor man's Silva but the same could be said of his standing to Fabregas when he first joined Arsenal. By the time the pair were ready to leave North London they were a joy to watch in tandem and while Silva is unlikely to be usurped as the king of the Etihad anytime soon, only a fool would cast Nasri aside prematurely. Mancini is no such fool.

Best in the world?

In a two-horse race only a gambler in debt would back a goalkeeper over a striker but with Joe Hart the odds these days look heavily stacked in his favour. It would be premature perhaps to say he's the finished article, lest not forget it was from his flap on a corner that led to a stupendous tip over from Martin Skrtel in the second half, but he's not far from it. Twice the size of David de Gea and at least three times louder, Hart has a presence that only the very best goalkeepers possess. At £600,000 he cost just over what Manchester United paid for Peter Schmeichel back in 1991.

In both legs he was exceptional, with the pick of his saves on Wednesday a Schmeichel-esque sprawling effort to repel Stewart Downing's volley into the turf (incidentally if you google Schmeichel these days the dog comes up before the goalkeeper). Although still just 24 he is without doubt not just one of City's most important players, but England's too. At this juncture few would bet against a Player of the Year gong in May.

Raging rhetoric worked

After the Bolton game it was presumed Dalglish would turn up to the post-match press conference wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the faces of his 11 starters. It was then with considerable surprise that the waiting journalists met the Scot as he ripped into his players with the kind of cutting diatribe he normally reserves for the FA. This time there were no excuses as his underperforming players were told in no uncertain terms it was his way (ie Liverpool's way) or the highway. Rare is it that a manager breaks rank to question his players' commitment and it was a risky strategy on Dalglish's part given a significant number of those presently being questioned are his own purchases.

What there can be little doubt of after Wednesday's performance is that he retains the backing of his new charges. Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing were both busy, even if the latter still looks as though he's trying to pop the ball rather than cross it at times, but it was Bellamy - who cuts against the grain of Liverpool's transfer policy in terms of having no sell-on value - who best embodied what it's like to have a liver bird on your chest.

Ricky Tomlinson, for one, could be heard bellowing 'Billy Beane, my arse!' when Bellers netted the deciding goal.

As for that penalty, I'll leave it for you to debate amongst yourself...

[Ted Hughes]

Decent piece which praises & criticises fairly without being snide & taking the piss.

If criticism is done in that way there is nothing wrong with it. When you read the piece by Custis compared to this, it just shows the difference between journalism & well, nasty, bitter, agenda based, shite really.

[Blue Blood]

Sorry to say I don't rate the Carling Cup as a comp, I'm not saying this just because we are out either.

Honestly it seems every year no one is bothered about winning it until they win it and even if you do win it, who honestly takes much notice?

For me in rank of domestic prestige it goes:

1. Premier League
2. FA Cup
3. Carling Cup

You win a league title and everyone gives you respect, they have to, even the red bastards will have to choke on there pride and admit they were bettered, however win a Carling Cup and all you get a sarky well done and a smirk, it just isn't at the races a competition is it.

Deep down we all know that is just the way it is. Doesn't mean losing in it is good however, I'm just making the point that the comp itself is unbelievably weak in terms of prestige, honestly seems when you watch many of the games not just featuring us that no one is fussed about winning it until they do.

Too many "kids teams", "experimental teams" have removed mostly all prestige from winning the comp.

Imo it needs to be rebranded and rebooted as a cup, with larger financial incentives for winning it but that's just me.

But we were out of the FA Cup by last night's game, so it stopped being our second best domestic competition the minute we lost to the Rags. You have to go for what's left to you, and a cup final isn't something to sniff at. If we reach the Europa League semi-final second leg with a realistic chance of getting to the final, I hope we would go all out to win it with the best team available. Either the EL or the League Cup would at least be a proper trophy if we don't win the league. One FA Cup in 36 years doesn't give us the right to turn our noses up at more silverware.

I'm not suggesting that we turn our noses up at silverware, I agree we should always go for it, it's just that football snobbery in general has overall degraded the potency of a League Cup victory. To whoever wins it the win will mean much to them but in the grand scheme of world football it's not a major achievement.

If you win the league cup the naysayers will always level the argument, "well it's not the FA cup is it", "well it's not the league is it".

Same argument can be applied to the Europa League as to the Carling really, a formerly grand trophy of merit now dwarfed by the Champions League to a point where you have to question if there is any point to it.

It's always good to win stuff, my argument is some trophy wins just don't pack the punch others do. It's just the way it is.

[carl_feedthegoat]

If we had got to the final and won the fucking cup then the pressure would have been off us to win the bastard premiership...losing over both legs has put more fucking pressure on us to win the premiership and if we faill at that then the knives will be out for Mancini.

Mancini s fault we went out over 2 legs.....even if the inept fuckign ref fucked us over.

[Blue Blood]

If we had got to the final and won the fucking cup then the pressure would have been off us to win the bastard premiership...losing over both legs has put more fucking pressure on us to win the premiership and if we faill at that then the knives will be out for Mancini.

Mancini s fault we went out over 2 legs.....even if the inept fuckign ref fucked us over.

Good point,

Footballing merit of the cup aside, a trophy would have eased the pressure on our Bob.

Still if he fails to deliver anything this season then you could argue he deserves the criticism.

All on you now, Bobby.