kompany and de jong

[DoomMerchant]

I love Nigel,I know he is not eveyones cup of tea but he on his day is up there with the best in the world in that postion. Would have a Nigel De Jong over a Robinho anyday of the week but I am anti flair!!

So sexay when you talk like that. Essien was nigel's fistpuppet today and was throwing tantrums by the end. Which says everything that needs to be said about NDJ IMHO.

Good shout from someone about Barry as well. He was at his very very best. Impressive today. I should start a thread about how fucking happy i am. Hmmmmm. Nah. Fuck it.

Cheers

[Blue in the face]

Kompany and De Jong were fantastic today. As was everybody.

But I would like to give a special mention to Boyata for his work on Drogba. The round the neck pull back while the ref was watching the ball was genious, and the shoulder charge (not body check) was superb.

The result?

Drogba gets pissed off then subbed.

[DoomMerchant]

Kompany and De Jong were fantastic today. As was everybody.

But I would like to give a special mention to Boyata for his work on Drogba. The round the neck pull back while the ref was watching the ball was genious, and the shoulder charge (not body check) was superb.

The result?

Drogba gets pissed off then subbed.

i loved Boyata's grit and fearlessness and naivete today. However, subbing Drogba wasn't Anchovi's bestest move today. Esp. when he got a free kick on the edge of our box a few minutes later. He'll be thinking of that while he sneaks out for a fag this evening, i'm sure.

[Blue Since 76]

can't wait for motd to see Barry's tackle on their No.2, followed by Nige steaming through to clear everyone out. I thought it was going to kick off, but hadn't even been a foul.

Special mention to Zab as well. At one point, Anelka was running at him. As Anelka looked up for a pass, zab just took the ball off him and ran upfield. Brilliant.

[ScapeGoat]

Special mention to Zab as well. At one point, Anelka was running at him. As Anelka looked up for a pass, zab just took the ball off him and ran upfield. Brilliant.

Yes, that was a great moment, gotta love our Pablo.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Kompany and De Jong were fantastic today. As was everybody.

But I would like to give a special mention to Boyata for his work on Drogba. The round the neck pull back while the ref was watching the ball was genious, and the shoulder charge (not body check) was superb.

The result?

Drogba gets pissed off then subbed.

Just like to add my congrats to Nigel and Vinnie plus to add Kolo to the list Magnificent games all 3.

As for Boyata let's just calm down about how good he is. I do think he had a good game overall especially bearing in mind he wasn't in his right position and I do think he is a very good prospect BUT he was actually a bit like Micah! A little lost when going forward , out of position a few times and took 2 massive risks both on Drogba. Had the ref seen either of them he could have been sent off ( both were bookings and he was booked later) and we know Micah is good for that sort of thing and doesnt get away with it like that.In fact had Micah done those 2 things he would have been berated on here rather than praised for them.

[BlueMoonAwoken]

Kompany and De Jong were fantastic today. As was everybody.

But I would like to give a special mention to Boyata for his work on Drogba. The round the neck pull back while the ref was watching the ball was genious, and the shoulder charge (not body check) was superb.

The result?

Drogba gets pissed off then subbed.

Just like to add my congrats to Nigel and Vinnie plus to add Kolo to the list Magnificent games all 3.

As for Boyata let's just calm down about how good he is. I do think he had a good game overall especially bearing in mind he wasn't in his right position and I do think he is a very good prospect BUT he was actually a bit like Micah! A little lost when going forward , out of position a few times and took 2 massive risks both on Drogba. Had the ref seen either of them he could have been sent off ( both were bookings and he was booked later) and we know Micah is good for that sort of thing and doesnt get away with it like that.In fact had Micah done those 2 things he would have been berated on here rather than praised for them.

But i think micah wouldnt of had the nerve to do that and may of just been caught out of position then everyone would of berated him about being out of position. But i liked how boyata knew if he didnt do something drogba would of had it on a plate so i think he did well, reminded me of what the italians do, foul but out of sight of the ref.

Dont get me wrong i agree about him going forward as i think micah is much better but i do think when boateng is fully fit he will fit in perfectly. But just the cheek of boyata and sneaky tactics i thought it was great to see from such a yound lad.

[Blue Since 76]

re Boyata, although he's not great on the ball, he looked much more comfortable today than he dd last season. Micah and Ned have never improved, so maybe Boyata can be a level above them.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

re Boyata, although he's not great on the ball, he looked much more comfortable today than he dd last season. Micah and Ned have never improved, so maybe Boyata can be a level above them.

I agree he is looking a more comfortable and confident player and it augurs well for his future.

[london blue 2]

who signed these guys? class...

[gillie]

De Jong has improved immensely from last season. Whoever has taught him to pass needs to take a bow!

So its Bobby thats made him better is it?

[bluechester]

de jongs challange on ivanovic was awsome, like good old 70;s football ha ha, a challange like that can lift a cri=owd more than attack, we were all going mental when he did that, NDJ was immence today, one of moments of the match hope they show it on MOTD

[getdressedmctavish]

Anyone who thinks de Jong hasn't improved this season is feckin blind, he's added to his game a number of things that were missing previously. I think he has benefited from three things. He thinks he's a better footballer now he's played in a World Cup final so he's more confident and trying to contribute more(you've only got to read Doug's training ground reports to realise this). Second he benefits from being in a five rather than a four because he has less ground to cover and has more passing options. Third the competition for places means he has to play like a proper midfielder not half of one.The two big improvements for me are 1, he is delaying his pass so it is a telling one rather than just getting rid regardless, and 2, he has stopped the gratuitous fouling. Next thing you know he'll be getting a goal, lol. Well done, Nige.

[Mark Garrett]

I love Nigel,I know he is not eveyones cup of tea but he on his day is up there with the best in the world in that postion. Would have a Nigel De Jong over a Robinho anyday of the week but I am anti flair!!

100% agree with you. De Jong is class - have rated him since day 1 at City. Fans have to realise that his game is nigh on nearly all of it about being destructive and making us difficult to breakdown and his passing is by and large - retaining possession rather than opening up a defence. When we play lower teams in the table at Eastlands De Jong should obviously still play but as I say don't expect to be anything remotely offensive.

Overall De Jong though is a superb holding/defensive midfielder.

Vinny Kompany has been very good since he arrived more than two years ago. Consistent, confident on the ball, solid and reliable and with leadership qualities is a future captain.

[dazby]

Me likey likey very much.

[Kladze]

I love Nigel,I know he is not eveyones cup of tea but he on his day is up there with the best in the world in that postion. Would have a Nigel De Jong over a Robinho anyday of the week but I am anti flair!!

100% agree with you. De Jong is class - have rated him since day 1 at City. Fans have to realise that his game is nigh on nearly all of it about being destructive and making us difficult to breakdown and his passing is by and large - retaining possession rather than opening up a defence. When we play lower teams in the table at Eastlands De Jong should obviously still play but as I say don't expect to be anything remotely offensive.

Overall De Jong though is a superb holding/defensive midfielder.

I disagree. While that may have been, to a degree, true last season, so far this season his passing has been much more creative. Whether that is down to Mancini, another coach, or just De Jong himself is open to question but there's no doubting the truth of it imo.

[aaron bond]

I love Nigel,I know he is not eveyones cup of tea but he on his day is up there with the best in the world in that postion. Would have a Nigel De Jong over a Robinho anyday of the week but I am anti flair!!

100% agree with you. De Jong is class - have rated him since day 1 at City. Fans have to realise that his game is nigh on nearly all of it about being destructive and making us difficult to breakdown and his passing is by and large - retaining possession rather than opening up a defence. When we play lower teams in the table at Eastlands De Jong should obviously still play but as I say don't expect to be anything remotely offensive.

Overall De Jong though is a superb holding/defensive midfielder.

I disagree. While that may have been, to a degree, true last season, so far this season his passing has been much more creative. Whether that is down to Mancini, another coach, or just De Jong himself is open to question but there's no doubting the truth of it imo.

I've had many criticisms of De Jong in the past because his style of play was simply too narrow. Apart from the crunching tackle, he didn't really do much else, and although things like that do make you popular with the fans, I've always felt you lose a player whenever he played (hence the stat up to last season that our winning ratio was higher when he didn't play!).

However, yesterday he was superb. Not only was he winning the ball and retaining possession, he was playing some great balls out to the wings and getting some moves started.

If he can keep progressing like this he could develop into a top class player. There were still opportunities when after releasing to a winger, he should have got into the box to give us another option in there. He doesn't need to stay back just for the sake of it if he is one of the furthest midfield players forward, and he needs to be able to contribute a couple of assists/goals a season.

But, he looks like he has improved and hopefully he'll only get better. Yesterday, he was absolutely immense and if he can put in that sort of performance throughout the season he can make a BIG contribution to our season.

[Grob]

As for Boyata let's just calm down about how good he is. I do think he had a good game overall especially bearing in mind he wasn't in his right position and I do think he is a very good prospect BUT he was actually a bit like Micah! A little lost when going forward , out of position a few times and took 2 massive risks both on Drogba. Had the ref seen either of them he could have been sent off ( both were bookings and he was booked later) and we know Micah is good for that sort of thing and doesnt get away with it like that.In fact had Micah done those 2 things he would have been berated on here rather than praised for them.

Agreed, i thought Boyata did a commendable job considering he is not a full back and he got away with a couple of sneaky tricks on dogbreath.

Chelsea gave only 2 players space time and time again and that was the full backs. Zabs rose to the occasion extremely well, but we would have been better had Toure been in at full back and Boyata at center half. Toure would have used the space much more and we'd have been on top for longer periods in my opinion.

[brite blu sky]

As for Boyata let's just calm down about how good he is. I do think he had a good game overall especially bearing in mind he wasn't in his right position and I do think he is a very good prospect BUT he was actually a bit like Micah! A little lost when going forward , out of position a few times and took 2 massive risks both on Drogba. Had the ref seen either of them he could have been sent off ( both were bookings and he was booked later) and we know Micah is good for that sort of thing and doesnt get away with it like that.In fact had Micah done those 2 things he would have been berated on here rather than praised for them.

Agreed, i thought Boyata did a commendable job considering he is not a full back and he got away with a couple of sneaky tricks on dogbreath.

Chelsea gave only 2 players space time and time again and that was the full backs. Zabs rose to the occasion extremely well, but we would have been better had Toure been in at full back and Boyata at center half. Toure would have used the space much more and we'd have been on top for longer periods in my opinion.

There was a point in the game when Bo had been foraging down the wing once or twice.. during a strong City spell and i was thinking he is doing remarkably well considering who we were playing, I was thinking he is in control and actually really starting to enjoy himself.. so i shouted out "c'mon Dedryck show us your stepovers". Next news couple of minutes later he is in the same position with 3 Chelsea players covering him and he does a stepover and darts between them.. i nearly fell of the barstool. Unfortunately he bit off more than he could chew and someone got a foot on it.
The point being though he is calm and he is prepared to have a go, he seems to have the basics covered and he will learn a lot from likes of Vinne, Boateng, Yaya etc. He already seems to have learnt a lot from PV if the bodychecks he dished out were anything to go by.

Take your time Dedryck, it is on your side.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Kompany and De Jong were fantastic today. As was everybody.

But I would like to give a special mention to Boyata for his work on Drogba. The round the neck pull back while the ref was watching the ball was genious, and the shoulder charge (not body check) was superb.

The result?

Drogba gets pissed off then subbed.

Just like to add my congrats to Nigel and Vinnie plus to add Kolo to the list Magnificent games all 3.

As for Boyata let's just calm down about how good he is. I do think he had a good game overall especially bearing in mind he wasn't in his right position and I do think he is a very good prospect BUT he was actually a bit like Micah! A little lost when going forward , out of position a few times and took 2 massive risks both on Drogba. Had the ref seen either of them he could have been sent off ( both were bookings and he was booked later) and we know Micah is good for that sort of thing and doesnt get away with it like that.In fact had Micah done those 2 things he would have been berated on here rather than praised for them.

Thing is, Boyata will not be rightback. He is going to be centerback and a top one as well.

What and absolute buzz it was to watch Vinnie on saturday. Real leadership and massive performance but then again, I have thought that he has been revelation so far this season. Like I said week ago, I think he has been among top three centerbacks in the league this season.

Big shouts to Nigel as well but then again, these are the kind of games for which we have him.