Depressed

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Thought few days away from the site would've made me feel better. It hasn't.

Honestly, we are bit screwed right now. Studied the run ins of our competitors and we have by far hardest schedual. Well, it's time to deliver I suppose and now we'll really see whether Mancini is the man and whether these players are just on a joyride or genuinely willing to fight for the cause.

Fucking gutted.

p.s. no need to say "there are plenty of topics like this on the board". I don't give a shit.

[Manx Blue]

Fucking Man Up You Big Scandinavian Pussy.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Fair enough but it's not looking too rosy as far as top 4 goes right now. That much even I have to admit.

But we DO have enough talent to deliver. Having said that, enough with the bullshit and let the results speak for themselves.

[MaineRoadMemories]

I'm still confident we will finish 4th this season.

We are 3 points up on last season against the teams we played but equal on points on games played last season.

My major gripe is that this team should not be aiming to scrape into 4th place and have the same amount of points as last year when our owner has spent £143 million on the following in the summer to strength:

01 July 2010 Jérôme Boateng £10m
02 July 2010 Yaya Touré £24m
14 July 2010 David Silva £24m
24 July 2010 Aleksandar Kolarov £16m
13 Aug. 2010 Mario Balotelli £24m
18 Aug. 2010 James Milner £18m + p/x
07 Jan. 2011 Edin Džeko £27m

For a £143 million investment on top of last year I'd be wanting more like a 10 point improvement on last year. The future is still bright though and continue to improve (just more slowly than I want). Finishing outside of the top 4 isn't even worth thinking about. I reckon players like Silva, Tevez and Yaya will have some sort of Champions League qualification release clause in their contracts.

[Beefymcfc]

'Kin 'ell, 3rd in the league with the tough games only being Chelsea and Liverpool away. It amazes me how one defeat or one win changes peoples perspectives. When United lost and we won last week we were all talking about going for the title again, now, well, you're all depressed!

There was no shame into losing to United at the Swamp, especially in the manner that we did. Now it's time we looked ahead to our remaining fixtures and make sure it's not left to the rest as to where we finish. This was why I started the 'Bin the Cups?' thread, understanding that the priority is the league. It's not that I don't want to win a cup, it's just the reality that we are going to be running it close even without those cup games to contend with.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

I'm still confident we will finish 4th this season.

We are 3 points up on last season against the teams we played but equal on points on games played last season.

My major gripe is that this team should not be aiming to scrape into 4th place and have the same amount of points as last year when our owner has spent £143 million on the following in the summer to strength:

01 July 2010 Jérôme Boateng £10m
02 July 2010 Yaya Touré £24m
14 July 2010 David Silva £24m
24 July 2010 Aleksandar Kolarov £16m
13 Aug. 2010 Mario Balotelli £24m
18 Aug. 2010 James Milner £18m + p/x
07 Jan. 2011 Edin Džeko £27m

For a £143 million investment on top of last year I'd be wanting more like a 10 point improvement on last year. The future is still bright though and continue to improve (just more slowly than I want). Finishing outside of the top 4 isn't even worth thinking about. I reckon players like Silva, Tevez and Yaya will have some sort of Champions League qualification release clause in their contracts.

At this stage I see Champion's League the most important aim for the Club. How we get there doesn't really bother me.

And before anyone calls me hypocrite, YES, on personal level I would still take cup of any sorts over Champion's League qualification. But I doubt the owners share those hopes.

[Beefymcfc]

At this stage I see Champion's League the most important aim for the Club. How we get there doesn't really bother me.

And before anyone calls me hypocrite, YES, on personal level I would still take cup of any sorts over Champion's League qualification. But I doubt the owners share those hopes.

Now, are you being serious or are you just Trolling?

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

'Kin 'ell, 3rd in the league with the tough games only being Chelsea and Liverpool away. It amazes me how one defeat or one win changes peoples perspectives. When United lost and we won last week we were all talking about going for the title again, now, well, you're all depressed!

There was no shame into losing to United at the Swamp, especially in the manner that we did. Now it's time we looked ahead to our remaining fixtures and make sure it's not left to the rest as to where we finish. This was why I started the 'Bin the Cups?' thread, understanding that the priority is the league. It's not that I don't want to win a cup, it's just the reality that we are going to be running it close even without those cup games to contend with.

I NEVER said we were on title race.

But there are some nightmare fixtures coming up. We got both Scousepool and Chelsea away. Then we got Tottingham home and we always lose that. Then we'll go to Everton and Bolton and we never get anything from there either. Like I said, they will have to break some bad habits in order for us to qualify.

Then when you look at teams around us. Apart from rags away, I predict that Chelsea will not lose single game this season. Tottenham have Chlesea away and might draw with Gooners at home and they got Scousepool away as well but other than that all their games are fucking walk in the park. Arsenal have rags at home and Spuds away but other than fucking easy schedule.

At this stage I see Champion's League the most important aim for the Club. How we get there doesn't really bother me.

And before anyone calls me hypocrite, YES, on personal level I would still take cup of any sorts over Champion's League qualification. But I doubt the owners share those hopes.

Now, are you being serious or are you just Trolling?

??????

What do you mean? Yes, I'd take UEFA Cup or FA Cup and 5th spot over Champion's League qualification.

[Manx Blue]

Oh Woe are "we".

We've just been beaten by a sensational goal in the Derby, having ensconsed ourselves within the magical, mythical top four for the majority of the season, and having hit top spot no fewer than twice so far.

The best thing that has happened regarding the defeat, is that we have Aris come around so quickly, followed by Notts County. It gives us a couple of games to get the likes of SWP up to speed, and maybe rest a few of the more important bodies.

We have an intriguing run in, and don't forget at present we only have 2 games in March. Whilst Liverpool may now have an eye on possible Champions League qualification, I think they may rather see another team win the title rather than United better their record.

It's great being in top spot, but you are always being Hunted. I'd rather be the Hunter, and see what we can do....the pressure is off us to a certain extent...

[Beefymcfc]

Let's see if the run-in depresses you even more 'cos from my point of view, looking at the fixtures, I see no reason why we cannot win the majority of them. The only thing I would add is that Mancio, and the team need to start mixing up the play. Instead of trying to play it into the net, try a few balls over the top, a few from the wing (ie Shaun Saturday) and a few through balls on the break (which I've not seen for a while because we have a full team defending in the 18 yard box). The only real problem for me though is that we still don't play a settled back four, even if we have them all fit, this causes problems in set-up and ultimately leads to misunderstandings and then, to goals.

February 11

Sun 27th Man City vs Fulham

March 11

Sat 5th 17:30 Man City vs Wigan
Sun 20th 16:00 Chelsea vs Man City

April 11

Sat 2nd 15:00 Man City vs Sunderland
Sun 10th 15:00 Liverpool vs Man City
Sat 16th 15:00 Man City vs Tottenham
Sat 23rd 15:00 Blackburn vs Man City
Sat 30th 15:00 Man City vs West Ham

May 11

Sat 7th 15:00 Everton vs Man City
Sat 14th 15:00 Man City vs Stoke
Sun 22nd 16:00 Bolton vs Man City

6 home and 5 aways, and if we played like Saturday, we should be alright.

[Beefymcfc]

Then when you look at teams around us. Apart from rags away, I predict that Chelsea will not lose single game this season. Tottenham have Chlesea away and might draw with Gooners at home and they got Scousepool away as well but other than that all their games are fucking walk in the park. Arsenal have rags at home and Spuds away but other than fucking easy schedule.

So, unlike the rest of the season Chelsea aren't going to lose? Chelsea have still got to play the Rags twice as well. Spuds are also struggling with players injuries and with the CL may find themselves in severe shit. Arse do have the easiest and I can't see them dropping too many points, they are United's main rivals I feel.

What do you mean? Yes, I'd take UEFA Cup or FA Cup and 5th spot over Champion's League qualification.

Gobsmacked! After all the preaching about getting the Holy Grail we are now supposed to believe that a cup is the priority? I'm not saying you advocated that but I'd sure like to know if you did originally?

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Then when you look at teams around us. Apart from rags away, I predict that Chelsea will not lose single game this season. Tottenham have Chlesea away and might draw with Gooners at home and they got Scousepool away as well but other than that all their games are fucking walk in the park. Arsenal have rags at home and Spuds away but other than fucking easy schedule.

So, unlike the rest of the season Chelsea aren't going to lose? Chelsea have still got to play the Rags twice as well. Spuds are also struggling with players injuries and with the CL may find themselves in severe shit. Arse do have the easiest and I can't see them dropping too many points, they are United's main rivals I feel.

What do you mean? Yes, I'd take UEFA Cup or FA Cup and 5th spot over Champion's League qualification.

Gobsmacked! After all the preaching about getting the Holy Grail we are now supposed to believe that a cup is the priority? I'm not saying you advocated that but I'd sure like to know if you did originally?

Indeed I did. In fact, I think we had one of those polls about it in autumn and I'm pretty sure I said it there as well. Would love if someone could find it.

I personally think Chelsea will eventually go on a run and it will be between us, Arsenal and Tottenham to fight for the remaining two spots. Scousepool have been out of it since october.

[zuricity]

Yes, You are correct. it is a pointless thread.

No way am I depressed. We are playing good football in general and we have the players to keep the intensity up in all three
competitions we are involved in.

[Manx Blue]

Let's see if the run-in depresses you even more 'cos from my point of view, looking at the fixtures, I see no reason why we cannot win the majority of them. The only thing I would add is that Mancio, and the team need to start mixing up the play. Instead of trying to play it into the net, try a few balls over the top, a few from the wing (ie Shaun Saturday) and a few through balls on the break (which I've not seen for a while because we have a full team defending in the 18 yard box). The only real problem for me though is that we still don't play a settled back four, even if we have them all fit, this causes problems in set-up and ultimately leads to misunderstandings and then, to goals.

February 11

Sun 27th Man City vs Fulham

March 11

Sat 5th 17:30 Man City vs Wigan
Sun 20th 16:00 Chelsea vs Man City

April 11

Sat 2nd 15:00 Man City vs Sunderland
Sun 10th 15:00 Liverpool vs Man City
Sat 16th 15:00 Man City vs Tottenham
Sat 23rd 15:00 Blackburn vs Man City
Sat 30th 15:00 Man City vs West Ham

May 11

Sat 7th 15:00 Everton vs Man City
Sat 14th 15:00 Man City vs Stoke
Sun 22nd 16:00 Bolton vs Man City

6 home and 5 aways, and if we played like Saturday, we should be alright.

I think we can win 5 of the six homes, and I'll be happy with a draw against Spurs. That would put us on 65 points, I think we can win 4 of the 5 aways...Chelsea being my only real concern....WE CAN DO IT CHAPS!

[shawzy]

I think there's cause to be a little worried...Yes were still 3rd ableit with a game more played....Spurs are catching and if Chelski win tonight were gonna be in a fight for top 4 like last year..Not a nice situation to be in..We need to man up and start winning a few while theres plenty of games left..Gettin Nige and Mario back will certainly help.Im still hopeful this team can push on and grab 3rd and a cup ;-)

[Douglas Higginbottom]

I think there's cause to be a little worried...Yes were still 3rd ableit with a game more played....Spurs are catching and if Chelski win tonight were gonna be in a fight for top 4 like last year..Not a nice situation to be in..We need to man up and start winning a few while theres plenty of games left..Gettin Nige and Mario back will certainly help.Im still hopeful this team can push on and grab 3rd and a cup ;-)

Don't know about 3rd but that sounds about right.I reckon we have to win one of the games we sort of aren't expected to.Either Chelsea,LPool,Everton away or Spurs at home otherwise it might not happen.But we have dug this hole so hopefully we can find our way out.

[shawzy]

I think there's cause to be a little worried...Yes were still 3rd ableit with a game more played....Spurs are catching and if Chelski win tonight were gonna be in a fight for top 4 like last year..Not a nice situation to be in..We need to man up and start winning a few while theres plenty of games left..Gettin Nige and Mario back will certainly help.Im still hopeful this team can push on and grab 3rd and a cup ;-)

Don't know about 3rd but that sounds about right.I reckon we have to win one of the games we sort of aren't expected to.Either Chelsea,LPool,Everton away or Spurs at home otherwise it might not happen.But we have dug this hole so hopefully we can find our way out.

Yes m8, top sides always pull it out of the bag when the chips are down, so lets prove we are one.

[Wooders]

meh... we lost to UTD
meh... we aren't gonna win the league

We are still in 2 cups, we are still in the top 4 with a 5 point buffer to the 5th place - we're scoring goals and making chances

I'm not depressed

[Ted Hughes]

I think our performance v rags would have beaten Chelsea, Liverpool , Bolton or Everton away BUT they will all ask different questions than Utd, so we will have a different set of defensive problems to deal with. That worries me slightly as the big difference will be Drogba/Torres, Kevin Davies, Cahill & possibly Andy Carroll, our biggest weakness; direct football. Even the rags scored from it. We can still do it though imo.

My other worry is that, as in the rags game & the Brum (twice), Sunderland, Stoke, Everton, Blackburn, Wolves games where we lost points, when we did get the chance to exploit our favourite counter attacking moves, we were short of the efficiency we showed, for instance in the away game v Wolves last season when Bob first arrived, we countered brilliantly & Bob took credit for it.

That fantastic counter attacking at pace was built by Sven & Hughes & was built around people like Bellamy & Petrov & also to be fair, Ireland & Robinho. Bob's team sometimes does it as well or better but quite often fucks it up & the player we need to make it work perfectly is one of those he's released &, criminally imo, hasn't replaced.

If we're to get 4th, Balotelli, SWP & Dzeko have to produce the same quality on the break we saw from those players. Dzeko is not quick but he's excellent on the counter so it may come down to Balotelli & SWP successfully doing the job Bellamy should be doing.

I think we will do it with points to spare & perhaps get 3rd but I wouldn't sack Bob even if we miss out; I thinkwe're almost there as a team. If he does get the bullet though, it will be his own fault.

[avoidconfusion]

Not confident that we will finish in the Top 4 at all anymore.

Chelsea will also only be 2 points behind us with a game in hand after their next game which I am quite confiden they will win.

Fucks me off to no end that this always happens, I am not even so mad about losing to United, it is all the other games that we fucked up and should have won.

I can see us lose to Spuds at home and finish 5th again.