****official black cats v citizens match thread****

[Blue Since 76]

I think Mancini made the subs at the right time mate, he was spot on and we had enough time to win the game.

We lost because VINNY the bastid Captain DIDN'T LISTEN to Mancini.....Mancini was not at fault yesterday.

Not sure what Kompany did or didn't do, other than track the goal scorer. However, even if Sunderland hadn't scored we'd have only drawn. Against a poor team who are starting to get a bit of belief. Put a couple past them in the first 20 minutes - using a full strength side - and we could have strolled the rest of the game like we did against Stoke.

[carl_feedthegoat]

I think Mancini made the subs at the right time mate, he was spot on and we had enough time to win the game.

We lost because VINNY the bastid Captain DIDN'T LISTEN to Mancini.....Mancini was not at fault yesterday.

Not sure what Kompany did or didn't do, other than track the goal scorer. However, even if Sunderland hadn't scored we'd have only drawn. Against a poor team who are starting to get a bit of belief. Put a couple past them in the first 20 minutes - using a full strength side - and we could have strolled the rest of the game like we did against Stoke.

Mancini was screaming at him to hold the line.....he didn't.

[Nige]

25 shots and no goal, this followed by the whole team camped along their 18yard line at the end is why we lost. Hitting the bar also doesn't help, but it at leasts shows we were in amongst it. On those grounds I think the criticism lies with the players not Mancini. Surely we aren't expecting Mancini or either of his ex rag puppets to tell players to move about, create space and chase back if a shot is blocked, the team isn't an under 7s side!

Yet another one of those days that we need to get over quickly. At least those bin dippers will try and attack so our flair players can find some space.

[Ted Hughes]

I think Mancini made the subs at the right time mate, he was spot on and we had enough time to win the game.

We lost because VINNY the bastid Captain DIDN'T LISTEN to Mancini.....Mancini was not at fault yesterday.

Not sure what Kompany did or didn't do, other than track the goal scorer. However, even if Sunderland hadn't scored we'd have only drawn. Against a poor team who are starting to get a bit of belief. Put a couple past them in the first 20 minutes - using a full strength side - and we could have strolled the rest of the game like we did against Stoke.

Mancini was screaming at him to hold the line.....he didn't.

Even so, when it came down to it, they formed up, played the bloke comfortably offside & got shat on because the fucking lino was too lazy to get in the right place. If offsides like that get ignored it doesn't matter if you've got ten players back.

[Blue Since 76]

Even so, when it came down to it, they formed up, played the bloke comfortably offside & got shat on because the fucking lino was too lazy to get in the right place. If offsides like that get ignored it doesn't matter if you've got ten players back.

And yet we'd have still only drawn. Maybe some of our players could have tracked back as quickly as they broke. That may have stopped it being 5 v 3 as well

[Ted Hughes]

Even so, when it came down to it, they formed up, played the bloke comfortably offside & got shat on because the fucking lino was too lazy to get in the right place. If offsides like that get ignored it doesn't matter if you've got ten players back.

And yet we'd have still only drawn. Maybe some of our players could have tracked back as quickly as they broke. That may have stopped it being 5 v 3 as well

There were three City defenders around the man on the ball and Barry was covering the bloke on the other side of the box. It's true that their striker went past Zabba too easily but even so, he wasn't going anywhere with 3 players on him, he just stuck a foot out and the ball went through to a bloke who was offside. You could say Vinny should have tracked the scorer a he was with him originally but he wasn't the danger; he was offside. The danger was Sessegnon shooting or running clean through & we had 3 blokes making sure he couldn't do either. It's a fucking nonsense.

[Dendza]

in my opinion mancini isn't the greatest manager either, i think that he could make better choices in terms of tactics

Can't be the precious Dzeko that isn't good enough, must be the manager that delivered us the FA Cup, a 6-1 win at the Swamp and has us top of the league that has "poor tactics." Tripe on stilts. We need a new third striker, Dzeko can either leave or be number 4. His attitude stank yesterday too, sulky big girl's blouse on a scale that even Samaras never even managed.

Stop bullshitting 6-1 victory ok we played well, btw dzeko scored 2 goals in that game.. and man utd had a red card. Fa cup? i give him that one, but why not look at more competitive tournaments like champions league? napoli kicked us out who's whole team is probably worth as cities 5 players. and don't even speak about dzeko's attitude first look at balloteli and other players then speak about attitude, dzeko hasn't even played enough to score goals, and even the time he played he scored more then aguero and is more of a team player then any other striker in man city.

[Dendza]

Cant believe i have read all these pages of fickle shite, some of you are unbelievable.
Yes we got mugged, Yes the goal was offside, yes some players under performed but some of of the comments piss me off too much. "get rid of Dzeko" "Johnson shouldnt play again" "Ya Ya was shite" . Perhaps some of you should look at yourselves and ask the question about your commitment to this project. This is going to be hard and maybe it could go down to the wire, but if you ever thought we would have this league tied up by March your as unblievalble as some of your comments. I even read comment on other topics about not going to Liverpool now they have lost, GOOD you would probably be booing after five minutes anyway plus if you was a real fan you would go anyway .Get real and get behind the boys and stop being so fickle!

[ashton287]

Stop bullshitting 6-1 victory ok we played well, btw dzeko scored 2 goals in that game.. and man utd had a red card. Fa cup? i give him that one, but why not look at more competitive tournaments like champions league? napoli kicked us out who's whole team is probably worth as cities 5 players. and don't even speak about dzeko's attitude first look at balloteli and other players then speak about attitude, dzeko hasn't even played enough to score goals, and even the time he played he scored more then aguero and is more of a team player then any other striker in man city.

Lolololololololololololol.

It's nice that you have give him the FA cup. Can we have it again this year please?

Dzeko also missed 3 easy chances. You know that song we sing "it should of been 10" well it would of been 10 if dzeko could finish his fucking dinner.

Remind me how many goals did dzeko score in the CL again in his solo efforts to keep us in it?.

If dzeko scores it's because Mancini got the tactics and team selection right. Dzeko didn't get us top of the league, he didn't get us to the cc semi, and he had practically nothing to do with our most successful season in 30 odd years either. It was all Mancini.

Anyway stop being a dick.

[Dendza]

Stop bullshitting 6-1 victory ok we played well, btw dzeko scored 2 goals in that game.. and man utd had a red card. Fa cup? i give him that one, but why not look at more competitive tournaments like champions league? napoli kicked us out who's whole team is probably worth as cities 5 players. and don't even speak about dzeko's attitude first look at balloteli and other players then speak about attitude, dzeko hasn't even played enough to score goals, and even the time he played he scored more then aguero and is more of a team player then any other striker in man city.

Lolololololololololololol.

It's nice that you have give him the FA cup. Can we have it again this year please?

Dzeko also missed 3 easy chances. You know that song we sing "it should of been 10" well it would of been 10 if dzeko could finish his fucking dinner.

Remind me how many goals did dzeko score in the CL again in his solo efforts to keep us in it?.

If dzeko scores it's because Mancini got the tactics and team selection right. Dzeko didn't get us top of the league, he didn't get us to the cc semi, and he had practically nothing to do with our most successful season in 30 odd years either. It was all Mancini.

Anyway stop being a dick.

Did you forget who kept you in FA cup? :) who was responsible for the win over Spurs 4:1 ? Who was the top scorer in the first half of premier league ? not balloteli, not aguero but DZEKO

[Beefymcfc]

After reading the thread I'm going to have to back Dzecko up here. Yes, he didn't have his shooting boots on but he did get into positions to at least have a shot, even if it was under pressure. His strength to get through the 2 Sunderland players which Mignolet saved showed how much he wanted the goal. There was also a point where we were defending where he headed the ball out, chased it up, did a 40 yard cross field ball to AJ then forced his way into the box only for AJ to turn the ball back in-field. Also, what about their goal? I was screaming for people to get back yet they just sat the in the oppo's half, but who were the players sprinting back to try and help out? You guessed it, Dzeko, and AJ.

What about his ball into Sergio, and then Dave, is it Dzeko's fault that they couldn't put the ball in the back of the net, even though he tee'd them up?

The truth is, and we all know, that Dzeko is a confidence player who needs games to get the best out of him. In the last 3 games prior to this he's had about 15 minutes of football as sub and I'm not sure if Mancini's allowed him a full 90 in the league. I don't know how he must be thinking when he starts the season on fire, scores a brace as super-sub against the rags, nets a couple in the following games then see himself fall down the pecking order. And don't get me wrong, I can see why Mancini has perservered with Mario because he himself his a class player, but like last season, I have apprehensions about the way Mancini rotates the team. If you've only got 3 strikers to choose from and you know you are going to need that 3rd striker to perform, knowing his traits, then you've at least got to give him match time. Dzeko hasn't had that which makes it that bit harder to get up to speed.

As for the rest, it's by-the-by now. Shit happens sometimes and even though we should have won the game, just like at Brom, there's fuck all that can be done about it now apart from dusting ourselves down and get our heads, players and fans, concentrated on the Dippers game.

[zuricity]

After reading the thread I'm going to have to back Dzecko up here. Yes, he didn't have his shooting boots on but he did get into positions to at least have a shot, even if it was under pressure. His strength to get through the 2 Sunderland players which Mignolet saved showed how much he wanted the goal. There was also a point where we were defending where he headed the ball out, chased it up, did a 40 yard cross field ball to AJ then forced his way into the box only for AJ to turn the ball back in-field. Also, what about their goal? I was screaming for people to get back yet they just sat the in the oppo's half, but who were the players sprinting back to try and help out? You guessed it, Dzeko, and AJ.

What about his ball into Sergio, and then Dave, is it Dzeko's fault that they couldn't put the ball in the back of the net, even though he tee'd them up?

The truth is, and we all know, that Dzeko is a confidence player who needs games to get the best out of him. In the last 3 games prior to this he's had about 15 minutes of football as sub and I'm not sure if Mancini's allowed him a full 90 in the league. I don't know how he must be thinking when he starts the season on fire, scores a brace as super-sub against the rags, nets a couple in the following games then see himself fall down the pecking order. And don't get me wrong, I can see why Mancini has perservered with Mario because he himself his a class player, but like last season, I have apprehensions about the way Mancini rotates the team. If you've only got 3 strikers to choose from and you know you are going to need that 3rd striker to perform, knowing his traits, then you've at least got to give him match time. Dzeko hasn't had that which makes it that bit harder to get up to speed.

As for the rest, it's by-the-by now. Shit happens sometimes and even though we should have won the game, just like at Brom, there's fuck all that can be done about it now apart from dusting ourselves down and get our heads, players and fans, concentrated on the Dippers game.

Well said Beefy.

I certainly don't see the need in picking on one player , after such a lucky win by Sunderland.

That never day die spirit that we wish City had , like United, was on display last night. City were really going for the win.

Their goalscorer got around Joe well and scored, but was a complete arse beforehand. Sunderland got lucky, these things happen.

Nobody bitched and moaned when Aguero popped up on a brilliant play in the dying seconds of the CL game.

What hurts is the nature of the defeat, especially since City clearly dominated the game.

I thought we were in for at least seven minutes of injury time, what with all the delays and substitutions.

Ok, points dropped. Still a fantastic half of the season. Still top, with a hectic January ahead of us.

Roll on tomorrow, and personally I can't wait to be at the game on Sunday, instead of at the pub like tomorrow.

We'll get it right tomorrow night

[MR IMAINEROAD]

Well said Beefy. I too think Dzeko did well considering his lack of games. AJ was trying too hard against his home town team and the early card for De Jong took the sting out of him.
SHit happens.
I am a bit worried about the form of Kun however. He has scored a couple of (by his standards) fairly easy tap ins but in the last five or so games has not found the target as easily as I would have hoped.
My only query (before the match post) was playing Nasri a touch player on such a pitch in such a fixture.
I think I would have put Milner on from the start.
He would have played in a string vest...

[Dendza]

After reading the thread I'm going to have to back Dzecko up here. Yes, he didn't have his shooting boots on but he did get into positions to at least have a shot, even if it was under pressure. His strength to get through the 2 Sunderland players which Mignolet saved showed how much he wanted the goal. There was also a point where we were defending where he headed the ball out, chased it up, did a 40 yard cross field ball to AJ then forced his way into the box only for AJ to turn the ball back in-field. Also, what about their goal? I was screaming for people to get back yet they just sat the in the oppo's half, but who were the players sprinting back to try and help out? You guessed it, Dzeko, and AJ.

What about his ball into Sergio, and then Dave, is it Dzeko's fault that they couldn't put the ball in the back of the net, even though he tee'd them up?

The truth is, and we all know, that Dzeko is a confidence player who needs games to get the best out of him. In the last 3 games prior to this he's had about 15 minutes of football as sub and I'm not sure if Mancini's allowed him a full 90 in the league. I don't know how he must be thinking when he starts the season on fire, scores a brace as super-sub against the rags, nets a couple in the following games then see himself fall down the pecking order. And don't get me wrong, I can see why Mancini has perservered with Mario because he himself his a class player, but like last season, I have apprehensions about the way Mancini rotates the team. If you've only got 3 strikers to choose from and you know you are going to need that 3rd striker to perform, knowing his traits, then you've at least got to give him match time. Dzeko hasn't had that which makes it that bit harder to get up to speed.

As for the rest, it's by-the-by now. Shit happens sometimes and even though we should have won the game, just like at Brom, there's fuck all that can be done about it now apart from dusting ourselves down and get our heads, players and fans, concentrated on the Dippers game.

thank God there are some people who understand the situation

[Chinners]

No thanks needed but cheers all the same ...

[carl_feedthegoat]

After reading the thread I'm going to have to back Dzecko up here. Yes, he didn't have his shooting boots on but he did get into positions to at least have a shot, even if it was under pressure. His strength to get through the 2 Sunderland players which Mignolet saved showed how much he wanted the goal. There was also a point where we were defending where he headed the ball out, chased it up, did a 40 yard cross field ball to AJ then forced his way into the box only for AJ to turn the ball back in-field. Also, what about their goal? I was screaming for people to get back yet they just sat the in the oppo's half, but who were the players sprinting back to try and help out? You guessed it, Dzeko, and AJ.

What about his ball into Sergio, and then Dave, is it Dzeko's fault that they couldn't put the ball in the back of the net, even though he tee'd them up?

The truth is, and we all know, that Dzeko is a confidence player who needs games to get the best out of him. In the last 3 games prior to this he's had about 15 minutes of football as sub and I'm not sure if Mancini's allowed him a full 90 in the league. I don't know how he must be thinking when he starts the season on fire, scores a brace as super-sub against the rags, nets a couple in the following games then see himself fall down the pecking order. And don't get me wrong, I can see why Mancini has perservered with Mario because he himself his a class player, but like last season, I have apprehensions about the way Mancini rotates the team. If you've only got 3 strikers to choose from and you know you are going to need that 3rd striker to perform, knowing his traits, then you've at least got to give him match time. Dzeko hasn't had that which makes it that bit harder to get up to speed.

As for the rest, it's by-the-by now. Shit happens sometimes and even though we should have won the game, just like at Brom, there's fuck all that can be done about it now apart from dusting ourselves down and get our heads, players and fans, concentrated on the Dippers game.

100% agree mate.
Aguero had the easiest chance of the lot and hit it straight at the keeper...Dzeko hit the cross bar ffs and another scorcher went just over the bar at a million miles an hour !

I hope he starts against the thieves.

[Ted Hughes]

After reading the thread I'm going to have to back Dzecko up here. Yes, he didn't have his shooting boots on but he did get into positions to at least have a shot, even if it was under pressure. His strength to get through the 2 Sunderland players which Mignolet saved showed how much he wanted the goal. There was also a point where we were defending where he headed the ball out, chased it up, did a 40 yard cross field ball to AJ then forced his way into the box only for AJ to turn the ball back in-field. Also, what about their goal? I was screaming for people to get back yet they just sat the in the oppo's half, but who were the players sprinting back to try and help out? You guessed it, Dzeko, and AJ.

What about his ball into Sergio, and then Dave, is it Dzeko's fault that they couldn't put the ball in the back of the net, even though he tee'd them up?

The truth is, and we all know, that Dzeko is a confidence player who needs games to get the best out of him. In the last 3 games prior to this he's had about 15 minutes of football as sub and I'm not sure if Mancini's allowed him a full 90 in the league. I don't know how he must be thinking when he starts the season on fire, scores a brace as super-sub against the rags, nets a couple in the following games then see himself fall down the pecking order. And don't get me wrong, I can see why Mancini has perservered with Mario because he himself his a class player, but like last season, I have apprehensions about the way Mancini rotates the team. If you've only got 3 strikers to choose from and you know you are going to need that 3rd striker to perform, knowing his traits, then you've at least got to give him match time. Dzeko hasn't had that which makes it that bit harder to get up to speed.

As for the rest, it's by-the-by now. Shit happens sometimes and even though we should have won the game, just like at Brom, there's fuck all that can be done about it now apart from dusting ourselves down and get our heads, players and fans, concentrated on the Dippers game.

100% agree mate.
Aguero had the easiest chance of the lot and hit it straight at the keeper...Dzeko hit the cross bar ffs and another scorcher went just over the bar at a million miles an hour !

I hope he starts against the thieves.

Agree, I've said somewhere I hope he starts v Liverpool. He was mainly piss 2nd half but the chance Aguero missed was easier than anything Dzeko had. Aguero is a fantastic player but he's missed more like that then Dzeko & if he'd done his job, we would have beaten Chelsea, West Brom & Sunderland.

[CityGer]

Im far more concerned with Aguero's finishing than I am withbDzeko's.

Edin has had a few decent chances which he could have done better with, Aguero has missed golded opportunities in each of the last 5/6 games.

Both need to be more clinical in front of goal but Aguero has been much more wasteful and needs to work on his finishing.

[kennyboy]

Just saw the goal...it was fuckign Lescotts fault.

It was.. I am sick of him, horrible player not supriced at all

[Blue Since 76]

There were three City defenders around the man on the ball and Barry was covering the bloke on the other side of the box. It's true that their striker went past Zabba too easily but even so, he wasn't going anywhere with 3 players on him, he just stuck a foot out and the ball went through to a bloke who was offside. You could say Vinny should have tracked the scorer a he was with him originally but he wasn't the danger; he was offside. The danger was Sessegnon shooting or running clean through & we had 3 blokes making sure he couldn't do either. It's a fucking nonsense.

When he started his run he wasn't offside and when the ball was played there wasn't daylight, so Kompany didn't 'know' he was offside. Frankly, it was just terrible defending, just like in the first few minutes, but thankfully it was only Bentdner.