Sven-Goran Eriksson: A Successful Season at City?

[Blue Since 76]

It was our first glimpse of the future. Central defenders were passing the ball to each other (before Dunney would get the shots and lump it) but controlling possession became the mantra.

And when I first remember the shouts of 'Gerrit in the box' which continue to this day. I'm convinced some of our fans would only be happy with Pulis as manager.

[john@staustell]

Decent (and a bit lucky) before Xmas. Hopeless and clueless after, was it one game we won in the last 3 months? Good at scratching chin though whilst everything goes tits up.

[london blue 2]

Elano at right back was a master tactical ploy matched only by Pearce's strikers role for David James.

No wonder we were everyones second favorite team.

[Goaters 103]

[youtube]8tbf5hriP0Y[/youtube]

I missed out the second aimless header but no superman pants

If only he'd have stayed. SUCH a shame.

Yes, we've really struggled without Ireland's midfield disappearing act these past 2 seasons. His ability to not track runners, go awol in big games and also be "the best player in training" etc, has also clearly been a big loss too. Silly us for replacing him with Silva and Nasri.

[dazby]

Are you talking about Ireland or Nasri?

[wolfcity]

Decent (and a bit lucky) before Xmas. Hopeless and clueless after, was it one game we won in the last 3 months? Good at scratching chin though whilst everything goes tits up.

It wasn't quite that bad. Here's the results from the 07/08 season to refresh your mind: http://www.manchestercity-mad.co.uk/results_fixtures/2007_2008/manchester_city/index.shtml

The 2-0 defeat at home to Everton did it for me. We didn't earn a point per match after that and I'm not convinced he had what it took to turn it around. The decline was really disappointing although so was the manner in which he was sacked.

[Goaters 103]

Are you talking about Ireland or Nasri?

ha ha ha haaaa. Good one. Best laugh Ive had in a while there Dazby.

If you think Ireland is in the conversation with Samir Nasri ability wise, then you are either Stephen Ireland himself or you are watching a completely game to everyone else.

If Ireland's that good the top clubs in europe will be able to grab him soon as he's practically having to beg for a new deal at Villa, he's that good. Mind you, a player of his ability - in Ireland's own mind of course - will have the top clubs across europe climbing over themselves.

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/f ... ing-191337

[Cocacolajojo1]

Are you talking about Ireland or Nasri?

ha ha ha haaaa. Good one. Best laugh Ive had in a while there Dazby.

If you think Ireland is in the conversation with Samir Nasri ability wise, then you are either Stephen Ireland himself or you are watching a completely game to everyone else.

If Ireland's that good the top clubs in europe will be able to grab him soon as he's practically having to beg for a new deal at Villa, he's that good. Mind you, a player of his ability - in Ireland's own mind of course - will have the top clubs across europe climbing over themselves.

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/f ... ing-191337

He's qualities has definitely detoriated since he left us, but at the same time it should be remembered that there were top clubs who wanted to buy him from us but we had/have the policy of not selling to top four-competitors.

Playing at Aston Villa under Houllier could cripple anyone.

I'm not saying that Ireland would have had a great carreer had he gone to a better club, but at the same time he was much sought after at that time and perhaps, just perhaps, there was some justification for that in his ability as a player.

[Fergiesnose]

I like Sven. Always thought he did a good Job with England. Much better than the Italian fabio dick in terries arse.

[Grandad Rosler]

I absolutely loved this season, I was on holiday in Portugal when the season kicked off and remember the west ham game as a turning point in how we were viewed as a club, it was the beginning of the type if attacking football (well the majority of the tine) that we have come to expect these days.

The Derby was also one of the best I've experienced without actually being there outnumbered by 40 rags to our ten in a the corner of the pub, we outsang them all day long and when Giovanni spanked the winner in we went crazy.

So for me it was a successful season, not for trophies and league position but for ridding us of an awful style of play and giving us some cracking memories

Am also thankful that Frank did the right thing and sold us, yes it's probably just down to the stonking profit but we could have easily become the next Leeds/Portsmouth

[ross.mcfc]

I cant believe the has gone into the 3rd page without anyone mentioning us losing 8-1 to Middlesbrough.

[Alioune DVToure]

I cant believe the has gone into the 3rd page without anyone mentioning us losing 8-1 to Middlesbrough.

Apart from my OP, you mean? I think three or four others have referred to it as well. I might be wrong.

[Slim]

Decent (and a bit lucky) before Xmas. Hopeless and clueless after, was it one game we won in the last 3 months? Good at scratching chin though whilst everything goes tits up.

4 games: The derby, Spurs, Sunderland and Portsmouth.

[wolfcity]

I cant believe the has gone into the 3rd page without anyone mentioning us losing 8-1 to Middlesbrough.

Apart from my OP, you mean? I think three or four others have referred to it as well. I might be wrong.

You're not wrong.

As ridiculous as it sounds, could it be said that the humiliating defeat at Middlesbrough was largely down to the problems behind the scenes? The players knew Sven was at the end of his reign and rumours were surfacing that City were in a real mess financially. It's not good for morale. My optimism says it's a freak result in extreme circumstances.

Classic Blue humour celebrating Elano's goal though. My Brother went and said everyone was acting like we'd won the Champions League with that strike!

[dazby]

I remember the board was absolutely buzzing that day.

[Piccsnumberoneblue]

It's funny how Pearce was slaughtered for wasting six million squiddlies on Samaras, whereas it seems everybody overlooks Sven's fabulous striking purchase, Rolando Bianchi.

[Pretty Boy Lee]

It's funny how Pearce was slaughtered for wasting six million squiddlies on Samaras, whereas it seems everybody overlooks Sven's fabulous striking purchase, Rolando Bianchi.

Budgets were different admittedly, but Sven gets some slack because a lot of his buys were successful or passable.

Stu gave us dabo, corradi and a whole bunch of journeymen.

[Alioune DVToure]

It's funny how Pearce was slaughtered for wasting six million squiddlies on Samaras, whereas it seems everybody overlooks Sven's fabulous striking purchase, Rolando Bianchi.

Budgets were different admittedly, but Sven gets some slack because a lot of his buys were successful or passable.

Stu gave us dabo, corradi and a whole bunch of journeymen.

Plus Hart and Hamann, though, to be fair to him. Ball and Mpenza were also very important emergency signings in Jan 07.

[dazby]

Stu was shopping in the bargain basement, and came up with Joe Hart. For that alone, he should be thanked and admonished for any other purchasing "miscalculations."