All S**t opposition apart from one.

[Bianchi on Ice]

Spurs were awful. they have just lost at home to toon and Wham for fooks sake so nothing new.But our display was sublime, full of pace, skill and power. We will beat Swansea easily as well. but if we can beat Arsenal convincingly I will begin to get really excited. To me the question is still how to grind out wins away in adversity. I agree with Souness(I usually do).Away from home Ya Ya and Ferndinho just haven't been destructive enough. It looks like Pellers is going to ignore this and just try to outplay the oppo with positive attacking football. We would all love that to work, but some of us with long memories think ultimately we will need to be more pragmatic. Fascinating to watch the project developing.Worry? Garcia on the pitch again.

I think first 20 mins of away games we try to be pragmatic and thats where the problems start. We have to earn the right to play. This is where the scum and the great pool sides of the past have excelled ...get the early goal..win the 50-50s..remain crisp and precise in possession...hit on counter...we seem hesitant away and as weve seen it only takes a well drilled set piece or mistake and you are chasing the game. Im not frothing over beating spurs 6-0. Id have taken a 1-0 if you offered me going the next five aways unbeaten. We could have won 10-0 but until you get bonus points for goals scored its by and large irrelevant if you lose every other away game. Home form keeps you in contention...away form wins you titles.

[Bluemoon16]

Some of us need to accept that demolishing the likes of rags, spuds, Norwich etc was due to them being simply shit sides. If we can replicate such displays against Munich, Chelsea or any other top side, I'll give full credit to us being a super side. Give Arsenal and Liverpool a reality check when we meet them, and the media will go on and on about how superior we are, something they already acknowledging right now.

So last seasons run away champions are a shit side we should just expect to beat?
We should also just expect to put six past one of the top teams in the league who also had the best defensive record?
Abd we can't call ourselves good because we haven't done it to bayern?
Your thought process is mental!

Last season's runaway champions were one of the worst teams that won a championship!
Putting six past one of the best defensive teams leaves no room but praise for us! Remember 1-6?
Beating the likes of Munich should become the norm if we want a pro-City media wankfest!

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

All great results but Norwich honestly was the worst defending I've ever seen. Great result regardless as you have to take your chances.

The Norwich game reminded me of a couple of home games vs Arsenal under Royle then Keegan when they scored 4 in about 20 minutes and then just strolled through the rest of the game. The difference in quality between the two sides then was so vast, there was no point moaning about losing as we'd have stood a better chance playing the All Blacks at rugby.

Whether Norwich were poor or not, we made them look like they hadn't played the game before. We also did it to the rags for an hour and Spurs. Let's hope we add Swansea and Arsenal to that list over the next few weeks and at least win the away games, regardless of the score

I wasn't trying to take ANYTHING away from that performance.

[branny]

If all these teams are so bad defensively then how come nobody else is putting them to the sword?

[Burt]

If all these teams are so bad defensively then how come nobody else is putting them to the sword?

Now that is one of the best quotes that i have seen for a good few weeks Branny fella.

[Moonchesteri]

If all these teams are so bad defensively then how come nobody else is putting them to the sword?

Now that is one of the best quotes that i have seen for a good few weeks Branny fella.

it is. and just like Blue Since 76 said, I'm also happy to be ignored by the press to keep the pressure off us

[john@staustell]

You may also notice that City goals are usually disqualified from 'Goal of the week/weekend'. Much less impressive goals are nominated, especially when scored by Shrek.

[Wonderwall]

You may also notice that City goals are usually disqualified from 'Goal of the week/weekend'. Much less impressive goals are nominated, especially when scored by Shrek.

please tell me why after hammering Tottingham hotspuds, we only have 1 player in this line up! Garth crooks take a bow son! How you ignored Navas is beyond me and looking at those other explanations you gave, I could make a case for about 5 City players being included. If it was the RAGS beating them 6-0 it would have been full of them. Wanker



GOALKEEPER - SIMON MIGNOLET (Liverpool)
Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet
Mignolet was beaten on three occasions, but also denied Romelu Lukaku a hat-trick and Everton a certain victory with the Belgium goalkeeper at the top of his game. Regular readers of my Team of the Week will know that I seldom select goalkeepers who let in so many goals, but he was superb.
Did you know?
Despite conceding three, Mignolet made nine saves in the Merseyside derby, including five from close-range shots.

DEFENDER - CESAR AZPILICUETA (Chelsea)
Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta
Deployed at left-back, Azpilicueta just never stopped breaking forward as part of Chelsea's overwhelming wave of sustained attacks. At times it was like the Charge of the Light Brigade. In the end West Ham had no answer to Chelsea's onslaught and the Spaniard played his part. Ashley Cole may not just have Leighton Baines to worry about; I think Chelsea might have a very worthy left-back in Azpilicueta. The fact that I picked him on the right is because I've selected Kieran Gibbs on the left.
Did you know?
The versatile Spanish full-back made more interceptions than any other Chelsea player this weekend (two).

DEFENDER - PER MERTESACKER (Arsenal)
Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker
What a week Mertesacker had. He scored the winner against England in midweek and was outstanding again against Southampton. Why anyone thought for a moment that Saints defender Jose Fonte didn't pull the Germany captain's shirt, resulting in a penalty, is a mystery to me. And what exactly was Artur Boruc doing auditioning for Strictly Come Dancing in the 22nd minute? Two separate moments of madness resulting in the downfall of Southampton. Mertesacker remained completely unmoved by both incidents.
Did you know?
The Arsenal centre-back has completed 90.25% of his passes this season.

DEFENDER - DANNY GABBIDON (Crystal Palace)
Crystal Palace defender Danny Gabbidon
What a send off for Eagles caretaker manager Keith Millen. Tony Pulis might be taking over but Millen has at least left the new manager with a team growing in confidence and with some momentum. At the heart of that growing confidence is Danny Gabbidon, who was unfussy and pragmatic in Palace's victory over Hull City Tigers or whatever they call themselves these days.
Did you know?
The Wales international made nine headed clearances in the match against Hull.

DEFENDER - KIERAN GIBBS (Arsenal)
Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs
The battle between Nathaniel Clyne and Kieran Gibbs down Arsenal's left-hand side was a fascinating contest between these two young English defenders with bright international futures. I think Gibbs won the contest and Arsenal definitely won the points.
Did you know?
Only Aaron Ramsey (57) has made more tackles than Kieran Gibbs at Arsenal this season (37).

MIDFIELDER - STEVEN NZONZI (Stoke)
Stoke midfielder Steven Nzonzi
Made one goal and scored the other. A player more renowned for his work rate than his goalscoring prowess. But even the Frenchman couldn't disguise his surprise when referee Kevin Friend sent off Wes Brown for what appeared to be a perfectly reasonable tackle. Sunderland boss Gus Poyet was so incensed he couldn't keep his coat on.
Did you know?
Nzonzi has attempted 726 passes in the Premier League this season, nearly 300 more than the next Stoke player Erik Pieters (448).

MIDFIELDER - OSCAR (Chelsea)
Chelsea midfielder Oscar
Jose Mourinho has practically ignored Juan Mata this season, rubbished the apology afforded to West Brom manager Steve Clarke by Mike Riley and, according to Barcelona's Andres Iniesta, the 'special one' has lost the charm that endeared him to Spanish football. But one thing he has got absolutely right is the consistent selection of Oscar. The Brazilian produced another brilliant performance against West Ham and once again totally justified Mourinho's selection.
Did you know?
Oscar has already surpassed his Premier League goal tally from last year (four) this season.

MIDFIELDER - FRANK LAMPARD (Chelsea)
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard
It's normally very difficult to go back to your old club and perform well - but not for Frank Lampard, it seems. His goalscoring record against West Ham is quite remarkable. The more the fans at Upton Park single Lampard out for special attention the more he seems to score against them. You'd have thought they would have learned their lesson by now.
Did you know?
Lampard has now scored five times in his last five Premier League appearances against West Ham.

FORWARD - SERGIO AGUERO (Manchester City)
Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero
I have received text messages from all over the world about the completely abject performance by Tottenham against Man City. The tragedy was the sheer lack of effort, but not even the most ardent Spurs fan could deny the supreme performance of Sergio Aguero. This guy is world class.
Did you know?
Aguero (10) has scored more Premier League goals this season than Tottenham (nine).

FORWARD - FRAIZER CAMPBELL (Cardiff)
Cardiff forward Fraizer Campbell
Glenn Hoddle and Graeme Souness think Campbell might find himself on the plane to Rio with the rest of the England contingent if he continues to produce impressive performances like the one against Manchester United. What's taken them so long to come to that conclusion? The vast majority of us thought it was possible after his performance against Manchester City earlier in the season.
Did you know?
Campbell has scored in his last two Premier League appearances against former employers Manchester United.

FORWARD - ROMELU LUKAKU (Everton)
Everton forward Romelu Lukaku
In a game that seemed to have a bit of everything, Lukaku's header for his second goal reminded me of Everton legend Bob Latchford at his best. His movement towards the near post followed by his bullet header suggests to me that Jose Mourinho has dropped a major clanger by letting the Belgium international leave Chelsea for Goodison, albeit on loan. This young man has a lot more to offer.
Did you know?
The 20-year-old has now scored four times against Liverpool; his favourite Premier League opponent.

[Patrick]

Two things.... I always find GD is a pretty good barometer....

and I remember the last season we battered a fair few teams

I'm loving this season, even after flying over for the Chelsea game!

[City64]

You may also notice that City goals are usually disqualified from 'Goal of the week/weekend'. Much less impressive goals are nominated, especially when scored by Shrek.

please tell me why after hammering Tottingham hotspuds, we only have 1 player in this line up! Garth crooks take a bow son! How you ignored Navas is beyond me and looking at those other explanations you gave, I could make a case for about 5 City players being included. If it was the RAGS beating them 6-0 it would have been full of them. Wanker



GOALKEEPER - SIMON MIGNOLET (Liverpool)
Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet
Mignolet was beaten on three occasions, but also denied Romelu Lukaku a hat-trick and Everton a certain victory with the Belgium goalkeeper at the top of his game. Regular readers of my Team of the Week will know that I seldom select goalkeepers who let in so many goals, but he was superb.
Did you know?
Despite conceding three, Mignolet made nine saves in the Merseyside derby, including five from close-range shots.

DEFENDER - CESAR AZPILICUETA (Chelsea)
Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta
Deployed at left-back, Azpilicueta just never stopped breaking forward as part of Chelsea's overwhelming wave of sustained attacks. At times it was like the Charge of the Light Brigade. In the end West Ham had no answer to Chelsea's onslaught and the Spaniard played his part. Ashley Cole may not just have Leighton Baines to worry about; I think Chelsea might have a very worthy left-back in Azpilicueta. The fact that I picked him on the right is because I've selected Kieran Gibbs on the left.
Did you know?
The versatile Spanish full-back made more interceptions than any other Chelsea player this weekend (two).

DEFENDER - PER MERTESACKER (Arsenal)
Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker
What a week Mertesacker had. He scored the winner against England in midweek and was outstanding again against Southampton. Why anyone thought for a moment that Saints defender Jose Fonte didn't pull the Germany captain's shirt, resulting in a penalty, is a mystery to me. And what exactly was Artur Boruc doing auditioning for Strictly Come Dancing in the 22nd minute? Two separate moments of madness resulting in the downfall of Southampton. Mertesacker remained completely unmoved by both incidents.
Did you know?
The Arsenal centre-back has completed 90.25% of his passes this season.

DEFENDER - DANNY GABBIDON (Crystal Palace)
Crystal Palace defender Danny Gabbidon
What a send off for Eagles caretaker manager Keith Millen. Tony Pulis might be taking over but Millen has at least left the new manager with a team growing in confidence and with some momentum. At the heart of that growing confidence is Danny Gabbidon, who was unfussy and pragmatic in Palace's victory over Hull City Tigers or whatever they call themselves these days.
Did you know?
The Wales international made nine headed clearances in the match against Hull.

DEFENDER - KIERAN GIBBS (Arsenal)
Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs
The battle between Nathaniel Clyne and Kieran Gibbs down Arsenal's left-hand side was a fascinating contest between these two young English defenders with bright international futures. I think Gibbs won the contest and Arsenal definitely won the points.
Did you know?
Only Aaron Ramsey (57) has made more tackles than Kieran Gibbs at Arsenal this season (37).

MIDFIELDER - STEVEN NZONZI (Stoke)
Stoke midfielder Steven Nzonzi
Made one goal and scored the other. A player more renowned for his work rate than his goalscoring prowess. But even the Frenchman couldn't disguise his surprise when referee Kevin Friend sent off Wes Brown for what appeared to be a perfectly reasonable tackle. Sunderland boss Gus Poyet was so incensed he couldn't keep his coat on.
Did you know?
Nzonzi has attempted 726 passes in the Premier League this season, nearly 300 more than the next Stoke player Erik Pieters (448).

MIDFIELDER - OSCAR (Chelsea)
Chelsea midfielder Oscar
Jose Mourinho has practically ignored Juan Mata this season, rubbished the apology afforded to West Brom manager Steve Clarke by Mike Riley and, according to Barcelona's Andres Iniesta, the 'special one' has lost the charm that endeared him to Spanish football. But one thing he has got absolutely right is the consistent selection of Oscar. The Brazilian produced another brilliant performance against West Ham and once again totally justified Mourinho's selection.
Did you know?
Oscar has already surpassed his Premier League goal tally from last year (four) this season.

MIDFIELDER - FRANK LAMPARD (Chelsea)
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard
It's normally very difficult to go back to your old club and perform well - but not for Frank Lampard, it seems. His goalscoring record against West Ham is quite remarkable. The more the fans at Upton Park single Lampard out for special attention the more he seems to score against them. You'd have thought they would have learned their lesson by now.
Did you know?
Lampard has now scored five times in his last five Premier League appearances against West Ham.

FORWARD - SERGIO AGUERO (Manchester City)
Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero
I have received text messages from all over the world about the completely abject performance by Tottenham against Man City. The tragedy was the sheer lack of effort, but not even the most ardent Spurs fan could deny the supreme performance of Sergio Aguero. This guy is world class.
Did you know?
Aguero (10) has scored more Premier League goals this season than Tottenham (nine).

FORWARD - FRAIZER CAMPBELL (Cardiff)
Cardiff forward Fraizer Campbell
Glenn Hoddle and Graeme Souness think Campbell might find himself on the plane to Rio with the rest of the England contingent if he continues to produce impressive performances like the one against Manchester United. What's taken them so long to come to that conclusion? The vast majority of us thought it was possible after his performance against Manchester City earlier in the season.
Did you know?
Campbell has scored in his last two Premier League appearances against former employers Manchester United.

FORWARD - ROMELU LUKAKU (Everton)
Everton forward Romelu Lukaku
In a game that seemed to have a bit of everything, Lukaku's header for his second goal reminded me of Everton legend Bob Latchford at his best. His movement towards the near post followed by his bullet header suggests to me that Jose Mourinho has dropped a major clanger by letting the Belgium international leave Chelsea for Goodison, albeit on loan. This young man has a lot more to offer.
Did you know?
The 20-year-old has now scored four times against Liverpool; his favourite Premier League opponent.

Its because everyone fucking hates us lol

We are even selling our and Englands goalkeeper to Stoke . Cant believe Tom Cleverly didnt get in that line up btw pmsl ;-)

[Slim]

I could make a case for Nasri, Fred, Zabs and Negredo for that side.

I don't think a case is needed to be made for Navas or Aguero.