By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 18th December October 2002
Can City get at least 40 points this season? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

The Aftermath of Derby Day

After City’s fantastic performance against our arch rivals, the next test was to prove that they could play like that every week, this time against lower opposition in Charlton (and I mean no disrespect to Charlton when I say that). The City fans were expecting a win, and some members of my family even thought that Charlton were to be relegated this year. I’ve always stuck to my guns and said that Charlton were too good to go down, and they have one of the best team spirits in the country. I also think that Scott Parker is very underrated and unnoticed because he plays for Charlton.

This was a vital period for City, with their next few games being at home to Charlton, away at Middlesbrough, home to Bolton, and away to Sunderland and Charlton in 6 days. 3 of those teams were supposedly in the relegation dogfight, and at the moment, City fans considered themselves to be in there until their points tally reached 40.

This was more than likely one of the worst games I have seen this season. City just didn’t look like half of the side that had made beating United look easy. There just wasn’t the passion like there was last against the reds, and there didn’t seem to be much in the way of skill either. The final ball was poor, as was the finishing. Charlton wanted it more, and indeed got more. A cross into the box was missed by Jason Euell and the City defenders and came to Shaun Bartlett, who just had to slot it into an empty net. City had their moments, but in a scrappy game, Charlton were fractionally the better side. I don’t think that City deserved to win, but having said that, I don’t think that Charlton did either!

Next, it was on to Boro, and a tough game for City despite Boro’s slight dip in form of late. The first half was good for City. Had the odd chance. keeping a clean sheet, and it all looked rosy for them. But in the second half, a different side seemed to come out, and it wasn’t long before Boro scored. Poor defending from a set piece left an unmarked Ugo Ehiogu at the back post to head past Schmeicel in the City goal. Less than 10 minutes later, the deficit was doubled. More shoddy defending left Alen Boksic unmarked, again at the back post, and again a goal.

City showed a bit of resolve, and Nicolas Anelka pulled a goal back with a neat turn and shot which Mark Schwarzer could only get a hand to. City were then reduced to 10 men for the third time this season, and for the second time it was Shaun Wright-Phillips seeing red for two book-able offences, and both were bookings, no doubt about it. But after having a goal disallowed and hitting the post through Massimo Maccarone, the Italian had played with City’s defence, he shot, and the rebound fell kindly for Geremi, who blasted it into Schmeicel, who couldn’t do anything about it. 3-1, which is what I predicted at the start, and a fair result on the whole.

Two defeats in two wasn’t looking good for City, and the game with Bolton wasn’t looking as easy as it was about 2 weeks ago, after winning 4-2 at Leeds and nearly beating Chelsea at home, they were on a roll. Bolton settled the quicker, but after a short while, City got into their stride, and took the lead after 25 minutes from a corner, which City have had major problems with up until now.

Eyal Berkovic’s corner was flicked on by the ever-improving Marc Vivien Foe, and Steve Howey was there to head past Jussi Jaaskelainen in the Trotters goal for his first of the season. City were on top, with Tiatto at left wingback and Horlock in the centre, replacing Jensen, City looked a lot more complete. After half time, City were the much better side. Bolton looked sluggish and slow, whereas City were looking like causing havoc at any opportunity. It was only a matter of time before City doubled their lead, and that time came 10 minutes after the break. Anelka brought the ball forward, and as Goater ran across him taking 2 men with him, Eyal Berkovic ran behind him. Anelka turned and played it in front of him, and as he was one on one with Jaaskelainen, all he had to do was slot it into the corner. He did, and scored his second goal of the season in the process. After that, nothing happened. City didn’t care as the match was won, and Bolton didn’t seem to have the quality to break us down. Only towards the end did they threaten, with Schmeicel having to make a brilliant double save. But the points were in the bag for a long while, so the fact that City won was no big surprise.

City then had to go to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland, who were now 19th and looking a bit desperate. It wasn’t the best first half of football, with both teams failing to settle down quickly. There wasn’t an awful lot to shout about in the first half, with few chances. Sunderland could have taken the lead after a corner resulted in a goalmouth scramble. City could have snatched a lucky goal after Horlock’s long range free kick was headed onto the post by Joachim Bjorklund, and fell awkwardly for Shaun Goater who missed it.

But 5 minutes later, City took the lead, when Sun’s ball up-field was left by everyone bar Marc Vivien Foe, who stuck a leg up and knocked it over the oncoming Sunderland stopper Jurgen Macho, and slotted the second ball into the net with no real problem. A killer blow as it was just before half time, and the travelling City faithful came out singing “feed the foe”.

City came out after half time looking like a side with confidence, and it showed on 62 minutes. Sylvain Distin played a nice one-two with Shaun Goater, ran to the bye line and crossed it in. Macho pushed the cross away from goal, but right into the path of the oncoming Jihai Sun, who just pummelled the ball into the empty net, with Macho just getting up, scoring his second goal of the season.

Then, Howard Wilkinson brought on 3 substitutes, one of which being Sunderland’s best player, David Bellion. After 5 seconds he missed an unbelievable opportunity, an unmarked header from a yard out. He then ran our defence ragged and forced a great save from Schmeicel after his shot hit Richard Dunne and wrong footed him.

But then normal service was resumed. Dunne’s shot hit the post and came to Nicolas Anelka who hit the bar from 4 yards, and Sunderland were reeling. City certainly saved the best till last, with a classy goal to round off a classy performance. A neat move ended up with Anelka lobbing the ball lazily over the black cat’s defence to the run of Berkovic, who headed it back across the area to Goater, who’s first touch left him with his back to goal. He turned and unleashed an unstoppable shot through a defenders legs and into the bottom corner of the net, leaving Jurgen Macho stranded, and George Graham ordering a big piece of humble pie after his slagging off of the Goat before the game.

City were in twelfth, and Sunderland were in trouble. As much as I hate to say it, it looks like Sunderland could be in trouble this year, and the reason I say this is namely because of Howard Wilkinson. This guy is a tactical dunce. Instead of keeping to the 4-4-2 system which he played at Anfield, and got a point out of Liverpool with, he changes his system completely and plays the same system as City with a 3-5-2 with wingbacks, and playing a striker at right wingback. Admittedly we did this, but, like Grolsch, “you can’t rush theshe thingsh, they take time.” With Shaun Wright-Phillips, we started off playing him up front, then to right wing, then to right midfield, and then to right wingback. From knowledge, Wilkinson just seemed to move Proctor to right wingback. Also, changing systems is showing a team too much respect, and if the players of the team aren’t used to it, then why bother changing it?! As soon as I heard the news that Wilkinson was to be manager at Sunderland, I knew there was going to be some hostility amongst the Mackems, and I knew that the black cats were in for a long, hard season.

City have won 5 in the last 7, but with Charlton on a run of 4 straight wins, including a win over Liverpool, it will not be easy, at all. Like I’ve said on many occasions, Charlton are too good to go down. But if City win on Saturday, we can leapfrog the Addicks, and at least level our goal difference with theirs, and winning 3-0 on Monday was a big help toward doing that. City are now 12th in the Premiership, and I now realise that being out of the Worthington Cup and having drawn Liverpool in the F.A. Cup, I know that there will be no silverware for City’s last season at Maine Road.

All I want is for us to get to 40 points as soon as possible, so I can call us safe. We may be in 12th with 23 points, but until we have 40 points, I still count us as a team who could be relegated. City could be 8th by the end of Saturday, so who knows how things could turn out. As I’ve said before, football is a funny old game.

Cheers

Chris Prior

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By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 12th November October 2002
Is Anelka better than Van Nistlerooy? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

At last, the day has come. The 127th Manchester derby, and the last of it’s kind ever to grace the hallowed turf of Maine Road. Both sets of fans were wound up for this one. One of the most historic games in the history of the derby. The streets of Manchester were deserted. Every pub in town was packed with passionate supporters, either red or blue, never both. Many a bet was put on this derby months in advance. Every fan was hoping that they could walk into work or school in two days time with their heads held high, instead of having to sneak through the back entrance. Manchester was a split City. Pride was on the line for the whole City (and the United following in London). This was the most important game of the season for both sets of fans, and what a game it was.

Going into this game, I was very pessimistic. After defeat to Wigan in the cup the previous Tuesday, and having Steve Howey and Sylvain Distin out through injury.

Just as we were coming up to the normal spot in the car, team news. Schmeicel, Jensen, Wiekens, Goater, Berkovic, Sun Jihai, Tiatto, Dunne, Foe, Mettomo, Anelka. That team struck fear through me. Wright-Philiips on the bench, and Wiekens playing. As much as I like Gerard Wiekens, the Dutch U-21 international always seemed a bit slow. I thought that United were going to run rings around us.

As soon as I walked up the stairs into the ground, the atmosphere hit me. The fans already singing their hearts out, both sides (YES, UNITED CAN SING). The moment the tunnel was pulled out from underneath the Maine Stand, the form book was thrown from the ground. The last derby at Maine Road was about to begin. As Schmeicel and Gary Neville led the teams out for the last derby at Maine Road, the roof was blown off of the Stadium.

It was a fast start to the game, with City having the better start. This was personified on 5 minutes. Phil Neville’s badly judged back-header to Rio Ferdinand went past him. Anelka totally outpaced him and played it to Goater. He just about got his shot in before Laurent Blanc could make it. Barthez couldn’t hold it, and Anelka was on hand to fire home. First blood City, and Maine Road erupted. Only twice before have I gone so mental for a goal, Paul Dickov’s 95th minute goal at Wembley, and the Goat’s equaliser at Ewood Park which set us on our way to promotion.

But City have always had problems in holding onto leads in derbies, and this wasn’t about to change. 3 minutes later, United got back on level terms. After Van Nistelrooy, Dunne and Wiekens all collided, Ryan Giggs picked the ball up and swung in a teasing, low cross. Lucien Mettomo couldn’t deal with it, and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer poked past the great Dane into the top corner, and went off to celebrate with the United faithful behind the goal. 1-1 after 8 minutes, and this was proving to be a cracking send-off for Manchester Derbies at the famous stadium.

United started to look more confident, with City finding it hard to string 3 or 4 passes together. Chances came for both sides. Giggs was played in by Veron but beaten to it by Schmeicel, and Foe headed one over the bar with Barthez left ball watching. Then City regained the advantage. Foe’s poor ball towards the area was chased by Gary Neville and Shaun Gaoter. Neville, unaware of Goater’s presence, kept the ball in only to be tackled by the Bermudan, who took the ball toward the corner of the 6 yard area to slot into the far corner. Just to rub it in, the fans gave Neville a standing ovation every time he touched the ball.

This time, City held onto the lead, and the fans were a little less nervous than the last time. City still pushed and created chances. Firstly, Sun Jihai’s good turn and cross was met by the rising Goat who’s header just passed the post. He also had another opportunity to net his 100th for the blues against his old club, with a low, thunderous, 20 yard drive which had Barthez beaten and went just past the post. But the best chance came to Nicolas Anelka. Goater lobbed it over the oncoming Blanc for Anelka to run onto. His pace took him to it, and he was one-on-one with his fellow countryman. His shot was aimed into the top corner, but Barthez stopped it expertly, and kept United in the derby. United fans were wiping the sweat off of their foreheads, and City fans were rueing missed chances as the teams went in for half time. City were looking more and more confident, and United were lucky to still be in the game. An exciting half, with some choice challenges flying in, and a lot of confident, attacking football by both sides. The neutrals must have been having a field day.

The second half began just like the first ended, with some more attacking football, and more crunching tackles. Phil Neville should have been booked for a badly timed tackle on Danny Tiatto, who United were trying wind up all game, but failed.

City then could have extended their lead, when Berkovic found Anelka, and his low cross had the United defence in tatters, but Goater couldn’t reach it. But City then doubled their lead, and effectively finished the game. Foe won the ball on the halfway line and passed it down to Jensen on the left. His lofted ball bounced kindly in front of Berkovic. His perfectly weighted ball went to Goater, who jinked in between 2 United defenders and lobbed the oncoming Barthez, to score his 100th goal in City colours, against his former club and local rivals in the last ever Manchester Derby at Maine Road.

Whoever wrote that script, well done sir! The City fans knew that it was virtually over as a contest. After that, City had to absorb a lot of pressure. Van Nistelrooy going down left, right and centre in the area, once after Mettomo’s studs grazed the ball and sent it out for a corner, and once again after playing it through the legs of Gerard Wiekens, he ran into him and Richard Dunne.

City should have had a penalty though when Anelka was played through by Sun Jihai, and after knocking it past Barthez, was brought down. Mr Durkin, who in my opinion had a good game, saw it in a different light, and gave a free kick against Goater for an alleged push on Blanc.

United then had more chances to pull themselves back into the game, first O’ Shea’s header was saved by the City captain, and then Giggs’s shot produced a great reaction save, with Mettomo there to pick up the pieces. Solksjaer had another header saved brilliantly by the great Dane, getting his big frame behind it just on the line.

In injury time, Ruud Van Nistelrooy was one-on-one with Schmeicel before Richard Dunne rushed in to make a brilliant tackle, but Durkin gave a free kick. Now, surely in this situation if he gives a free kick he must at least book Dunne, but nothing other than a free kick was given. From the resulting kick, Giggs hit Foe in the wall, and went out for a corner. The corner came in, Schmeicel came and didn’t claim, Solksjaer picked it up on the left hand side of the area, drilled it across, and John O’Shea managed to put it wide from 2 paces.

That was a lot worse than the Goat’s miss at the Hawthorns last week. It was then City who could breathe a little... well, a lot easier! That was the last action of the game, and as the final whistle blew, City were victorious.

For the first time since the Maine Road massacre 13 years ago, City had won a derby. Most of the crowd was overcome with jubilation, myself included. I have never seen us win a derby before in my nine years of following the pride of Manchester. For years, I’ve had to put up with City being the butt of all jokes, being in Division 2 when United won the treble. But on Monday, I could walk into school with my head held high and a smug look on my face. it was a proud and defining day in the history of Manchester City Football Club.

This is how the City players rated in my book:

Peter Schmeicel: A solid display against his former employers. Made some crucial saves in the second half, keeping us in it at times. 8

Richard Dunne: Showed himself to be one of the best young defenders at this level. Another solid display by the young lad, and his pace is really starting to show. 8

Gerard Wiekens: I must admit I had my doubts, but he proved me wrong. Marked Van Nistelrooy out of the game. A strong show by the Dutchman 8

Lucien Mettomo: Did Distin’s job perfectly. Was usually there to clear it, and did well to thwart many United attacks down the left. Perhaps at fault for the goal. 7

Niclas Jensen: Did his job well. Made the odd tackle which stopped United causing problems. Did well for the goal, to firstly win it, and then to play it to Berkovic. 7

Sun Jihai: As combative as ever. Made it difficult for Gigs to get going, and good pushing forward, with some good balls. Although his impressions of Van Nistelrooy left a lot to be desired..... 8

Danny Tiatto: Man of the match for me. Did well not to rise to the bait of United, especially Phil Neville, trying to wind him up. Classy yet powerful display by the Aussie. 9

Eyal Berkovic: Another good game from the Isreali. Ran the game in the second half, and his ball to feed the Goat for his second was superb. He’s playing the best football of his career. 9

Marc-Vivien Foe: Without doubt his best performance in a City shirt yet. Good on the ball, good going forward, good tackling, but another bad header! Good on the whole though 8

Shaun Goater: What can I say, this was his day. Showed true grit and determination. 2 good goals, he seems to play well with Anelka. gave Ferdinand and Blanc a torrid time 9

Nicolas Anelka: What a class act this guy is. Completely skinned Ferdinand for the first, and was a terror throughout. Should have had a penalty, but didn’t. 8

And United:

Fabien Barthez: Should of held Goater’s shot for the first, and I think he could have stopped the second and third one’s too. Good save from Anelka before half time though. 4

Gary Neville: He he he. Now a cult hero amongst the Maine Road faithful. Too slow, can’t defend, and with displays like that, Danny Mills is going to have a nice run for England. 3

Laurent Blanc: Couldn’t cope with the Goat or the Elk. Completely outplayed and outpaced by them both. Made a few good tackles but that’s it. 4

Rio Ferdinand: How did Sir Alex pay £30 million for this guy? Answers on a postcard please. Showed up by Goater and Anelka, and slightly at fault for the 1st goal. Poor display 4

Mikael Silvestre: One of the better United players. Worried us once or twice down the left, but gave the ball away a bit too much. Better than most. 5

Juan Veron: Biggest Waste of money I’ve ever seen. No wonder United fans don’t like him much. Made one or two good passes, but a bit nonsy and doesn’t do a great deal. 4

Phil Neville: And I’ve heard good things of this bloke recently! His passing was atrocious, and like most of the other players, was poor. One wonders why this guy has played for England 4

Ryan Giggs: I expected more of him. His pace caused us problems, and he put the odd good cross in, but something was missing. On the whole, pretty good compared with the others. 5

Paul Scholes: Probably their man of the match. Made some hard tackles, played with the passion of a local lad, a terrier like performance. Although his touch let him down. 7

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer: Did well for the goal, and got into some good positions at times. Could have been sent off for an appalling challenge on Tiatto. A problem, but nothing special. 6

Ruud Van Nistelrooy: I’ve never been a fan of diving, but the F.A. should look into this guy. Couldn’t get away from Wiekens, so fell whenever he could. Disgraceful. 4

On the whole, one of the best days of my life. And, to be honest...............

I luved it, Really Luved it!!

Cheers

Chris Prior

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By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 12th November October 2002
Can Keegan turn City's season around? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

After two straight defeats and no win in the last six Premiership games, City were starting to look like real relegation contenders. City were trying to play fancy football against sides of real quality, like the Liverpool’s and the Chelsea’s of this world. This wasn’t working. City seemed to lack that bit of steel and determination which other teams seemed to have. Players like Benarbia and Wright-Phillips, who had a lot of expectation thrust upon them, were not finding the kind of form that they showed against Premiership opposition last season.

This pushed Keegan into having a serious re-think about how his team should play the game. Instead of having a side which would try and pass their way out of trouble, something which City tried to do but in truth couldn’t, Keegan went for a more physical team. By dropping Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ali Benarbia, two very good footballers, in place of two more steely players and two players who were one last chance saloon in the managers books. Richard Dunne, back in the team for the first time since his “serious breach of club discipline”, and Danny Tiatto, who himself got slated off by Keegan after his jumping two-footed tackle on David Thompson of Blackburn, just seven minutes after coming on as a substitute. Doing this, and putting Sun Jihai at right wing-back, gave City a more physical look about them.

The first test of this new side came in a game billed as a relegation 6 pointer, at St. Andrews, home of Steve “the elephant man” Bruce’s Birmingham City side, who had just received 4 points from 2 away games, so confidence was high around St. Andrews.

A nice start to the game, with the Birmingham fans holding up cards which represented the Senegalese flag for Aliou Cisse, who had just lost 11 members of his family in a boat accident (although the Birmingham fans nearly cocked it up). Although his return to the team was somewhat tarnished, as it only took 17 minutes for City to take the lead. Good passing from Marc-Vivien Foe, and then a pin-point cross from the right from Eyal Berkovic provided Jihai Sun with an easy opportunity to head past Nico Vaesen into the Blues goal, scoring his first goal in a City shirt in the process, and the first ever Premiership goal to be scored by a Chinaman.

After that, City were put under a lot of pressure by Birmingham, but Carlo Nash in the City goal didn’t have a lot to do until the second half, and even then he only had the odd save to make from Stern John. Towards the end, City had more chances, Anelka, Foe and Goater the culprits. But then, City took their chance to double their lead and seal the game. Kevin Horlock, a half time substitute for Niclas Jensen, played it through to Anelka on the left hand side of the area. He beat a man and calmly slotted into the far corner, and City sealed their first away win of the season.

City then had to take this form into the next away game, just up the road at West Bromwich Albion, another potential relegation 6-pointer. It was a cold, dark, wet and windswept afternoon at the Hawthorns. City were on a high after winning at Birmingham, but confidence was somewhat lower in the midlands, with Megson’s men only picking up 1 point from a possible 15.

It was a very physical game, with the referee, a certain Mr Ellerray, being very reserved in showing cards, probably due to the conditions. City had more chances in the first half, with Anelka having the best chance of the half before being met by two Baggies defenders.

The second half was a more entertaining affair, with 3 goals in 20 minutes. First strike was City’s. A neat ball from Anelka through the legs of a West Brom defender found Goater. His quick thinking played Berkovic in. He ran it towards goal and played it perfectly across to Anelka who had an empty net to tap into, a well worked goal, and Anelka’s 6th of the campaign. 11 minutes later, the Baggies struck. Neil Clements free kick was moved into the area after Eyal Berkovic was telling Shaun Goater who to mark, and was booked for dissent, or ‘persistent infringement’ as Elleray put it.

Clement drilled it hard and low, it took a deflection and Nash had no chance. 1-1, and City fans were fuming at Berkovic, but having said that we couldn’t see the incident. Then, 10 minutes after that, City took the lead, and the winner was scored by Shaun Goater. Another well built goal, this time Anelka got the ball in the area, dummied a shot, and played it out to Goater, who just had to slide home his 2nd of the season.

City held on, and should have had a further 3, thanks to the Goat. Firstly, he had time to control, turn and shoot past Russell Hoult in the Baggies goal, but snatched at it and wide it went. The second was a tame header which was easy for the ex Derby keeper to save. But the third was the worst one. He and Anelka tied knots around the defence, and left it 2 on 1. Then, Anelka squared it to the Bermudan who had a near empty net to slot it into, and hit the post. Miss of the season as of yet.

City were on a roll, confidence was high. Then, the Worthington Cup, a cup which most fans and KK himself took seriously. When we named the team, I know I thought it was going to be easy. But when Howey and then Distin went off injured, things weren’t looking good for City. Then, when we conceded a scrappy goal, that was it. A scrappy game for the remainder of it. City were poor, Wigan weren’t much if any better. The passing was poor, the finishing was poor, and we had lost 2 of our best defenders.

Saturday was looking even more daunting by the minute. How were we supposed to beat one of the best teams in the land playing like that without our 2 best centre-backs? Only god knows. The City fans were as pessimistic as ever, and were dreading Saturday, and the following Monday. Then, I stupidly put two bets on City winning. But, lets see how things pan out shall we, after all, Football is a funny old game!

Cheers

Chris Prior

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By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 23rd October 2002
Can Keegan turn City's season around? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

I think that we made our point down at St. Mary’s last week that we weren’t the happiest bunnies in the country at the time. After the week that we had had, watchin us crumble at home for the first time in 364 days, watching us nearly get humiliated at home by a second division side who we brushed aside twice last season, and then going to Southampton of all places to see our worst performance of the season to date. Not good for City, and the words “We’re down if we don’t buck up” were going around the City end of St. Mary’s quicker than Michael Schumacher around Monza.

When City stepped out onto the hallowed turf in front of nearly 35,000 fans, there was an air of optimism about the place. Both managers had said this would be an entertaining game, it was never going to be a banker away win. But this was at 2:00 pm before the game. After the game the City faithful were licking their wounds and the City fans who were “optimistic” enough to put money on a home victory were counting the cost, learning a lesson and seeing if somebody else would get the drinks tonight.

I was also dreading coming into school the following Monday, mainly because there is a Liverpool fan in my class, who at 2-0, rang me said, and I quote “ha ha ha ha ha” and hung up. But it was exactly like the 3-0 drubbing received at Leeds United on the opening day of the season. Poor defending led to the first goal. A poor back header from Jihai Sun went out for a corner. The defending from the corner was comical and Michael Owen, who hadn’t scored for a good few games, decided to break his duck against us. The previous day, me and a friend were joking saying that he’d score a hat-trick against poor defenceless City. Well, we did have a defence, just it wasn’t working to it’s full extent, or any extent to be precise!

But, about 10 minutes after the goal, City came back into it, and dominated until Liverpool scored a second midway through the second half. A speedy counter attack, Gerrard feeding Owen through the back of City’s defence, and Owen kept a cool head to put it past Schmeicel.

The third was always coming, and was always going to be scored by Owen. Surely enough, it was. Schmeicel was still running back after coming up for a corner, Owen ran with the ball up into our half. Sun couldn’t cope, and Owen smashed a rocket off a shot in off the post with minutes remaining. I’d call it bitter-sweet because I like Liverpool, but it was more like bitter-bitterer. The only positive that could be drawn out of this was that City could perhaps play about with the system and players 4 days later in the Worthington cup against Crewe. Perhaps rest players such as Schmeicel and Foe, not Anelka as he hadn’t scored for a bit so a couple of goals against the Railwaymen might boost the Frenchman’s confidence.

But KK named an almost full strength team, bar Shaun Wright-Phillips and Darren Huckerby who were on the bench, and Sylvain Distin who was left out of the squad completely. On the bench also was the new Argentine forward that nobody happens to have seen yet, Matias Vicente Vuoso. I’m not sure if we were the only ones, but me and my family were quite keen to see him get a run out just to see what he was about and what he could do. It wasn’t the best of starts for City either. Schmeicel failed to hold Rob Hulse’s shot and Rodney Jack was there to pounce. 1-0 after 20 seconds was quite demoralising. What was worse was that it took City a further 10 minutes to get into gear. Once we did, chances flowed but with nothing to show for it.

Benarbia’s looping header hit the bar on 16 minutes, then with a stunning free kick from just outside the area. Another incident which occurred toward the end of first half was the alleged “throat cutting” gesture from Eyal Berkovic to a female fan. I only got the back of Berkovic’s head, but I saw one fan shouting at the Israeli and him shouting back. This was after Berkovic fell over under a challenge, and as he was getting up, the fan got up and starting ranting at him. All I can say is that footballers are shouted at regularly and aren’t usually bothered by it. But the one type of abuse footballers, and people in general, despise more than anything is racist abuse. Now, with Berkovic being a jew, he would be quite an easy target for racist abuse. That is probably why he did what he did. I’m not saying that it was right, but people usually need to be provoked to do something like that. I wouldn’t mind but he has been playing his best football of the season so having a go at him was a bit uncalled for.

City were unlucky not to go in at half time about 1 or 2 up, never mind go in behind. City came out unchanged at half time, and I know that some fans around me were panicking, myself included. The heavens had opened, and the rain started to fall onto the pitch, making it greasier and upping the tempo of the play. Not a lot had happened between then and the 60th minute, pushing Keegan to makes changes. In place of Lucien Mettomo, playing for the first time since the summer and looking quite good, and Shaun Goater, who in fairness hadn’t done much, came Darren Huckerby and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

This changed the game dramatically, changing the system from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2 with Nico Jensen pushing out to left wing-back, Jihai Sun coming in to right centre back and Wright-Phillips playing as right wing-back, with Huckerby taking Goaters place. The difference was immediate. Foe, who played his best game of the season so far, sent Anelka down the right with a clever ball over the top. Anelka skimmed through the defence and fired a cracking shot which hit the inside of the post. It deserved more, and City got it on 69 minutes, and it was Huckerby who set it up, and what a goal it was. His pace and skill took him from the left hand side past three defenders, and when he was tackled, the loose ball was picked up and hit first time from Eyal Berkovic, who blasted into the top corner from 25 yards out.

The game slowed down somewhat until the last ten minutes, when it saw three goals in the space of 4 minutes. Firstly, Huckerby came in from the right hand side, and took a wicked deflection off the unlucky Richard Walker, and looped past the advancing Clayton Ince into the net. City seemed to scraping through with the skin of their teeth, and with them still celebrating, Crewe seized the opportunity to stun their north west rivals, catching them on the break. Substitute Steve Jones, who had only been on the pitch 10 minutes, got on the end of a long ball from midfield and crossed for the red hot Rob Hulse to put past Schmeicel.

The whole stadium silenced by that one touch of a ball (well, the whole ground bar the supporters dressed in red in the North stand). Then, it was City’s turn. Shaun Wright-Phillips beat two men down the right hand side to reach the edge of the area, and his cross was met by the advancing Darren Huckerby, who rifled his shot into the top corner past the hapless Ince in Crewe’s goal. The roof of Maine Road was raised, City were in raptures, and Crewe were distraught. But as they say, football is a funny old game, and I certainly found that quite amusing.

But the events of last Saturday down on the south coast were all but amusing. Our performance was shabby, and to again let a goal in within 60 seconds was quite worrying. It’s a good job Alan Hansen wasn’t commentating on this match, because he’d be on repeat. “Sloppy defendin’ ”, “Shambolic” and other such catchphrases would be on the tip of Mr. Hansen’s tongue. After the first goal, I wouldn’t be surprised.

A cross came into the box, and our 6’ 3 centre back Sylvain Distin was outjumped by 5’ 11 Southampton forward Brett Ormerod, who’s header was placed into the far corner away from Peter Schmeicel. One-nil, and City fans were already thinking “It’s going to be a long day.” Now, I don’t usually mind us being behind if we play well and look like equalising, like we did against Crewe. But against Strachan’s Saints we were shambolic. After the chant from the blues contingent, Keegan pushed Shaun Wright-Phillips up to partner Anelka, instead of the obvious choice of bringing off either Benarbia, Berkovic, Horlock or Foe and bringing Huckerby on and playing 3-5-2 with wing-backs.

This didn’t help, and Southampton soon doubled their advantage. A high ball over the top caught City cold at the back, Ormerod stormed through past Sun and Distin. His first shot was well stopped by Schmeicel, but the rebound was picked up by the ex-Blackpool front man who was there to nod home, beating the 2 defenders to it.

It stayed like that from there on, with City lucky not to concede more, with Southampton missing many chances. City were appalling, and the fans were united in saying that unless things buck up, we were in severe trouble. Luckily, there was a two week break for Keegan to tweak with the side in whatever way he saw fit. And for the first 65 minutes or so City were the better side. Within the first 5 minutes, Shaun Goater was one on one with Carlo Cudicini from Niko Jensen’s pass, only to be tugged, pushed and pulled out of it by Marcel Desailly. Not even a foul given.

Berkovic looked impressive against the blues of west London, hitting the post after a neat move with Jensen and Benarbia. And indeed it was a challenge on the Israeli international from Frank Lampard that should have seen the England man sent off. He made no attempt to get the ball, and he cut through Berkovic from behind, and was lucky to get only a yellow card. When the teams went in at half time, the City fans were in buoyant mood. City hadn’t played this well for a while and knew they deserved to be in front. What cheered us up more was when the scoreboard read Fulham 1 Man U 0!

A large “Whey!” noise echoed around Maine Road, and the fans were ready to see their team secure a much needed third win of the campaign. And, up until the first goal, we looked like doing so, Cudicini called into action from Anelka and Foe. Then, the killer goal. A corner whipped in from the right hand side was flicked on and headed in by Gianfranco Zola.

After that, City’s heads dropped. Two goals on the break, from Zola again and Hasslebaink killed City off. After Zola grabbed his second, most City fans left in disgust. Most of those who stayed just stayed to boo City off the field, although those who stayed gave Gianfranco Zola a standing ovation when he was substituted. I think it was Paul Hince who said that the 1967-68 campaign started out like this, and that season City won the league. If he was implying that the same may happen this time around, I’m afraid I’ve got some news for you. As fitting as it would be to win the league in our last season at Maine Road, I’m afraid that times have changed and that that simply isn’t going to happen.

Most blues would be happy with survival at this moment in time. Hopefully, things will start to change with 3 wins in our next three in the league. Birmingham away, who it may be nice to keep down in the bottom half in the long run. West Brom away, who again it would be good if they stayed down toward the danger zone. And finally, the biggest game of our season. The last derby match at Maine Road, Manchester United at home. Need I say more....

Cheers

Chris Prior

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By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 23rd September 2002
City to beat Liverpool at the weekend? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

Manchester City certainly got lucky this weekend. After about 70 minutes into the game with Blackburn, City were on the brink of folding. But, after a twist or two, they produced a pair of aces, by the names of Nicolas Anelka and Shaun Goater. An elk and a goat. Hardly a match people would think of as a star strike force, but it worked for us.

The starting line up seemed strange to say the least. Steve Howey was expected to recover from a knock received at Arsenal, but wasn’t even on the bench. In step Richard Dunne. He wasn’t in the squad for reasons unknown to a fair majority of the 34,000 + crowd at Maine Road. In steps Mikkel Bischoff, a youngster signed by KK who as of yet hasn’t been included in the squad.

Another problem was up front. Darren Huckerby wasn’t certain to be fit for the game, and Shaun Goater was apparently ready to deputise. They never took into consideration the youngster Chris Shuker who has been on fire as of late. What strikes me is that they never took him into consideration because he isn’t really a striker, but more of an attacking midfielder. What struck me was that KK spent £3.5 million on an Argentine U-21 international striker in Matias Vicente Vuoso, who scored a hat trick in midweek against Bury reserves and ran the show. Weird choice, but I myself am a big fan of Chris Shuker so wasn’t complaining to see him in. He’s quick, got a good footballing brain, not afraid of anything bigger than him, which is brilliant because this guy is one of the smallest Premiership players I’ve seen in a long time.

City never got into gear, but nor did they. The first goal was well taken but sloppy play from Marc Foe gifted the Lancashire team the lead (City play in Greater Manchester before anybody tries to pick me up). He gave the ball away, David Thompson picked up the ball up and from 23 yards out fired an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner of the net, leaving Peter Schmeichel with no chance.

City created a few chances but didn’t look like the team that had beaten both Newcastle and Everton, although changes had to be made. Chris Shuker looked lively, but his shooting left room for improvement. Made good runs but often didn’t get the service. Mikkel Bischoff also made an assured City debut, his pace and strength evident from the start. Eyal Berkovic was again a bit frustrating but was unlucky not to have equalised just before the break, shooting over from Ali Benabia’s shot free kick.

Blackburn took just 9 minutes from the restart to double their advantage. Andy Cole was neatly played in by Dunn, and then placed through the Dane’s legs for a second. He then mysteriously injured himself and had to go off. Then, after 66 minutes, the two debutants, Bischoff and Shuker came off for Tiatto and Goater; Tiatto lasted just 6 minutes before being sent off for an atrocious tackle on Rovers’ David Thompson. He jumped into it, 2 footed on Thompson’s shins, he was never going to last. The only thing that shocked me was how long it took the referee, who I think played very well, to make his decision.

City needed a miracle, and how it came. 7 minutes after Tiatto, Anelka finished off a neat one touch move down the left hand side of the area, found himself some space in the area to finish neatly. Then, in the last minute, the same kind of move left Goater in space, who’s shot hit a defender and trickled in. The crowd favourite struck, the goat was fed, and he scored. How good was that!! The blue half of Manchester was in raptures for drawing, (sounds like the Irish, and I should know!!) and Blackburn had stopped counting their chickens.

City only need to avoid defeat at the hands of Liverpool to ensure a 12 month unbeaten home record in all competitions. As a friend of mine keeps saying, “you can only beat the teams put out in front of you”. I agree, and so what if some of those teams were the likes of Grimsby, Swindon Town and Barnsley, no offence intended to these teams, but they also include teams like Birmingham, West Brom, Wolves, Newcastle, Everton and Blackburn. I would also like to add that my friend only makes that statement because the teams put in front of his team (Stockport County) are along the lines of Mansfield Town, Notts County, and Q.P.R., no offence intended to these teams either.

Having a good home record is all well and good, but City seem to struggle away from Maine Road. Good performances at Leeds and down at Highbury had seen City come away with nothing. Against Villa was different because we never really got going, but City still had 0 points out of a possible 9.

City needed something against a West Ham side that was still looking for their first win of the campaign. West Ham always seem to have a poor start, and beat someone around this time of season and go on and do all right. I thought this game had home win stamped on it. Saying that, I thought that there would be goals, and lots of them! Both teams held out for a 0-0 thriller. Everybody in a white shirt played well. Berkovic played his best game all season, with pinpoint passing and the odd tackle as well. Sylvain Distin played outstandingly at the back. Niclas Jensen was very good going forward. Nicolas Anelka was excellent up front on his own, creating chances for himself and others. Kevin Horlock was fantastic in midfield, his tackling an example to any young midfielder today (unlike a certain ex Irish international up in Trafford). Those were just some of the performances which stood out in my opinion.

Now on to face Liverpool, and to defend our unbeaten home record. The last team to beat us at Maine Road was Wimbledon back on the 29th September 2001. Avoid defeat against Liverpool, who have a tricky Champions League tie against Basle this week, and a 12 month unbeaten home record is ours. Arsenal may be breaking records left, right and centre, but .... who cares about Arsenal. Well, I do because they’ll stop United winning the league.

Cheers

UP THE BLUES!

Chris Prior

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By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 11th September 2002
Anelka to be Premiership top scorer this season? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

City are back, and this time to stay.

The last time we returned to the promise land, we got hammered 4-0 at a newly promoted side, Charlton, and were poor to say the least. If a team is going to stay in the league, you should aim to get something, if not a win, against teams like Charlton, who were then a newly promoted side. We didn’t, and that was what cost us.

But, our away record that season was phenomenal, with only Arsenal bettering it. Wins at places like Leeds and Newcastle, draws at Manchester United and Tottenham. But it was at Maine Road where our form let us down, winning no more than 4 games at Maine Road, with heavy defeats to Charlton, Arsenal and Leeds. Too many defeats at Maine Road, to many draws away. A team should really make their own ground a fortress, and that year, most teams took all three points from Maine Road.

I’m not going to use the excuse that we were unlucky, but there were two incidents that stuck out in my mind. Richard Dunne hitting the ball extremely hard at a Charlton player, possibly Claus Jensen, who was 50 yards out from goal, and it going over the unfortunate Nicky Weaver in the City goal. And another, at home to Spurs this time, where City had a goal disallowed because Sol Campbell was impeding his own keeper, and then Sergei Rebrov scores an injury time winner. And also, the heartbreak of losing to Ipswich, after taking the lead. When Martijn Reuser scored that goal, I couldn‘t move.

But this time it’s different. City, who played well at Leeds were unfortunate to lose, never mind lose 3-0. But, that taught us a lesson that you have to take your chances, we didn’t and we were punished accordingly, the goals from Viduka and Keane were sentiment to that.

But against Newcastle, a team in the Champions League, we showed them and other teams that we may have just come up, but we’re here to stay. We were outstanding. But, in a way, City remind me of a coin, in that we have two sides. A good side and a bad side. The good was shown against Newcastle, the bad against Aston Villa down at Villa Park. Peter Schmeicel showed Villa what they were missing, but with Peter Enckleman they have quite a good No. 1 of their own. Even Ali Benarbia had a bad game, and you know there is something wrong when he is bad.

But, once more, City turned good, again at Maine Road. This time, against Everton. Two quick-fire goals from Nicolas Anelka put us ahead, then Shaun Wright-Phillips was unfairly sent off for a Professional Foul. A penalty, no doubt, a booking was probably justified, but the guy was left of goal, and City had Howey and Distin in the area for cover, so he wasn’t the last man. And, after Unsworth converted from the spot, City sustained about an hour of pressure, with Anelka plying right wingback for quite a while, before he wrapped up his hat trick. He took the ball off of Gary Naysmith, ran towards goal and with four players around him, blasted into the bottom right hand corner of Steve Simmonsens goal. A deserved victory and City were 6th. I seriously can’t remember the last time City were this high.

City are starting to get a bit of a pattern immerging. Good at home, poor away. Last season, out of 69 points, we got 60. If we don’t lose to Blackburn and Liverpool at home we will have gone over 12 months unbeaten at Maine Road. That is an unbelievable record for any side, and will be a record that shows that City are going back in the right direction.

It’s been a bumpy few seasons for us blues. I’m now in my 9th season, and still I’ve only seen us stop twice. This is my sisters 5th season, and she’s seen 3 promotions and a relegation. City don’t like staying in one place for longer than a year, it’s not our style.

But this season we don’t have a choice. If we go down, the consequences would be astronomical. Mainly on the accounting side of the club. The fact that King Kev has splashed out over £22 million over the summer won’t help us anyhow, but if we get relegated, we’ll be in trouble. Also, the crowds will not fill out the new stadium, the City of Manchester Stadium, as I doubt nearly 50,000 people would flock to watch a team in the first division, no offence intended to the first division, but it’s not a 50,000 crowd puller is it.

City travel to Arsenal on Tuesday hoping to get their first points away from Maine Road on the board. Trouble is, they’re travelling to Arsenal, the champions. The only weakness of Arsenal is that they’re a little weak at the back, as West Brom proved when they travelled to Highbury. City are quite weak at the back, but don’t let many goals in, if that makes sense. But both sides are good going forward so this makes out to be a really good game. Nicolas Anelka will be out to prove his critics wrong, and Arsenal, his message being “Look out, I’m a better player now than I was with you”. His Choice of words, not mine. I sure hope so! I think if you had of said just before the play-off final that in three years time you’ll be a Premiership team with a Darren Huckerby, Nicolas Anelka strike partnership, I would have bitten your arm off.

On a final note, the F.A. have disallowed Nicolas Anelka’s hat trick!! That’s a bit harsh, considering they let David Unsworth keep his goal, which took two deflections, against Birmingham. But, against his old club, lets hope he gets a hat-trick (not only for City, but for my dream team, he he.)

Thanks for reading.

Adios

Cheers

Chris Prior

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By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 20th August 2002
Where will City finish in the Premiership this season? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

Baptism of Fire for Blues, & a Certain Person in Trafford

Firstly, I’d like to send my condolences to the families and friends of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, and the people of Soham after the tragic events of the last fortnight.

Well, it’s been a while but City are back in the Premiership. It never was going to be easy. City went to Leeds with Peter Schmeicel, Nicky Weaver, Paulo Wanchope and Danny Tiatto out, and with Jon Macken, Vicente Vuoso and Shaun Goater all doubtful. And with Graham Poll as the referee after his storming performance at the World Cup (remember Italy Vs Croatia) it wasn’t a particularly nice way to travel to Elland Road was it? Leeds are a class apart from most of the league, apart from the elite 6 teams in which they are one of them. I was pessimistic going into this game, even though hopes and belief were at an all time high at City. With Premiership survival already likely, City were on the crest of a wave. With Nicolas Anelka, Sylvain Distin, Marc-Vivien Foe, Peter Schmeicel and Vicente Vuoso on board, City looked very good for their money. But, if your facing a team the strength of Leeds United, going into optimistically is all well and good, but it just means getting brought back down to earth with a rather large bang if or when you lose.

But, I think being true, most if not all of the 40,000 + crowd at Elland Road were agreed in saying that the result was unfair. that it didn’t tell the whole story of the game. I’m not saying that City deserved to win by any stretch of the imagination, but 3-0 was a bit if not very harsh on the new boys. 2-2 would have been a better indication, but City’s defence must have forgotten that we were in the first division last season, and now we’re in arguably the best league in the world (I personally think that La Liga is better, but everybody to their own).

The first goal was a half chance, which players in the Premiership will 50% of the time take with both hands. A deflected cross, which Carlo Nash should have collected, was flicked in by Leeds’s new summer signing Nick Barmby. The cross may have been deflected, but the first rule of goalkeeping is when you come out for a ball, you have to get the ball. Nash didn’t, he was very slow off the mark. Barmby did well to get to it, but still questions had to be asked of Nash.

But City created chances also, Jihai Sun came from centre back to hit the post from 25 yards on his weaker left foot. Robinson was a beaten man. Marc Foe made the young goalkeeper work a couple of times with low shots, and he pulled off the save of the half from a low Eyal Berkovic volley from the edge of the 18 yard box.

But, just before half time, Leeds stuck the killer blow. Nick Barmby’s curling ball over the City defence, and Mark Viduka’s quick thinking left the Aussie powerhouse one-on-one with Nash. Leeds’s top scorer wasn’t going to miss. City could say that Viduka’s marker, Steve Howey, was injured, but it doesn’t disguise the fact that we tried the offside trap.. It’s always dodgy to play it, especially against a side the calibre of Leeds. Viduka, one of the most prolific forwards in Britain, is one of the last strikers you should try the offside trap against. A lesson that was hopefully learnt by the City defence.

The second half was just as energetic, with Berkovic hitting the bar from outside the area, Robinson again beaten. Huckerby, who was brought on later in the half for Sun, had a chance, but blazed over after being neatly played in by Benarbia. Youngster Chris Shuker, who came on for Berkovic late on, had a good shot saved by Robinson, and from the resulting corner, Richard Dunne leathered it over both the tiers in our stand.

One minute after that, he was partly to blame for the next, final, and killer goal. He was out-jumped by Alan Smith, and his pace took the ball into the area, where Carlo Nash was exquisitely lobbed for Keane to put any hopes of City maybe saving a point into orbit. I think that the system KK played was a bit strange, playing Nicolas Anelka as a lone striker. I can see the way he thought, that playing two up front may be a bit attack minded against a side as good as Leeds, but that’s a reason to play two up front. Playing a team with a defence as good as Leeds, they’ll be able to close the lone striker down quicker leaving him vulnerable and unable to conger up anything of true significance, i.e. scoring or making chances.

But, although the result made us look like a boy in a man's game, there were (in my opinion) some good performances. Eyal Berkovic did well, twisting and turning like his usual self and looked at home in the Premiership. Let’s just hope the injury he picked up was a slight knock. I thought Sylvain Distin was quite good, a strong, big quick defender who’s not afraid to push forward. Jihai Sun played a blinder in my view. It was a bit of a shock when we heard his name in place of Richard Dunne’s, especially due to Dunne’s season last season being excellent. But his tackling, passing, and shooting were excellent. He’s quick, and under-rated. How the Sunday People only gave him a 5 I’ll never know. Benarbia was his usual clever self. Shaun Wright-Phillips played excellently in front of Sven Goran Eriksson, he didn’t do himself any harm what so ever. And, when he came on, I thought Chris Shuker gave a good account for himself. I’ve always been a fan of players who came up through the youth system, and Shuker is no different. His pace, speed of thought, passing and shooting were all good, and he’s such an energetic young lad, I can see him being there or there abouts this season.

Other players who have come through our YTS include Danny Allsopp, (Notts County’s top scorer last season, helped them just survive) Chris Greenacre, (Mansfield’s top scorer last season, helping them to promotion) Dixon Etuhu, (Preston midfielder, has Everton on his tail) and of course Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Now, this week has been quite interesting, not only because of the build up to the start of a new Premiership season, but because of a certain Irishman who has an inability to keep his chops shut. Yes, I’m talking about Roy Keane. Now, this guy has repeatedly taken digs at his own team, his fans, the Irish football setup, and he still gets away with it! What I want to know is why do managers have to be so careful about their choice of words and yet people like Keane can get away with it. Also, I’m surprised Manchester United haven’t reprimanded him for his comments on his fellow players, calling them the Rolex brigade. I think that was a bit harsh on Sir Alex, because if he was in the Rolex brigade, he wouldn’t keep losing, or making up time! The biggest surprise is the reaction of the Manchester United fans! This shows their loyalty though, (loyalty, what loyalty!) or intelligence (distinct lack of it!) because they have stuck by Roy Keane even though he has publicly had a go at them for being quite and munching on prawn sandwiches. I don’t see why that’s such a bad thing, Young's provide outstanding prawns, you just ask the fans in the Stretford End.

But I think Roy Keane typifies most footballers on big wage packets in this age. The way he walked out on Ireland during the World Cup showed that. The manner in which he left the Irish squad, and the reason why he left the Irish squad, were both disgraceful. Most people would have rolled their sleeves up and got on with the job in hand. Not Keano, the man who thinks he’s above everybody else because he plays for United. I think that is the peak of his selfishness, a man who had the hopes of a nation resting on his shoulders, who then left because he didn’t like the manager. Then he had the cheek to say Ireland could have beaten Spain if they had a decent manager. Spain are the 3rd best side in the world. And maybe if you hadn’t of been so childish then yes maybe Ireland would have had more of a chance against Spain. People call Nicolas Anelka sulky, at least he didn’t go home because he didn’t like the people in charge.

But, the revelations of the past week or two about the challenge he made on Alf-Inge Haaland in April 2000 were just disgraceful. Keane doesn’t seem to realise that (for some reason that I can’t assotain) he is a role model for some children (mostly those in London). So writing publicly that he actually went out to injure Haaland was really quite a stupid thing to do. This was another show of Keane childishness, because he basically went out to get revenge for Haaland injuring him. Let us not forget it was Keane who tripped Haaland up, and that caused Haaland to fall over and his studs caught Keane. That’s what Keane deserved. Fact of the matter is that Haaland got tripped and couldn’t help catching Keane. But Keane’s confession is going to get him into a nice big lawsuit. That should add some spice to the next Manchester derby, the last one at Maine Road ever. It’s now looking like it’ll be one no one will forget in a hurry, that’s for sure.

Cheers

Chris Prior

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By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 15th May 2002
Where will City finish in the Premiership next season? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

End Of Season Review

Manchester City football club has come a long way since that fateful Monday night in May 2001, where Ipswich Town came from a goal down, to seal City’s fate by winning 2-1, with goals from Matty Holland and Martijn Reuser. Between then and August 18th when City defeated Watford 3-0, City had installed a new manager in King Kevin Keegan, and brought in Stuart Pearce, Eyal Berkovic and Australian defender Simon Colosimo, who has since left, whilst letting Spencer Prior go to second division new boys Cardiff City, and selling Mark Kennedy to fellow promotion chasers Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Expectations were high amongst the Maine Road faithful. Players like Eyal Berkovic, Paulo Wanchope, Stuart Pearce, who had all proved themselves at the highest level, were preparing to catapult the Blue Half of Manchester back where they belong. And, with a 3-0 win against many peoples tips for promotion Watford, it already looked like a for gone conclusion. But, City were brought back down to earth with an almighty big bang the next week at Carrow Road, as Norwich but two past City, who lost 3 players through injury. Carlo Nash ended up with badly bruised ribs after colliding with City centre back Richard Dunne. Berkovic had pulled his hamstring, and his replacement Jeff Whitley had to be replaced later on after badly breaking his ankle. Then, the pessimism returned to Moss Side, as it usually does.

City then started to put a run together, scoring 9 goals in two game, beating Crewe 5-2 at Maine Road, and putting themselves top of the table, knocking Burnley off it winning 4-2 at Turf Moor. Hopes were raised again, but, City being City, they then went to the Hawthorns, getting panned 4-0. This is vintage City, up down up down. But, City were getting entertainment, in that they had seen 25 goals in 5 games. City were becoming the neutrals favourite team, or ITV digitals favourite team. City then got one of their cup runs up and running, but the match was overshadowed by the events of earlier that day, September 11. But, City took it like professionals, winning 4-2 after extra-time. But although the terrorist attacks of earlier that day, it will live long in the memory of one City youngster for a long time to come for a different reason. Chris Shuker, who had never played for Manchester City before, having only been on the pitch a matter of minutes, scored a diving header to put City in the lead, this despite him being only 5’5.

Then, a day or two after the match, Kevin Keegan stopped for a coffee with an Algerian man named Ali Benarbia, who had just finished a trial at Sunderland, and been rejected. Keegan snapped at the opportunity to sign Benarbia, who duly accepted. City fans were wondering what sort of player Benarbia would be, and some, including myself, were wondering why Keegan decided to play him in place of Kevin Horlock. It took us a matter of minutes to figure that one out. Benarbia was at the heart of everything, as he was for matches to come. City went into a nice big yoyo patch, after beating Birmingham 3-0, City travelled to Coventry, who recently sacked Gordan Strachan, and lost a roller-coaster of a match 4-3, having come from behind three times. Then, Sheffield Wednesday were the hosts, losing 6-2 to a City side who came from behind. Then, after an easy 3-0 win at home to Walsall, the inconsistency of the Lazar Blues kicked in, as City were crushed by Wimbledon.

City headed into October knowing that unless they stopped leaking sloppy goals, promotion was going to be an even taller order. They started off with a thumping 6-0 win over Trevor Francis’s Birmingham City side, who had already met City and been shown how football is played. Darren Huckerby got 4 of the 6 goals, setting up 1 of the others. Optimism was high all around the Blue half of Manchester, and with a rampant City meeting a Stockport side who couldn’t beat an egg, City must have thought of it as a walk in the park. They ended up drawing 2-2 and having to come from behind twice. And the first of 2 0-0 draw of the season, and a controversial one at that. Steve Bennett booked 5 City players, sending Kevin Horlock off for a second book-able offence, when he ’dived’ out the way of a boot coming toward his stomach. City were slumping, and looked to end it at Preston. But, a 55 yard volley by ex United forward Jon Macken stopped City from taking a point from Deepdale, and, to rub salt into the City wounds, Eyal Berkovic managed to shout himself off the pitch after being on the pitch about 5 minutes.

City were due a win, and made it a big one, with a nice big home thumping of Grimsby, Shaun Goater getting the blues going after barely 2 minutes. Goals from Howey and Huckerby (2) taught the Mariners a lesson they’d not forget in a hurry. Then, a seemingly easy, considering the game proceeding it, trip to Nottingham Forest. And when the Blues conceded a scrappy goal thanks to more sloppy defending. But, Forest gave City a lesson on sloppy defending. A mix up between the goalkeeper and a defender left the Goat one-on-one with the keeper, who was rounded with ease.

Halloween came, and City scared the Barnsley faithful at Oakwell, devastating the Tykes before the first half was out. The cry, "you should have gone trick or treating!" was exclaimed by the blues, which was quite true. City started the new month off where they left the old one, beating Gillingham 4-1, Shaun Goater scoring his second hat-trick of the season. City then bolstered their midfield with the signing of 6’4 French powerhouse Christian Negouai, who played the next match down at Portsmouth. On the coach trip down, City lost previous signing Alioune Toure to a blood disorder, Deep Vein Thrombosis. And, City ended up losing top scorer Goater early on. City went on to lose the match 2-1, and drop down to 9th place in the table.

City only just scraped past strugglers Rotherham by the same score line after coming from behind. It doesn’t matter how you win, as long as you do. City went out of the Worthington Cup at Blackburn, having Uriah Rennie send Negouai off for two silly bookings, in my opinion, he should have got one for the both of them, not one for each.

City went into December just below the play offs, and a trip to Grimsby, who needed the points. It took City until way into the second half to get going, and then they scored 2 goals. Then, one of the toughest matches City were going to face all year. A trip to one of the most intimidating stadia in Britain. The New Den, Millwall. City fans had to watch this on a screen at Maine Road, and they would have loved what they saw. Shaun Wright-Phillips breaking his 2 year duck without a goal as a City player scoring the winner with hardly any time left. That set City on their way. But, Crystal Palace soon brought that one to a halt, dominating and eventually winning 2-1.

City were then entered into a must win situation. In a 2nd vs 3rd battle, 2nd placed Wolverhampton Wonderers played 3rd placed Manchester City at Maine Road on a foggy Manchester eve. Kevin Horlock’s 25 yard free kick elevated Manchester City above Wolves on goal difference, closing the gap between themselves and leaders Burnley. Another plus point for the Blues, Wolves would be missing Joleon Lescott for 3 games after he was shown a straight red card for a horrific tackle on playmaker Ali Benarbia. Then, a satisfying 3-1 home win against Bradford, followed by a 0-0 draw with W.B.A. on Boxing Day.

Another make or break match came on 29th December, when table-topping Burnley had to face up to title contenders Manchester City. City won the game 5-1, largely thanks to Paulo Wanchope, who scored a hat-trick with only his 2nd start since September. Burnley missed a penalty as well. City then travelled to Sheffield United, with both teams wanting revenge for the game at Maine Road, and it was City who got it, winning 3-1, which started a winning run which would stretch through January. City ended New Years Day of 2002 top of the first division, a point ahead of Burnley.

City’s first home game of the year was an F.A. cup match against struggling Second Division Swindon Town. City made hard work of it, but still won 2-0. The day after, and the draw, after seeing rivals Manchester United cook up a typical United comeback, coming from two goals down to beat Aston Villa 3-2, City’s day seemed to get from bad to worse, as a team who made hard work of Swindon Town, were drawn away to Ipswich Town, an old foe. City didn’t let this affect them, after beating Norwich 3-1, with some Eyal Berkovic magic, and ten men!

Then, City travelled to Watford, winning 2-1, with a clumsy own goal from substitute Heidar Helguson 10 minutes from time.

Then, the big game at Portman Road, City looking to avenge the 2-1 defeat that sealed City’s fate last May. And, it was City who drew first blood just before half time. Ali Benarbia’s corner to the edge of the penalty area, was volleyed into the top corner 20 yards out by Eyal Berkovic. City then went on to win the game, 4-1, with two from Shaun Goater and a Darren Huckerby goal in injury time. Just afterwards, Kevin Keegan was given a draw and a half as City were to travel to St. James’ Park, to face Newcastle United. After City’s performance against Ipswich, pundits were saying that City would have no problems staying in the Premiership, never mind getting there.

City then had to focus on the league, and if ever a team could get you to focus, it was Millwall. City had all the support, Millwalls fans having been banned, and they came for a draw in all fairness. And, with 10 minutes to go it seemed like that, but two late goals put Millwall in their place. With KK winning the Manager of the month award for January, and the jinx that comes with the package, as City lost 2-1 at Wimbledon. 7 days later, City had a tough game at home to Preston, welcoming back Dixon Etuhu who left the club in somewhat un ceremonial circumstances. City won a thrilling game 3-2, falling behind to a Jon Macken strike. After that, the optimism levels around Moss Side had reached a high, and City travelled to Newcastle with influential playmaker Ali Benarbia suspended, and top scorer Shaun Goater injured.

City’s fortunes were going from bad to worse as after 22 minutes Richard Dunne got sent off for bringing down Craig Bellamy who was 1 on 1 with Nick Weaver. City went in at the break level with the Magpies, but City fell behind in a controversial manner. Nol Solano pulling Niko Jensen to the ground before rounding Nick Weaver to score. But City had chances in a 20 minute spell which they could and should have scored, making Newcastle squirm. But, as Newcastle’s resilience paid off, City again proved their critics wrong once again, with a performance that made the team in the Champions league places stand and applaud. The performance the following week though was hardly championship winning form, drawing 0-0 at struggling Walsall, missing chance after chance created by the Israeli genius Eyal Berkovic. He must have felt as if everything was going against him, playing in a team with a load of wasters that he had to put up with. But the following Wednesday, City played Wednesday, and proved that the 6-2 Hillsborough mauling wasn’t a fluke. City won 4-0, and missed a penalty, as well as missing chance after chance. Wednesday looked like a team 6 ft under. City then played Coventry at Maine Road, determined to keep the pace on Wolves who beat Gillingham 2-0 the previous day.

Getting March off to a flyer was the only thing on every City fans minds, winning 4-2, thanks to 2 from Shaun Wright-Phillips, was to start off a run of 5 straight wins. City then went to Birmingham, knowing only a win would do, and scoring their 100th goal of the season in a Kevin Horlock screamer, winning 2-1 after coming from behind. Then over the Pennines for City to collect another 3 points at Valley Parade, with debutant Jon Mackan, a recent £5 million acquisition from Preston North End, scoring after coming on as a late second half substitute. That result meant City leapfrogged Wolves for the first time in ages with Wolves slipping up at Birmingham.

City travelled to Crewe knowing that if City won tonight, they would go top once more. City did it in style, and Shaun Goater finally got his illusive 30th goal of the season, as well as goals from Ali B and Huckerby. The City train showed signs of coming off the rails after faltering against Crystal Palace, only a header from 2 yards from Horlock got City the points. Even though they dominated, City lacked a killer touch to make Palace whimper. In what turned out to be a fantastic day for City, Wolves lost at home to Grimsby Town. But, City’s train came off the lines at relegated Stockport, City’s bogie team of recent seasons. Then, they drew away at Rotherham, after falling behind. This was met with Wolves drawing blanks with Norwich City.

City’s luck was in, and City got back on form, with a Darren Huckerby hat-trick beating Nottingham Forest into a pulp. Also, Wolves picked up on recent form after beating Burnley 3-2 at Turf Moor, which was to set-up the biggest game in Division 1 to date. Wolverhampton Wanderers against Manchester City, with City 5 points clear and only a run as useful as a glass hammer would stop City going up. And, even though City had a goal disallowed, two goals from Shaun Wright-Phillips shot City 8 clear of Wolves with 3 to play, and 11 of West Brom, who had a game on Wolves, and won it to go level with them.

City’s promotion was then confirmed the Friday after, when City’s old foes Millwall did City a favour by confirming the blues’ immediate return to the top flight, via Steve Claridge’s penalty. City then played the best they had all season, although it took a while to get going. The Huckerby Mackan partnership getting 5 between them, 2 to Mackan, 3 to Huckerby, confirming the title. And with West Brom drawing, they lead the race to join City in the big time.

City then travelled to Gillingham getting the promotion party started, with a 3-1 win, and the City fans in force singing, "We’re not even trying, We’re not even trying." A stunning goal from Shaun Goater, along with goals from Huckerby and Horlock gave City reason to celebrate.

Wolves sent the race for automatic promotion to the wire, keeping the black country sweating until the final day. And having seen Mansfield start out of the automatic promotion zone and go up, gave Wolves some hope. But that was quashed as they drew at Hillsborough, and Bob Taylor scored West Brom’s second goal in a 2-0 victory sending them into the big time.

City though had some celebrating to do, and with another 3-1 win, this time at home to Portsmouth. And Stuart Pearce, who was dying to score his 100th career goal, missed a last minute penalty, even after telling Dave Beasant where the ball was going to go. I very much doubt he said, "it’s going in the stand, mate." But, City were up, and it was little less than they deserved. City had bounced back up, and by a considerable margin. A whole different feeling from the one felt by many a blue in the May of last year. 

I thank You.

Cheers

Chris Prior

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By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 28th March 2002
Who out of this lot will Keegan sign for City? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

Champions Spending, but on who?

Since Manchester City got promoted two weeks ago, the reporters have been getting their money’s worth of making up stories as to who Kevin Keegan will be hurling cash at in order for City to become a force to be reckoned with. Many names have been flying about, from defenders to forwards, Seria superstars to players who’ll be gracing the two stands of Brighton (no offence). Here’s a list of some of the players who have been rumoured to be hopping on the Maine Road bandwagon:

Edgar Davids. Although he is a class player, the little fact he can’t play night games goes to his disadvantage. In winter, we’d have to bring him off at half time. Wages would also have to come into the equation.

Stefan Effenberg. A class act, but the question remains would his pace stand the Premiership? Another question is, can City afford his wages?

Robbie Keane. Very quick player, very skilful with that. A goal scorer, who hasn’t had a great amount of chances at Leeds. A good signing if Leeds would sell.

Kevin Phillips. A natural goal-scorer usually gets you about 15-20 goals a season. Proven player, but he wants a move to London, and depends on how much it would take for Sunderland to sell.

Malcolm Christie. Hard working striker, who doesn’t have trouble with putting the ball in the net when the service is good. Now Derby are down, luring him to Maine Road should be that much easier.

John Hartson. The rumour with this is a swap deal for Paulo Wanchope. Personally, I think Wanchope is a better player, as Wanchope can hold a ball up as well as use his pace and skill, whilst Hartson is a bit slower. A lot of strikers could score goals for Rangers or Celtic.

Matty Holland. A very good, consistent performer. If Ipswich go down, he could be one of the players coming through the doors of Maine Road, and an asking price of £4.5 million isn’t bad for a player of his calibre.

Muzzy Izzet. Another player who would be quite useful for us, but he’s a little old for us to be spending £6 million on. Good player, but Matty Holland would be cheaper, as well as a little better. But we also have Kevin Horlock, who’s been outstanding playing in the holding role this year, as well as Alfie Haaland coming back, and the most exciting player Keegan has signed this year’ in Christian Negouai, as good as he may be he isn’t that great.

Danny Higginbotham. Although he won a great percentage of the Derby Player of the Year poll, City have enough quality wing backs in Danny Tiatto, Niko Jensen, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jihai Sun. Signing him wouldn’t be a bad deal, but not for any extortionate amount.

Andy Cole. I have never rated Andy Cole, and I’m not sure many people do. Hasn’t got the pace for the Premiership. Darren Huckerby, Paulo Wanchope and Jon Macken would be ahead of him in my vote, and I’m not just saying that because he has played for United!

Michael Ricketts. When I saw him playing for Walsall, I said he was a good player, and he’s proved me right once more. Often criticized for being lazy, but he’s a great finisher. Once more depends on whether or not Bolton would sell, and for how much if they would.

Nigel Winterburn. Still a good defender, but not as good as he used to be. As he’s on a free, signing him wouldn’t be a bad thing, but we have enough defenders in the way of Richard Dunne, Steve Howey, Lucien Mettomo and Paul Ritchie. Could do a Stuart Pearce and stay on as a coach at Maine Road.

Bjorn Helge Riise. Younger brother of Liverpool’s John Arne. Only 18, and if he’s half as good as his brother, we’ll be in luck.

On the 13th of April, City’s first game since clinching the first division title, was away at Gillingham, who, especially at the Priestfields, are no pushovers. And after 45 seconds, Gillingham should have made City pay. A mistake from Carlo Nash left an almost unguarded goal to the Gills, only for Marlon King to slice it wide.

It took City a while to break the deadlock, dominating most of the way. Chances falling to Macken and Goater, who started ahead of Darren Huckerby, who had scored 6 in his last three games. Star of the show Ali Benarbia had his shot headed off the Gills goal line by Barry Ashby. But the deadlock was broken after 19 minutes. Benarbia put a fantastic ball through the Gillingham defence for Kevin Horlock to lob the ball over Gills keeper Jason ‘Chubby’ Brown from just outside the 6 yard box.

It took the Gills 15 minutes to respond to that, a deflected cross met by Iffy Onoura at the far post to nod into an empty net. But City regained the lead within 5 minutes and a goal of true class. Shaun Goater put the ball through Ashby’s legs to Benarbia. The Algerian back-heeled the ball to Goater, who quick reactions lead him to volleying the ball into the far corner past a helpless Brown.

City took their foot of the pedal, passing it around more. Richard Dunne played extraordinarily well at the heart of the Blues back line. And Darren Huckerby, who came on for Jon Macken, took 20 minutes to score his 7th in four games, and a goal not dissimilar to the second goal he scored against Nottingham Forest. He ran onto a weak pass by Marcus Browning back to Brown, and after his first shot hit Brown and spun into the air, he was left with the ball in front of his head and an empty net to put it in.

Overall, a great day for the City faithful, and party time had begun.

Then it was the final day of the season, and I spent most of the day trying to tune my radio into 5 live to see how the Black Country promotion issue had been unfolding. And as it was Stuart Pearce’s last game in the football, and the fact he had 99 career goals to his name, whenever he got the ball, the Maine Road crowd shouted ’SHOOT!’.

And on 8 minutes, his cross was headed in by Steve Howey, a typical Howey goal, leaving Beasant with no chance. But, he gifted Shaun Goater his 32nd goal of the season on a plate. Player of the Season Benarbia’s lob was fumbled by Beasant for Goater to tap into an empty net. After the break, a lucky goal from a corner for Pompey, by Courtney Pitt. He had been a little terror in the Portsmouth side, and the goal may have been lucky but he was the most deserving of it.

But City wrapped the game up with 5 minutes left. Niko Jensen’s beautiful ball into the area found Macken who managed to lob Beasant from just outside the six yard box whilst moving toward the ball. A great finish.

But, the script had been written in advance, and when City won a penalty in stoppage time, there was only going to be one outcome, or was there? Pearce confirmed with Dave Beasant where he was going to put it, but I don’t think he told Beasant the truth, as it ended up in row K of the Platt Lane Stand. The Poor Person. But, when Mr. Bernstein (chairman of Manchester City) rewarded him with an achievement award, he made a speech which ended with the words "and I’d like to apologise for that penalty" Top Man.

Cheers

Chris Prior

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By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 26th March 2002
Who's Keegan going to sign next for City? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

After A Huck Up, City Come Good at the Wright Time

Hello again, sorry I haven't written for a while.

First off all, I'd like to commiserate with the fans of Cambridge United, Wrexham, Leicester City and Halifax, and Congratulate the fans of Plymouth and Luton, on their respective relegations or promotions. I’d also like to pat Stockport on the back for winning.

Now, after the sticky spell at two of the leagues, shall I say "lowest" teams, City came up against a Nottingham Forest side who still weren’t safe from the drop. But, although their lowly league position, Paul Hart’s team looked the part, playing some nice football, and creating chances, causing City problems. Marlon Harewood, looking like causing Steve Howey problems. And, it took City until 5 minutes from halftime to break the deadlock. Kevin Horlocks 40-yard cross-field ball found Darren Huckerby, who hit the ball into the far corner after the bounce, leaving Darren Ward in the Forest with no chance. Then 5 minutes later, Huckerby was gifted a goal by the Forest defence. David Prutton’s poor pass across the defence was intercepted by Huckerby, who slotted past Ward with his left foot.

City were playing flowing football for the fist time in at least 4 games. Then, with 5 minutes left, left wing-back Niko Jensen was brought down by French defender Mathieu Louis-Jean in the 18 yard box. Ali Benarbia was going to take it, but Huckerby was desperate to grab his first league hat-trick for the blues, and finally persuaded Benarbia to give him the responsibility of taking it, which was met by a cheer from the Maine Road faithful. Huckerby sent Ward the wrong way, securing his first league match ball in City colours.

An important win for City, as their next match happened to be the so called "title decider" with the pressure firmly on Wolves’ shoulders as they themselves had hit a sticky patch, and would have to win if they wanted a sniff at the title, and wanted to cut local rivals West Brom out of the promotion equation. It was an adrenalin rush from the off at Molineux, with tackles flying in from every angle, Shaun Wright- Phillips getting booked after only 6 minutes. Wolves weren’t Saints either, but the referee didn’t brandish the yellow card to a Wolf for a while. But Wolves came at City, just like City came at Wolves. And with an end-to-end game like this, it was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken.

After 36 minutes, Shaun Wright-Phillips received a pass from Darren Huckerby, and his left foot strike hit Wolves skipper Paul Butler, sending it past the son of one of City’s greatest servants, Michael Oakes. Whether Alan wanted City or Wolves is debatable, but the wicked deflection took it through the legs of Oakes, and Wright-Phillips celebrated, brandishing a Nike T-shirt saying "Do the WRIGHT thing", an idea from his adopted father? Who knows, who cares.

Then after the half time break, Wolves started coming into it, causing the defence of Pearce, Howey and Dunne some problems. But they were as strong as they have ever been, and did well to defend in a spell where the home side had 4 corners. And just after Wolves spell of pressure, Steve Howey headed home a Stuart Pearce corner, then confusion about whether the goal stood. Originally, referee Graham Barber pointed to the centre circle, but then discussed the goal with his assistant, who then said the goal should be disallowed as Jon Macken, was stood in Michael Oakes’s way.

But nothing was to stop the City band-wagon rolling on towards the Promise Land, and that was confirmed 10 minutes from time, when Shaun Wright-Phillips planted one right in the bottom corner from 20 yards out, and a goal which Ian would have been proud of. City can smell the Premiership. They are on the 18th green, 1 point from assuring themselves of promotion, playing with the big boys is a near certainty, becoming one of them is another story altogether. And, with Wolves travelling to the New Den 4 days later needing a win, City were rubbing their hands at the Barclaycard Premiership.

Steve Claridge’s 73rd minute penalty was enough to ensure that Manchester has two Premiership teams in the top flight next season. The day after was going to be a party day no matter what. City didn’t really get into any sort of motion in the first 10 minutes, although Danny Tiatto found time to use his own party tricks, pulling them off! And after 12 minutes, City had already took the lead. The Algerian Magician, Ali Benarbia, flicked the ball over the head of two Barnsley defenders, crossed low for Huckerby, who skipped over an oncoming tackle, and slotted past Barnsley’s Andy Marriott first time. City were on their way to a momentous victory.

Then, after the Tykes hit the crossbar via Christopher Lumsden’s free kick, City hit the gas. Ten minutes until the half-time break, City broke with pace. Jon Macken, making his full home debut, knocked it out wide to Benarbia, who’s cross met Huckerby. He turned his defender, and belted home left footed. Two nil, and City were playing half as well as they have at places like Newcastle. The Yorkshire men obviously hadn’t read the script, and with two minutes to go until injury time, Bruce Dyer proved that it isn’t Dyer by name, Dyer by nature by smashing the ball inside Carlo Nash’s near post from the edge of the area.

But City weren’t worried, and after half time, City played like a team on party day. And it took the Blues a matter of 8 minutes for them to break down the Barnsley defence. Niko Jensen’s cross was met by Jon Macken inside the 6 yard box for City’s third, and 100th league goal of the season. Shall I say a little less stylish as City’s 100th in all competitions, a 25 yard screamer at Birmingham from Kevin Horlock.

10 minutes later, another goal. This time, Huckerby’s hat-trick, and the best of the lot. Shaun Wright-Phillips, the hero from the win at Wolves, passed to Benarbia from inside his own half. Benarbia back-heeled the ball to Huckerby, who’s pace took him inside the penalty area, and slotted it into the bottom right hand corner, securing his second home hat-trick on the spin. If there was a goal worthy of winning the title, that was it.

Then, Jon Macken thought he’d give Huckerby a run for his money, by netting his second, and fourth in City colours since signing for the Blues just over a month ago. Shaun Wright-Phillips, a menace down the right hand side, ran into the area, and crossed low beyond Marriott to Macken who had the easy task of putting past a couple of defenders. For City, it was party time. Even some Barnsley fans stopped behind to congratulate City on winning the title, they my friend’s are real football fans.

Speaking of fans, City fans behaved impeccably, and didn’t invade the pitch whilst the players came out to celebrate their title win. Kevin Keegan saluted all the fans that were left in Maine Road, including the Barnsley fans. The City Charge is growing, in style. And in the famous words of a certain Chelsea fan on Soccer A.M.......

I thank you!

Chris Prior

By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 12th March 2002
Can City survive in the Premiership next season? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

City for the Premiership with ease

March was always going to be a HUGE month for the Laser Blue half of Manchester, with 8 games, including the games in hand we have over Wolves, West Brom, Millwall, and other promotion contenders.

So what a good start, with 9 points from 9, and two of those matches away from home. There was Coventry at home last Sunday, and on Tuesday, we played Birmingham at St. Andrews.

After we had to walk round the back of the Railway End, it couldn’t have started much worse for City, as Michael Johnson gave Birmingham a very early lead after just 4 minutes. (Not meaning to brag, but I said to my Grandad "I can see them scoring this"). Poor defending left him free to glance a header past Nick Weaver, who later went off injured. That was Birmingham’s only contribution to the game, as after that they smashed like a Glass Hammer! But, surprisingly, it took until the stroke of half time to equalise. The vision and touch of the Algerian magician Ali Benarbia split the Birmingham defence like a hot knife through butter, Darren Huckerby broke the offside trap and was left one-on-one with Ian Bennett. He squared it across the box to a rampaging Niclas Jensen who put it into an empty net to give City a deserved equaliser.

After the break, again City came forward frighteningly, worrying the Blues with ease. But a goal of true significance came on 68 minutes, Huckerby was once more causing Birmingham problems, pulled a cross back to Kevin Horlock, who lashed a 25 yard shot into the bottom corner of Bennett’s goal. What a winner, and what a way to score the 100th Goal of City’s season.

Then, on Friday night, City faced a trip to Bradford. Another team who weren’t anything special, I mean, Stockport did the double over these lot! Once again, City played good football, had many chances, and once more it was the stroke of half time before City hit the back of the Bantams goal. Again, Benarbia sent a pinpoint ball through their defence. Once more, Huckerby ran through the defence, but this time he slotted in with the minimum of fuss. Well deserved goal, not before time. But this time, The P.O.M. (Pride of Manchester) waited until just before full time. With only his second touch in City colours, new signing and late substitute Jon Macken appeared from nowhere after Alan Combe parried Danny Tiatto’s 20 yard power-driver to covert from just outside the 6 yard box.

Now, Saturday, I went to watch Burnley visit Stockport County, the team who can’t win an argument. But for a team who’s chairman has resigned to relegation, they didn’t play that bad. In the first half, County had the best chances, causing Burnley some problems. But the second half, Burnley came out and proved their position. I still believe they are nothing special, and my prediction about them self-destructing was quite correct. After 51 minutes, a mix up in the Stockport defence, left the ball to roll under Andy Dibble, for Gareth Taylor to slot into an empty net from all of 2 yards. But then, the referee, who had had quite a quiet game, made a really shoddy decision after 64 minutes, in the sending off of Jon Daly. He went up for a 50-50 ball with Mitchell Thomas, who went down like a sack of spuds clutching his face, right in front of the Burnley faithful. Mr. Walton decided to send Daly off, probably for safety reasons, as he was stood within throwing distance of the Burnley fans, who were shouting ‘OFF OFF.’ But then 1 goal of true class from Ian Cox 7 minutes from time. He ran on to a ball from ex Stockport County favourite Ian Moore, beat a man and shot from the outside of the box, leaving Andy Dibble in the Hatters goal hapless.

I would also like to spur football supporters from all teams to get together and support Bury. They could be forced to fold from the football league altogether if enough money isn’t raised, and they only have a week or so to do so. One of the Football Leagues oldest teams could be forced to fold, which would be a terrible shame to all in football. So please, get together and raise money for the Shakers.

Cheers,

Chris Prior

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By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 4th March 2002
Is Preston's John Macken a good buy for City? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

Why can’t we make things a little easier?

Hello again, sorry I haven’t posted a report lately.

Do City players enjoy making life that little bit harder? Because over the last few years, we seem to have had a law stating that Manchester City are not allowed to take the easy route. All I ask is WHY?! Saturday, City travelled to the Bescot to play Walsall, who just happened to be down in 23rd. If our strikers had of been a bit more useful than a Chocolate fire-guard, we would have mauled Walsall. Eyal Berkovic was pulling all the strings, and Walsall could do nothing to stop it. But the Goat and Huckerby were wasteful in front of goal, missing every chance that came to them. In the second half, same again, only this time, Walsall seized the initiative, and attacked. Nick Weaver saving well on a couple of occasions.

And once more, Wednesday we played Sheff Wednesday, and won 4-0. I’m sure anyone at the match will agree that City could have got about 6 or 7! City were reluctant to shoot inside the area, the main culprits being Eyal Berkovic and Darren Huckerby. Shaun Goater had his fair share of chances, and Huckerby missed a penalty! As much as he pulls defences apart with his pace and skill, he is very frustrating. He passes when he should shoot, and he shoots when he should pass. But he is still a very good player in the first division. Hopefully, KK will be looking for a striker of true Premiership class, because we only have 3 strikers.

But the match on Wednesday was very good. After 9 minutes, Kev Horlock struck a 25 yard shot into the top corner, over Pressman’s flailing hand. It took another 21 minutes for City to score another goal, Huckerby slotting it in from outside the box. Then, City scored another 72 minutes in, when the Israeli magician scored another from outside the area. This surprised me, as he seemed to be scared of hitting it! Then, we missed a penalty, Goater missed an open goal, and, Wednesday were in disarray. Then, the Goat scored from outside the area, the hardest chance he had all night, by sliding it into the goal via the far post.

Also, Sunday we played Coventry. I thought to myself, the Goat and Huckerby can’t be as wasteful as we won’t get that many chances. But, I over-estimated Coventry, as they we about as good as an inflatable dart board! How are they in the play-off places? With Ali Benarbia returning from suspension, and Lucien Mettomo coming back from international duty, City were always going to cause problems. And, they did, wasting no time in doing so. After 15 minutes, Eyal Berkovic got the ball off of Robert Betts, and played a beautiful ball through the Sky Blue’s defence for the blistering pace of Huckerby to race onto, and he was left one on one with Tim Flowers, slotting home from the edge of the area to score against his former club. The chant "Same old Darren, always Scoring" echoing around Maine Road.

Surprisingly enough, within 4 minutes and against the run of play, Coventry struck back. Former City player Lee Mills, who played for the blues toward the end of the 99-00 season, scoring no goals and looking quite poor in the process, hit one from the edge of the area hitting Steve Howey and wrong footing Nick Weaver. City then had a 15 minute wait until they hit their second. Danny Tiatto’s 20 yard volley took a wicked deflection off Gary Breen sending it into the top corner and Flowers had no chance. City scored a third before half time. Shaun Wright-Phillips ran at Marcus Hall before hitting his shot toward goal, taking a slight deflection off of Hall, giving Flowers no chance in hell.

City were great. Substitute Niclas Jensen was causing endless problems down the left hand side. And it took the Blues until the 71st minute, this time scored by man-of-the-match Shaun Wright-Phillips. After shoddy defending from Coventry, Shaun Goater picked the ball up one on one with Tim Flowers. The keeper palmed it away from the Goat but Wright-Phillips got the ball and beautifully chipped Flowers and scored his second of the game and City's fourth. Coventry salvaged a bit of respect, after Mills’ pin-point header was put beyond the reach of Nick Weaver in the City goal. But City were safe.

Now, last week, Arsenal manager Arséne Wenger insulted the Worthington Cup, saying that it was worthless. And I’m sure he isn’t the only manager of a top Premiership team who thinks so. So what I think the F.A. should do is this:

1. Let the teams from the Nationwide Leagues enter from the usual rounds
2. Ask Premiership teams if they want to participate in the Competition
3. Invite teams from the SPL or Nationwide Conference in place of teams who don’t want to enter.

It should happen, and this could show whether the Auld Firm are good enough for the Premiership

A report in the Manchester Evening News stated that Kevin Keegan would demand £50m for two players. There are a few players who Keegan could possibly lure to Maine Road, and remember he has managed to sign a two times French player of the Year and Eyal Berkovic.

I think if he went to Spain, he could pick up a couple of striking possibilities. Israel Urzaiz has been banging goals in for fun in La Liga, as well as setting them up. Raul Tamudo has been one of the stars of La Liga whilst playing for Espanyol. Also, a couple of players in the Premiership who could be looking for new clubs. Muzzy Izzet is a very highly skilled midfielder, who will want to stay in the premiership, as Leicester are going down. Nwankwo Kanu and Jari Litmanen are not getting the first team football that most say they deserve, and are about 3rd or 4th in the pecking order at their respective clubs. With £50m, we could buy most players of these players quite easily, and as we’re letting a few players go or selling them, we will be balancing the books.

Cheers,

Chris Prior

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By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 18th February 2002
Can City stay in the Premiership? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

City are a Premiership Team

Hello again, hope you’re all well.

City’s reputation is growing by the week. First of all, we play Preston on ITV, and we show that even from behind, we can put one of the better teams of the Division in their place. And both their goals came from our corners. The first, scored by Jon Macken, was slotted past Nick Weaver with ease, City’s defence nowhere. 1-0. But, anything Preston can do, City can do better. Shaun Wright-Phillips volleyed home from 10 yards from a Stuart Pearce corner. Then, 7 minutes later, a mistake from Tepi Moilanen in the Preston goal left Stevie Howey with an easy finish, volleying home from inside the 6 yard box. City were turning on the style, and it was inevitable that the third would come, and it came from the Costa Rican magician Paulo Wanchope. Eyal Berkovic broke free and played a beautiful ball through to Wanchope who blasted the ball in off of Moilanen’s crossbar, and into the bottom right hand corner.

City were cruising, so it came as a bit of a shock when substitute Iain Anderson scored, to bring a nervy finish to an entertaining game, lobbing Weaver from the edge of the area. Good goal, but again, questions have to be asked of the defence.

And, this weekend, even I was looking at the match pessimistically, saying we were going to get leathered, and, with 10 men, to outplay Newcastle, and to come away with nothing, I was quite annoyed. It was a long coach journey home anyhow. But, I thought the Newcastle goal was a bit dodgy. If you look at it on TV, look in the bottom right hand corner, you might be able to see Nol Solano pull Niklas Jensen down before leaving Weaver for dead. I feel sorry for Weaver there, because when you have 2 centre backs up for a corner, and the last player is brought down, you’re damned if you stay on your line, and you’re damned if you don’t. Apart from that, I thought Weaver had an excellent game, and showed that he is a class keeper. Steve Howey played better than I had ever seen him play. Shaun Wright-Phillips and Niklas Jensen caused the Newcastle defence many problems, as did Danny Tiatto and Eyal Berkovic. Paulo played very well in the second half, and could have scored a goal, but still played well.

The point I’m trying to make here, is that we are a Premiership team. We brushed Ipswich aside with a 4-1 thrashing, and we gave Newcastle a run for their money without Ali Benarbia, Shaun Goater and Stuart Pearce, and for a large part of the match, Richard Dunne and 11 men!

But we have assembled a Premiership team. Nick Weaver is an England U21 keeper who, yesterday, stopped Craig Bellamy scoring from a 1 on 1 situation. Carlo Nash is an ex Crystal Palace and Stockport goalkeeper who gave up football at 14 when involved in a car crash. Steve Howey is an England international who kept Alan Shearer, who most pundits have been saying should come out of international retirement, in his back pocket. Richard Dunne is an Irish international who marked a certain Dutch red out of the World Cup Qualifier at Landsdown Road in September. Lucien Mettomo has just been playing for his country in Mail at the African cup of Nations, and even scoring a goal for the eventual winners.

We have two more than competent left wing-backs at the club. Niklas Jensen is a Danish international who has won a Danish Championship medal with FC Copenhagen, and Danny Tiatto, who was last years player of the year, and most people will know why. Shaun Wright-Phillips has won his critics over, after changing from a striker to a right wing-back. Ali Benarbia has won French player of the year twice, and a host of medals at clubs such as Monaco and PSG. Eyal Berkovic is a genius, who has won a Scottish Championship medal with Celtic before helping Blackburn to promotion. Kevin Horlock has been playing for Northern Ireland for some time, and has come from the shadows to win a regular place in the team. Shaun Goater has earned himself his own day in Bermuda, and although he may not be the best of players, he has won the Maine Road faithful over with his effort and the fact he is a goal scoring machine. Paulo Wanchope made his English football debut for Derby against Manchester United, and when he scored 2 goals including the winner, he was always going to be a favourite at Maine Road. Good finishing, good to watch, and you never know what he’s going to do next, mainly because he doesn’t know what he’s going to do next! Darren Huckerby is an ex Leeds and Coventry player, who was bought by David O’Leary for £5m. Scored 4 against Birmingham in one match!

Weaver, Dunne, Howey(c), Mettomo, Wright-Phillips, Jensen, Horlock, Berkovic, Benarbia, Wanchope, Goater.
subs: Nash, Pearce, Tiatto, Wiekens, Huckerby

This is, in my opinion, the team that will get City promoted from division 1. It would be nice to see a successful City team for once, the last time we stopped in the Premiership was in 1994-95, when we had the infamous Quinn, Walsh, Rosler partnership, with Beagrie, Lomas, Flitcroft and the likes. It would be nice to win a trophy, and silence Edgeley once and for all.

Cheers,

Chris Prior

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By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 9th February 2002
Disagree with Chris's Nationwide Div 1 XI for the season? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

Why do the FA Award Managers?

I am puzzled. It is all well and good rewarding managers who do well, but it’s the proverbial kiss of death really isn’t it. I mean, KK was awarded with the Nationwide Division One award. Two days later, City crumble at the hands of Wimbledon. Also, Reading’s manager Alan Pardew won Division Two’s equivalent, and they only got a point at Gigg Lane. I know both the afore mentioned teams had 100% records in January, but now them records are dead. I think it gives teams a sort of over-confidence about them-selves, and they think they could beat anybody with their feet tied together. Over-confidence at it’s worst.

I also have a bone to pick with Adam Crozier about the on-going Wembley fiasco. I’m not sure he could organise a P**s up at a Brewery, how has he got the situation to this stage? There are too many good stadiums in this country that could be improved into a world class stadium. One of which is St. James’ Park in Newcastle. If the Geordie’s could build the rest of the ground as good as them two huge stands, that could be a National stadium easily, but, obviously with Newcastle being as far away from everybody as it is, playing all England’s games there would be a bit unfair on most people.

So, looking at more central possibilities. Build on Villa Park. It’s a nice enough ground now, so if you could build on that, England could have a great home. Or in London, by the dome? Play indoors. That could be a risk most people would not take, but Paul Scally seems to be doing it. He should buy the roof, then Gillingham could play indoors, and could put seats in the standing end, and Priestfields could be a nice stadium. You’re doing it up, so get a roof! That could be a business venture worth trying. To my knowledge, you already have the big yellow bins at you’re disposal, (no pun intended) so get the roof!

Now, I’ve seen Neil Meaton's Premiership XI for the season so far, so I decided I’d show the world how the Nationwide League Division 1 has been shaping up this season. This is in a 4-3-3 formation with the full backs working as wing backs. Attacking aren’t I.

1. Russell Hoult (WBA) When you have only let 23 in 32 games in, you have to be talented, or on form. Look at this Derby, you’re going down and your old keeper is on form.

2. Neil Clement (WBA) Can defend, can attack, can score goals, and at 21, could be a future England international. Don’t be surprised. Also, free kick specialist as City found to their cost.

3. Ramon Vega (Watford) A player who can put in a mighty tackle, and great going forward. Had the Celtic fans in Raptures last year. Good goal scoring record.

4. Richard Dunne (Man City) For a centre back, this lad can’t half dribble a ball. For someone his size, he is very fast, and very skilful. Great tackler, and excellent in the air.

5. Kevin Muscat (Wolves) Always 100% committed to a tackle. Very speedy player, and can worry opposing defenders.

6. Robert Prosinecki (Portsmouth) (c) I don’t really have to say much about Prosinecki’s calibre. He may smoke like a chimney, but he can take players on without moving.

7. Eyal Berkovic (Man City) Again, Berkovic doesn’t need much of an introduction, but if you saw City knock Ipswich out of the cup, you’ll see he has genuine class. What a goal!

8. Ali Benarbia (Man City) Benarbia and Berkovic go together like Bread and Butter. Ali has played for championship winning sides, played with players like Henry, and has won French player of the year twice.

9. Paulo Wanchope (Man City) On his day, he can pull off anything he likes, but his day isn’t every time he plays. Can score goals as well as beat players, and entertain crowds.

10. Shaun Goater (Man City) With 28 before the end of January, and being the countries top scorer, you can’t really leave him out. Good finisher, and can occasionally assist goals.

11. John Macken (Preston) Unfortunately an ex Man U player, but is a playmaker who, is class. He scored a 45-50 yard volley against us. Good goal, but we got beat, so not good.

Subs

Alec Chamberlain, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Hughes, Dean Ashton, Darren Huckerby.

Now, back to what matters, i.e. Man City.

So, 30th of January. A little matter of Millwall at Maine Road, and they knew they weren’t going to have an easy ride at our expense. And, the Blues didn’t get off to the best of starts, Ali Benarbia getting his marching orders after 7 minutes for raising an arm on Marc Bircham. As I was too busy watching Huckerby with the ball, I didn’t see it, but the players didn’t protest, so, it must have been an offence. Then, on the stroke of half time, Stuart Pearce’s penalty was saved by Tony Warner in the Lion’s net.

Even then, Millwall still found it easy to play boring negative football. So, they were punished. After 78 minutes, Shaun Wright-Phillips’s shot hit the post and there was The goat to poke in his 27th goal of the season. It took just 10 minutes for him to get his 28th, converting Darren Huckerby’s cross with ease. 2-0, and a thoroughly deserved win.

But, City’s unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of the Crazy Gang. After 34 minutes, Neil Shipperley lost Richard Dunne and was left to tap in a free kick from 8 yards, leaving Weaver with no chance at all. It stayed like that until 10 minutes into the second half. Ali Benarbia getting onto Huckerby’s cross, beating 3 defenders, and slotted into the net. City were hopeful of a win, until the 67th minute. Neil Ardley’s free-kick was headed by Shipperley into the net, over Weaver who came for the cross and missed it. But, Dunne was once again at fault.

But, that was just a blip. I’m sure KK will get them going again and we should brush Preston aside, but don’t put your life savings on it. Putting money on Man City is like your memory, in that you’ll lose them both at some stage!

I’d also like to say how much I hope Stockport win Division 2 next year. I generally like Stockport, local team, and I happen to live near a load of Stockport fans, a certain journo included.

You should be a success next year, if you can keep hold of players like Gibb, Briggs and Wilbraham. Why you stopped playing him I don’t know, but just ask Carlton Palmer. But, if your prediction is right, we go up and down, and you go down and up, our next home match against Stockport County will be in front of 48,000 fans.

I don’t think it will, because you will stay in Division 2 for a year, and we will stop in the Premiership for a while.

Cheers,

Chris Prior

Ends

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By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 3rd February 2002
Can Man City beat Newcastle in the FA Cup? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

'Here we are now, Entertain us'!!

Well well, who says the Cup has lost it’s magic. Walsall beating Charlton at the Valley, and Middlesbrough winning 2-0 at home to United.

But, obviously the highlight of my weekend was seeing Manchester City whip Ipswich 4-1 at Portman Road. We should start singing from Nirvana’s Smells like Teen Spirit. "Here we are now, Entertain us!!"

In the first half, Ipswich had most of the chances, with Nicky Weaver making some good saves. But, somewhat against the run of play, City scored what I believe to be one of the goals of the season. A corner was given, when it came off the back-side of Niclaus Jensen. A corner from Benarbia went straight to Berkovic, and the Israeli volley the ball from 25 yards, and with Reuser ready to head it away, Andy Marshall hit it into the bottom corner. A superb strike and that set City up for a fantastic victory.

After the second half, City strolled. Not long after the interval, a fantastic run from Jensen lead the ball to Ali Benarbia, and his brilliant through ball fed the Goat, and he scored, 2-0, and that wasn’t it. Then, a mini Ipswich revival. Marcus Bent’s 30 yard shot hit Stuart Pearce on it’s way past Nicky Weaver. But then, Weaver made a fantastic save, palming a header with one hand and putting Marcus Stuart into an awkward position, which led to him rattling the crossbar from 4 yards. But then, another goal, and the Division One leaders struck. Huckerby’s shot was palmed into the air, and Goater was there to head into an empty Ipswich net. That killed Ipswich off, so the smile on my face broadened when Huckerby took it round Andy Marshall to slot into the net.

How were we underdogs? Ipswich, like I was saying to my friend (a certain Stockport County journo) are nothing special, so him saying "They’ll beat you" wasn’t the wisest thing he’ll ever say is it ROBIN!

All the local teams bar City and Bolton are out of the cup, but the Trotters have to travel to White Hart Lane for their 4th round tie. But Kevin Keegan returning to St. James’ Park. As Newcastle found out on Sunday, no teams are pushovers. And as we proved on Sunday, on our day, we can defeat any team who dares to challenge us. We were the underdogs for Sundays clash, and we proved many people wrong. The blues have scored a huge 84 goals in 34 games, whilst Stockport have scored 29 in 33 (Robin!) We average 2.47 goals a game, and you average 0.87 goals a game! Or, in lemans terms, we’re going up like a hot air balloon and you’re going down like a lead balloon. I mean that it the nicest possible way, but last year, when you were singing songs about City’s downfall, it’s a far cry from singing the football league is upside down to boost morale, or to fool Carlton Palmer - I’m not sure which.

Another thing which has to stop is coin or missile throwing. When me and my dad were talking about the Cardiff Vs Leeds cup tie, my sister asked if by missiles we meant bombs!! But, I feel sorry for Jamie Carragher. The Arsenal fans were pelting him with coins, and when one hits you, you’re nature is to pick the coin up and throw it back. I hope Arsenal ban the people responsible for the coin throwing.

The media do just pick out the bits they want though. Just because Leeds are a big team and they got knocked out the cup, the Media decide to make a big deal of it. But that was Cardiff invading THEIR OWN PITCH! The fans from a team in Salford only had a 2 hour journey from London to Villa Park, and, I admit, it was a lucky comeback. But, when a team like Leeds step out of line in the slightest, the media pounce on them like a bunch of starving tigers. But, when it’s Man U, it’s ok. Again, last year, Coventry City fans invaded the Maine stand at City, and nothing was reported about that.

Incidentally, I don’t think Coventry will recover from relegation. It shouldn’t have been a shock for them, they have been there or there abouts for long enough. But in my opinion, they will do what QPR and Swindon have done. ie. go and find a dark, obscure corner and stay there for a long time. Swindon have been bought and sold more times than a Pokémon Card, and QPR aren’t much better.

And what is going on with the Wimbledon Milton Keynes saga. First of all, they were moving to a purpose built stadium next to the M1. Then they’re not. Now they could be again. To be honest, I’d like Wimbledon to move back to Plough Lane and build any stadium there. They are a club with a history, a history which will be no more if they move. People in Milton Keynes should have a football team, I agree. They don’t have many sports teams, and the Ice Hockey team aren’t very good. So them wanting a half decent sports team isn’t much to ask.

Oh well, hope you all get the results you want, especially Bolton and Barnsley. The world would be a better place if United lost every week. And if Wolves get beat, our task for promotion becomes ever so simpler.

Cheers,

Chris Prior

Ends

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By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 21st January 2002
Agree or disagree with Chris's predictions? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

How much Wood Would a Wood Cutter Cut if a Wood Cutter Could Cut Wood?

In the famous word’s of Dr. Nick Riviera, "Hi Everybody!" Hope you all got the results you needed or wanted, bar Man United beating Blackburn.

Now, before I get going I would like to say how much I respect Niall Quinn. The Irish record breaker has decided to donate all his profits from his testimonial to charity. I have always liked Quinn. In my early memories of watching City, I can remember the Quinn, Walsh, Rösler partnership before Alan Ball took over.

Also, I’d like to say to most Blackburn fans, now you know how angry Uriah Rennie can make you. Remember the Worthington Cup game at Ewood, Christian Negouai getting sent off because your player fell like a lead balloon. Also, I’d like to send my condolences to the friends and family of West Brom legend Jeff Astle, who died this week.

Now, back to footballing matters, and especially, Manchester City. Now, unfortunately, I couldn’t get my hands on match tickets for the game last night, so, like many blue boys, I went to the Printworks in Manchester to watch the game, as they have access to the ITV sport channel. So, like most of the people who were there, we were very angry when we missed the first 8 minutes, thanks to technical trouble. And for the first minute of the 2nd half, we had no sound. Considering ITV digital are meant to be going bust, they’re making really hard work out of it. I’m going to get them the book" Going Bust for Dummies" I wish they’d hurry up!

But back to the match, and what a good game it was. In the first half, City were on top. On 10 minutes, Kev Horlock’s 25 yard volley was saved well by Alec Chamberlain in the Watford goal. Another volley, this time from Eyal Berkovic was hit at a defender. City were all over Watford like the proverbial rash. Shaun Goater put over when a fast, spinning ball hit him. So it came as a shock when Tommy Smith’s 20 yard shot beat City’s Carlo Nash, who, in my opinion should have stopped this one. The conditions obviously causing problems for the Bolton born shot-stopper. Smith pounced after good work from substitute Heidar Helguson, pulling Gerard Wiekens away from the centre.

But this inspired City to get into gear, and that they did. Danny Tiatto’s swerving cross caused problems in the Hornets defence, and as the Goat’s knock down was bouncing through the 18 yard box, there was Paulo Wanchope to smash into the bottom left hand corner of Chamberlain’s goal, leaving the former Sunderland and Chelsea keeper no chance at all. City were relentless, and maybe should have had a penalty, and in my view, should have done, no doubt. Shaun Goater being impeded. Then after a quiet start to the second half, Watford started to play, and threw City back into their own half. Carlo Nash pulling off two outstanding saves within a minute. Saving a free kick from 25 yard with an obscure view. Then, a fantastic bit of composure from a player who has been slated in recent weeks for being "violent" or over committed. Danny Tiatto picking up the ball from another Nash save, and dribbling past an oncoming Jermaine Pennant, a future England star in my opinion, and quite worth the £2m that the Gunners paid for him, 2 yards in front of his own goal! That, everybody, is Danny boy personified.

Then, City started playing again, and with only 14 minutes to go, a cheeky Paulo Wanchope chip was acrobatically met by Ali Benarbia, with a spectacular overhead kick, going just over the crossbar. But then, a goal of true brilliance, well, not really. As Gianluca Vialli picked his squad with Ray Wilkins, he must have forgotten to put a defender on the bench in case one gets injured. Oh, how that cost him. With about 15 minutes gone, Neil Cox challenged a rampaging Richard Dunne. Now, you’re not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer if you do that. Just ask Carlo. But as he did this, he got injured, as did Nash. Then, when he got brought off, step forward Heidar Helgusen? The striker who made a name for himself at Wimbledon, was told to play right back. Not his normal position, as showed here. Berkovic’s cross into the box, and when it hit the floor, Helguson, being the helpful sole that he is, knocked it back to Chamberlain, who was coming for the ball! Chamberlain then had to turn around and try stopping the ball going into the net, without picking it up. He couldn’t. 2-1 City and the game was won.

As for next year. Well, the end of this season. I think Leicester City will be in for a big culture shock. New Stadium. New division. Derby County seem to be sinking like the proverbial Paper Submarine, and I think the words "Somebody stop us!" followed by the word "please" are echoing around Pride Park. I also think that Middlesbrough have been there or there about's for too long, and that their welcome in the Premiership has been worn out.

Division 1 is also interesting at the moment. I think that going up with the Pride of Manchester will be Wolves and West Brom. Wolves are too good not to go up, and West Brom have been very consistent with their performances as of late. Going down will be Grimsby and Walsall.(You know who else, it goes without saying.)

Division 2 will be losing Reading, Bristol City and Stoke to division 1, while John Fashanu will not be a happy bunny, as the team he has just bought will plummet. Also, Willie Carson’s Swindon will be hovering above the Conference next year. They give the words "free fall" a whole new meaning. Cambridge will be playing Oxford once more, in division 3. Wrexham will be non too happy, as they will live to fight another day but not in the 2nd division. Now, I have a bet on this with someone, and I’m sticking with my prediction that Hull City will go up. I also think that Cheltenham will go through the play-offs. Mansfield and Chris Greenacre will grace Edgeley Park’s turf and humiliate the Cheadle End. With Plymouth completing the four teams going up.

The F.A.. cup will be won by Newcastle I think, the Worthington has Chelsea written all over it. But the Premiership, that is different. I would love to say Man United wouldn’t win the Prem in a month of Sundays, but I’ve been told, it is better to keep you’re mouth shut and be thought of as a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt. Two horse race. Man United and Arsenal. In my opinion, Arsenal will win it. I think Diego Forlan will be a waste of money, and he’ll find his form a little too late.

At that I will leave you be, but being philosophical for a moment, I’d like to leave you with this thought. How much Wood Would a Wood Cutter Cut if a Wood Cutter Could Cut Wood?

Cheers,

Chris Prior

Ends

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By Chris Prior, Man City fan, 14th January 2002
Agree or disagree with Chris's view on Tiatto's sending off? - Have your say in the footieNews chat room

Hello again. Hope you all had a good week. Now, I’m going to start with a part of football that shows no signs of improvement. The consistency of referees.

Now I know that I am not the only one who thinks that for paid professionals, they are not only making a fool of themselves; they are ruining football games. For any people who either watched on ITV, or who were lucky enough to be at Maine Road, there can be no question that the referee, a Mr. R. Pearson was completely wrong to send Danny Tiatto off.

All that happened was Danny and a wimpy Norwich player, Steed Nedergaard to give him his proper name, were tugging shirts, and then Nedergaard thought, won’t it be funny to go down clutching my face right in front of the 4th official, and got Tiatto sent off. Also, before the sending off, City should have had a penalty, but the ref. didn’t see it. Maybe he’s trying to imitate Arsene Wenger.

Another point. Since last season, referees have been told to book any players seen diving. Now, Pearson saw one player, Darryl Russell fall over twice within a small 10-20 minute spell, and told him to get up. OK, I have some sympathy for the first time as he hit the leg off Kevin Horlock, but the second incident he went down and didn’t get up, blatantly claiming a free kick, and Mr. Pearson let it go regardless. YOU SHOULD BOOK THE GUY! Idiot.

Also, I believe that Pearson sent Danny off for arm raising, so, if a Norwich player raises an arm to stop a City play in his tracks, he should at least book them. Not Pearson. Malky Mackay raised an arm and brought Wanchope down, and Pearson waves play on. But ever Mr. Pearson couldn’t stop City claiming another 3 points, well deserved I might add, against a Norwich team who I forgot had a one man advantage over City (two if you count the ref.) Norwich attacked for a brief spell after the sending off, but then a fight-back.

42 minutes earlier Paulo got the ball in the City half, ran at least 50 yards, beating four men before knocking the ball to Shaun Goater, who’s curling ball went exactly to Eyal Berkovic’s feet, Eyal missing a chance 2 minutes earlier, curled the ball straight into the bottom corner. 1-0 City. Then after half time, Nigel Worthington must have given the Canaries the kick up the proverbial backside, and Norwich fought back. City were not expecting a short corner from Norwich, and didn’t mark the guy coming short to lose his marker. Which he did, crossing for David Nielsen to nod in from 3 yards, past a helpless Carlo Nash, who kept City in the game earlier on with some outstanding saves.

That inspired City to wrap the game up, and KK knew that if City didn’t get a goal and fast, they’d be on the back foot. Norwich survived a City onslaught for a good 15 minutes, that is until Shaun Goater latched onto Berkovic’s lob into the area, and Goater’s vision and pace beat Norwich’s keeper Robert Green to the ball, before knocking it under him. Green caught Goater, and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot. Green did very well, but still couldn’t stop Paulo’s penalty, placing it between his hand and leg.

City were back on track. And heading towards a 4th straight win and seventh match unbeaten. But then, a goal fit to grace the World Cup. A long throw from Carlo Nash sent Eyal Berkovic, who, as well as Ali Benarbia, was told not to go on many runs as we only had 10 men at the time, on one of his mazy runs. Picking up the ball from behind the half way line, he then ran into the penalty area with 3 men. He dummied a run into the three defenders, used his right foot to bring it away from the defenders. Then from 6 yards, just pokes it through Rob Green’s legs. What a goal from a player Joe Royle said could start a fire in an empty room. Talk about putting your foot in your mouth. It’s a shame that Israel didn’t qualify, for Japan- South Korea, because he is a player who could make a name for himself at the World Cup. As could Paulo Wanchope, as he did at the Copa America in Columbia.

As well as this, and I’m not sure everyone will agree with me here, but I’m sure the majority of Blue’s will do. Richard Dunne has played consistently excellent at the back this season. Considering we have played him at right wing-back before now, he has bounced back with flying colours. For a centre back, he has twice the skill of Phil and Gary Neville put together. But that isn’t a great achievement, the Neville’s are rubbish, and I’m not being biased against Man United players.

I think we found out how bad Gary Neville is when United went on a voyage to Brazil, and made two big cock ups against Vasco. And Phil isn’t top of everyone’s Christmas card list, after his fantastic tackle from behind cost England a respectable place at Euro 2000. Also, I think Nigel Martyn is past it at international level.

But, as for a prediction for the latter stages of the World Cup, I’d put money on Argentina winning the competition, with Spain, France, and possibly Portugal getting to the semi-finals. Also, watch out for Costa Rica and Ecuador as teams who could conjure up a couple of shocks. As for the home Nations, I think Ireland will progress to the quarter finals, as will England.

Cheers,

Chris Prior

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By Chris prior, Man city fan, 12th January 2002

Manchester City are on a role. Top of the league, into the 4th round of the cup, Premiership teams just shaking at the thought of playing us. Life is good. But with being good, consequences have too be paid. And if you believe what the Daily Mirror says, a certain Mr. Bernstein will be eternally searching through his wallet.

Before the 5-1 mauling of Burnley, we were linked with a certain Georgian magician better known around Moss Side as Kinky. Yes, Georgi Kinkladze was due to grace the Maine Road turf, but if you believe what Chris Bird says, we will have moved to Eastlands before Gio has his chance to shine in Lazar Blue again.

Then that win over Burnley, and Moss Side was buzzing again. Now, Kevin made quite a big deal of losing Lucien Mettomo to the African Nations Cup, and said he may need some extra cover at the back. That was now put as defiantly, as Gerard Wiekens came off against Burnley with a groin strain and will sit out a month.

So again the rumour mill, i.e.. the tabloids, have been working hard, thinking of possible comings and goings from Maine Road. And they come up with a perfect solution. Leigh Bromby. The Sheffield Wednesday centre back has been getting some rave reviews off of some premiership scouts, which automatically means Keegan wants to snap them up. As well as this, the MEN gets involved and says that we want to do a deal with Sheffield Wednesday swapping a centre back for a striker, Leigh Bromby for Paul Dickov. Fair enough, but Wednesday are buying Shefki Kuqi for £1 million, wait a minute, he’s a striker. Does this mean the papers being wrong. Oh no, the papers are always right!!!!

But in the league, we are unstoppable. We put Burnley out of their misery within the first 45 minuets. With 2 minuets gone, a Shaun Goater cross was finished well by Paolo Wanchope. Then, a badly timed tackle by an unfit Wiekens brought Ian Moore down in the area and an undoubted penalty. Glen Little, another player KK wanted to buy (apparently) had his penalty saved by an in form Carlo Nash. That inspired City to bury Burnley and bury them they did.

A good through ball by Ali Benarbia was finished well by Wanchope again on 23 mins. Then a move of true premiership class set Eyal Berkovic up for only his 2nd goal of the season. Another from Wanchope on the stroke of half time put the Blues 4-0 up. Then, we relaxed and Burnley pulled 1 back through Ian Moore. But Darren Huckerby ended the goals as his 50 yard run ended up with the ball in the Back of the Burnley net.

Then through Glossop and over the Snake Pass we go. Well, over the Snake pass for me, as a hot atmosphere awaited City at Bramall Lane. It started off a bad tempered affair, the announcer saving Danny Tiatto’s name until last where all he got was boo’s from the home crowd. The first half was a scrappy game of football. Paolo Wanchope scoring a great goal, in off the post, but the referee had blown for a free kick to City. But it wasn’t until the 2nd half until things got going. A Horlock free kick knocked down by Wanchope for Shaun Goater’s 24th of the campaign. Then, a Richard Dunne run and cross was dummied by Wanchope for Eyal Berkovic to score his 2nd in two as City were cruising. And it stayed that way until the last minute, where Michael Brown headed Sheffield United back into the game. This left City shaking, but Shaun Wright- Phillips ran up the pitch with Darren Huckerby and Wanchope, and after playing a 1-2 with the Costa Rican star, Phillips produced a Goal that Ian Wright would have been proud of, smashing past the hapless Tracey in goal.

Will City win the league. I believe so, and so do most of the country, but don’t put any money on it. No bet with Manchester City involved is a safe one.

Cheers,

Chris Prior

Ends

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