tolmie's hairdoo said:City were underestimated for the majority of last season, nobody saw us coming, least of all Liverpool and their sycophantic cult.
Didn't turn out too badly.
We shouldn't look for platitudes and feint praise, just to feel that little bit warmer inside that we are somehow respected.
Respect is overrated. Fear is our greatest weapon.
It happened in the "I'd love it if we beat them" Newcastle season too. They somehow got this reputation as this amazing, free-scoring, attacking side, when in reality, not only did the rags out score them, but 3rd place Liverpool did too (they only scored 66 goals). To be fair, at least Liverpool scored over 100 goals, which is the first time a second placed team has ever done that, I think. I think it's a reputation given to clubs that are good going forward but all over the place at the back, so we should probably take it as a complement.eastmanc said:bluechampion7891 said:Matty said:The Liverpool lovefest, and the lack of media coverage of City's title run in last season was a source of continued annoyance for me. We were embroiled in a tight title race, which went down to the last day of the season, again, yet if you'd been dropped into Spring 2014 you'd have been hard pushed to realise that City were even in the hunt for the title, yet alone the side that would ultimately win the whole thing. If that's a measure of the way things will be if Liverpool are perennial title contenders then I, for one, hope they fall by the wayside early doors and that last season was an anomaly rather than an indicator of things to come.
The other thing is that even now media coverage of the last season talks about "free-scoring Liverpool" or "highly entertaining style", yet no one seems to mention that the champions not only outscored them, they conceded less, played better football (lots of team goals), and created a new English record for the most goals scored in all competitions. Its like the latter doesn't exist.
Why is this?
Chelsea are the title favourites... here's why the spine of Thibaut Courtois, John Terry, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas can silence Louis van Gaal and Co
Manchester United have got a new manager, in case you hadn't heard. Louis van Gaal's all-guns-blazing arrival into life at Old Trafford is already dominating the coming season's narrative.
The Premier League's narrative is one now shorn of its pantomime villain, with Liverpool using the Luis Suarez windfall to buy Southampton.
Arsenal have added to their considerable attacking threat by recruiting Alexis Sanchez and leaving many wondering whether this could really be the year of a revived title challenge.
However, those sides won't be Van Gaal's main competition. While back pages have been dominated by teams in red, the Dutchman's former protégé Jose Mourinho has quietly been assembling the strongest side in the league.
Mourinho has taken a side that finished third in the league and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and added new dimensions to it to combat frailties that derailed last season.
The qualities Diego Costa showed off in Atletico Madrid’s mesmerising campaign last season not only screamed ‘Mourinho player’ but also the potential for an even snugger fit in England than he was in Spain.
Hard working, explosive, physical and able to score from a range of positions, he is everything that was missing from Chelsea’s No 9 slot last season. With the Blues’ attacking movement relying almost solely on Eden Hazard at times, Costa will offer Mourinho’s side a whole new dimension.
By both possessing a lethal goal threat himself and able to pull defenders out of position to create opportunities for likes of Hazard, ‘parking the bus’ against Chelsea will be a lot harder for lesser sides this time out.
As unremarkable as they were at times, the title would have easily been in Chelsea’s reach had they not come unstuck against the likes of Sunderland, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
However, last season’s failures weren’t purely the fault of goal-shy strikers. Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1 formation looked unbalanced at times, with none of the Blues central midfielders – until the return of Nemanja Matic – at their best in that holding partnership.
This was evidenced by the now-departed David Luiz turning up in midfield for the biggest games.
The arrival of Cesc Fabregas won’t cure this – but it should prompt Mourinho into a return to the 4-3-3 system that saw him dominate English football in his first spell at Stamford Bridge.
Unless he is to have a vastly different role than he did at Barcelona, Fabregas isn’t the man to sit in a two-man midfield. For the Catalan club, he was far more likely to be deployed as a ‘false nine.’
The former Arsenal midfielder, however, should flourish in a three man system, with Matic sitting behind and – likely – Oscar beside him.
Fabregas would be able to dictate Chelsea’s attacking movement with his range of passing, while the Brazilian’s tireless, technical play would see him act as a shuttle between the midfield and attack.
Eden Hazard’s slot on the left wing is a given and Mourinho will be looking for an even greater contribution this time out, while the right flank is seemingly up for grabs.
Willian cemented himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet last season, but Andre Schurrle’s World Cup performance, directness and greater goal threat could well see him win out.
John Terry’s pre-season – which his Instagram account shows started weeks earlier than everyone else – has already got off to a flyer with three goals in two friendlies so far.
After a season or two in and out of the side, Terry reclaimed his status as arguably the division’s finest centre half in mentor Mourinho’s first season back.
His undimmed leadership qualities, wonderfully two-footed technique on the ball and ability from set-pieces in both halves saw him as once again Chelsea’s most important player.
How England could have done with a defender of that calibre in Brazil. The distinction between Gary Cahill’s performances in a Chelsea shirt and England shirt this year is testament to Terry’s influence.
With Felipe Luis joining Diego Costa on the plane from Atletico, Mourinho has a dilemma at the back. Cesar Azpilicueta could well shift to his natural right-back spot, leaving the spot next to Terry a fight between Cahill and Branislav Ivanvoic.
Another spot up for debate for the first time in a decade is between the posts. Thibaut Courtois is widely regarded as the best keeper in Europe, and has returned from loan at - oh, look, them again - Atletico Madrid.
He has come back to play, so it may mean Petr Cech will have to contend with a place on the bench, or even a place away from the club.
Courtois' supreme agility and skill in commanding his area will give Chelsea added clout in their own half, and adds to the new, younger spine Mourinho has moulded the coming season's line-up around.
Courtois, Terry, Fabregas and Costa can be the basis of a side rivalling Mourinho's first at Stamford Bridge. While the Premier League circus is billing Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal as its star attraction, Chelsea have quietly been installing themselves as title favourites.
Read more: <a class="postlink" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2701329/Chelsea-title-favourites-heres-silence-Louis-van-Gaal-Co.html#ixzz38DRrUnm9" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... z38DRrUnm9</a>
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razman said:case in point..not one mention of the Champions of England ! with chelsea and the rags as frontrunners ..if like last year with focus on Mourinho's second coming and liverpool love fest , we are under the radar again...and win the league , I am all for it :)
Chelsea are the title favourites... here's why the spine of Thibaut Courtois, John Terry, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas can silence Louis van Gaal and Co
Manchester United have got a new manager, in case you hadn't heard. Louis van Gaal's all-guns-blazing arrival into life at Old Trafford is already dominating the coming season's narrative.
The Premier League's narrative is one now shorn of its pantomime villain, with Liverpool using the Luis Suarez windfall to buy Southampton.
Arsenal have added to their considerable attacking threat by recruiting Alexis Sanchez and leaving many wondering whether this could really be the year of a revived title challenge.
However, those sides won't be Van Gaal's main competition. While back pages have been dominated by teams in red, the Dutchman's former protégé Jose Mourinho has quietly been assembling the strongest side in the league.
Mourinho has taken a side that finished third in the league and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and added new dimensions to it to combat frailties that derailed last season.
The qualities Diego Costa showed off in Atletico Madrid’s mesmerising campaign last season not only screamed ‘Mourinho player’ but also the potential for an even snugger fit in England than he was in Spain.
Hard working, explosive, physical and able to score from a range of positions, he is everything that was missing from Chelsea’s No 9 slot last season. With the Blues’ attacking movement relying almost solely on Eden Hazard at times, Costa will offer Mourinho’s side a whole new dimension.
By both possessing a lethal goal threat himself and able to pull defenders out of position to create opportunities for likes of Hazard, ‘parking the bus’ against Chelsea will be a lot harder for lesser sides this time out.
As unremarkable as they were at times, the title would have easily been in Chelsea’s reach had they not come unstuck against the likes of Sunderland, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
However, last season’s failures weren’t purely the fault of goal-shy strikers. Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1 formation looked unbalanced at times, with none of the Blues central midfielders – until the return of Nemanja Matic – at their best in that holding partnership.
This was evidenced by the now-departed David Luiz turning up in midfield for the biggest games.
The arrival of Cesc Fabregas won’t cure this – but it should prompt Mourinho into a return to the 4-3-3 system that saw him dominate English football in his first spell at Stamford Bridge.
Unless he is to have a vastly different role than he did at Barcelona, Fabregas isn’t the man to sit in a two-man midfield. For the Catalan club, he was far more likely to be deployed as a ‘false nine.’
The former Arsenal midfielder, however, should flourish in a three man system, with Matic sitting behind and – likely – Oscar beside him.
Fabregas would be able to dictate Chelsea’s attacking movement with his range of passing, while the Brazilian’s tireless, technical play would see him act as a shuttle between the midfield and attack.
Eden Hazard’s slot on the left wing is a given and Mourinho will be looking for an even greater contribution this time out, while the right flank is seemingly up for grabs.
Willian cemented himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet last season, but Andre Schurrle’s World Cup performance, directness and greater goal threat could well see him win out.
John Terry’s pre-season – which his Instagram account shows started weeks earlier than everyone else – has already got off to a flyer with three goals in two friendlies so far.
After a season or two in and out of the side, Terry reclaimed his status as arguably the division’s finest centre half in mentor Mourinho’s first season back.
His undimmed leadership qualities, wonderfully two-footed technique on the ball and ability from set-pieces in both halves saw him as once again Chelsea’s most important player.
How England could have done with a defender of that calibre in Brazil. The distinction between Gary Cahill’s performances in a Chelsea shirt and England shirt this year is testament to Terry’s influence.
With Felipe Luis joining Diego Costa on the plane from Atletico, Mourinho has a dilemma at the back. Cesar Azpilicueta could well shift to his natural right-back spot, leaving the spot next to Terry a fight between Cahill and Branislav Ivanvoic.
Another spot up for debate for the first time in a decade is between the posts. Thibaut Courtois is widely regarded as the best keeper in Europe, and has returned from loan at - oh, look, them again - Atletico Madrid.
He has come back to play, so it may mean Petr Cech will have to contend with a place on the bench, or even a place away from the club.
Courtois' supreme agility and skill in commanding his area will give Chelsea added clout in their own half, and adds to the new, younger spine Mourinho has moulded the coming season's line-up around.
Courtois, Terry, Fabregas and Costa can be the basis of a side rivalling Mourinho's first at Stamford Bridge. While the Premier League circus is billing Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal as its star attraction, Chelsea have quietly been installing themselves as title favourites.
Read more: <a class="postlink" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2701329/Chelsea-title-favourites-heres-silence-Louis-van-Gaal-Co.html#ixzz38DRrUnm9" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... z38DRrUnm9</a>
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
It's astonishing, or rather it should be.stony said:razman said:case in point..not one mention of the Champions of England ! with chelsea and the rags as frontrunners ..if like last year with focus on Mourinho's second coming and liverpool love fest , we are under the radar again...and win the league , I am all for it :)
Chelsea are the title favourites... here's why the spine of Thibaut Courtois, John Terry, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas can silence Louis van Gaal and Co
Manchester United have got a new manager, in case you hadn't heard. Louis van Gaal's all-guns-blazing arrival into life at Old Trafford is already dominating the coming season's narrative.
The Premier League's narrative is one now shorn of its pantomime villain, with Liverpool using the Luis Suarez windfall to buy Southampton.
Arsenal have added to their considerable attacking threat by recruiting Alexis Sanchez and leaving many wondering whether this could really be the year of a revived title challenge.
However, those sides won't be Van Gaal's main competition. While back pages have been dominated by teams in red, the Dutchman's former protégé Jose Mourinho has quietly been assembling the strongest side in the league.
Mourinho has taken a side that finished third in the league and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and added new dimensions to it to combat frailties that derailed last season.
The qualities Diego Costa showed off in Atletico Madrid’s mesmerising campaign last season not only screamed ‘Mourinho player’ but also the potential for an even snugger fit in England than he was in Spain.
Hard working, explosive, physical and able to score from a range of positions, he is everything that was missing from Chelsea’s No 9 slot last season. With the Blues’ attacking movement relying almost solely on Eden Hazard at times, Costa will offer Mourinho’s side a whole new dimension.
By both possessing a lethal goal threat himself and able to pull defenders out of position to create opportunities for likes of Hazard, ‘parking the bus’ against Chelsea will be a lot harder for lesser sides this time out.
As unremarkable as they were at times, the title would have easily been in Chelsea’s reach had they not come unstuck against the likes of Sunderland, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
However, last season’s failures weren’t purely the fault of goal-shy strikers. Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1 formation looked unbalanced at times, with none of the Blues central midfielders – until the return of Nemanja Matic – at their best in that holding partnership.
This was evidenced by the now-departed David Luiz turning up in midfield for the biggest games.
The arrival of Cesc Fabregas won’t cure this – but it should prompt Mourinho into a return to the 4-3-3 system that saw him dominate English football in his first spell at Stamford Bridge.
Unless he is to have a vastly different role than he did at Barcelona, Fabregas isn’t the man to sit in a two-man midfield. For the Catalan club, he was far more likely to be deployed as a ‘false nine.’
The former Arsenal midfielder, however, should flourish in a three man system, with Matic sitting behind and – likely – Oscar beside him.
Fabregas would be able to dictate Chelsea’s attacking movement with his range of passing, while the Brazilian’s tireless, technical play would see him act as a shuttle between the midfield and attack.
Eden Hazard’s slot on the left wing is a given and Mourinho will be looking for an even greater contribution this time out, while the right flank is seemingly up for grabs.
Willian cemented himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet last season, but Andre Schurrle’s World Cup performance, directness and greater goal threat could well see him win out.
John Terry’s pre-season – which his Instagram account shows started weeks earlier than everyone else – has already got off to a flyer with three goals in two friendlies so far.
After a season or two in and out of the side, Terry reclaimed his status as arguably the division’s finest centre half in mentor Mourinho’s first season back.
His undimmed leadership qualities, wonderfully two-footed technique on the ball and ability from set-pieces in both halves saw him as once again Chelsea’s most important player.
How England could have done with a defender of that calibre in Brazil. The distinction between Gary Cahill’s performances in a Chelsea shirt and England shirt this year is testament to Terry’s influence.
With Felipe Luis joining Diego Costa on the plane from Atletico, Mourinho has a dilemma at the back. Cesar Azpilicueta could well shift to his natural right-back spot, leaving the spot next to Terry a fight between Cahill and Branislav Ivanvoic.
Another spot up for debate for the first time in a decade is between the posts. Thibaut Courtois is widely regarded as the best keeper in Europe, and has returned from loan at - oh, look, them again - Atletico Madrid.
He has come back to play, so it may mean Petr Cech will have to contend with a place on the bench, or even a place away from the club.
Courtois' supreme agility and skill in commanding his area will give Chelsea added clout in their own half, and adds to the new, younger spine Mourinho has moulded the coming season's line-up around.
Courtois, Terry, Fabregas and Costa can be the basis of a side rivalling Mourinho's first at Stamford Bridge. While the Premier League circus is billing Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal as its star attraction, Chelsea have quietly been installing themselves as title favourites.
Read more: <a class="postlink" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2701329/Chelsea-title-favourites-heres-silence-Louis-van-Gaal-Co.html#ixzz38DRrUnm9" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... z38DRrUnm9</a>
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
That is a staggering article when you consider he didn't mention the current champions once. What agenda ?
stony said:That is a staggering article when you consider he didn't mention the current champions once. What agenda ?
Actually, I'd say it was embarrassing, GDM. Even by the standards of that despicable paper.gordondaviesmoustache said:It's astonishing, or rather it should be.stony said:razman said:case in point..not one mention of the Champions of England ! with chelsea and the rags as frontrunners ..if like last year with focus on Mourinho's second coming and liverpool love fest , we are under the radar again...and win the league , I am all for it :)
That is a staggering article when you consider he didn't mention the current champions once. What agenda ?
I defy anyone to claim we get a fair crack off the national press.
unexpected item said:Written by self confessed Chelsea fan Charlie Skillen. He looks about 14 with a bumfluff moustache
[bigimg]https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/473204054559322112/3mj_8Zhs.jpeg[/bigimg]
https://twitter.com/charlieskillen