Official manchester city vs. middlesbrough thread

[Marvin]

Thought it was one of our weaker performances at home, redeemed by outstanding individual performances from Given an Bellamy

We looked disjointed today. Not surprising when you consider our back 5. They have barely played a handful of games in their positions for City, and it showed today despite protection from 2 defensive midfielders.

Given 10
Richards 5
Onouha 7
Kompany 5
Bridge 7
Zab 6
De Jong 6
Ireland 7
SWP 7
Bellamy 9
Robinho 4

 

[bluetoo]

I was very very happy with the match today. And it wasnt just about the result. It wasnt just about the fact that Bellamy is beginning to stuff the doubters words back down their throats nor was it only about Givens string of top class saves.

It was about the fact that MH's plan is beginning to take shape. Scorn if you must but its true. With Given in goal today I didnt get that sinking feeling in my stomach when Micah (wheres your head son) made a mistake like in any other game where you know its going to mean the opposition scoring. Given is the safe pair of hands with experience we've needed and his distribution today was imo as good as his saves. I believe this will strengthen our defence, make them play as a unit and give them the confidence theyve so badly lacked and will eventually become as good as any defence in the PL.

We were embarrassingly lacking in confidence against Stoke, which I have to admit had me roaring at MH. Today we ground out a result but I could see it actually coming together and with a little more time and allowing a better understanding to develop I feel we're actually going to be a decent side. When you top all this off with Petrov and Boj on their way back, a European place is definately achievable.

 

[bornblueegg]

I was very very happy with the match today. And it wasnt just about the result. It wasnt just about the fact that Bellamy is beginning to stuff the doubters words back down their throats nor was it only about Givens string of top class saves.

It was about the fact that MH's plan is beginning to take shape. Scorn if you must but its true. With Given in goal today I didnt get that sinking feeling in my stomach when Micah (wheres your head son) made a mistake like in any other game where you know its going to mean the opposition scoring. Given is the safe pair of hands with experience we've needed and his distribution today was imo as good as his saves. I believe this will strengthen our defence, make them play as a unit and give them the confidence theyve so badly lacked and will eventually become as good as any defence in the PL.

We were embarrassingly lacking in confidence against Stoke, which I have to admit had me roaring at MH. Today we ground out a result but I could see it actually coming together and with a little more time and allowing a better understanding to develop I feel we're actually going to be a decent side. When you top all this off with Petrov and Boj on their way back, a European place is definately achievable.

fair post, agreed

 

[CITYROBBO]

Thought it was one of our weaker performances at home, redeemed by outstanding individual performances from Given an Bellamy

We looked disjointed today. Not surprising when you consider our back 5. They have barely played a handful of games in their positions for City, and it showed today despite protection from 2 defensive midfielders.

Given 10
Richards 5
Onouha 7
Kompany 5
Bridge 7
Zab 6
De Jong 6
Ireland 7
SWP 7
Bellamy 9
Robinho 4

Totally agree with this^^^^^^^^^^

 

[blue 1992]

Thought it was one of our weaker performances at home, redeemed by outstanding individual performances from Given an Bellamy

We looked disjointed today. Not surprising when you consider our back 5. They have barely played a handful of games in their positions for City, and it showed today despite protection from 2 defensive midfielders.

Given 10
Richards 5
Onouha 7
Kompany 5
Bridge 7
Zab 6
De Jong 6
Ireland 7
SWP 7
Bellamy 9
Robinho 4

this.

 

[Halfpenny]

Middlesbrough are one of the most boring teams I have ever seen.
Weak performance but it got the job done. Given was truly immense.

 

[moomba]

Comedy is not your bag Moomba believe me , no one is laughing except you.

I have lost count of the number of times on this forum you have said you have been called worse than .....

I'll gratefully take on board your advice, and completely disregard it.

Cheers

 

[Greiver]

I was very very happy with the match today. And it wasnt just about the result. It wasnt just about the fact that Bellamy is beginning to stuff the doubters words back down their throats nor was it only about Givens string of top class saves.

It was about the fact that MH's plan is beginning to take shape. Scorn if you must but its true. With Given in goal today I didnt get that sinking feeling in my stomach when Micah (wheres your head son) made a mistake like in any other game where you know its going to mean the opposition scoring. Given is the safe pair of hands with experience we've needed and his distribution today was imo as good as his saves. I believe this will strengthen our defence, make them play as a unit and give them the confidence theyve so badly lacked and will eventually become as good as any defence in the PL.

We were embarrassingly lacking in confidence against Stoke, which I have to admit had me roaring at MH. Today we ground out a result but I could see it actually coming together and with a little more time and allowing a better understanding to develop I feel we're actually going to be a decent side. When you top all this off with Petrov and Boj on their way back, a European place is definately achievable.

Comepletely agree! I am a fan of Hart but he seriously makes me bloody nervous when he plays or when our team makes a mistake. I don't think I have seen Hart make an astounding save in a long time. I have not watched Given play until today but I must say I was not worried ... I had no butterflies in my stomach and had no worries on my mind. Didn't have to worry about anything cept scoring really. Was a nice feeling and I hope Hart gets better and learns from Given.

 

[Greiver]

Given - 10 - Made brilliant saves, loads of confidence and MOTM.

Richards - 5 - Looked to easily overrun and seemed to rely on SWP alot.

Kompany - 6 - Good corner play, a bit shaky out there at back however.

Onouha - 8 - Seemed very strong on the ball. Good passing and strong defending.

Bridge - 7- Good performance probly his best. Getting better at crossing, good pace.

De Jong - 6 - Solid performance. Nothing bad really. Good passing, good marking.

Zabaleta - 7 - Very good not enough for an 8. Was everywhere, good passing, missed a great goal chance.

SWP - 7 - Took up Micah's slack. Good passing and dribbling tried to work alot of space.

Ireland - 7 - Great first half bad second. Very clever passing, didn't take enough chances with his shots seemed scared.

Robinho - 6 - Had alot of chances missed too many. Tried to work alot of space. Decent passing but seemed really off his game. Had few moments with dribbling but really couldn't work his way around anyone.

Bellamy - 9 - Scored the winner with class finishing. Kept fighting the whole game, loads of pace and lot of heart. Some very nice touches and footwork.

 

[kevinmcfc]

I have been telling a lot of you lot for ages that Hart is not good enough and today was a great example of that. If Hart had played today we would not have won. Given is a far superior keeper. Those of you who did not agree with me hang your heads in shame because you talk bollocks like a lot of fans on here.

What do you want? A big round of applause? patronising prick.

Less of the prick, dickhead.