I agree. But while winning is great, winning ALL the time isn't good for us as a fanbase. Our humour, our resilience, our attachment to the club was built in tougher times. A bit of Typical City is good for the soul and good for the new fan to know what it's like. Like so many of us I never supported City because they were winning, I supported them because I grew up near the ground and when I went there I felt at home there and the Blues I knew were nice people. A bit of adversity reminds me of the old days - but the advantage we have on the old days is that it doesn't feel terminal, it's nowhere near as bad.
We are in a transitional period. We're adjusting to a post-Haaland style of playing. Some of the guys who have been the bedrock of the team are getting older (Gundo, KDB) or want away (Bernardo). We have no Arteta, Juanma's gone, and I don't know if Enzo Maresca has the relationship with Pep that his predecessors in the assistant role did.
We have made some brilliant signings but we have also made some more questionable signings - and sales - as any club will do. 'Smaller' teams appear to have Pep and us worked out. It isn't just Everton, Brentford, So'ton - Palace and Fulham were threatening, and we allowed Brighton way too much possession...we haven't looked ourselves since United.
But for now I'm relaxed. I'll stay relaxed as long as Pep shows a bit more, dare I say it, humility, or simplicity, in his approach, more willingness to change what isn't working. The earlier substitutions are a sign. But we need fewer experiments in which players are out of position, a bit more trust in the individual creativity of the players and a bit less dependence on a system which is making us predictable to lower ranked sides.
All that said, ALL the top sides are showing vulnerabilities, and ultimately it will come down to competition between the top sides. A win in the derby and all will well be again, just how we felt just last Sunday.
Last edited: