Great idea to create this thread. Really needed some support after reading those shite negative comments on post match thread. I think a lot of problem comes from the mentality that if we have the best manager in the world and a top squad, then we should be winning 3-0 or 4-0 every game. That kind of thinking shows enormous immaturity and a complete ignorance of the fact that our opposition exist as a team who also want to win. They also, like us, do the hard work of planning for games against specific teams, they also have tactics and passion and brilliant players with a drive to win. Reading comments on the post match thread, it seems like people feel that the premier league was created for us to belittle teams every weekend and a stage to shame puny, little clubs with gobshite players. That kind of mentality comes from having not enough respect for the opposition.
We played against a team which had come prepared for a draw, parked a big-ass bus in the box from the starting whistle, were unwilling to venture into our half, often had as many as 9 players inside the 16-yard box and most of all were coached by Koeman, who is one of the greatest ball-playing CBs of all time and an integral part of Cruyff's dream team. The fact that we had as many chances as we did is a testament to how good we were. Winning 2 penalties is no small thing. We bottled it big time is something that the players need to work on, but winning those penalties is itself a sign of creative players who love to dribble and create chances. Add to that the fact that Stekelenburg had an absolute blinder. Honestly, how many times does a keeper manage to save shots like KdB's bullet? Go watch that replay now. The ball swerved in mid air for ffs and he still somehow saved it.
Some people would call me a happy fool or an arse-licker. Well, I apologise for being a person who can clearly see how much we have progressed as a team. You wanna watch shite draws where teams park the bus and we can't create chances for shit? Go watch last season's Norwich draw. Swear to god, I lost a couple years of my life watching that match. If this were a Pellegrini team, Zabs and Kola would have started with Dinho and Toure in the middle and we would have gotten our arse handed over on a plate. How can you not appreciate the tactical acumen shown by Pep in realising our weakness and actually field a team (with an absolute ballers formation and game plan) which plays to our strengths? How do you not feel positive about the fact that we actually have a manager who is willing to adjust his formation, squad, everything to field a team which can win while still playing beautiful football and adhering to his core philosophies? Last year, when we were waiting for the semi-final draws to happen, I remember everyone saying that they would rather face Bayern or Madrid than Atletico simply because we wouldn't be able to do jack shit against a team which can defend to save their lives. If City produces a performance like the Everton one against Atletico, would you be happy or sad? Do you actually believe that we would have been able to replicate this last season under Pellers?
I'm honestly tired of reading comments by people who just care about the fuckin result and start moaning at the first sign of defeat about how we're at the same stage as last season, how Pep needs to prove himself, how the team is phoning it in and needs to step up, etc. Are these people even supporters of this club? Do they even understand the meaning of support? It feels like some people only care about the numbers on the scoreboard at the end of 90 min, no matter how we play. Look at West Brom and count your stars that we have a manager who actually wants to entertain the fans by playing good, attacking football while still churning out wins.
I've big hopes for the future and it makes me happy to see that there are quite a few people here who share the same belief and optimism. C'mon City!
