West Brom pre match thread

[mancity1]

So would I. I would like each half to be treated as separate games and we win each one comfortably. And if we score like we did v Sunderland, early on, could we possibly have the second one a few minutes later and then the third shortly after the second. I'm thinking of the opening seven minutes against Burnley in the FArceCup a season or two back.

Also, Negredo is to begin his goalscoring comeback in this game.

Not much to ask for!

Was in the league mate.

Yep, that was the only game where I felt we could genuinely go and score double figures but the weather completely fucked the pitch up for the 2nd half. I'd love another start like that tonight.

Wouldn't we all , nothing pleases me more than having the game done and dusted in the first half an hour.

Tonight is our big chance.

 

[WickyWain]

Was in the league mate.

Yep, that was the only game where I felt we could genuinely go and score double figures but the weather completely fucked the pitch up for the 2nd half. I'd love another start like that tonight.

Wouldn't we all , nothing pleases me more than having the game done and dusted in the first half an hour.

Tonight is our big chance.

Agreed, West Brom concede a lot of goals under Mel and if Cardiff can put 3 past them then there's no reason we can't!

 

[bobmcfc]

I'd like a clean sheet too please joe

So would I. I would like each half to be treated as separate games and we win each one comfortably. And if we score like we did v Sunderland, early on, could we possibly have the second one a few minutes later and then the third shortly after the second. I'm thinking of the opening seven minutes against Burnley in the FArceCup a season or two back.

Also, Negredo is to begin his goalscoring comeback in this game.

Not much to ask for!

It's not really is it.

 

[Marvin]

Two years ago, almost to the day.....

Match reports
11 April 2012 21:37
Posted by Chris Bailey

Would City end the season with a whimper or a roar?

That was the question being asked in football circles ahead of this clash with West Brom and it was answered emphatically.

There may have been the more thunderous rumbles in the Premier League jungle this season than this 4-0 hammering but there was enough reverberation to suggest that those who have got the Blues dead and buried are being a little hasty with the obits.

Quite why the only team to give the defending champions a race over the course of a long season should be the subject of such recent scorn – Baggies boss Roy Hodgson being a notable exception in the build up to this contest – is a debating point but one thing is for sure – there is still bristling pride bubbling away in this Blues line up.

Shorn by injury of the influential Yaya Toure and by suspension of Mario Balotelli, manager Roberto Mancini went on the attack in front of home fans that had seen City surrender only two points in 16 previous home Premier League games.

In came Carlos Tevez for his first start since September 10 against Wigan, the Spanish speaking forward line was completed by his compatriot Sergio Aguero and David Silva – back from injury absence having missed the trip to Arsenal.

Celeb

That managerial boldness paid off in only the fifth minute when a gaggle of defenders, distracted by the skittering runs of Nasri, Silva and Tevez, allowed Aguero to stride forward unchallenged and drill a beautiful 25-yarder into the bottom corner of Ben Foster’s net.

...City 4 WBA 0

West Brom have though been on an upward curve ever since the arrival of Hodgson who is still mentioned in despatches every time the England coaching job – either temporary or permanent – is mentioned.

The Baggies have been moulded into a durable, efficient side no-longer attached to a label marked yo-yo.

For long spells after that first goal at the Etihad they frustrated City though the home side still made all the running with Foster saving well at his near post from Foster and Craig Dawson making a miraculous goal-line clearance from Micah Richards after Tevez’ exquisite pass had sent the defender charging into the box.

Carlos

Joe Hart at the other end kept himself warm by shouting at his defenders not to retreat too far towards their own goal but in truth he hardly had any cause concern. Nigel de Jong and Gareth Barry were so effective mopping up that Albion barely had a sight of goal.

City’s only fault in an otherwise thoroughly professional first half performance was some over-elaboration close to goal. Too often the perfect pass was sought but not found added to which was a reluctance to shoot.

A quick cure was found for the ‘ailments’ for nine minutes into the second half Samir Nasri and Silva exchanged passes and the former fed Aguero who swept the ball home and effectively ended the contest.

The excitement levels were increased by news that United had fallen behind at Wigan and went up another level in the 61st minute when Tevez scored his first goal of the season from close to the penalty spot after Aguero’s cross from the left was not cleared.

That was the elder Argentinian’s final touch as he was replaced by Adam Johnson but the scoring continued apace with Silva chipping a sumptuous fourth after yet more delicate but purposeful and movement.

Still advantage United but game still very much on!

 

[Benarbia]

Yep, that was the only game where I felt we could genuinely go and score double figures but the weather completely fucked the pitch up for the 2nd half. I'd love another start like that tonight.

Wouldn't we all , nothing pleases me more than having the game done and dusted in the first half an hour.

Tonight is our big chance.

Agreed, West Brom concede a lot of goals under Mel and if Cardiff can put 3 past them then there's no reason we can't!

Spuds put 5 past Sunderland

 

[Paulmcfc2703]

Two years ago, almost to the day.....

Match reports
11 April 2012 21:37
Posted by Chris Bailey

Would City end the season with a whimper or a roar?

That was the question being asked in football circles ahead of this clash with West Brom and it was answered emphatically.

There may have been the more thunderous rumbles in the Premier League jungle this season than this 4-0 hammering but there was enough reverberation to suggest that those who have got the Blues dead and buried are being a little hasty with the obits.

Quite why the only team to give the defending champions a race over the course of a long season should be the subject of such recent scorn – Baggies boss Roy Hodgson being a notable exception in the build up to this contest – is a debating point but one thing is for sure – there is still bristling pride bubbling away in this Blues line up.

Shorn by injury of the influential Yaya Toure and by suspension of Mario Balotelli, manager Roberto Mancini went on the attack in front of home fans that had seen City surrender only two points in 16 previous home Premier League games.

In came Carlos Tevez for his first start since September 10 against Wigan, the Spanish speaking forward line was completed by his compatriot Sergio Aguero and David Silva – back from injury absence having missed the trip to Arsenal.

Celeb

That managerial boldness paid off in only the fifth minute when a gaggle of defenders, distracted by the skittering runs of Nasri, Silva and Tevez, allowed Aguero to stride forward unchallenged and drill a beautiful 25-yarder into the bottom corner of Ben Foster’s net.

...City 4 WBA 0

West Brom have though been on an upward curve ever since the arrival of Hodgson who is still mentioned in despatches every time the England coaching job – either temporary or permanent – is mentioned.

The Baggies have been moulded into a durable, efficient side no-longer attached to a label marked yo-yo.

For long spells after that first goal at the Etihad they frustrated City though the home side still made all the running with Foster saving well at his near post from Foster and Craig Dawson making a miraculous goal-line clearance from Micah Richards after Tevez’ exquisite pass had sent the defender charging into the box.

Carlos

Joe Hart at the other end kept himself warm by shouting at his defenders not to retreat too far towards their own goal but in truth he hardly had any cause concern. Nigel de Jong and Gareth Barry were so effective mopping up that Albion barely had a sight of goal.

City’s only fault in an otherwise thoroughly professional first half performance was some over-elaboration close to goal. Too often the perfect pass was sought but not found added to which was a reluctance to shoot.

A quick cure was found for the ‘ailments’ for nine minutes into the second half Samir Nasri and Silva exchanged passes and the former fed Aguero who swept the ball home and effectively ended the contest.

The excitement levels were increased by news that United had fallen behind at Wigan and went up another level in the 61st minute when Tevez scored his first goal of the season from close to the penalty spot after Aguero’s cross from the left was not cleared.

That was the elder Argentinian’s final touch as he was replaced by Adam Johnson but the scoring continued apace with Silva chipping a sumptuous fourth after yet more delicate but purposeful and movement.

Still advantage United but game still very much on!

The only comparison to this season is that then we had to beat United to finish top and this season we have to avoid defeat to Everton to finish 3rd.

 

[adrianr]

And just like last season it will likely set the tone again, whether we win it or not. The Chelsea result should be all the motivation we need to get our foot back on the gas and chalk up a convincing win, knowing that should Chelsea get something at Anfield we're well back in it. If the lads don't think that's chance enough to keep going send them home for the rest of the season and play the EDS.

 

[Ducado]

Wouldn't we all , nothing pleases me more than having the game done and dusted in the first half an hour.

Tonight is our big chance.

Agreed, West Brom concede a lot of goals under Mel and if Cardiff can put 3 past them then there's no reason we can't!

Spuds put 5 past Sunderland

Sunderland beat Chelsea

 

[Marvin]

And Sunderland were the team that ended Chelsea's long run at home

There are no rules in football.

WBA are a dangerous team, because they have quality in Sessegnon, and others, and determination because of where they are. But they will come and play football

Remember City v Sunderland 2 seasons ago. Sessegnon turned in the best performance from a visiting player at the Etihad that season

 

[Benarbia]

I'd love us to turn in a huge performance tonight but Wednesday night looked like a team who had already conceded the title hope I'm wrong