Might well have Steve but if Zaha hadn't stood still chewing his finger nails then McCann wouldn't have had the time and space for his tap in. Tayls had a quiet afternoon overall but made up for it with his open criticism of Zaha. Shall we call it a draw, KTC -1, Zaha -1?
Football is a simple game sometimes. Take our first leveller versus man Utd. Whittingham plays it through the middle to Mutch, who plays it through the middle to Campbell, who then tucks it away. When did we last witness a ball through the middle? All we got on Saturday was sideways and backwards and then when desperate pumping it up to our centre backs in the box? Our full backs are pathetic, cannot cross and cannot go forward. Our central midfielders without Mutch are so negative. Saying that I thought Wigan were typical championship fare, and should have been despatched but City made 2 glaring errors for their goals, never looked likely to concede otherwise and missed 3-4 decent (2 open goals) chances.
Yes, agreed Nin - City were far better against Wigan than the scoreline suggests but then there's the problem innit. We can't win a game without some agonising luck going for us like we had against Norwich. Walking the ball into the net seems to be the ploy. Without Mutch, only Noone seems to have a pop. The negative vibes just ooze out when our defence and midfield pass it back to each other with such uncertainty, and then eventually back to Marshall. Apart from anything else, it gives the opposition a lift when they see that. That's a clear demo of the article title - a lack of confidence running through the side that could kill us off long before the last couple of games. The Campbell goal you cite against Man U is a great example of what direct "confident" passing is all about - and we haven't seen it since.
True Sparks, Campbell made a great run first half against Villa, lost his marker, Zaha had the ball edge of the box, a great opportunity for a through ball but what did we get? Another bloody step over. Can you tell I am not a great fan of the lollipop king? Mind you if he stops being so bloody stupid and starts creating opportunities for himself and/or others I will change my views.
I've watched the highlights, Zaha was very much at fault after the big mistake from KTC. From a blame point of view I'm still more inclined to go with the defender rather than the tricky winger. It's why MM used to not like picking Noone imo. You see Zaha follow Mcann in when instructed by Taylor for the first phase of the attack. As soon as the ball gets deflected back up field Zaha's first movement is forward. He's forgotten about defending and is looking at open space and the potential to go forward. All out attack minded wingers don't tend to hang about in the 18 yard box marking someone when the play breaks down. He should have on this occasion, obviously! Zaha later went on the run that led to our goal though. He produced our best chance v Villa with a delightful reverse pass to Campbel too. Only Noone has a similar level of attacking threat in our entire squad. I mentioned after his first game that Palace played Zaha at 10 a lot, therefore eliminating the defensive issues other than a bit of chasing about. Problem for us is that is Bellers best position and it looks like Daehli will be happiest there too. It does put a question mark on whether we start Zaha but if the full back did his job Zaha's mistake wouldn't have been an issue. If you want a midfielder who thinks defence first you pick Cowie on the wing. Noone was at fault for both of the goals v Man U. If Cowie had played right midfield we may have got a Malky style 0-0.
True Steve and if my aunty had bo££ocks she's be my uncle but that's football for you. Hindsight being the only perfect science. Taking the comments about wingers' poor defending, can we actually risk Zaha (if used as a winger) and Noone both starting. If their defence is that poor then we can't kick off with them both. Me, I would go with Noone until Zaha shows us that he is more than just a show pony.
Bluey - you'll know from my posts this season and last, I've never been a devout follower of the Zaha fan club. Always found him completely over-hyped whilst at Palace and his price was talked up in my opinion. I must say though that he offers something different to what we have - mind you, you could say Mr. Bean is "different", but there the anology ends (or does it ). He's capable of turning a game with a moment of flair, and we had very little of that before he arrived. Having said that, his final ball from out wide was never the best, and he does overdue the flash stuff rather than using his quickness of thought. He's the sort of player that can make the difference, but so far has not proved it. I reckon Daehli might have more influence on our future over this next dozen games than him.
Funny double edged sword that one. If he does enough to keep us up then that's brilliant. If he shows himself a star but we go down we could lose him. From what I've seen of him so far he'll be a formidable weapon in the Championship if that's where him and us end up.
Daehli seems to have time on the ball and is looking to get a shot away when he's around the box. We need a bit more of that and I thought Kim would provide it this season, but have been disappointed with him to be honest - I was expecting much more. We need some trigger pullers in front of goal coming onto the ball from midfield. Mutch can do it and Whitts was a good example in the past, but he's been way off the mark for a while now.
I fear City's confidence is at an all time low in this league; brittle defence, weak midfield and no real goal scoring threat. City are there for the taking on Saturday without Medel and probably Mutch. If those 2 are both out then it's virtually a team of championship quality available to the manager.
Probably 2 out of Gunnar, Cowie or Whitts to replace Medel and Mutch. Maybe Eikrem in the frame too but he faded badly second half Saturday. That being the case Nin you are correct. Anyone heard how long Medel will be out? Initially I was told 2/3 weeks but someone else has said Chile are ruling him out ofr the World Cup. Seeing as he walked off easily at half time that seems a bit harsh to me.
I'd better tell the Mrs to put the Medel Bluebirds, flag on hold then! We entered the draw and got the Rio series venue ticket mean we get 5 world cup matches including Chile v Spain. Everything's booked and I can't wait. Proper lifelong ambition to see a game at the Maracana. We're watching 5 (4 group games and 1 last 16) and if he's fit we'll get to see a City player there too..
Whoa, that's one hell of a trip Steve. You must have won the lottery or been working very hard (or on the rob ) to fund that lot. Chile v. Spain, I can see lots of fun and games there. 1962 World Cup, Chile v. Italy was dubbed the "Battle of Santiago". Worth googling to get the full info.
Haven't really had the work/life balance right last 4 years but it does have it's benefits. The Mrs being a huge football fan is essential as I couldn't have justified the cost without it being a dream trip for both of us, we certainly don't have the sort of money to take the decision to go on a trip like this lightly!!
