As a City fan, it's easy to write what I am about to, but I do genuinely mean what I'm about to say.
Really good cup final. Sunderland were much the better team in the first half, and it took two absolutely outstanding goals to break Sunderland down. City's third goal was merely material - Sunderland had to go for it, and as a result were always susceptible to being left open at the back, and thus susceptible to a counter attack.
The commentators said several times that City were below par. I think we should be praising Sunderland's performance for that. City didn't play to their capabilities, not because City themselves had an off day, but because Sunderland simply didn't allow them to play. Poyet got his tactics spot on, and it's only because of a moment of individual brilliance by Toure (a moment which simply can not be accounted for when it comes to a managers tactics/approach to a game), and then, one minute later, a superb finish by Nasri, that ultimately undid Sunderland.
But Sunderland had their chances. And come half time it wouldn't have been unfair on City had Sunderland had more than a one goal lead. I thought Sunderland were excellent in the first half especially, but even after going behind, remained a threat and a fully fit (and thus more alert) Fletcher would most probably made more of the opportunity in the second half that fell his way.
It's horrible to lose a cup final. I know that as a City fan all too well. Not just the FA Cup final last season against Wigan, but I'm old enough to remember the 1981 loss to Spurs (and consequently (obviously) the reply of that particular game). A consolidation for Sunderland - you're still in the FA Cup, and I hope that you stay up - I genuinely mean that.
Really good cup final. Sunderland were much the better team in the first half, and it took two absolutely outstanding goals to break Sunderland down. City's third goal was merely material - Sunderland had to go for it, and as a result were always susceptible to being left open at the back, and thus susceptible to a counter attack.
The commentators said several times that City were below par. I think we should be praising Sunderland's performance for that. City didn't play to their capabilities, not because City themselves had an off day, but because Sunderland simply didn't allow them to play. Poyet got his tactics spot on, and it's only because of a moment of individual brilliance by Toure (a moment which simply can not be accounted for when it comes to a managers tactics/approach to a game), and then, one minute later, a superb finish by Nasri, that ultimately undid Sunderland.
But Sunderland had their chances. And come half time it wouldn't have been unfair on City had Sunderland had more than a one goal lead. I thought Sunderland were excellent in the first half especially, but even after going behind, remained a threat and a fully fit (and thus more alert) Fletcher would most probably made more of the opportunity in the second half that fell his way.
It's horrible to lose a cup final. I know that as a City fan all too well. Not just the FA Cup final last season against Wigan, but I'm old enough to remember the 1981 loss to Spurs (and consequently (obviously) the reply of that particular game). A consolidation for Sunderland - you're still in the FA Cup, and I hope that you stay up - I genuinely mean that.