Sorry, I know this topic is being 'done to death', but in the middle of a two week break with the team out of the country until yesterday, I feel this warrants an airing, as there's not much else occurring just now. In fact, reading through it again, it's very hard not to agree with the author http://www.pinkun.com/home/the_one_...587?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed
interesting, yes. will we get bored of this line by the end of the season, yes try and keep patient i guess
its hard isnt it. When I look at other clubs who have been promoted and maintained their PL status it is often been done the 'ugly way' either by playing football not liked, by buying their way up or doing it by the skin of their teeth! Well we cant buy our way out, and despite people saying our football is boring its not through lack of trying. So maybe its time for the skin of our teeth time! Having said this, with break for cup games, and CH saying he was planning to play two up front with Holty and Becchio (plus our other new man KK) things may be just right for a great end to the season.
A widespread concensus seems to be developing that 36 points will most probably be enough to secure Premier League status next season -- which was CruyffTurn's calculation way back in early Autumn. I expect CH will do exactly as PL did last year, and keep saying he'll relax when survival is a mathematical certainty. But as last year, it's less what the manager says than the freedom with which his team play which will tell us when he really feels we are safe.
I agree with MB on this one. One comparison I don't remember being made is with West Brom. They yo-yoed up and down for several years, then finally stuck in the PL by playing tight football (I can remember them making as few as 4 shots per game) but it was enough to survive. Gradually they improved their squad and improved their game. Now they are a comfortable top half of the table team. It's not a bad model for City, IMO.
west brom is interesting, as they have been relegated 3 or 4 times, but i every time returned to the top table instantly, or at least 2 of those times done it. it's risky, as a lot of clubs do not bounce back e.g Hull,Burnley,Brum
Not sure I'd describe WBA as a comfortable top half team? They started off well but at the start of the season they were a lot of people's tip to go down...still a lot off being a stable mid table for me. What I wouldn't give for a shane long though.
