A game played at a pedestrian pace between 2 good passing sides that gave the impression that neither side really wanted it enough,hence the goalless spectacle yesterday at the Liberty I thought the crowd was flat,the place was rocking at times last season,but that's probably more to do with the nothing game on offer in front of them. It does seem different to the intimidating Vetch Field atmosphere which felt like it came at you from all sides rather than isolated areas but that could be the harrowing memories of a teenager at the time when I last went to the vetch field Talking to a few swans before the game over a beer or two,they were bemoaning the fact that Swansea haven't been a penalty all season.So i had a wry smile on my face when Nastasic accosted Michu only for mike jones to wave the clear penalty away,perhaps he was the only one in the ground to think otherwise? Chances wise it was a game of 2 halves,we couldn't have complained if we had gone in to the break 2 down but second half we dominated more of the ball and also missed a couple of clear chances so a draw was probably about right I thought Aguero was defended against very well by Williams and co,he hardly had a sniff and Laudrup set the swans up perfectly with the high line enabling Swansea to stop city getting in behind in the areas we like to operate in Long drive home but hope next years trip is for a game with more at stake
Very fair summary. The old Vetch site is now a turfed area, they've got a community garden (like an allotment but smaller plots for individuals) in the corner, and have kept the gates you used to walk through on 3 sides of the site. The North Bank (where us Jacks, mostly, used to stand) is a raised hill and the centre circle has been retained with the actual circle and centre spot demarked in stone. Standing there still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up....worth a visit the next time you're down, perhaps we could organise a kick about with some posters off here? If not good luck with everything anyway. Nice to hear from someone sensible.
Too post and no arguments from me. Definitely had the feel of a practice game, wouldn't be surprised if City had reminded the Swans they were in the cup final next week, nudge nudge wink wink and didn't want any injuries. Good luck next week but I don't think you'll need it
Very good article IMO. Was it really a game where both teams wernt that fussed ? i thought apart from woeful finishing it was a decent game, perhaps not blood and thunder but a good effort from both at least. The penalty ...that just winds me up, a few times this season Michu has been done like that, the boy needs to learn to stay down a bit longer..too honest for his own good,hence why we get nothing in the area .
Fair summary Paul. The crowd was flat but that tends to happen when you get two passing sides and not much goalmouth action. Personally I thought it was a good game. Man City are playing a far better football game than last season and should do better in Europe next year.
It wasn't the worst game I've ever seen but was a bit passionless We are a bit too easy to play against in Europe so unless we get an influx of players in or a coach who can really galvanise them,I don't believe the champions league will differ much from the last 2 campaigns Swansea don't seem the same side since the cup win,maybe it's just Michu being a bit out of form that gives that impression? Williams and michu may well be the subject of a few bids this summer,do you think you can hold on to them and if not who will Laudrup look to replace them with? I would've thought another striker coming in is a must either way
I think Michu will stay but wouldnt de surprised if Ash left with replacements from Spain most likely.
I think Michu is happy to stay and his end of season form will be telling a few scouts " thank god we didnt tke him after all,flash in the pan" which is the way we want it down here !! Michu seems to have a decent head on him and is not money motivated so i expect him to stay, he is happy playing every week and looking forward to playing in Europe under Laudrup, who is the reason why he came here . Ash i think will be gone if Liverpool or Arsenal make a serious bid. A self confessed Liverpool fan who talks up the joys of playing at anfield and talks about his love for Brenden Rodgers quit a bit in his book, that tells me first serious offer and he is off. The thing that may go against him is his age, i dont see how that fits into the Liverpool transfer policy, i guess we will see how much sway Brenden holds at Liverpool.
Be interesting to see who Laudrup brings in from the continent,can't see swansea paying stupid money for English players when cheaper & generally better alternatives are available,particularly in Spain where football clubs finances are in such a mess Michu playing up top isn't his best position I presume,rather a situation exacerbated by Graham taking his banjo to the stadium of light in search of a giant Frisian's arse?
There were apparently some Issues with Graham, its a little bit shrowded in Secrecy but the general view was that he wanted to be back home and not in south wales, i liked DG but i think we did well to get £5m cash for him and save on 6 months wages ,so all that will go for a new striker. I think the Swans may suprise a few people with the transfers this season, i have a feeling we well sign somebody quite special and if we sign them early then that will also make other players think twice about leaving
Great post Paul, with the sun out today I wish you had stayed to see the Bay or experience the best road in the UK (the Top Gear route in the Black Mountains) As for the game, it seemed a procession for both teams. I am used to us not getting penalties and for a long time I have thought we should rely on them to win games, that would be a depressing state of affairs . But if there is one player that we busted the bank to get it would be the Welsh wonderkid Jon Willams, that kid is just electric but I hear your club is sniffing around him, as are Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal Tottenham, Barcelona, Juventus and Bayern. So we probably have no chance even if we did meet the asking price... Mind you that isn't stopping the delusional Red Tits up the road from us actually thinking they can sign him!!!!
Paul kind of you to be so objective, and pretty much how I saw the game on Saturday too, hope the draw will be a springboard for a Win at the DW on Tuesday for us, to end our season on a high, and ensure we stay in the top 10 of this league!.................
I've done a few of aftermatch posts last couple of seasons I don't think we get enough critically honest reports from opposition supporters and its sometimes refreshing to see how others see the game without the tinted specs Not a great fan of one club forums where the myopic tendencies are the norm Pity there aren't any other man city fans on here though
