Indeed it is. Let's hope Lescott and a top CB are very much a likelihood, though, otherwise I and many others believe there will be a problem. Everyone talks about away form and lack of goals being the problem, but really it is not true. Based on differential we would have finished sixth (fifth based on average goals scored). And while there is a gulf between home (40; fifth in the league) and away (18; twelth in the league) goals scored, the goals are not really the problem but rather who scored them and when. If our defense had held strong to take even one of the matches we initially lead (Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Fulham), we would be in Europe this coming season. Take all of them and one of our draws and we finish fifth (which is where we would have been if all of our matches had finished at half-time). Real Madrid this last season showed a similar flaw: you can score as many goals as you like, if you are also hemorrhaging them you will not succeed (a further example of it not mattering how many but who scores them and when). The fact that we conceded almost as many goals away (32; seventh most in the league) as we scored at home, and actually scored more goals away than Fulham, and nearly as many as West Ham, is I believe an indicator that we had a primarily defensive problem. And even if it were attacking, wouldn't the better solution be to work to get our current strikers, who collectively fire as well as the top four at home (and nearly as well overall), to improve their away form, not buy more strikers that have not proven they can score in our squad at all? I am happy with the Tevez signing, as it is a statement of intent and a prudent choice of player, but I will be much, much happier with a top-class CB or two, and seeing our current defenders improve their play. I believe De Jong will be a force this coming season as well, which will help us improve on that defensive instability.
Excellent signing. You got the best workhorse. As a fan of El Apache, I'm going to follow closely Man City this coming season.
City already in talks with Arsenal for Adebayor Arsenal are willing to sell for £25m apparently link here I don't understand this transfer - is he planning on playing both Santa Cruz and Adebayor ? if not SC looks like a very expensive bench player - like Bellamy will be
Don't really see a problem with that. All of the top European teams have tremendous depth (prime example: Chelsea). And money really isn't a problem for us. Especially as we are trying to break into Europe and establish ourselves. We need to get whatever we can get and as much quality as possible. To compete with the Big 4 in this league City need DEPTH. Plus, we have 3 (hopefully 4 nxt yr) competitions that we can try to win or do well in.
Yes, but the reason these top European teams have tremendous depth is that they have more games to play i.e champions league or europa. Seeing how we have nothing but domestic competition this year, it is sort of a waste of resource in addition to potential unrest in the locker room and bench due to lack of playing time for some players.
Might help us make a push for the Treble though. Seriously, the FA Cup or Carling Cup would be a godsend. We haven't won a main trophy since the FA Cup in '81, we could stand a chance with this squad of winning the FA or Carling (lets be realistic, we won't win the league but a push into the top four would be amazing).
"He used to be a dirty red, Tevez, Tevez... But now he is a blue instead, Tevez, Tevez. He's probably nailed a load of birds, he's made us change the bloody words, Carlos Tevez - city til he dies" Taken from CTIDjmac on the official twitter pic feed for the Tevez news conference going on now. Oh, and the Orlando Pirates match on Saturday will not only be shown on the big screen at COMS, but will also be streamed live at mcfc.co.uk. Perfect opportunity for all Citizens to see the new lads in action.
Thought this was interesting analysis. Adebayor is reported to have passed his medical, reportedly £25m ($40m) (€30m) - transfer will go through once his work permit is approved.
I dont see how they can accommodate all these attack minded players and keep them all happy. Santa Cruz Robinho Tevez Adebayor Bojinov Bellamy SWP Benjani I bet Hughes still picks Ched Evans though.
To be honest, most of Man city's forwards are either sh*t, too young, or not "big-name" enough. Robinho is top class, but he is too small to lead the line, plus, he needs some help. Tevez goes along way to improving team work-rate and boost there image. RSC is/could be a good addition, but his injuries could derail his season. Having adebayor (Thank god someone was FOOLISH enough to want him for THAT kind of money) would not only provide another option besides RSC, it would provide competition/motivation for that starting spot. players like benjani, caicedo, bellamy, evans aren't the kind of players that should be leading the line for a club with Citys "ambitions" IMO. TBH, as an arsenal fan, i dont fear man city. mainly because i feel this year we will finish 1-2. Maybe chelsea will struggle, possibly even united. Could you imagine THAT? city placing ABOVE utd?
Bellamy had 5 goals in 10 matches with City. I don't think he's the type of player that gets you over the top, but he certainly is a useful player, especially if you can have him coming off the bench.
man Adebahor would be a huge signing. combining him as the target man with one of Tevez/Robinho would make for a lethal one two punch. could any of the forward maybe make a move to attacking mid or wide mid? Tevez has the work rate to do it imo... too many strikers for proper first team duty.
Bellamy is NOT the type of player who will be happy "coming off the bench". He's the type that grabs a golf club and bashes his team mates skull in seems like old boy SWP is out then again
See what all these idiots don't realize is the Management at Manchester City is using a very simple concept: YOU CAN'T MAKE THE TOP FOUR , IF HE HAVE ALL YOUR BEST PLAYERS!!!!! Arsenal is going to do so well in Europa for the rest of the new decade!!