Re: The Football Chat Thread : Wed Nov 23, 2011 8:29 am  

Lord God Jose Mourinho wrote:

Strange to see a side on the same level as Real and Barca heading out of the CL at the group stages.

It probably exposes how poor the Premier League sides are, compared to the Real's, Barca's, Bayern's of this world, rather than it being a stain on just City.

United struggling to come through an awfully weak group, Chelsea are gradually get worse, week on week, and Arsenal are a pale shadow of the side they once were.

At least City have the excuse of being in a tough group, if United were to go out at this stage (though I think they won't), it would be hugely embarrassing and, at any other club, worthy of a massive question mark over the manager.

Re: The Football Chat Thread : Wed Nov 23, 2011 9:24 am  

Dita's Slot Meter wrote:

It probably exposes how poor the Premier League sides are, compared to the Real's, Barca's, Bayern's of this world, rather than it being a stain on just City.

The CL opponents just seem better at capitalising on the bad spells we have during a game. All season we've been slow starting (only 4 of our 56 goals have been scored in the first 25 mins) and also seem sluggish at the start of the second half. In every game we've had at least one iffy period when we've looked vulnerable. In the league we've generally been able to get through these spells without conceding. In the CL games though, when we've looked vulnerable our opponents have always stepped up a gear and scored.

Re: The Football Chat Thread : Wed Nov 23, 2011 11:25 am  

Lord Tony Smith wrote:

Where do people get this idea from that Glen Johnson can't defend? It is highly amusing. Although, now you come to mention it, I suppose the fact that "he can't defend" is the reason why, when fit, he will be in the England team.

Of course though, I'll take your judgement over the likes of Rafa Benitez', Kenny Dalglish's and Fabio Capello's, the first two played/play him every week, with Capello rating him has England's best rightback. You obviously no more about football than them three though, I guess.

So if all these previous managers rated him as their number 1 and he cost somwhere around £18m why do you say he's under rated.

Dita's Slot Meter wrote:

It probably exposes how poor the Premier League sides are, compared to the Real's, Barca's, Bayern's of this world, rather than it being a stain on just City.

United struggling to come through an awfully weak group, Chelsea are gradually get worse, week on week, and Arsenal are a pale shadow of the side they once were.

At least City have the excuse of being in a tough group, if United were to go out at this stage (though I think they won't), it would be hugely embarrassing and, at any other club, worthy of a massive question mark over the manager.

So you are saying Napoli and Seri A are stronger than the PL and their teams because City lost to Napoli because, as it stands, United are joint top of their group, Arsenal are top of their group and Chelsea are top of their group. There's only City that's 'struggling' really.

Re: The Football Chat Thread : Wed Nov 23, 2011 2:11 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

Have heard a few rumours that Spurs are after Amauri. Do you rate him Robbie?

Did do. Can't see why they'd be after him with Ade playing well though. Amauri is a bit of a funny player, he's one of those physical strikers that have to be 'up for it' to really trouble defenders. He's not the quickest, so it's a matter of him using his size and strength to full effect, something he hasn't done consistently since his move to Juve. I think he ended up on loan at Parma last season, I remember reading a piece from one of the Serie A bloggers wondering why he'd done so well for them yet struggled so much at Juve. I wouldn't take a punt on him, not at his age anyway, he's only going to get slower and weaker now, so Spurs may as well save themselves the time and effort.

Re: The Football Chat Thread : Wed Nov 23, 2011 5:41 pm  

edit

Double post.

Re: The Football Chat Thread : Wed Nov 23, 2011 5:42 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

Have heard a few rumours that Spurs are after Amauri. Do you rate him Robbie?

Who aren't Spurs after?

Re: The Football Chat Thread : Wed Nov 23, 2011 6:33 pm  

Lord Tony Smith wrote:

Who aren't Spurs after?

Strangely, Adebayor.

Re: The Football Chat Thread : Wed Nov 23, 2011 6:42 pm  

Cibaman wrote:

The CL opponents just seem better at capitalising on the bad spells we have during a game. All season we've been slow starting (only 4 of our 56 goals have been scored in the first 25 mins) and also seem sluggish at the start of the second half. In every game we've had at least one iffy period when we've looked vulnerable. In the league we've generally been able to get through these spells without conceding. In the CL games though, when we've looked vulnerable our opponents have always stepped up a gear and scored.

I would agree with that. Napoli were as lethal as City have been in the Premier League. Can't see them slipping up against Villarreal.

Re: The Football Chat Thread : Wed Nov 23, 2011 8:45 pm  

Dan_FC wrote:

So you are saying Napoli and Seri A are stronger than the PL and their teams because City lost to Napoli because, as it stands, United are joint top of their group, Arsenal are top of their group and Chelsea are top of their group. There's only City that's 'struggling' really.

I'm saying that City are in a stronger group than the other 3 English teams, who are basically in 'walkover' groups, though United are making a bit of a meal of their's.

If any of United, Chlesea or Arsenal were in City's group, I think all 3 would be struggling in a similar manner to how City are.

Re: The Football Chat Thread : Wed Nov 23, 2011 8:55 pm  

Lord Tony Smith wrote:

Who aren't Spurs after?

Andy Carroll