Mintball wrote:
Agreed. We also seem to have learnt to be able to play sensibly and rely on countering (well, at least we managed last night).
It appears that Hughes has got his message across to the players, judging by our last 4 or 5 performances. We now have some steel and resolve.
Very pleasing not to concede – which would have been typically City.
I was waiting for the Aalborg goal.
I also don't think it's any coincidence that Richards and Dunne have finally started showing some form – since the arrival of Given. We're not solid at the back yet, but we are beginning to show some more stability.
Richards had a good game last night. His first in a while. He looked strong, fit and looked to have a bit more pace in him. I am convinced that he has been carrying an injury all season.
Ireland has been a revelation this term – not least because he's managed such consistency. And some of the tricks and flicks last night were an absolute delight.
He's become my favourite player. Thankfully we now have plenty of money. If we were struggling financially, we would be fending off suitors or even considering selling him to pay off debts.
A Spurs fan told me the other day, and he was being serious, that Stephen Ireland is no better than Jamie O'Hara. I obviously laughed at him and called him a typically delusional Spurs fan.
Well, we've already disposed of the team that is top of the Danish league.
Just to add to that....the Danes had an appalling start to the season. However, they have been unbeaten for 16 games, drew with United and Celtic away from home, and beaten Celtic in Denmark and hammered Deportivo home and away. Granted there are better teams, but there are far worse.
Sparky's comment afterwards was rather funny: he said that the ref had obviously been too mesmerised by the quickness of Robinho's feet to actually consider the foul.
The Other Half, who is not a football fan, even came out with something between a guffaw and a sheer whoop at those six step-overs.
The Other Half, who is not a football fan, even came out with something between a guffaw and a sheer whoop at those six step-overs.
Funniest moment of the game. It's about as funny as football gets.
I have to say, I like Hughes. I think he's doing a grand job at the moment. I like his calm assurance, and his ability to spot a player. Everything he has promised, has come true- we will be better in the second half of the season (check), Given will help to add some leadership and stability to the back four (check) and Bellamy will improve our team (check).
