Yaya is touted to be part of a makeweight deal in Barca bid for Fab. Its doubtful IMO because of Arsenal's reluctance to pay Yaya's wage demands (4 year deal @ £110K/week) . Hence Fab's will be a straight cash deal.
Yaya Touré will definitely be a great signing for City. He has the pace & ability to be a box to box midfielder - i.e. a world class midfielder. An ability to score (4 goals in 45 internationals, 4 in 75 at Barca) given the opportunity is a must in my book. Thats what was lacking for us ( de Jong doen't quite cut it) this past season. In his last game with Barca, Yaya showed that he has the ability to make great passes with his assists to Messi & Bojan.
IMO Barca is making a HUGE mistake by letting Yaya go ( i.e. starting or preferring Busquets over Yaya) in the same manner as letting Eto'o for Ibrahimović.
(contributed by soccerinteg)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Case for 71 pts. season Champions League Club Status - Part 3
In http://mancityblueplan.blogspot.com/2010/04/cl-club-status.html, I estimate that we need 71 points to attain CL club status for the forthcoming season.
My fear is that we will be short of it because of the looming fear or trepidation that we will tie or draw at home with Spurs this Wednesday. If so the most that we can hope for is 70 pts. with Spurs, I predict, pipping us with 71 pts.
Does this sound far-fetched? Given that we have a proclivity to tie or draw in 1/3 of our fixtures this season.
So did that 1 point that we lost at our HOME DERBY the KEY or Tipping Point of our season?
http://mancityblueplan.blogspot.com/2010/04/is-ireland-to-be-blamed-for-united-win.html
You tell me!
My fear is that we will be short of it because of the looming fear or trepidation that we will tie or draw at home with Spurs this Wednesday. If so the most that we can hope for is 70 pts. with Spurs, I predict, pipping us with 71 pts.
Does this sound far-fetched? Given that we have a proclivity to tie or draw in 1/3 of our fixtures this season.
So did that 1 point that we lost at our HOME DERBY the KEY or Tipping Point of our season?
http://mancityblueplan.blogspot.com/2010/04/is-ireland-to-be-blamed-for-united-win.html
You tell me!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
To Attain CL Club Status - Part !
After 32 EPL games what must City do to attain CL club status for the forthcoming season. IMO we need to attain 71 pts. (1.87 pt. per match for CL status) for this season.
If we do that
A. Liverpool will not surpass us (max. points for them will be 70 pts.)
B. Spurs need (13 pts. out of max 18 pts.) to contend with Arsenal, Chelsea, @ United,Bolton, @City & @ Burnley.
C. Aston Villa (17 pts. out of max 18 pts.) will have to contend with Everton, @Pompey, @ Hull, Birmingham, @ City and Blackburn.
Can City get 12 points? IMO its realistic (6 X 1.87 ~ 12 pts). It will be easier if we defeat Spurs.
-----------------------------------
The main thrust of this post was a result of this;
I wasn't about to do a Quantitative Analysis (which I'll give more depth herein the future but since some de Jong stats submitted here and in the Bluemoon forum are not complete I believe it will be responsible for someone to do it. Hence these are the Facts;
A. Out of 32 EPL games, de Jong has 25 starts (subbed out in 5 games) we picked up 42 pts. - 11W 9D 5L.
B. The other 7 games he did not start (he was subbed in 4 of the matches) we picked up 17 pts. - 5W 2D 0L.
------------------------
A. Out of the 5 games he was subbed out:
We were 0W 2D 3L before subs. and 0W 3D 2L after he came out
i.e. Plus 1 pt & 0 goal difference with de Jong subbed out.
----------------------------
B. Out of the 4 games he was subbed in , we were 4W 0D 0L before &
4W 0D 0L after however with a -1 goal difference
-----------------------------------
In summary, bearing in mind we need 1.87 pt. per match for CL status,
A. With de Jong starting in 25 matches, we picked up 42 pts (instead of 46.05 pts for CL status i.e. short by 10%)
B. Without de Jong in starting lineup for 7 matches we picked up 17 pts (instead of 13.08 pts for CL status i.e. exceed by 30%)
These are the few points (& goal difference) for us to reflect on. Right?
If we do that
A. Liverpool will not surpass us (max. points for them will be 70 pts.)
B. Spurs need (13 pts. out of max 18 pts.) to contend with Arsenal, Chelsea, @ United,Bolton, @City & @ Burnley.
C. Aston Villa (17 pts. out of max 18 pts.) will have to contend with Everton, @Pompey, @ Hull, Birmingham, @ City and Blackburn.
Can City get 12 points? IMO its realistic (6 X 1.87 ~ 12 pts). It will be easier if we defeat Spurs.
-----------------------------------
The main thrust of this post was a result of this;
I wasn't about to do a Quantitative Analysis (which I'll give more depth herein the future but since some de Jong stats submitted here and in the Bluemoon forum are not complete I believe it will be responsible for someone to do it. Hence these are the Facts;
A. Out of 32 EPL games, de Jong has 25 starts (subbed out in 5 games) we picked up 42 pts. - 11W 9D 5L.
B. The other 7 games he did not start (he was subbed in 4 of the matches) we picked up 17 pts. - 5W 2D 0L.
------------------------
A. Out of the 5 games he was subbed out:
We were 0W 2D 3L before subs. and 0W 3D 2L after he came out
i.e. Plus 1 pt & 0 goal difference with de Jong subbed out.
----------------------------
B. Out of the 4 games he was subbed in , we were 4W 0D 0L before &
4W 0D 0L after however with a -1 goal difference
-----------------------------------
In summary, bearing in mind we need 1.87 pt. per match for CL status,
A. With de Jong starting in 25 matches, we picked up 42 pts (instead of 46.05 pts for CL status i.e. short by 10%)
B. Without de Jong in starting lineup for 7 matches we picked up 17 pts (instead of 13.08 pts for CL status i.e. exceed by 30%)
These are the few points (& goal difference) for us to reflect on. Right?
Sunday, March 28, 2010
In lieu of Messi or our Next Tevez - Agüero
If we like & rated Tevez highly, then we should also take on this Argie. He is the real thing!
I've been following Agüero eversince I watched him played at the 2007 U-20 FIFA WC. The tournament included Pato and Giovanni Santos. They were touted as the most promising youngsters. However IMO Aguero, Golden Boot, Golden Ball winner of the tounament, was the only 'man' among the 'boys' creating and scoring goals from unlikely places and situations.
Kun brings another dimension (updown, sideways, unlikely angles etc) to the scoring department rather than that of say Bellamy or Ade (up and down) or Tevez (top of the box etc).
He is easily worth the €40-50 million required to acquire him. He can easily brings 15-30 goals a season to City. He is young and durable compared to our Bellers or RSC. He is what is needed for a CL team playing on the continent . He is a 'scrapper' but with finesse in his finish, added scoring panache too.
What cogent reasons do I have to state? Or detract? Unless I have a parochial or vested interest!
We will never get Messi, Torres is a crock or la liga player wannabe. These are the reasons why we should try to capture him.
I've been following Agüero eversince I watched him played at the 2007 U-20 FIFA WC. The tournament included Pato and Giovanni Santos. They were touted as the most promising youngsters. However IMO Aguero, Golden Boot, Golden Ball winner of the tounament, was the only 'man' among the 'boys' creating and scoring goals from unlikely places and situations.
Kun brings another dimension (updown, sideways, unlikely angles etc) to the scoring department rather than that of say Bellamy or Ade (up and down) or Tevez (top of the box etc).
He is easily worth the €40-50 million required to acquire him. He can easily brings 15-30 goals a season to City. He is young and durable compared to our Bellers or RSC. He is what is needed for a CL team playing on the continent . He is a 'scrapper' but with finesse in his finish, added scoring panache too.
What cogent reasons do I have to state? Or detract? Unless I have a parochial or vested interest!
We will never get Messi, Torres is a crock or la liga player wannabe. These are the reasons why we should try to capture him.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Delap's Throw-ins Part 2
There is a scientific basis in cleaning, drying (reduced weight of moisture, particulates etc), rubbing and warming up the ball. It will enhanced the trajectory and flight of the ball.
By using a 'towel' Delap does affect the ball. These are the esoteric tools of a thrower or a ball striker in most sports. Any slight advantage adds up. In Delap's case;
1. Delap's technical ability acquired through background as a javelin thrower.
2. Width of the field and 'towel' provisioning
3. Throwing is more pinpoint accurate than kicking, especially when target has prior experience with the thrower (who can identified opponents weak spots etc.)
So all these tiny advantages adds up eh?
My suggestion nice time either don't give him a towel or provide him with a wet or greasy towel.
By using a 'towel' Delap does affect the ball. These are the esoteric tools of a thrower or a ball striker in most sports. Any slight advantage adds up. In Delap's case;
1. Delap's technical ability acquired through background as a javelin thrower.
2. Width of the field and 'towel' provisioning
3. Throwing is more pinpoint accurate than kicking, especially when target has prior experience with the thrower (who can identified opponents weak spots etc.)
So all these tiny advantages adds up eh?
My suggestion nice time either don't give him a towel or provide him with a wet or greasy towel.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
To Counter Delap's Throw-ins.
This is my proposal to counter Delap's Javelin's throws
Lately our opponents have no fear of our counterattacks because of our scoreless and tentative toothless bite in our attacks. The strategy here is to dovetail it with our Rapid Counterattack Strike force which is briefly suggested in my previous post.
http://mancityblueplan.blogspot.com/2010/02/does-mancini-have-cojones.html
1. Interposed a City Player such as Ade between Delap at the touchline and our goalposts i.e in his LOS (line of sight). The important thing is Ade should force Delap to arc the ball ( not allowing him to 'spear' the ball) by jumping or anticipating his throw.
2. Our strategy here is to be proactive. Attack Delap's ball by heading or targetting it to either to one of our 2 players . One on both flanks (SWP & Ade) or in the middle if our 2 speedy flankers are covered tightly.
3. The whole notion here is to be proactive and by deploying our rapid strike force, our opponents will not be gungho in Delap's setpiece.
Lately our opponents have no fear of our counterattacks because of our scoreless and tentative toothless bite in our attacks. The strategy here is to dovetail it with our Rapid Counterattack Strike force which is briefly suggested in my previous post.
http://mancityblueplan.blogspot.com/2010/02/does-mancini-have-cojones.html
1. Interposed a City Player such as Ade between Delap at the touchline and our goalposts i.e in his LOS (line of sight). The important thing is Ade should force Delap to arc the ball ( not allowing him to 'spear' the ball) by jumping or anticipating his throw.
2. Our strategy here is to be proactive. Attack Delap's ball by heading or targetting it to either to one of our 2 players . One on both flanks (SWP & Ade) or in the middle if our 2 speedy flankers are covered tightly.
3. The whole notion here is to be proactive and by deploying our rapid strike force, our opponents will not be gungho in Delap's setpiece.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Adam Johnson - A Promising Lad
Yes, Adam Johnson can be the next Superstar. City has to make sure to nuture this lad properly as the EPL demands him not only to adapt but also to innovate and improve on his repertoire of passes, kicks and crosses to be EFFECTIVE and more productive. Else EPL opponents will be wised to his ways and neutralise his threats!
Friday, February 5, 2010
'tis the season of vivere pericoloso?
Should Mancini followed his dictum of 'I always go for a win' ? Apparently at OT he was not able to. Now that he has a full squad, minus the enigmatic Robinho, should he 'walk the talk' or proceed cautiously as per his previous predecessor? You tell me!
'tis the season of 'vivere pericoloso' refers to a famous italian phrase meaning “living dangerously' quoted by Sukarno in his 1964 Indonesian Independence Day speech.
'tis the season of 'vivere pericoloso' refers to a famous italian phrase meaning “living dangerously' quoted by Sukarno in his 1964 Indonesian Independence Day speech.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
City's 'GOING TO BE THE BIGGEST and THE BEST in the world.'
(Post submitted by soccerinteg, a contributing poster here and in BBC forums)
What stunned City was United's EXPERIENCE. What I termed as ''OUTLIERS" (Malcolm Gladwell) which City lacks at the moment.To wit its proclivity to 'snatch victory at the dying minutes at OT'. Its means are questionable at times. However last night they totally deserved it. Here I reaffirm when Cook unequivocally states "This football club IS, without doubt, GOING TO BE THE BIGGEST and THE BEST in the world. I will make no excuses for saying it, as I truly believe it, with the resources and capabilities we have.".
Fergie, with this Derby, and every football pundit reinforced this notion by paying duly earned attention and admiration for City's new regime. Cook and itts management owners should be lauded for forging a winning masterplan. City is 'baciato dalla grazia" – "kissed by good fortune". The Top 4 and City's rivals are understandably envious. The lions' whiskers are being tweaked!
The loss is not a setback but another notch ('10k hours') for experience!
What stunned City was United's EXPERIENCE. What I termed as ''OUTLIERS" (Malcolm Gladwell) which City lacks at the moment.To wit its proclivity to 'snatch victory at the dying minutes at OT'. Its means are questionable at times. However last night they totally deserved it. Here I reaffirm when Cook unequivocally states "This football club IS, without doubt, GOING TO BE THE BIGGEST and THE BEST in the world. I will make no excuses for saying it, as I truly believe it, with the resources and capabilities we have.".
Fergie, with this Derby, and every football pundit reinforced this notion by paying duly earned attention and admiration for City's new regime. Cook and itts management owners should be lauded for forging a winning masterplan. City is 'baciato dalla grazia" – "kissed by good fortune". The Top 4 and City's rivals are understandably envious. The lions' whiskers are being tweaked!
The loss is not a setback but another notch ('10k hours') for experience!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Bellers - 'The Prodigal Son'
Most of the members at http://www.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=155319 took umbrage when I suggest that Bellamy should not start. http://mancityblueplan.blogspot.com/2009/12/petrov-in-at-expense-of-bellamy.html
Rest assured that I do not have a nationalistic agenda. I believe Bellers will be the key to winning tomorrow's battle. For he has superbia in proelia, a key trait that all City's squad players that is lacking should emulate. Previously I was concerned about him being an unhappy camper with the departure of Hughes his mentor. His 3i conundrum I referred to was his questionable allegiance or loyalty (i for Wales, i for Hughes, i of course for Bellamy). Of course I was also alluding to the fact that City is his 8th club.
Bellamy is renowned for his much criticised behaviour on and of the field. Hence my querying whether he will be lugging his 'club' baggage (3i-PW) if he was to leave City on a bad note with a 'putter in his hand'!
Most us us wants him to remain and retire at City so do I, thats why I want to 'take the 'putter away from the nutter'. But ever since he came out openly in support of Mancini and City, Bellamy has been a virtuous Citizen. The proof is in the pudding with his great performance on and of the field . Blimey, I must admit, 'tis been good thus far. Welcome 'home' Prodigal Son.
Rest assured that I do not have a nationalistic agenda. I believe Bellers will be the key to winning tomorrow's battle. For he has superbia in proelia, a key trait that all City's squad players that is lacking should emulate. Previously I was concerned about him being an unhappy camper with the departure of Hughes his mentor. His 3i conundrum I referred to was his questionable allegiance or loyalty (i for Wales, i for Hughes, i of course for Bellamy). Of course I was also alluding to the fact that City is his 8th club.
Bellamy is renowned for his much criticised behaviour on and of the field. Hence my querying whether he will be lugging his 'club' baggage (3i-PW) if he was to leave City on a bad note with a 'putter in his hand'!
Most us us wants him to remain and retire at City so do I, thats why I want to 'take the 'putter away from the nutter'. But ever since he came out openly in support of Mancini and City, Bellamy has been a virtuous Citizen. The proof is in the pudding with his great performance on and of the field . Blimey, I must admit, 'tis been good thus far. Welcome 'home' Prodigal Son.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Tevez excoriates Neville by dissing him as a ''boot-licking moron''.
Firstly should Gary Neville be censured by FA for giving Tevez the bird? Giving someone "the finger" is one of the basest violations in civilized behaviour unbecoming of a United club captain. Moreover he is on the Management Committee of the Professional Footballers' Association.
Now come to the meat of this post! On an Argentinian radiotalk show (ESPN Argentina), Tevez excoriated Neville (his ex-compañero) for being disrespectful and call him a 'bootlicking tarado (dumbass) '. Is Tevez justified in taking umbrage?
(Update Jan 24, 2010)
What does others say about this tiring & lame United captain?
Yes two wrongs does not make it right. Mancini, you can rest assured has cautioned Tevez., citing Tevez fatigue after the game for his ill-advised words about Neville. Has Fergie cautioned Neville? Was Gary fatigued during the game? IMO United should restrain Neville for his loutish behaviour or else retire him, for its unbecoming of an United captain supposedly touted to be the English Paolo Maldini. A position, that served as a role model, that comes with responsibility not just to United but to the millions of United young fans internationally. Piers Morgan was right in saying that 'somebody should put the awful Gary Neville out of his misery' (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1245553/Piers-Morgan-Surely-time-somebody-awful-Gary-Neville-misery.html#ixzz0dU4Cw7r0)
Now come to the meat of this post! On an Argentinian radiotalk show (ESPN Argentina), Tevez excoriated Neville (his ex-compañero) for being disrespectful and call him a 'bootlicking tarado (dumbass) '. Is Tevez justified in taking umbrage?
(Update Jan 24, 2010)
What does others say about this tiring & lame United captain?
Yes two wrongs does not make it right. Mancini, you can rest assured has cautioned Tevez., citing Tevez fatigue after the game for his ill-advised words about Neville. Has Fergie cautioned Neville? Was Gary fatigued during the game? IMO United should restrain Neville for his loutish behaviour or else retire him, for its unbecoming of an United captain supposedly touted to be the English Paolo Maldini. A position, that served as a role model, that comes with responsibility not just to United but to the millions of United young fans internationally. Piers Morgan was right in saying that 'somebody should put the awful Gary Neville out of his misery' (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1245553/Piers-Morgan-Surely-time-somebody-awful-Gary-Neville-misery.html#ixzz0dU4Cw7r0)
Monday, January 18, 2010
City's Worst Enemies or Media Dupes?
Have we ever consider whether we are duped by the jingoistic media with their agenda? Case in point City's defeat by Everton. Its easier to sernsationalize that Bellamy got fellaini or to knock Robinho as a lazy footballer ala Brazil. However not much credence has been given to the addition of Landon Donavon since his debut at Arsenal. IMO he bootstrapped an Everton team that lacked width and midfield cohesion. He is the key or missing link for Everton. Why am I not surprised that we lost to Everton. Because I don't have a parochial tunnel vision? No! I have been tracking his career and tuning in to Major League Soccer. Donovan is the all-time leader in scoring and assists, and has the most caps of all active players in the United States national team. I predict he will be England's nemesis in the WC. US lost narrowly to the juggernaut Brazilian team at the recent 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Final. BTW he led a US team on the way to defeat a TOP team in the semi-final.
The moral of the story is that as a fan we have to spearate the wheat from the chaff.
(Submitted by soccerinteg)
The moral of the story is that as a fan we have to spearate the wheat from the chaff.
(Submitted by soccerinteg)
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Adebayor- You will be a 100%ManC
Most of us City fans are relieved that you are uninjured. We are dismayed that we have been unwisedly squabbling about you wearing an Arsenal shirt that 'doesn't even fit you'. In the eyes of others, our castigation of you and our internecine squabbling, we have appeared not to look good.
Your reasons for wearing them may not be obvious to some of us City fans.
However if you wear them;
1. Out of respect to those who died who were Arsenal fans
2. Out of respect to your Togolese fans, many of which were your followers when you moved to Arsenal.
3. Or because you didn't have any tops to doff on
4. Or whatever reasons in your state of grief or bereavement,
Its fine and acceptable to many of us.
Once again our sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families of those who died. We pray and wish a speedy recovery for those injured ones and would like to share this inspirational poem to prepare you to return back to City
IF (Rudyard Kipling )
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise
(In anticipation of your return and next celebratory run)
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With ten seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a 100%ManC my son!
(with apologies to Kipling)
Your reasons for wearing them may not be obvious to some of us City fans.
However if you wear them;
1. Out of respect to those who died who were Arsenal fans
2. Out of respect to your Togolese fans, many of which were your followers when you moved to Arsenal.
3. Or because you didn't have any tops to doff on
4. Or whatever reasons in your state of grief or bereavement,
Its fine and acceptable to many of us.
Once again our sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families of those who died. We pray and wish a speedy recovery for those injured ones and would like to share this inspirational poem to prepare you to return back to City
IF (Rudyard Kipling )
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise
(In anticipation of your return and next celebratory run)
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With ten seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a 100%ManC my son!
(with apologies to Kipling)
(By the brilliant & scintillating 100%MANC, resident photoshopped artist, at http://www.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/forum/index.php)
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
'Richards the Megaforce'
"Richards the Megaforce'- what an end to end rush ala NHL hockey. Told not to hoof by Mancini, Micah burned the rovers and turned the turf into a racetrack, exhorted by 40,000 thoroughbred fans, with a 70 yd. dash! An exhilirating goal that merited a photo finish for his football nous!
City's joie de vivre -laissez les bons temps rouler
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1242181/Look-Robinho-Manchester-Citys-Brazil-star-ambushed-team-mate-Micah-Richards-training-ground-snow-ball-fight.html
Yes, let the good times roll. A mint of fresh air hovers over the City. The Winds of Change.
'tis because the ill-wind has roll into the swamp bringing a winter of discontent.
Yes, let the good times roll. A mint of fresh air hovers over the City. The Winds of Change.
'tis because the ill-wind has roll into the swamp bringing a winter of discontent.
City next Megastar?
http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2009/November/Micah-Richards-scores-against-Arsenal
Mancini has unleashed City's next megastar. 'Micah the Megaforce' aka 'Verminator' to be reckoned with. Hopefully more bounces will come his way. Hindsight is 20/20 but its better to be credited with goals retrospectively!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
A Megastar is Born!
Here you will fulfill your Megastar destiny! So far 12 goals in 22 Games. Eight (8) goals in the Healthy Month of December.
http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Club-news/2009/July/Welcome-to-Manchester
http://www.mcfc.co.uk/Shop/Mens/T-shirts/TEVEZ-WELCOME-TO-MCR-TEE-CHARCOAL