Racing 3-1 Man City: Post Match Thoughts
Despite the makeshift lineup Mark Hughes had to field in Spain tonight, the lack of quality City demonstrated on the pitch was still shocking. With an opportunity to win Group A of the UEFA Cup hanging in the balance it was appalling to see City come out with so little fight. As it turns out FC Twente was crushed by PSG and City’s late goal eliminated Racing, so City still wins the group.
Ched Evans had a nice early opportunity set up by Robinho but after that Racing Santander dominated the match. In fact it can be strongly argued that the final scoreline tremendously flattered City. Twice in the first half Racing had penalty shouts rejected by the official. Darius Vassell did well in my opinion to clear the ball out of danger in minute 35 and the official was justified to wave play on, but a few minutes late Kasper Schmeichel recklessly came off his line and clearly fouled the Racing attacker. No call was made by the official. Early in the 2nd half Schmeichel again came flying off his line when his defense collapsed but this time Mohamed Tchite missed a wide open net. All of these miscues were costly for Racing as they needed one more goal to qualify for the next stage.
Felipe Caicedo’s stoppage time goal actually not only salvaged some City pride but eliminated Racing from the competition. But from the City perspective this match was another indicator that the quality and depth of the squad is not satisfactory.
Watching this match on American TV was certainly educational. The commentators, Pablo Alsina and Ray Hudson cover La Liga closely covering matches every weekend but hardly if ever have had an occasion to commentate on an English club. It was striking to hear the instant criticism of City as playing desperate and too physically by flinging long balls forward after falling behind and also getting flustered in the process. It’s worth noting that English clubs, despite the recent domination in Champions League have struggled in the second tier UEFA Cup the last several years. The match was dubbed as a sign of the depth of La Liga since Racing is hovering near the drop zone as the winter break begins, but City’s domestic problems were seemingly glossed over.
The announcers also seemed to have a score to settle with Robinho for sulking and leaving Real Madrid. However, the announcers were favorably disposed towards the work rate Ched Evans showed as well as Darius Vassell’s hustle play.
City’s performance by a set of players who should be more eager to impress especially given the club’s terrible league form was disappointing. Particularly poor tonight were Tal Ben-Haim and Elano. Pablo Zabaleta was probably the best City player on the pitch, and perhaps that can help to build his confidence for the critical league matches that are upcoming.
A poor performance coming on the heels of another poor UEFA Cup performance against PSG in the last match and in the middle of a terrible league campaign raises more concerns. But City is on to the knock out stages of the competition and still does have the opportunity to make its mark in Europe this season which is more than the vast majority of top flight British clubs can claim.
Manchester City 0-1 Everton: Post Match Thoughts
City was looking to end its poor run of form in Premier League play today against Everton at Eastlands. The Toffees have been very effective away from Goodison Park this season.
From the opening whistle Everton seemed confidently in control. Mikel Arteta hit the crossbar on a free kick in the first ten minutes and luckily for City, Marouane Fellaini missed the rebound off the post. A few minutes later Leon Osman appeared to be pulled down by Michael Ball, the penalty shout from David Moyes and Everton waved off. But upon review, while Osman exaggerated the contact, no question
Soon thereafter on counter Robinho sprung Benjani, but the City striker made a mess of things. Towards the end of the first half Shaun Wright Phillips looked lively and began to put Everton on the defensive. Right before the half a good save by Joe Hart on Fellanini preserved his clean sheet and a 0-0 halftime scoreline.
In the first half Everton dictated the play. Even when City looked dangerous going forward the change in pace of the match was temporary. The second half took on very much the same feel of the first. David Moyes team looked in control of the match and insertion of Jo for the injured and ineffective Benjani made little difference.
Robinho was replaced by Darius Vassell late, and interestingly the perennially out of form Vassell gave City an attacking spark that the high priced Brazilian failed to provide. However, Everton led by Tim Cahill playing in an attacking role due to numerous injuries was giving the City backline fits.
After a near City goal on a classic Tim Howard gaffe (I’m American and thus am accustomed to seeing Howard make mistakes at the highest level in the most critical matches ) Everton created a corner in stoppage time and Tim Cahill scored a deserved winner. Everton race out of Eastlands with all three points.
No question exists that City will upgrade its talent pool and squad depth in the January transfer window. However, anyway you view it, five points out of a possible twenty four in the last eight matches is relegation form. For all the hype surrounding this City side, the club is closer to the relegation zone than a European qualifying place in the current table. This team while not built with the Abu Dhabi consortium’s money yet, is the most expensive squad City has assembled since the 2003-04 season. That squad much like the current side underwhelmed and found itself closer to relegation than a European spot. That squad like this one was participating in the UEFA Cup thanks to the previous seasons Fair Play Table.
Recent history being a guide, City is more successful when the squad has some degree of continuity. This season has thus far brought countless transfer rumors coupled with below average football for an ambitious Premier League side. At this point City must view the January window as an opportunity to stabilize the squad and achieve a safe mid table finish in order to build the squad and the brand next Summer for a big 2009-2010.
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