Wheels come off at the Etihad as City buckle under pressure

Victory for Manchester United away at Blackburn on Monday will not only condemn their North West rivals to the relegation zone for the first time in a month, it will intensify the pressure on an enemy much closer to home.

If last week’s 1-1 draw with Stoke represented a point gained, then Saturday’s 3-3 with Sunderland connotes two dropped, given Manchester City’s 20 consecutive previous league victories at the Etihad.

The facts explain that City were fortunate in getting anything at all, such was the application and co-operation of a Sunderland side that bounced back impressively from Tuesday’s FA Cup quarter-final replay defeat to Everton.

Nicklas Bendtner, for the first time in serving memory, gave the sort of performance that showcases not only his ability to dominate a defence, but his much more remarkable inability to dominate a defence consistently.

The Dane, a figure of pure frustration at times, showed his value with a deft header from Sebastian Larsson’s cross to retake the lead on the stroke of half-time, before returning the favour with a precise assist for the third.

Inadequacy

Five months ago, City’s defensive inadequacy may have been described as ‘careless’. Now it will inevitably form the basis of ‘clear sign of inexperience’ critcisms, and doubt in the minds of City’s players – such is the fever of the hour. Every mistake from here on in will strike hard – affirmation of the whispered fear that perhaps City’s valiant tilt at league triumph is doomed, at least for this year.

At a time when efficiency, consistency, the ruthless application of wisdom, and maturity is required, City are reactionary, hopeful and desperate, clearly guessing at a formula for success.

They are currently unable to cope with the pre-requisite obstacle-surmounting demanded of title challengers.

Even the latent structure of City’s believable dream – the unquestionable home form – has now been laced with doubt. Sunderland were a credit to themselves for getting both back in the saddle and firmly on the front foot after Tuesday’s collapse against Everton. Even so, they represent opposition a team with City’s ambitions and resources should be beating at all costs.

For the impact of the last two draws cuts far deeper than just four points dropped. During the critical moments of both games, City have been behind, in search of a lifeline – not exactly the sort of habit you want to form having surrendered not only the Premier League lead but three-quarters of a season’s momentum to their rivals.

Comeback

Victory in the next two matches against admittedly rejuvenated relegation candidates Blackburn Rovers and QPR would afford United the opportunity to strike the most forceful psychological blow so far.

The obligatory nature of the Red Devils’ late-season comeback does not make it any less impressive.

Just minutes after full-time at Old Trafford next Sunday, City could find themselves preparing to face Arsenal at the Emirates knowing that a victory would merely close the gap to five points with six games remaining.

Amidst the journalistic frenzy that characterizes this time of year, it is important to try to maintain perspective, and 46 home points from a possible 48 hardly smacks of a crisis. The point is about mood however – something far meaningful and tangible than statistics.

Weakness

From Patrick Vieira’s constant stream of nonsense, and Saturday’s on-field spat between Mario Balotelli and Aleksandar Kolarov, to the yet more unfathomably daft injury to Sergio Aguero which now threatens to bring Carlos Tevez right back into the fold, City express weakness and inadequacy with damning regularity at the minute.

Mancini, himself coolness personified so often this year, appears erratic, uncomfortable, verging on angry just now.

He is a man caught between the necessary critique and perhaps more necessary, subsequent defence of his under-performing players.

Victory at Blackburn would relinquish some of the psychological baggage of United’s trip to the Etihad, rendering City’s title push more hopeful pursuit than genuine challenge.

As Ferguson has cranked up the pressure with his carefully-chosen moments, and his side has backed that up with nine wins and a draw from the last 10, the wheels have certainly come off for City.  The next two fixtures will decide whether their title bid has been derailed completely.
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By Chris Smith

Premier League predictions

If you are a returning reader who has taken to offering me in good faith the slightest slither of the vast pie chart that is your total internet usage, then as this week’s Premier League predictions is a little longer than previous ones, I have a request: ‘please sir, can I have some more?’

Do not fear, there are circumstances far more mitigating than mere self-indulgence and egotism; there is a post-weekend, rearranged Merseyside derby for one thing.

To offer the most minimal, meaningless compensation for my decreased conciseness, I have formatted the page in what I consider to be an infinitely superior format to its predecessor. So if anyone reading this suddenly finds themselves caught in the throes of ‘format-appreciation’ to coin a phrase, then you can consider yourself lucky I’m so pedantic. Enjoy!

Last week’s score: 6

Saturday March 10, 2012

Bolton 2-2 QPR (12:45)
QPR were on the front foot for large parts of the game with Everton, and with a bit of composure, could have taken three points and though I wasn’t too impressed with their performance in truth, I believe the return from suspension of Djibril Cisse will galvanise the side.

Bolton did well against Manchester City in that they were not humiliated which really is an accomplishment considering the mismatch of talent. I expect them to fight here, a win would take them above QPR and possibly out of the relegation. The combination of desperation and crap defending will make for a good old relegation thriller.

Aston Villa 1-2 Fulham (15:00)
Fulham were fantastic against Wolves and the fact that they had 19 shots on target says it all. Talk about a replacement, after only three games, Pavel Pogrebnyak has just two less than Bobby Zamora managed in six months. The impressive victory continues an excellent spell of form for Jol’s men who have followed up defeat at the Etihad with three consecutive league victories.

The fact that Fulham are brimming with confidence (which really does serve as a testament to the sort of effect Martin Jol can have as a manager) and Aston Villa seem weak, incoherent and directionless, is enough to tip it in favour of the form side for me. Fulham victory and plenty of abuse to follow.

Chelsea 3-1 Stoke City (15:00)
This seems a bit of a strange prediction I think, but you know when things just seem to follow an odd pattern in football? I wouldn’t find it the least bit surprising to see Frank Lampard return to scoring action, Fernando Torres to come good and Chelsea to look like a decent side again. Sometimes a change is all that’s needed.

They looked good against Birmingham and a 2-0 away victory against Chris Hughton’s team is a fairly decent result. Juan Mata should have allowed Torres to take the penalty I think. I just expect Roberto Di Matteo and whoever he names on the teamsheet to be greeted with far more optimism than has been shown of late and that really could be the decisive factor in Chelsea’s revival.

Sunderland 1-2 Liverpool (15:00)
Last season, Luis Suarez had one of his best games in a Liverpool shirt at the Stadium of Light. For me, Suarez’s ability to take players on, outpace defenders and get in behind is best showcased away from home as sides tend to sit back and soak up pressure at Anfield. Last year’s 2-1 victory for the Reds was is a case in point. I think that Sunderland will miss Sessegnon as he has that natural ability to link the play and move Sunderland up the pitch.

I know that Nicklas Bendtner scored a penalty against Newcastle, and that some supporters fancy him to get a few goals, but in my opinion, he is such a rubbish striker that, in ironic contrast to the Dane’s peculiar belief that bad luck causes each of his misses, I believe good luck assists all of his goals. Martin Skrtel is one of the best defenders in the league at the moment and alongside Jamie Carragher, Liverpool should have enough protection for Suarez and dare I suggest Andy Carroll to go and win the game.

Wolves 2-1 Blackburn (15:00)
I felt for Terry Connor last week. Having earned a laudable draw at St. James’ Park, the worst thing he could have asked for was a side in the sort of form Fulham were. It’s just another unfortunate aspect of Mick McCarthy’s departure; he had to be sacked after the West Brom game, there is no doubt about that, but two tough away trips to Newcastle and Fulham are the hardly the sort of games you would mark down as confidence-builders.

Blackburn at home is however. Despite Rovers’ impressive away return in terms of goals, they represent a realistic chance of victory for Wolves. Level on points but split by the symbolic dotted relegation graphic of misery, this match couldn’t be better poised. I expect an exciting game and Paul Robinson to play well but Wolves to find just enough spirit for the win.

Everton 1 -1 Tottenham (17:30)
As a Blue, I am in two minds about this fixture. Firstly, the prospect of playing a Tottenham side hurting from the devastating efficiency of Manchester United’s attacking last week is a cause for concern. On the other hand however, a night match at Goodison is always a special occasion.

For perhaps the very first time living memory, Everton have a fully fit squad with long-term absentees Phil Jagielka, Leon Osman, Jack Rodwell, and Seamus Coleman all featuring in the 0-0 reserve derby at Goodison this week. Obviously this is a cue for another injury crisis but hopefully it occurs late enough in the game for us to have already made our mark on a Tottenham side depleted itself after the withdrawals of Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon against Stevenage.

Sunday March 11, 2012

Manchester United 3-1 West Brom (14:00)
Given his long spell on the sidelines, you could argue that Ashley Young has had to establish himself twice at Old Trafford. It is a real indication of his ability that after a handful of games, he was able to brilliantly score England’s momentary equaliser against Holland, create Ryan Giggs’ 90th minute winner against Norwich and take the game beyond Tottenham’s reach with two outstanding goals. His return to the team will be like a bolt of adrenaline for United, hopefully England too.

I expect a more confident showing from United after a good win at Spurs. West Brom are a great side at the moment, they’ve been on top for every minute of their last three consecutive victories, having scored 10 and conceded just two. United look more like their old selves of late and this game represents a great chance to prove it. Form used to stand for nothing at Old Trafford, so let’s see.

Swansea 0 – 2 Manchester City(14:00)
So poisonous is the chalice that the Chelsea job has become that even a fledgling manager of a Welsh team, an ex-Chelsea coach no less, moved quickly to rule himself. It also speaks well of him. But of course, this is no ordinary Welsh side, this is a really talented, co-operative bunch and one that I personally am looking forward to seeing developed next year.

Despite their home record, Swansea do give away chances at the Liberty Stadium and Manchester City are too good for that, so for me, I anticipate a bit of a cagey game, settled by either brilliance or precision.

Norwich 2- 0 Wigan (16:00)
Despite just one defeat in four games, Wigan look like a relegation side and if we’re all honest with ourselves, they’ve looked like one for a year years now. Martinez is often lauded for playing the game ‘the right way’. For me, he plays ‘the right way’ the wrong way as his sides consistency lack both leadership and finishing ability. Going into a relegation battle bereft of these two assets is like entering a gun fight equipped only with scathing insult: you are going to get your comeuppance eventually.

Since the excellent win at Swansea, Norwich have lost three games in a row but I fancy Lambert’s men raise their game in the knowledge that three points will leave just two short of the magical though contextually irrelevant 40-point mark.

Monday March 12, 2012

Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle United (20:00)
Prior to the AC Milan game, I wrote that an Arsenal victory of any kind could really set them up to secure fourth place (Shameless plug) and I think the experience of Tuesday’s impressive win will bear that out. If Arsenal beat Newcastle, Alan Pardew’s men can give up on the Champions League dream and Arsenal’s concerns for the rest of the season will be focused squarely on London rivals, Tottenham and Chelsea.

Robin Van Persie will want to make amends for his costly miss, not that he needs to. And with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain thankfully having secured his starting-place, I tip Arsenal to earn a comfortable victory.

Tuesday March 13

Liverpool 2-1 Everton (20:00)
I was really tempted to go for a draw here but having backed Everton to get one good result already in this piece, I think its probably wise not to get carried away. And besides, I expect Suarez to be diving left, right and centre, and we all know how that story ends.

Liverpool were unlucky against Arsenal as they have been for most of their home performances as an Evertonian, I must admit I respect the way Liverpool will always be on their game for the derby, especially at home. Without meaning to bleat on, I believe the difference with be that little goofy sod up front through whatever means.

By Chris Smith