4) You are only as strong as your weakest link. Of course in football this is not always true with the sublime ability of star players often able to mask a teams deficiencies. However in City’s case it is been a case of the mentally weak pulling down the lion hearted. Hart, Lescott, Kompany have been gladiators but their gargantuan spirit has been undermined by their teammates. Nasri has failed to replicate his Arsenal form and has shown little desire to step up to the plate in light of Silva’s troubles. Dzeko has lost his confidence almost as quickly as he rediscovered it and even the professional Milner have resorted to squabbling. As for Balotelli…
5) Ok so I could not leave him out. Balotelli has been a drama in himself and you might argue Mancini attempt to handle him has been to the detriment of the rest of the squad. It is worth nothing that his famous T-shirt stunt was lauded as one of the greatest acts of showmanship in recent years. Now it is being derided as the act of a self absorbed, petulant child. The difference? On that day Balotelli scored twice in a 6-1 rout whilst yesterday he contributed nothing but a red card in a defeat. Performance can override any off the pitch squabbles but `Super Mario` has failed to consistently score crucial goals in recent times. Hansen was right when he said only world-beaters are entitled to demand so much indulgence. Balotelli looks on the verge of exit but for what its worth there is a genuinely excellent player capable of bursting out of that sullen exterior. One things for sure his departure would be lamented by the majority of England.
6) United. How do they time it so well so often? Fergie`s men adjust to the demands of the race effortlessly. Last season they won with a low points total and this season they had a stronger first half of the season than usual to ensure they stayed within striking distance. Once again they will clinch the title despite not having the best squad. Mental strength, resilience and belief cannot be brought only cultivated. City have found out the hard way.
7) Mancini. He has done well in his tenure as City manager but failure to win the title may leave him on life support. It has been a difficult juggling act to balance all those egos in the dressing room and Mancini has erred at crucial points. Bringing Tevez back has not paid off, and playing Balotelli after openly lacerating him has proved ill judged. Perhaps he could have taken a leaf out of Fergie`s book, the Scot was quick to punish Rooney at for spot of drinking at Christmas and the Scouser has responded magnificently. Then again players of Rooney’s avaricious appetite for the game are rare and it would be unfair to compare his quality to any City striker save Aguero.
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What an excellent article. I must agree with every word you have written.
The City players must be absolutely disgusted with their league performance this season. From 33 games played they have only managed to win 23, with a horrendous 5 matches drawn and five lost. With the talent they have they really ought to do better. I’m sure they’ll try really hard next year.
In consolation their 23 wins and 5 draws have put them 10 points clear of Arsenal, 15 clear of Tottenham and Newecastle and 17 clear of Chelsea.
They have managed to score more goals than any other team but only by 1 (City 79 to Utd 78)and they have managed to have the best defensive record but again only by 2 (City 26 to Utd 28)
But this disaster of a season will soon be over and of course City have no chance of overturning the 5 points they trail Utd by.
Keep up your support for City Mr Author. We really appreciate considered constructive criticism.