Anyone who saw Essien's goal against them a couple of weeks ago would surely agree with me. You don't leave a man of his stature totally unmarked in the middle of the box like that. I've never seen anything like that. The Chelsea midfielder could have done a jig, taken a bow and still found time to score. In the premier league too. Amazing.
Ah yes, they do delight on occasions. Who doesnt like to see Robinho and Shawn Wright-Philips linking up, playing those tasty little flicks and dandy knock-ons? Ooh-Aah.. He flicked it! He's so skilful! Yes, my friend, thats why you're tenth in the table.
The high point I would say is Steven Ireland, who's in roaring form this season and has comfortably (but justifiably?) replaced the brazilian Elano in City's midfield. Also why can't we see more of Michael Johnson, who is a more than useful player himself and will surely play for England someday. Nigel de Jong is a wonderful midfield player and he deserves his place in the starting lineup. I've always been an admirer of Wayne Bridge, and he's a really shrewd signing.
I agree that it may be a little early to pass judgement but if this team can get its defence together, it could be a force in the near future. The resurgence of Aston Villa is a case in point.
They need a new centre back. Micah Richards should play in the right, he doesn't have the composure or the experience to be centre of defence in a team that aims rather loftily at silverware. How devastating he would be on the right! Just like his first few England games, he has the brute strength and pace to flourish here, as he did early in his career. Pedro Zabaleta is a good player, but Richards on the right is completely unstoppable.
So if Ciy do buy a new defender, who should it be? There is silly talk of City contemplating to lure John Terry away from Stanford Bridge with 150,000 pounds a week of Sheikh Whatsisnames arab money. That's NOT going to happen. Develop Vincent Kompany, Richard Dunne won't be around forever. They could take a look at the cash strapped Mestalla for options, with a major garage sale on the horison this summer. Carlos Marchena is a wonderful player and should fit into the team nicely. Raul Albiol is almost certainly going to the Kop.
Pretty football is all well and good but we need to see some results! I sincerely wish they turn it around. This team could be great for football.
