Topic: Chasing the Title

[J_Kopite]

Vomit on your sweater already?

Ye maaaaaaaaaa's spaghetti

[Sharado]

While we'd be amazed at a win for them they can nick a draw

Arsenal and Everton are exceptionally unlikely to take anything from their games with city. Arsenal because their defence is paper thin, Everton because they're absolutely shite.

[wah00ey]

While we'd be amazed at a win for them they can nick a draw

Don't think their defence is up to that, sadly...

[rafathegaffa]

Arsenal and Everton are exceptionally unlikely to take anything from their games with city. Arsenal because their defence is paper thin, Everton because they're absolutely shite.

Yup.
I'd rather play Arsenal every week than Palace or Leicester. City would too.

[El Lobo]

Arsenal and Everton are exceptionally unlikely to take anything from their games with city. Arsenal because their defence is paper thin, Everton because they're absolutely shite.

I feel like it needs repeating that their dropped points have all been in games that people thought they’d walk. I don’t think we should expect them to drop points but I’m honestly not going to be surprised at any points they drop from here.

[Mighty_Red]

Fully expect Arsenal to roll over and have their belly's tickled this weekend :-(.

Not so sure about that, I think it just all depends on how disorganised their defence is. If they have learned anything from the game against us, then they should put on a better show. They have every chance to do something because they have the ability to score and cause problems and City are vulnerable at the moment. Of late, City haven't coped well going behind hence the 4 defeats.

If City score a couple early, then most likely they will win at a canter but if not, I can see them becoming tense (like us) like they were on Tuesday and that gives every team with attacking quality a chance.

[fowlermagic]

I was watching on TV and I actually felt more nervous looking at faces and expressions in the crowd. The tension was just unbearable. It’s impossible for that not to transmit on the pitch. I am already dreading what the atmosphere is going to be like in the Bournemouth game. I think the fans in the ground just need believe in the team a little bit more. I mean we’re not on this position by fluke. We must have done something right to be where we are.

This is probably going to sound strange but it might actually be better for us to play away right now after that game, than at home. There will be no tension away at West Ham and the away end will be bouncing. I think we’ll play far better than yesterday and West Ham are not going to defend in 2 banks of 4. They will give it a go which always plays in to our hands on the road.

While it may be taken out of context as Im sure the TV cameras can be selective but to see fans with heads in hands, chewing finger nails or sitting there as if their dog died you do have to wonder what we will be like in three months time. We are big boys and if the worse happens (in terms of a game we watch once or twice a week) and we dont win the title is that going to be the end of the world? Feck no so why not enjoy the moment as we are having a great season. Support with vigour, get your heads up and shout with passion to egg on the lads and at least we can enjoy the piss ups from here on until the hangover kicks in. I really wish the club had a 1000 young lads in a section somewhere just constant;y pushing on the team and other fans to get off their fat asses as the 12th man has been found wanting way too often since the last title was won.

[Yosser0_0]

Arsenal and Everton are exceptionally unlikely to take anything from their games with city. Arsenal because their defence is paper thin, Everton because they're absolutely shite.

It could well be that the Everton players will be motivated for this as they know that their own fans are desperate for them to loose but the Everton players hate their own fans, so might try their hardest and try to piss them off. However I take your point, they are shite.

[Yosser0_0]

Not so sure about that, I think it just all depends on how disorganised their defence is. If they have learned anything from the game against us, then they should put on a better show. They have every chance to do something because they have the ability to score and cause problems and City are vulnerable at the moment. Of late, City haven't coped well going behind hence the 4 defeats.

If City score a couple early, then most likely they will win at a canter but if not, I can see them becoming tense (like us) like they were on Tuesday and that gives every team with attacking quality a chance.

If they press high up the pitch onto the City defence like Newcastle did, they might have success. Arsenal did it to us and Chelsea early in those games and scored goals.

[Sharado]

I feel like it needs repeating that their dropped points have all been in games that people thought they’d walk. I don’t think we should expect them to drop points but I’m honestly not going to be surprised at any points they drop from here.

If they dropped points to everton I'd have to reconsider everything I thought I knew about the world I'd be that surprised. Is up down? Is black white? The entire universe would feel entirely inverse to me it would be so unlikely to happen.

[Petadroli]

I am glad we play on Monday already and for once I am glad we play away. West Ham are no pushovers though and we have to prove once again our resiliency to bounce-back after a disappointing result -  even though I am not that unhappy about this draw vs Leicester, as we have won 4/6 points against them. ManCity can only win 3/6 against them this season and still have to play them again. So we outperformed City in that duel

Resilience will be key in the coming weeks. For us it's all about reaching the performance levels that we know will make us extremely hard to beat, knowing that a single goal might be enough for three points once our backline is settled again. For ManCity, it's something they have yet to prove this season. In December they lost three in four games in short succession, now they have lost one they didn't expect and face three good teams within a week. Even though I expect them to win against Arsenal (but only just!), I think they will find the away game at Everton in midweek under the lights much harder than the home match against a Chelsea team in crisis.

Anyway, we as fans can watch them face these challenges pretty relaxed, as we still have a good 5-point cushion and injured players coming back.

[deFacto please, you bastards]

Arsenal will need a miracle, Everton will roll over to get their tummies tickled and I can only see Chelsea giving City a fight if they bother to turn up.

We on the other hand need to do our job regardless of what they do.

[spider-neil]

I feel like it needs repeating that their dropped points have all been in games that people thought they’d walk. I don’t think we should expect them to drop points but I’m honestly not going to be surprised at any points they drop from here.

City have dropped points to teams with reasonable defenses. Arsenal on the other hand are wide open.

[FlashGordon]

I dont think they'll WIN it. We didn't win the title the 13/14 season but we were damn sure in the race, they can compete without ending top

Ok I see where you're coming from now, don't think they're in it though, whenever they get a sniff they drop points.

[kaesarsosei]

It's felt for over a month that we are one game heads going. On reflection, the point on Wed will turn out decent if we beat West Ham. I would probably have settled for 4 points from those two fixtures. West Ham are tough to gauge too, hopefully Arnautovic will be out.

After losing to City then going out of the cup, the Palace game was of similar importance - a draw or loss there would have been disastrous in the context of the week before.

[Crimson_Tank]

Ye maaaaaaaaaa's spaghetti

He's nervous

[redk84]

He's nervous

butonthesurfacehelookscalmandreadytodropbombsandAGHHHHHHHHHH

loved Milly's recent tweet 

[Dench57]

Ribena on his sweater already

[El Lobo]

City have dropped points to teams with reasonable defenses. Arsenal on the other hand are wide open.

They’re more than capable of being well drilled if they’re going to do a little bus parking

[Red Viper]

They’re more than capable of being well drilled if they’re going to do a little bus parking

They also have more than enough going forward to cause City problems.

It's worth remembering this is another week where City are playing 3 games in 7 days knowing that they basically can't afford any slip ups. I'm expecting them to get 9 points but it won't be easy for them and the sheer volume of fixtures could take it's toll.

[Mr_Shane]

Its going to be frustrating if Arsenal defend like they did against us. 

[Peabee]

Again its being a human being, the fans aren't robots.

You can look at yesterdays game as 6 of one and half a dozen of the other. We saw City lose (no the ignore City stuff isn't realistic) We conceded at a shit time in an arguably unjust manner, we played worse than we have been over the course of the season, looked shaky at the back and moved the ball very slowly which is the opposite of what you need to do to open up these deep defensive line sides, all of that feeds into anxiety from fans, at the same time, hearing fans groan or display frustration will naturally get to the fans and make them feel pressure. It goes both ways, the thing is this 'stay calm' stuff is delightfully optimistic but is it realistic? How many of you can say you sat and watched the game without showing any signs of frustration or anxiety? Why is it different if you are in the stadium, you feel the exact same things and to be honest, there were a good number of times where fans were cheering us on and encouraging when we had them penned in, when we were looking to create chances, when the ref clearly got things wrong, it wasn't all moans and groans.

EVERY side has anxiety around the stadium in big games, its always been the case and to be honest it always will be

People could hide their nervousness/anxiety for 90 odd minutes, just as we do on many occasions in our lives. Players are nervous before they go on the pitch, but then they perform. We, the supporters, need to put on a performance too. Sing, cheer, act positive through the anxiety and tension. Be a nervous wreck before and after the game.

[Mr_Shane]

I can understand the nervousness, but this is not a do or die game. Napoli was a do or die game. If anything fans would have been more anxious then, yet here fans seem to be more anxious and antsy? why?

[Peabee]

I can understand the nervousness, but this is not a do or die game. Napoli was a do or die game. If anything fans would have been more anxious then, yet here fans seem to be more anxious and antsy? why?

I think after Mane’s early goal, the crowd just expected the win and a 7 point lead. Then the failure of the ref to send off Slabhead, who then equalised, and the lack of chances as time edged on in the second half, lead the crowd’s expectations and anxiety to become exasperation and moaning. Against Napoli, there wasn’t that same expectation, so we weren’t taking the win for granted.

[Mr_Shane]

I think after Mane’s early goal, the crowd just expected the win and a 7 point lead. Then the failure of the ref to send off Slabhead, who then equalised, and the lack of chances as time edged on in the second half, lead the crowd’s expectations and anxiety to become exasperation and moaning. Against Napoli, there wasn’t that same expectation, so we weren’t taking the win for granted.

Could be. I was certainly more anxious against Napoli.

Here it just did not look like we were going to score.... But given the Man City result I was just meh, just get at least a point. Of course 3 points would have been good, but if we don't won the title, drawing this would not be the main reason.

[Andy82lfc]

People could hide their nervousness/anxiety for 90 odd minutes, just as we do on many occasions in our lives. Players are nervous before they go on the pitch, but then they perform. We, the supporters, need to put on a performance too. Sing, cheer, act positive through the anxiety and tension. Be a nervous wreck before and after the game.

Some people seem to get it some people don't. People have every right to be nervous, that's fine, the simple message is don't moan and get on the teams back when things aren't going perfect, instead cheer on any mistakes and get behind the team. I don't know how much simpler it can be said. Nervousness or anxiety isn't an excuse for moaning, spitting your dummy out or getting in a huff, it's more important than ever people get behind the team and calm the fuck down. VVD has said it Klopp repeatedly says it, so either listen to them who know best or go against them.

Think it's a good point as said above though, maybe a game away will do people some good.

[Mr_Shane]

I think that bears saying too. Klopp knows how to win titles. He's been in this position before.

[Number 7]

Its going to be frustrating if Arsenal defend like they did against us. 

Suarez has finally got his move there so they'll be sound

[PhaseOfPlay]

I think that bears saying too. Klopp knows how to win titles. He's been in this position before.

So do most of the players, it has to be said

[spider-neil]

So do most of the players, it has to be said

I thought only Sturridge, Milner, and Shaq have won titles.

[ToneLa]

I thought only Sturridge, Milner, and Shaq have won titles.

VVD won with Celtic

[Crosby Nick]

VVD won with Celtic

Almost doesn’t count.

Good that he has won some but doubt he had to keep his nerve during the run in too many times!

[ToneLa]

Almost doesn’t count.

Good that he has won some but doubt he had to keep his nerve during the run in too many times!

Haha true! Let's not count Mo at Chelsea

[PhaseOfPlay]

I thought only Sturridge, Milner, and Shaq have won titles.

Sturridge, Milner, Shaq, Keita, Lovren, Becker, Mane, Gini, Van Dijk, Fabinho, Salah all have at least one league title to their name.

--------------------Becker
Fabinho----Lovren----VVD----Milner
----------------------Gini
----------Shaqiri------------Keita
------Salah----Sturridge----Mane

That's our league-winning 11 right there

[CS111]

That right there dismisses people saying our players lack title winning experience.
I would like to see our intensity turned up a couple of notches and to bully teams more. A few comfortable games would be nice aswell
We still have to play spurs, man united and Chelsea, those 3 alone could go anyway never mind the others we have to play.
I really see West Ham causing us problems aswell if they are up for it, which is likely under the lights etc
Could easily be 2 points come 10pm on Monday night
Long way to go yet for our first prem.

[RyanBabel19]

Cheers for all the responses guys, interesting to see peoples different viewpoints

I know that I watched it with zero anxiety and whilst it was a missed opportunity,we stretched our lead and that's all I care about.

Call bullshit all you like,fact is,you're wrong.

I couldn't care less if i'm right or wrong, its a forum and we're talking about football, its hardly overly important in the grand scheme of things and my post was to another poster I was having a discussion with. I simply gave my opinion on the matter and i've not once even suggested it was a bad result because it wasn't and i've said that since the game on numerous occasions.

If i'm wrong i'm wrong, its means fuck all to anything fact or not

Having been there ok Wednesday I think there's a lot of sense in here. There were a lot of weird circumstances at work, the atmosphere should have been a lot lot better of course but I do think there's a lot of mitigation in here. If you compare it to the previous game against palace when we were behind, and pegged back, the atmosphere was pretty good throughout. I think a lot played into Wednesday, and that Ultimately the same won't happen again.

Precisely my point mate, it wasn't just a normal game in normal conditions and people being spoilt little brats expecting way too much for no good reason, a lot played into the atmosphere AND the performance which I think kind of became a vicious cycle when you factor in everything. Obviously I would have preferred a better atmosphere and obviously performance but I think it was kind of understandable when you factor in the conditions, type of game, approach, officials performance and a large number of decisions. I wasn't claiming the fans should be absolved completely, nor was I claiming the players need a bollocking, simply that the conditions played into the performance and the atmosphere and the atmosphere played into the performance. Its unfortunate but from my position, I can understand to be honest.

Likewise I can understand what Klopp and Van Dijk were saying at the same time, its not a with them or against them kind of thing, you can understand from both viewpoints which you seem to feel as well. Cheers for posting that

[the_red_pill]

It could well be that the Everton players will be motivated for this as they know that their own fans are desperate for them to loose but the Everton players hate their own fans, so might try their hardest and try to piss them off. However I take your point, they are shite.

Don't do it to yourself mate. I've been doing it since 2001 and it's not worth it. I stopped takig notice of their matches vs rivals in our last title challenge.

No rival will ever drop points against Everton in a game where it will benefit us- even if Everton tried. City can drop points against anyone else they face from here on out, but not Everton. The BS MAY someday win when it's not important.

Everton are just not up to it. That's a nothing match. There's more chance of City dropping points against Sheffield United.

[Uncle Ronnie]

Everton are shite.

[Caligula?]

Silva seems a bit of a c*nt and would want to endear himself to the fans because they've more or less figured him out so if they were any good they'd still play that game at a snail's pace and hope to lose. But it doesn't matter. They're fucking shit and are losing to City anyway even if they decide to turn up.

[-Willo-]

There isnt a single hope of Everton not allowing them to win.

If you have even 1% of hope, watch the below video and right the game off. It literally ends with City winning, focus on Arsenal then Chelsea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCztQhaMETo