Author Topic: Chasing the Title (Read 1403591 times)

latortuga · « **Reply #8720 on:** March 23, 2019, 03:15:29 pm »

Quote from: SteveZissou on March 23, 2019, 11:21:35 am

I haven't read anywhere else, but the problem we could have is that we are not playing City when they are tired in this climax. If we did then I believe we would've killed them off with our extra energy. You keep hearing we are going to be livelier but we are not playing them. There's no use us being livelier when City's opposition is half dead.

We say they are tired and we count Spurs to help us. But they're extremely tired too. What about Manutd? They got the UCL and played in the FA Cup up to the qf so they'd be tired too. So when will they play a team who's not only energetic to hunt them down but also plays fearless football to attack their weaknesses? Otherwise it'd be just like their recent games with tired City v tired opposition or opposition resting their players and not willing to risk stretching themselves? Our hope may lie with the relegation candidates.

You're right, of course all players are tired near the end of the season. Where the difference will lie is in the recovery between games where shorter periods of time compound the effect of a long season. Most of the teams they'll be playing in the league will have 5-6 days recovery vs. 2-4 for City every game if they continue to progress in the UCL.

I have no doubt that City will continue to dominate the ball against every opponent, we shouldn't expect this to change. It will come down to whether their players can find energy to make sprints and work hard to create chances. I think we've already seen signs of a less potent City against Bournemouth and Watford after a recent pile up of fixtures.

I agree though on the Tottenham game which I'll be expecting Tottenham to do nothing for us in. The turn around from 2nd leg in the UCL to league game is ~24hrs which is brutal.

Dr. Beaker · « **Reply #8721 on:** March 23, 2019, 03:38:43 pm »

Quote from: vicar on March 23, 2019, 09:51:34 am

That flick from Dalglish for Neil's goal is fantastic.
You also forget how good a player Hansen was and how attacking, he gets so far forward on every attack!

I remember it well. The defender behind him tries to be clever by moving forward to cut out the obvious pass. Kenny spots it with his arse eyes, so let's the ball slightly roll past him and back heels it behind the forward moving defender, and it's also hit a bit slower so Neal has time to reach it. It was a typically hilarious Kennyism, where someone actually thought they were one step ahead of him - much tittering in the crowd.

Floydy · « **Reply #8722 on:** March 23, 2019, 07:17:41 pm »

Quote from: BIG DICK NICK on March 23, 2019, 02:52:42 pm

The 0-0 at Everton was the first competitive game back I think. And West Ham was 5-1, think they scored late which reduced Arsenal’s required target by one.

it was and what a place to play it. Watched it on YouTube the other night. It was hard to get excited about the game. The chants of Merseyside Merseyside before the minutes silence have me goosebumps

BobPaisley3 · « **Reply #8723 on:** March 23, 2019, 07:23:35 pm »

Quote from: PAULG on March 23, 2019, 07:17:41 pm

it was and what a place to play it. Watched it on YouTube the other night. It was hard to get excited about the game. The chants of Merseyside Merseyside before the minutes silence have me goosebumps

It was live on ITV on ‘The Match’ on a school night. I was allowed to stay up until half time. Remember it well, both keepers making great saves, Southall in particular down low and Aldo couldn’t quite get the rebound.

Soucolorado · « **Reply #8724 on:** March 24, 2019, 12:49:20 pm »

We’ve had so many “important games of the season” but it’s now all about the Spurs game. If we get a win then the possibility of winning all our remaining games becomes very real.

A win against Spurs and City dropping points before the United game will put us in the driving seat, with a lighter fixture list a distinct advantage.

Gus 1855 · « **Reply #8725 on:** March 24, 2019, 02:21:44 pm »

Are we there yet...

Crimson_Tank · « **Reply #8726 on:** March 24, 2019, 03:26:37 pm »

Quote from: Gus 1855 on March 24, 2019, 02:21:44 pm

Are we there yet...

deFacto please, you bastards · « **Reply #8727 on:** March 24, 2019, 04:47:06 pm »

Actually for the first time in forever, the international break has been great, give me head a rest from all the permutations and expectations

killer-heels · « **Reply #8728 on:** March 24, 2019, 05:28:09 pm »

Quote from: deFacto on March 24, 2019, 04:47:06 pm

Actually for the first time in forever, the international break has been great, give me head a rest from all the permutations and expectations

Yep. That Fulham game, for the 7 or 8 minutes until we scored, I think I contemplated the meaning of life, whilst sweating loads and having panic attacks.

deFacto please, you bastards · « **Reply #8729 on:** March 24, 2019, 05:55:03 pm »

Quote from: a treeless whopper on March 24, 2019, 05:28:09 pm

Yep. That Fulham game, for the 7 or 8 minutes until we scored, I think I contemplated the meaning of life, whilst sweating loads and having panic attacks.

Same here, I've aged loads this season

PaulF · « **Reply #8730 on:** March 24, 2019, 10:14:18 pm »

Don't think I can cope if it goes to the final game of the season.

Floydy · « **Reply #8731 on:** March 24, 2019, 10:35:11 pm »

Fancy us to really do Spurs on Sunday. We need that early / first goal against them see how they react. If we score first we need to keep pushing them they are always a dodgy penalty/scrawny goal away from spoiling the party

the_red_pill · « **Reply #8732 on:** March 25, 2019, 08:21:23 am »

Quote from: Soucolorado on March 24, 2019, 12:49:20 pm

We’ve had so many “important games of the season” but it’s now all about the Spurs game. If we get a win then the possibility of winning all our remaining games becomes very real.

A win against Spurs and City dropping points before the United game will put us in the driving seat, with a lighter fixture list a distinct advantage.

Weirdly, I actually prefer to be chasing, with a 1 point deficit, at this stage.
City's under tremendous pressure, I'm sure of it- cause they know that one slip and the title's over. Similarily for us, but we have something to gain, which propels us.

The difference is something like City sometimes going into games with the mindset/fear of "not losing", but we going into games with the mindset of wanting "to win". That's a powerful difference in approach as we all well know.

An example would be how the Spurs fixture is going to be approach by the both of us, I would imagine. We will go in there intent on winning, while City will go in there wanting not to lose. You start out with doubt- or at least teetering on the edge of doubt.

Barneylfc∗ · « **Reply #8733 on:** March 25, 2019, 09:17:00 am »

I don't think we'll win every game, but I don't think City will either. I do think they'll drop points in more than 1 game though, and that'll be enough for us to win the league against Wolves.

cowtownred · « **Reply #8734 on:** March 25, 2019, 09:25:18 am »

Biggest 3 weeks right ahead now. Spurs/Southampton/Chelsea, with the 2 Porto games thrown in. If we can win the three league games (thankfully 2 are at home), and win over 2 legs v Porto.....

deano2727 · « **Reply #8735 on:** March 25, 2019, 10:38:46 am »

Quote from: cowtownred on March 25, 2019, 09:25:18 am

Biggest 3 weeks right ahead now. Spurs/Southampton/Chelsea, with the 2 Porto games thrown in. If we can win the three league games (thankfully 2 are at home), and win over 2 legs v Porto.....

I don't see us winning all three. Those are 3 tricky games. I think we will at least draw one. It would be a massive setback,City aren't dropping any points in the same time period. We would just have to keep our heads and get back to winning. We then need City to drop points in 2 games, which I'm not sure will happen, especially if its within touching distance, which it would be.

On the other hand, win those 3, we will win the league. City will drop points in one game i'd imagine, somewhere in among the congestion in April and games against United and Spurs. I think we would have what it takes to win the remaining 4 games if we get past the next 3. We might not even need to. If City drop points and we go ahead, I can see them dropping more points - especially if they are still in the CL.

We have played within ourselves a lot of the time this season I feel (strange thing to say when top and on course for best season ever, I know). Hopefully now these extra weeks off and warm weather training camps will pay off. We need go up a gear now if we want to win the league.

campioni · « **Reply #8736 on:** March 25, 2019, 10:56:45 am »

Quote from: deano2727 on March 25, 2019, 10:38:46 am

I don't see us winning all three. Those are 3 tricky games. I think we will at least draw one. It would be a massive setback,City aren't dropping any points in the same time period. We would just have to keep our heads and get back to winning. We then need City to drop points in 2 games, which I'm not sure will happen, especially if its within touching distance, which it would be.

On the other hand, win those 3, we will win the league. City will drop points in one game i'd imagine, somewhere in among the congestion in April and games against United and Spurs. I think we would have what it takes to win the remaining 4 games if we get past the next 3. We might not even need to. If City drop points and we go ahead, I can see them dropping more points - especially if they are still in the CL.

We have played within ourselves a lot of the time this season I feel (strange thing to say when top and on course for best season ever, I know). Hopefully now these extra weeks off and warm weather training camps will pay off. We need go up a gear now if we want to win the league.

I agree with this. The timing of dropped points could be crucial. If we drop points before City the pressure will ease off them as they know they can afford to lose a game and still be top. But on the other hand if we can win our next two the pressure on City will be ramped up with their tough run of games in April, knowing one mistake and the ball is back in our court.

The Spurs game is massive and possibly our toughest test left. 3 points would put us in a great position but would also benefit us as it drags Spurs even further into the race for 4th, meaning they will need to go to the Etihad in a few weeks and try to get something.

Gerry83 · « **Reply #8737 on:** March 25, 2019, 11:33:38 am »

The Spurs game is a massive worry for me with it being the first game back after the Intl break. Yet its the same for Spurs but i feel this is a game where the crowd need to really turn the place into a hostile fortress as i think this game will be the difference between a strong confident finish in both competitions or the heads dropping a little after such a monumnetal effort all season!

deano2727 · « **Reply #8738 on:** March 25, 2019, 11:58:33 am »

Quote from: Gerry83 on March 25, 2019, 11:33:38 am

The Spurs game is a massive worry for me with it being the first game back after the Intl break. Yet its the same for Spurs but i feel this is a game where the crowd need to really turn the place into a hostile fortress as i think this game will be the difference between a strong confident finish in both competitions or the heads dropping a little after such a monumnetal effort all season!

Until City drop points in 2 games in a row and we win our games, its going to be this way for the rest of the season. The Southampton game after the Spurs game will be our most important, then Chelsea, then the next. Thats how it is in title challenges. Especially ones this close.

Spurs are the strongest team we have left to play, but for some reason Chelsea worry me more. We should beat both at home though since we need to. Southampton away is just as much a worry for me. Seem to have improved of recent, to my memory. Get 9 out of 9 from those 3, I'd make us favourites. Massive, massive ask though.

deFacto please, you bastards · « **Reply #8739 on:** March 25, 2019, 12:09:58 pm »

Quote from: Gerry83 on March 25, 2019, 11:33:38 am

The Spurs game is a massive worry for me with it being the first game back after the Intl break. Yet its the same for Spurs but i feel this is a game where the crowd need to really turn the place into a hostile fortress as i think this game will be the difference between a strong confident finish in both competitions or the heads dropping a little after such a monumental effort all season!

The crowd will be up for it, that won't be an issue. It's not an early kick off match and it's a huge game, so the crowd is the least of our worries.

Most of our players have played their last game yesterday. They'll have a week almost to prepare.

deFacto please, you bastards · « **Reply #8740 on:** March 25, 2019, 12:16:57 pm »

Henderson is a doubt fort this weekend as he is a doubt for today's match against Montenegro, no word on what the injury/issue is.

Tottenham also have injury concerns with Dier,Aurier and Ali.

Red_Rich · « **Reply #8741 on:** March 26, 2019, 12:29:45 pm »

I know stats and form mean nothing but ...... Spurs have lost their last 3 away PL games. For a team in 3rd, to go and lose 4 on the spin would be very unusual. I fear a draw come Sunday.

deFacto please, you bastards · « **Reply #8742 on:** March 26, 2019, 12:30:12 pm »

Quote from: Red_Rich on March 26, 2019, 12:29:45 pm

I know stats and form mean nothing but ...... Spurs have lost their last 3 away PL games. For a team in 3rd, to go and lose 4 on the spin would be very unusual. I fear a draw come Sunday.

I have the same fear.

Jack The Lad · « **Reply #8743 on:** March 26, 2019, 12:43:30 pm »

Southampton away on April 5th is the game I can see us coming unstuck in. Have had this horrible feeling for a few weeks that this is a game we’ll lose. Obviously hope I’m wrong but not looking forward to that one at all.

exiledintheUSA · « **Reply #8744 on:** March 26, 2019, 02:40:00 pm »

Quote from: Red_Rich on March 26, 2019, 12:29:45 pm

I know stats and form mean nothing but ...... Spurs have lost their last 3 away PL games. For a team in 3rd, to go and lose 4 on the spin would be very unusual. I fear a draw come Sunday.

I think we'll put 4 past them. Real marker down for the run-in. Onwards.

Alisson Wonderland · « **Reply #8745 on:** March 26, 2019, 02:57:05 pm »

Quote from: Red_Rich on March 26, 2019, 12:29:45 pm

I know stats and form mean nothing but ...... Spurs have lost their last 3 away PL games. For a team in 3rd, to go and lose 4 on the spin would be very unusual. I fear a draw come Sunday.

They'll likely be fourth by Monday night though, so...

Spartacus. · « **Reply #8746 on:** March 27, 2019, 10:09:17 am »

I think City will drop points on Saturday :-)

Scouser-Tommy · « **Reply #8747 on:** March 27, 2019, 10:23:00 am »

Quote from: Mummy Spartacus (Mrs) on March 27, 2019, 10:09:17 am

I think City will drop points on Saturday :-)

I can't see it personally but you never know, imagine the atmosphere at Anfield on Sunday if they drop points on the Saturday.

stewil007 · « **Reply #8748 on:** March 27, 2019, 10:40:06 am »

Quote from: Scouser-Tommy on March 27, 2019, 10:23:00 am

I can't see it personally but you never know, imagine the atmosphere at Anfield on Sunday if they drop points on the Saturday.

Its that tricky time of season isn't it when knowing the result of our opponent can have a material effect on how we play - if they lose or draw, do we drop our levels because of that or if they win, do we up our levels....I know it isn't meant to be like that, but human nature and what has gone on previously in the season suggests that come what may, none of this run in is going to be straight forward.

Sharado · « **Reply #8749 on:** March 27, 2019, 10:50:18 am »

Quote from: stewil007 on March 27, 2019, 10:40:06 am

Its that tricky time of season isn't it when knowing the result of our opponent can have a material effect on how we play - if they lose or draw, do we drop our levels because of that or if they win, do we up our levels....I know it isn't meant to be like that, but human nature and what has gone on previously in the season suggests that come what may, none of this run in is going to be straight forward.

The great thing is they're looking up at us now. So they know going into the game they can't drop points, it just adds that little bit of pressure to things. The key with city as we've seen is things to be level or there only to be a goal in it around the 70 mins mark. If that's ever the case they'll start to doubt themselves and the other team can push on a bit.

Alisson Wonderland · « **Reply #8750 on:** March 27, 2019, 10:53:52 am »

The only slight glimmer of hope is that it is a 12:30 Saturday away game straight after an International break which is not ideal. I’d still expect City to win though.

duvva 💅 · « **Reply #8751 on:** March 27, 2019, 11:19:10 am »

It’s good to hear that we finally have a fully fit squad, bar a couple of minor niggles for Trent and Shaqiri. Will be vital to have as many options as possible for the final phase, hopefully the majority stay fit until the end and we’re not down to bare bones again by the CL final.

Feeling very optimistic that we’ll have a trophy at the end of it all.

lionel_messias · « **Reply #8752 on:** March 27, 2019, 11:20:13 am »

Quote from: Alisson Wonderland on March 27, 2019, 10:53:52 am

The only slight glimmer of hope is that it is a 12:30 Saturday away game straight after an International break which is not ideal. I’d still expect City to win though.

You never know, you really don't. Fulham is obviously pretty garbage this season but they have some good players and their new
manager will want to get some sort of scalp.

Plus Ryan Babel has red hair, so it's kind of written in the stars (he can celebrate his goals this time as well!)

Jookie · « **Reply #8753 on:** March 27, 2019, 11:20:15 am »

Quote from: Alisson Wonderland on March 27, 2019, 10:53:52 am

The only slight glimmer of hope is that it is a 12:30 Saturday away game straight after an International break which is not ideal. I’d still expect City to win though.

I'd be amazed if City don't win.

Fulham are a pretty poor side. They have 15 points from 15 home games and have conceded an average of 2 goals per game at home and only scored 19

Jack The Lad · « **Reply #8754 on:** March 27, 2019, 11:28:32 am »

Quote from: Alisson Wonderland on March 27, 2019, 10:53:52 am

The only slight glimmer of hope is that it is a 12:30 Saturday away game straight after an International break which is not ideal. I’d still expect City to win though.

Be a comfortable City win that. The only game I see them potentially dropping points in is against United. And they are more than capable of going there and giving United a good pasting.

CraigDS · « **Reply #8755 on:** March 27, 2019, 11:31:16 am »

Quote from: Jack The Lad on March 27, 2019, 11:28:32 am

Be a comfortable City win that. The only game I see them potentially dropping points in is against United. And they are more than capable of going there and giving United a good pasting.

That's the spirit

They've dropped points in 5 games this season, including 4 losses (plus another 1 of each in the CL), so they're more than capable of dropping points in numerous games between now and the end of the season.

lionel_messias · « **Reply #8756 on:** March 27, 2019, 11:31:36 am »

If City win all their remaining league games, including their 3rd match against Spurs in 11 days and that Old Trafford game

-then fair play to them, they will be worthy and brilliant champions.

I don't think they will though.

My bet is that Spurs game will be drawn, and probably the Man U game as well - but let's do our bit first!

Jack The Lad · « **Reply #8757 on:** March 27, 2019, 11:32:18 am »

Quote from: CraigDS on March 27, 2019, 11:31:16 am

That's the spirit

They've dropped points in 5 games this season, including 4 losses (plus another 1 of each in the CL), so they're more than capable of dropping points in numerous games between now and the end of the season.

Got to be realistic here mate. They know what it takes to win the league. And they are more than capable of winning every league game from now til the end.

CraigDS · « **Reply #8758 on:** March 27, 2019, 11:55:48 am »

Quote from: Jack The Lad on March 27, 2019, 11:32:18 am

Got to be realistic here mate. They know what it takes to win the league. And they are more than capable of winning every league game from now til the end.

I never get sentences like that. I'm not a pro footballer and even I know what it takes to win a league. Just because they have done it before doesn't really give them any advantage.

And of course they're capable, they're up at the top of the table with us for a reason, but then they're also capable of dropping points as they have this season already.

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #8759 on:** March 27, 2019, 11:58:57 am »

Quote from: CraigDS on March 27, 2019, 11:55:48 am

I never get sentences like that. I'm not a pro footballer and even I know what it takes to win a league. Just because they have done it before doesn't really give them any advantage.

And of course they're capable, they're up at the top of the table with us for a reason, but then they're also capable of dropping points as they have this season already.

I get how experience of having been there and done it can help, especially when we haven’t, however no one has retained the title since 2009 so it’s clearly not the be all and end all.

Damn, had a week or so out of this thread and now the nerves are jangling again!