Nothing Negative To Report........

[Ted Hughes]

Did anyone see Amy Lawrence on Sunday Supplement? She got us bang on. To paraphrase she said that because everyone is used to Real Madrid spending big bucks no one bats an eyelid. But because our success has happened so quickly, people haven't come to terms with it and react negatively. She spoke really well.

Never heard of her tbh but it's nice to know we have another journo willing to report the truth.

[Hazy2]

Did anyone see Amy Lawrence on Sunday Supplement? She got us bang on. To paraphrase she said that because everyone is used to Real Madrid spending big bucks no one bats an eyelid. But because our success has happened so quickly, people haven't come to terms with it and react negatively. She spoke really well.

Never heard of her tbh but it's nice to know we have another journo willing to report the truth.

she did but.. when the comment was made RM have had State backing and sold a training ground to RM twice it was met with a giggle, She spoke OK, on a bad few weeks for the press in terms they have nothing to say unless it is crap.

[iwasthere2012]

what collymore should have been highlighting, as a voice of the people, yeah right, is that City have shamed the government into putting 50m quid into grass roots which in turn has shamed the fuckwits at the fa who've had years and years to work on this and get things in place but no, the government and the fa chose to build a new wembley that no cunt wanted or can get to and from without the risk of missing the train home after watching their team or an england team full of average scum or pool players. Highlight that collymore you ignorant, dogging, woman beating little turd

A genuine question as we don't get Talkshite, or Collymore over here.......does anyone actually listen to him. I get the impression from reading on here that he is there for shock radio purposes. You know what I mean.....they say something outrageous that flies in the face of what everyone knows is true and wait for the phone lines to go red. We have stations like that here too but I really couldn't be bothered with them.
There are several know nothings over here that have never been shy about having a pop at City every chance they got, but my feeling is that a lot of them are keeping their powder dry now. maybe they are getting sense. Once bitten twice shy and all that. Certainly a lot quieter over here.

I've pretty much stopped listening to it, wheras I used to listen to it all the time.

From what I can gather, that is common amongst many City fans. I've seen stuff on Bluemoon where they recon Talkshite have started up some of their usual anti City shit, & asked for City fans to phone in, & not one has done so.

I hope the day will come when no City fans will phone in, ever.

Well that's precisely the way to deal with it. If no City fan is bothered with it, it shows them how insignificant they are.

[Peter Doherty (AGAIG)]

Positive article from Ogden in the Torygraph:

Why Manchester City have the edge over Chelsea in the Premier League title race
Jose Mourinho's side might be top of the pile but Pellegrini's men have the class, depth and nerve to pip them in the championship battle, says Mark Ogden

Why Manchester City have the edge over Chelsea in the Premier League title race

FORM
There is little to separate the two teams in terms of form as they head into the festive fixture programme, but Manchester City have a slight edge on the league leaders after winning eight successive games in all competitions.
Despite their victory at Stoke on Monday evening, which restored their three-point lead over Manuel Pellegrini’s team, Chelsea’s recent run in the Premier League has seen them claim just seven points from their last four games.
It has been a wobble, nothing more, but the defeat at Newcastle and draw at Sunderland during that run opened the door for City reignite the title race with their impressive return to form.
Within their winning streak, City have also rediscovered the art of defending, conceding just once in their last five games -- ironically, the defensive resolve has returned in the absence of injured captain, Vincent Kompany.
The next key signpost for both teams is likely to come at the end of January. City face Arsenal on January 18 and then travel to Chelsea thirteen days later, so by February 1, a clear favourite may emerge.
CHELSEA: 4/5
MAN CITY: 5/5

SQUAD STRENGTH
In a campaign dominated by a raft of injuries to key players at the leading clubs, Chelsea have so far managed to avoid the problems that have affected City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Aside from minor knocks and strains suffered by Diego Costa, Jose Mourinho’s squad has been remarkably free from injury. John Terry, Eden Hazard, Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill have all been ever-presents in the league, while Cesc Fabregas has missed just one game. Is this because of Mourinho’s superior training methods, the physical strength of the Chelsea players or, more simply, good luck?
Whatever the answer, Chelsea’s squad has not been tested to the same extent as their rivals. City have been forced to cope for long spells without Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and David Silva -- three hugely important players -- yet they remain on Chelsea’s coat-tails.
Manuel Pellegrini’s squad has passed its test with flying colours, but Chelsea have yet to have their examination.
CHELSEA: 4/5
MAN CITY: 4/5

MANAGER
Jose Mourinho’s winning credentials are blue-chip, with domestic titles in four different countries and proven success in his previous spell at Chelsea.
The Portuguese remains the only manager, other than Sir Alex Ferguson, to lead a club to back-to-back Premier League titles, so his track record is without doubt.
Manuel Pellegrini has shed the ‘Nearly Man’ tag which accompanied him on his arrival at City eighteen months ago. The Chilean led the club to the Capital One Cup and Premier League last season and, despite his dour profile, Pellegrini’s relaxed, unflappable demeanour has delivered success.
The two men clearly dislike each other, with the statesmanlike Pellegrini riled by Mourinho’s appetite for conflict and their antipathy may yet become a key factor in the title race.
Pellegrini arguably now has the upper hand, though, having silenced Mourinho by winning the title last season. Both are under pressure to succeed again, but Mourinho’s CV has not been updated since winning La Liga with Real Madrid in 2011-12, so a third year without silverware would dent his reputation.
CHELSEA: 4/5
MAN CITY: 4/5

PEDIGREE
The good news for Chelsea is that, when they top the Premier League on Christmas Day, they go on to win the title at the end of the season.
All three of the club’s previous Premier League titles have followed on from being the Christmas number one, so there will be a psychological lift for Jose Mourinho’s players when they study the table on December 25.
Twice under Mourinho and then again under Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea have displayed their ability to lead from the front at the halfway stage, but City perhaps have an ace up their sleeve having won their two Premier Leagues from seemingly lost positions late in the campaign.
In 2011-12, City overturned an eight-point deficit over the final six games to win the title on goal difference ahead of Manchester United, while last season’s success also came late following Liverpool’s Devon Loch-style collapse in the final stages, which saw City go from nine points adrift with five games to play to eventually winning the title by two points.
So in some ways, this title race comes down to a battle between one team --Chelsea- which sets the pace and pulls clear and another -- City -- which has an unbeatable sprint finish. It is the irresistible force against the immoveable object.
CHELSEA: 4/5
MAN CITY: 5/5

WHO HAS THE EDGE?
A three-point lead at Christmas is a significant marker for Chelsea to put down, but City are perhaps the one team least likely to be unnerved by the gap.
City arguably possess the psychological edge for two reasons. Firstly, they have overcome the loss to injury of important players to maintain their title challenge and left question marks over Chelsea’s ability to cope without the likes of John Terry or Diego Costa for a prolonged period.
And secondly, and perhaps most significantly in the long run, City are the masters of timing their run to perfection.
Even if Chelsea go into the final straight with what appears a comfortable lead, City’s success in overhauling United and Liverpool in recent seasons will keep the pressure on Mourinho and his players until they have both hands on the trophy.

[Goaters 103]

Did anyone see Amy Lawrence on Sunday Supplement? She got us bang on. To paraphrase she said that because everyone is used to Real Madrid spending big bucks no one bats an eyelid. But because our success has happened so quickly, people haven't come to terms with it and react negatively. She spoke really well.

That will ensure she doesn't get another appearance for a good while. Far too balanced and fair.

[Wonderwall]

Positive article from Ogden in the Torygraph:

Why Manchester City have the edge over Chelsea in the Premier League title race
Jose Mourinho's side might be top of the pile but Pellegrini's men have the class, depth and nerve to pip them in the championship battle, says Mark Ogden

Why Manchester City have the edge over Chelsea in the Premier League title race

FORM
There is little to separate the two teams in terms of form as they head into the festive fixture programme, but Manchester City have a slight edge on the league leaders after winning eight successive games in all competitions.
Despite their victory at Stoke on Monday evening, which restored their three-point lead over Manuel Pellegrini’s team, Chelsea’s recent run in the Premier League has seen them claim just seven points from their last four games.
It has been a wobble, nothing more, but the defeat at Newcastle and draw at Sunderland during that run opened the door for City reignite the title race with their impressive return to form.
Within their winning streak, City have also rediscovered the art of defending, conceding just once in their last five games -- ironically, the defensive resolve has returned in the absence of injured captain, Vincent Kompany.
The next key signpost for both teams is likely to come at the end of January. City face Arsenal on January 18 and then travel to Chelsea thirteen days later, so by February 1, a clear favourite may emerge.
CHELSEA: 4/5
MAN CITY: 5/5

SQUAD STRENGTH
In a campaign dominated by a raft of injuries to key players at the leading clubs, Chelsea have so far managed to avoid the problems that have affected City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Aside from minor knocks and strains suffered by Diego Costa, Jose Mourinho’s squad has been remarkably free from injury. John Terry, Eden Hazard, Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill have all been ever-presents in the league, while Cesc Fabregas has missed just one game. Is this because of Mourinho’s superior training methods, the physical strength of the Chelsea players or, more simply, good luck?
Whatever the answer, Chelsea’s squad has not been tested to the same extent as their rivals. City have been forced to cope for long spells without Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and David Silva -- three hugely important players -- yet they remain on Chelsea’s coat-tails.
Manuel Pellegrini’s squad has passed its test with flying colours, but Chelsea have yet to have their examination.
CHELSEA: 4/5
MAN CITY: 4/5

MANAGER
Jose Mourinho’s winning credentials are blue-chip, with domestic titles in four different countries and proven success in his previous spell at Chelsea.
The Portuguese remains the only manager, other than Sir Alex Ferguson, to lead a club to back-to-back Premier League titles, so his track record is without doubt.
Manuel Pellegrini has shed the ‘Nearly Man’ tag which accompanied him on his arrival at City eighteen months ago. The Chilean led the club to the Capital One Cup and Premier League last season and, despite his dour profile, Pellegrini’s relaxed, unflappable demeanour has delivered success.
The two men clearly dislike each other, with the statesmanlike Pellegrini riled by Mourinho’s appetite for conflict and their antipathy may yet become a key factor in the title race.
Pellegrini arguably now has the upper hand, though, having silenced Mourinho by winning the title last season. Both are under pressure to succeed again, but Mourinho’s CV has not been updated since winning La Liga with Real Madrid in 2011-12, so a third year without silverware would dent his reputation.
CHELSEA: 4/5
MAN CITY: 4/5

PEDIGREE
The good news for Chelsea is that, when they top the Premier League on Christmas Day, they go on to win the title at the end of the season.
All three of the club’s previous Premier League titles have followed on from being the Christmas number one, so there will be a psychological lift for Jose Mourinho’s players when they study the table on December 25.
Twice under Mourinho and then again under Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea have displayed their ability to lead from the front at the halfway stage, but City perhaps have an ace up their sleeve having won their two Premier Leagues from seemingly lost positions late in the campaign.
In 2011-12, City overturned an eight-point deficit over the final six games to win the title on goal difference ahead of Manchester United, while last season’s success also came late following Liverpool’s Devon Loch-style collapse in the final stages, which saw City go from nine points adrift with five games to play to eventually winning the title by two points.
So in some ways, this title race comes down to a battle between one team --Chelsea- which sets the pace and pulls clear and another -- City -- which has an unbeatable sprint finish. It is the irresistible force against the immoveable object.
CHELSEA: 4/5
MAN CITY: 5/5

WHO HAS THE EDGE?
A three-point lead at Christmas is a significant marker for Chelsea to put down, but City are perhaps the one team least likely to be unnerved by the gap.
City arguably possess the psychological edge for two reasons. Firstly, they have overcome the loss to injury of important players to maintain their title challenge and left question marks over Chelsea’s ability to cope without the likes of John Terry or Diego Costa for a prolonged period.
And secondly, and perhaps most significantly in the long run, City are the masters of timing their run to perfection.
Even if Chelsea go into the final straight with what appears a comfortable lead, City’s success in overhauling United and Liverpool in recent seasons will keep the pressure on Mourinho and his players until they have both hands on the trophy.

Total bollox of an article, I remember a rag article in 2012 saying almost the same thing, but added the fact that we have not done it before so we couldn't handle the pressure. The fact is, both teams are capable and both teams will be in the top two places come the end of May. Lets see how things pan out, we were very lucky with injuries in 2011/12 which contributed to our title win, maybe Chelsea have the luck this time, however, we are doing a good job of coping at the moment, but we need to get Kompany fit and Aguero back ASAP.

[Slim]

Did anyone see Amy Lawrence on Sunday Supplement? She got us bang on. To paraphrase she said that because everyone is used to Real Madrid spending big bucks no one bats an eyelid. But because our success has happened so quickly, people haven't come to terms with it and react negatively. She spoke really well.

Never heard of her tbh but it's nice to know we have another journo willing to report the truth.

she did but.. when the comment was made RM have had State backing and sold a training ground to RM twice it was met with a giggle, She spoke OK, on a bad few weeks for the press in terms they have nothing to say unless it is crap.

I love the way Dazby says it was Amy Lawrence, and then Hazy backed him up, and it was Alyson Rudd.

Also she can fuck right off, wait until Ched Evans appeal is decided before you know what sort of player you have? CONVICTED RAPIST, three journo's who are supposedly respected and not a one of them got it fucking right. No he shouldn't be allowed back in football, no Hartlepool shouldn't sign him, he can fuck off to the second tier of Albanian football if he wants to pull on a pair of boots. No way he should be allowed a high profile job in the same country where his victim can be constantly reminded of his existence.

[Hazy2]

Did anyone see Amy Lawrence on Sunday Supplement? She got us bang on. To paraphrase she said that because everyone is used to Real Madrid spending big bucks no one bats an eyelid. But because our success has happened so quickly, people haven't come to terms with it and react negatively. She spoke really well.

Never heard of her tbh but it's nice to know we have another journo willing to report the truth.

she did but.. when the comment was made RM have had State backing and sold a training ground to RM twice it was met with a giggle, She spoke OK, on a bad few weeks for the press in terms they have nothing to say unless it is crap.

I love the way Dazby says it was Amy Lawrence, and then Hazy backed him up, and it was Alyson Rudd.

Also she can fuck right off, wait until Ched Evans appeal is decided before you know what sort of player you have? CONVICTED RAPIST, three journo's who are supposedly respected and not a one of them got it fucking right. No he shouldn't be allowed back in football, no Hartlepool shouldn't sign him, he can fuck off to the second tier of Albanian football if he wants to pull on a pair of boots. No way he should be allowed a high profile job in the same country where his victim can be constantly reminded of his existence.

School boy error, If I got things right you would think it was an imposter, Evans is finished.

[iwasthere2012]

Positive article from Ogden in the Torygraph:

Why Manchester City have the edge over Chelsea in the Premier League title race
Jose Mourinho's side might be top of the pile but Pellegrini's men have the class, depth and nerve to pip them in the championship battle, says Mark Ogden

Why Manchester City have the edge over Chelsea in the Premier League title race

FORM
There is little to separate the two teams in terms of form as they head into the festive fixture programme, but Manchester City have a slight edge on the league leaders after winning eight successive games in all competitions.
Despite their victory at Stoke on Monday evening, which restored their three-point lead over Manuel Pellegrini’s team, Chelsea’s recent run in the Premier League has seen them claim just seven points from their last four games.
It has been a wobble, nothing more, but the defeat at Newcastle and draw at Sunderland during that run opened the door for City reignite the title race with their impressive return to form.
Within their winning streak, City have also rediscovered the art of defending, conceding just once in their last five games -- ironically, the defensive resolve has returned in the absence of injured captain, Vincent Kompany.
The next key signpost for both teams is likely to come at the end of January. City face Arsenal on January 18 and then travel to Chelsea thirteen days later, so by February 1, a clear favourite may emerge.
CHELSEA: 4/5
MAN CITY: 5/5

SQUAD STRENGTH
In a campaign dominated by a raft of injuries to key players at the leading clubs, Chelsea have so far managed to avoid the problems that have affected City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Aside from minor knocks and strains suffered by Diego Costa, Jose Mourinho’s squad has been remarkably free from injury. John Terry, Eden Hazard, Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill have all been ever-presents in the league, while Cesc Fabregas has missed just one game. Is this because of Mourinho’s superior training methods, the physical strength of the Chelsea players or, more simply, good luck?
Whatever the answer, Chelsea’s squad has not been tested to the same extent as their rivals. City have been forced to cope for long spells without Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and David Silva -- three hugely important players -- yet they remain on Chelsea’s coat-tails.
Manuel Pellegrini’s squad has passed its test with flying colours, but Chelsea have yet to have their examination.
CHELSEA: 4/5
MAN CITY: 4/5

MANAGER
Jose Mourinho’s winning credentials are blue-chip, with domestic titles in four different countries and proven success in his previous spell at Chelsea.
The Portuguese remains the only manager, other than Sir Alex Ferguson, to lead a club to back-to-back Premier League titles, so his track record is without doubt.
Manuel Pellegrini has shed the ‘Nearly Man’ tag which accompanied him on his arrival at City eighteen months ago. The Chilean led the club to the Capital One Cup and Premier League last season and, despite his dour profile, Pellegrini’s relaxed, unflappable demeanour has delivered success.
The two men clearly dislike each other, with the statesmanlike Pellegrini riled by Mourinho’s appetite for conflict and their antipathy may yet become a key factor in the title race.
Pellegrini arguably now has the upper hand, though, having silenced Mourinho by winning the title last season. Both are under pressure to succeed again, but Mourinho’s CV has not been updated since winning La Liga with Real Madrid in 2011-12, so a third year without silverware would dent his reputation.
CHELSEA: 4/5
MAN CITY: 4/5

PEDIGREE
The good news for Chelsea is that, when they top the Premier League on Christmas Day, they go on to win the title at the end of the season.
All three of the club’s previous Premier League titles have followed on from being the Christmas number one, so there will be a psychological lift for Jose Mourinho’s players when they study the table on December 25.
Twice under Mourinho and then again under Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea have displayed their ability to lead from the front at the halfway stage, but City perhaps have an ace up their sleeve having won their two Premier Leagues from seemingly lost positions late in the campaign.
In 2011-12, City overturned an eight-point deficit over the final six games to win the title on goal difference ahead of Manchester United, while last season’s success also came late following Liverpool’s Devon Loch-style collapse in the final stages, which saw City go from nine points adrift with five games to play to eventually winning the title by two points.
So in some ways, this title race comes down to a battle between one team --Chelsea- which sets the pace and pulls clear and another -- City -- which has an unbeatable sprint finish. It is the irresistible force against the immoveable object.
CHELSEA: 4/5
MAN CITY: 5/5

WHO HAS THE EDGE?
A three-point lead at Christmas is a significant marker for Chelsea to put down, but City are perhaps the one team least likely to be unnerved by the gap.
City arguably possess the psychological edge for two reasons. Firstly, they have overcome the loss to injury of important players to maintain their title challenge and left question marks over Chelsea’s ability to cope without the likes of John Terry or Diego Costa for a prolonged period.
And secondly, and perhaps most significantly in the long run, City are the masters of timing their run to perfection.
Even if Chelsea go into the final straight with what appears a comfortable lead, City’s success in overhauling United and Liverpool in recent seasons will keep the pressure on Mourinho and his players until they have both hands on the trophy.

Have to say this is my my opinion, spot on.
Ive always thought City will win if they are in touch by February.

[sheblue]

I don't know why he thinks we have the edge, anything can happen. Chelsea will need go through the season relatively unaffected by injuries to win it. Who knows what will happen, they may do that they may not. nobody has the edge at this stage.

[iwasthere2012]

I don't know why he thinks we have the edge, anything can happen. Chelsea will need go through the season relatively unaffected by injuries to win it. Who knows what will happen, they may do that they may not. nobody has the edge at this stage.

Can't disagree with any of that. Chelsea have the edge because they are in front, perhaps. However, I have the belief that we are better equipped to see this through. Might not happen, but I believe this is the year that City come of age.

[Ted Hughes]

I don't know why he thinks we have the edge, anything can happen. Chelsea will need go through the season relatively unaffected by injuries to win it. Who knows what will happen, they may do that they may not. nobody has the edge at this stage.

Can't disagree with any of that. Chelsea have the edge because they are in front, perhaps. However, I have the belief that we are better equipped to see this through. Might not happen, but I believe this is the year that City come of age.

City have better players & almost two teams' worth who have won the Premier League, many of them twice, vs a bunch most of whom have never won it & a manager who has previous for fucking up Premier League title races & losing his marbles.

We also have Chelsea's best ever title winning midfield player.

[iwasthere2012]

I don't know why he thinks we have the edge, anything can happen. Chelsea will need go through the season relatively unaffected by injuries to win it. Who knows what will happen, they may do that they may not. nobody has the edge at this stage.

Can't disagree with any of that. Chelsea have the edge because they are in front, perhaps. However, I have the belief that we are better equipped to see this through. Might not happen, but I believe this is the year that City come of age.

City have better players & almost two teams' worth who have won the Premier League, many of them twice, vs a bunch most of whom have never won it & a manager who has previous for fucking up Premier League title races & losing his marbles.

We also have Chelsea's best ever title winning midfield player.

Precisely. Can't help but be optimistic.
I'm enjoying the ride, regardless of how it turns out.

[dazby]

The league may also hinge on who goes further in the chumps league.

[Hazy2]

The league may also hinge on who goes further in the chumps league.

As we have either Bayern or Madrid lined up both legs away from home, plus we start 0-4 and both games on the same night you do the maths ! Merry Xmas mate ..