by Colin the King » Wed Feb 17, 2010 12:28 am
In the absence of an entertaining win, you'd accept a professional, boring win. In the absence of an entertaining win or a professional, boring win, you'd accept a committed, restless performance. In the absence of an entertaining win, a professional, boring win or a committed restless performance- you're left with nothing.
That emptiness is something I, and I'm sure most people, will have felt in a number of Mancini's opening games as City boss. Not only did we fail to win at Everton, Hull, Old Trafford or Stoke tonight- we failed to entertain, or show any particular redeeming qualities. A lot of that is circumstantial- while there mightn't be any shame in losing at the swamp, it's what lead up to it that disappoints. The tactical negativity of the first leg- we had them scared shitless at 2-1 up at Eastlands and didn't/didn't want to capitalise. Tonight, with the scores level and Stoke down to ten men there was no real desire to go and win the game- no definite sign of a change in mentality from the manager. We did well to come away with a point, and while there's no shame in that usually, under tonight's circumstances I think it's an opportunity missed.
Despite being critical of Hughes, I found the timing of his sacking questionable and despite being quite pleased with Mancini's appointment given his track record of success, am starting to have a few doubts. If what we're seeing is a transitional phase, a steadying of the ship, and we start to play with flair and dedication in equal measure as of August, I'll be delighted. In the mean time watching City, it pains me to say, is painful.
I'm not suggesting he be sacked- a revolving door policy has been our undoing for my fucking lifetime- but I'm a little underwhelmed at the moment.