Coronation Street has long been synonymous with the city of Manchester, but surely the accolades for ‘best dramatic performance of 2009’ will have been secured by a certain football club- despite, I’m sure, its best intentions. The unpredictability that goes with following a team like City was more apparent than even this year- despite a change in ownership that saw the Blues become the wealthiest club in the footballing world. Beating Chelsea and Arsenal and collapsing against Burnley and Bolton? Giving a manager incredible financial resources only to realise he’s not up to the job? A £32million record signing being outshined and outclassed by a Welsh sicknote? Nothing out of the ordinary there in the context of this football club.
Perhaps, in fact, the strangest occurrence thus far was that new manager Roberto Mancini’s first game at the club against Stoke on Saturday passed without incident- the hope and expectation was a solid, comfortable display with three points and a clean sheet the reward- and that is exactly what happened. With the world’s media waiting eagerly to pounce, to roll out their favourite clichés and lambast the club once more, it all ran very smoothly indeed. Could this be the beginning of something quite extraordinary- where vast amounts of money are spent and a top manager is appointed- and everything goes according to plan? Mancini certainly exudes a calm confidence- to back up an astounding managerial record of seven trophies in four seasons- which suggests it may well be.
The meeting with Wolves at Molineux on Monday night, with the Sky cameras in attendance, will be a genuine test of the character of this group of players. For every home success in recent times, there has been an away failure- most particularly against ‘weaker’ sides. If City were to build on the attacking excitement of Sunderland and the defensive solidity of Stoke with a victory tomorrow night, it would be the perfect tonic going into a new year where the games, the stern examinations, come thick and fast. But what can we expect of Mick McCarthy’s side?
After failing to win a single game between September 20th and the start of this month, many believed Wolves were a certainty for relegation. A lack in cutting edge, despite much endeavour, proved costly with only 6 goals scored in that period. However, the visit of Bolton on December 5th sparked a revival- they followed up a 2-1 win with a fantastic performance and all three points at White Hart Lane and a comfortable victory over Burnley. Only Manchester United- in controversial circumstances and Liverpool have managed to crack the West Midlands side in their last six games, both of them away from home, so improvements have clearly been made. Sitting 15th in the table, but only two points clear of the relegation zone, this game to mark the halfway stage in the 2009/10 season is as crucial for Wolves’ survival as it is City’s lofty ambition of a Champions League spot.
Key Players
City- Perhaps it’s stating the obvious by now but Craig Bellamy can make the most significant impact tomorrow night. The Welshman’s devastating pace, strength and work rate have so often proven too much for Premier League defenders to handle this season- and Wolves’ right back Richard Stearman won’t be sleeping particularly comfortably tonight at the prospect of facing him. Having only played 20 minutes of Saturday’s win, Bellamy will be fresh and raring to go.
Wolves- In recent weeks, Kevin Doyle has spearheaded an improved Wolves attack and scored winning goals against Spurs and Burnley. The Irishman certainly isn’t blessed with the natural ability of his counterparts at City, but his never-say-die attitude and strength, particularly in the air, has proved a handful for defenders. Vincent Kompany and Kolo Touré will need to be at their strongest to outmuscle Doyle and nullify Wolves’ biggest threat.
So, on the evidence of Saturday’s performance, Roberto Mancini has instilled a newfound belief and confidence in City’s players. He emphasised the importance of keeping the ball on the ground and encouraged simplicity in our play, and it paid off- will we carry it through and end what has been an exciting, but turbulent year on a high tomorrow night? Like Roberto himself, I’m quietly confident.
Prediction- Wolves 0-1 City
Thanks to Colin The King of ManCityFans.Net for writing this preview.