Manchester City sent a powerful message on intent through England on Sunday with their 6-1 demolition of Manchester United at Old Trafford.
United rarely find themselves dominated by anyone, and to be handled so convincingly by their City rivals must have been an exceptionally painful experience for the Old Trafford support.
Now City have moved five points clear at the top of the table more and more doubters appear to be stating confidently why they will not be there come the end of the season. Here we look at the major criticisms aimed at City, and discuss whether the criticism is merited.
“MONEY CAN’T BUY YOU TITLES.”
This is a hollow cliche that was leveled at Jack Walker when he took over Blackburn Rovers, and then parroted when Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea. Both of those owners managed to win a league title but now the same line is trotted out with regards to Manchester City.
While it is true money in itself cannot buy you a title, it certainly can buy you the best players. If you stock up enough players that are managed well, then of course you can win the Premier League title.
“THEY HAVE NOT WON THE LEAGUE.”
This train of thought is a little more sound, it refers to te fact that by having not went through the long slog of a league season and came on top a certain steel is lacking. It is true that to be confident winning a league title it helps to have done it, but this train of thought is also flawed.
The problem is, the players wearing City jerseys have won the league. The City squad includes players who have combined for five EPL titles, five Bundesliga Championships, three Serie A titles and one LA Liga winners medal.
In addition, City can call upon the experience of four UEFA Champions League winners and a World Cup holder. While this squad has some flaws, lack of big time experience is not one of them.
“THEY HAVE NO LEADERSHIP.”
It seems a common misconception that Roberto Mancini is in un-chartered waters and will be taken advantage of by the wily Sir Alex Ferguson. This does not take into account that Mancini has won three Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia competitions and two Italian Supercup’s as a manager in Italy.
Mancini has also showed strong man management skills, which leads us to the next point.
“THEY ARE A DRESSING ROOM FULL OF EGOS AND WILL IMPLODE.”
It is without doubt any dressing room with Mario Balotelli in it has the potential for trouble, it is also true that good man management can quell any personnel issues.
The strong leadership displayed by Mancini in the aftermath of the recent UEFA Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich will have sent a strong message to the dressing room.
Carlos Tevez refused to go on as a substitute in Munich, and has found himself in exile ever since. In addition, Edin Dzeko showed dissent after being subbed off, and was forced into an apology after Mancini assured the media it would be “the last time” one of his players acted in that manner.
“THEY WILL NOT SURVIVE THE WINTER.”
The cold, dark winter months in England have been cited as the downfall of many a foreign player in England. This criticism is not completely without merit as good players have failed in England during this tough time in the past.
However, City have a depth that should be able to counter this. If Sergio Auero went off the boil, Balotelli or Dzeko would pick up the slack. If Yaya Toure suddenly found the going tough, then Gareth Barry, Owen Hargreaves or Nigel De Jong are there. In the defensive department, it is unlikely that Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott will suffer any adverse effects from the English winter.
So when you look at the evidence it is clear City are not a nailed on certainty to win the league, but they may be a stronger contender than many critics think they are.
Now City have moved five points clear at the top of the table more and more doubters appear to be stating confidently why they will not be there come the end of the season. Here we look at the major criticisms aimed at City, and discuss whether the criticism is merited.
“MONEY CAN’T BUY YOU TITLES.”
This is a hollow cliche that was leveled at Jack Walker when he took over Blackburn Rovers, and then parroted when Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea. Both of those owners managed to win a league title but now the same line is trotted out with regards to Manchester City.
While it is true money in itself cannot buy you a title, it certainly can buy you the best players. If you stock up enough players that are managed well, then of course you can win the Premier League title.
“THEY HAVE NOT WON THE LEAGUE.”
This train of thought is a little more sound, it refers to te fact that by having not went through the long slog of a league season and came on top a certain steel is lacking. It is true that to be confident winning a league title it helps to have done it, but this train of thought is also flawed.
The problem is, the players wearing City jerseys have won the league. The City squad includes players who have combined for five EPL titles, five Bundesliga Championships, three Serie A titles and one LA Liga winners medal.
In addition, City can call upon the experience of four UEFA Champions League winners and a World Cup holder. While this squad has some flaws, lack of big time experience is not one of them.
“THEY HAVE NO LEADERSHIP.”
It seems a common misconception that Roberto Mancini is in un-chartered waters and will be taken advantage of by the wily Sir Alex Ferguson. This does not take into account that Mancini has won three Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia competitions and two Italian Supercup’s as a manager in Italy.
Mancini has also showed strong man management skills, which leads us to the next point.
“THEY ARE A DRESSING ROOM FULL OF EGOS AND WILL IMPLODE.”
It is without doubt any dressing room with Mario Balotelli in it has the potential for trouble, it is also true that good man management can quell any personnel issues.
The strong leadership displayed by Mancini in the aftermath of the recent UEFA Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich will have sent a strong message to the dressing room.
Carlos Tevez refused to go on as a substitute in Munich, and has found himself in exile ever since. In addition, Edin Dzeko showed dissent after being subbed off, and was forced into an apology after Mancini assured the media it would be “the last time” one of his players acted in that manner.
“THEY WILL NOT SURVIVE THE WINTER.”
The cold, dark winter months in England have been cited as the downfall of many a foreign player in England. This criticism is not completely without merit as good players have failed in England during this tough time in the past.
However, City have a depth that should be able to counter this. If Sergio Auero went off the boil, Balotelli or Dzeko would pick up the slack. If Yaya Toure suddenly found the going tough, then Gareth Barry, Owen Hargreaves or Nigel De Jong are there. In the defensive department, it is unlikely that Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott will suffer any adverse effects from the English winter.
So when you look at the evidence it is clear City are not a nailed on certainty to win the league, but they may be a stronger contender than many critics think they are.
