Thank you Man City and Monaco; we’re in love again
Excellent mailbox. Now keep sending mails to theeditor@football365.com
Question of the day
It may have been said before, but could someone explain to me the difference between Guardiola and Kevin Keegan please?
Stewart
Request of the day
That was awesome. What a match. Can all matches be like that please?
Gavin, a United that thoroughly enjoyed that!
Glory be to the diving header
Can we just take a moment to appreciate a moment of retro finishing by Falcao last night.
There’s not many better sights than seeing a goal scored from a proper diving header. My childhood was full of these glorious images. Keith Houchen in the 87 cup final still remains one of my favourite ever goals.
When and why did the diving header become so rare?
DazzaT8, LFC Fan, Calderdale
…It’s been ages since I’ve seen something like that, the last rare occurrence was back in 2014 I guess.
Nope, neither the epic football encounter, nor a high scoring football match, but a DIVING HEADER!
Used to have a lot back then (thanks Mr. Larsson), now its a rarity. Surely a top ten compilation is due?
Syfq Amr, a bias Gooner
I want that back please
I really miss real European football. City/Monaco was as good as United’s 3-3 draws with Barca in the Treble season.
Chris MUFC
Winners and losers from just one game
Winners
Man City
A 5-3 score line means that City go into the near leg of this tie with a two-goal head start. Almost makes up for having to score four away goals if Monaco win their home game.
Leroy Sane
Mercurial last night. Plaudits are due elsewhere but that kid will go places. His decision making is impeccable. He carries the ball with poise and grace. City’s stand-out player last season was Kevin de Bruyne but with Sane operating on the left flank, balance. Silva also deserves a mention.
Kun Aguero.
Sublime.
If only one goal tells of how sublime El kun is its his second of the night when the keeper saw and watched him line up the shot and pose for a block, but the ball was so well struck that it must have had subasic wondering if he was mad of ectoplasm. The ball practically went through him without touching him. Sterling deserves a mention as well.
Peps half-time talk.
Don’t know what he said to them but if City can master their entire game like they did in that second half then they might be unto something. I predicted a City win with lots of goals (everyone did) but not one expected such a rollercoaster.
Falcao
A friend told me about Falcao’s form coming into the game and he did not disappoint (barring the penalty miss) a diving header and a beautiful chip. Had he scored the penalty it would have been his night and not City’s. Another testament to what they say about format and class. Mbappe was good too.
Monaco and away goals.
A two-goal deficit, but three away goals. Enough to work with? Over to you Mr Jardim.
Losers
Monaco and game management.
They had the game in the bag. Could have gone back home with something. It should have been easy to just sit back and hit City on the break. They let it get away from them. Even either the penalty miss they should still have managed a draw at the very least.
Defending
We may blame Stones and Otamendi and condemn them to flop land, but we can’t say any better for the way Monaco defended. They were even worse. The score line might have been exciting but it does not say much for either team’s chances of winning this competition. Not with such defensive frailties.
Defenders
I mean it was so bad that I have to put this in another category.
Stones is young and needs more experience. Otamendi should be benched or sold. Organisation and calm is a big part of defending, but Otamendi defends as though he is the only defender and not in a good way. The effort is there obviously, but as far as headless chickens go…
As for Monaco, they should have won but for their inability to manage their lead. Double losers.
Antonio matteu.
The referee seemed to be enjoying the game so much that he just let loose. Can’t really say he had a bad game, but had the result gone against City, there would be a lot of disgruntled fans in the blue half of Manchester. At least he got the Aguero yellow right. Gotta love CL refs. Better but worse. (hello Ovrebo)
Paul, CFC
(Man that was hard. Kudos to you guys who have to draw 16 Conclusions from every big game even the boring ones)
Stones: Performance art
I know he scored but that doesn’t compensate for what a truly awful defender John Stones is. Every time I watch him play I become more and more convinced he’s not actually a professional footballer but rather a performance artist/prankster’s long-drawn out project to show just how over-hyped and over-valued young English players are and that Guardiola is just the victim of a new series of Real Hustle.
Simon Clarke
…Of course Stones had to go and score a goal to try and change my opinion of him. I’d still rather my defenders know how to defend instead of seeking redemption at the far post.
Eoin (he’ll score again and make me look an even bigger fool) Ireland
Wow…what a bloody game
I was lucky enough to be at the City game last night and well, what a game! Thought I’d write in with a few observations:
– First off the atmosphere was electric, as you’d expect with a game like that, the South Stand was absolutely rocking and we got fully caught up in it. The Monaco fans weren’t the loudest I’ve seen here [hats off to Gladbach] but they gave a good account of themselves and as far as I saw I didn’t see any trouble around the city, chatting to a few both during the day and after the match and they all seemed like a good bunch. It was an incredible game for a neutral and I’m usually another of the tourist fans that contribute to the lack of noise around the stadium, but last night I couldn’t help but be a City fan for the evening, the game really had it all.
– City’s tactic of switching to a back three when attacking with Fernandinho pushing into midfield was delightful and made them look so dangerous going forward, but they were consistently exposed down the left as Monaco looked to expose the space as the back four shuffled over. When Pep brought Zabaleta on I expected that was to counter that however Sagna often did the same although not so much of an issue when he switched to the right…
– Zabaleta was really poor, my mate commented pretty soon after he came on saying he looks like he’s been playing a hundred minutes already. Regularly caught out of position, seemed far too casual and next to Stones who looked lacked awareness consistently was a disaster waiting to happen, and it duly did. Monaco continued to enjoy attacking down the left flank.
– We debated it heavily after the game and it was hard to pick between Sterling and Aguero for City’s best player, Sterling made some excellent runs, his link-up play was spot on and he deserved his goal. We settled on Aguero though, as well as his two goals, he dropped deep for the ball at the right times, tracking back successfully and making a handful of notably important tackles. He looked like he playing with a real point to prove and his volley was really well taken.
– That Mbappe can really play. I hope the Arsenal links are true, but I’ve grown cynically accustomed not to pay any particular heed to gossip surrounding us until they’ve signed on the line that is dotted. Monaco played some quick transitions and harried City’s back line incessantly having some real joy in the opening stages of the game in particular. Falcao must be really glad to have seen the back of England, that experiment really didn’t work out and I think coming in so quickly off the back of that injury really got him off to a less than ideal start. He looks back to his best and despite a poorly taken penalty played really well and to put away that lob at such close quarters lob was sublime. By far and away the best goal of the night.
– Back to Stones, I’m by no means writing him off. He must have shown a lot of promise to all his coaches and the scouts that have seen him to have risen through the game the way he has, but there surely has to come a point where that potential actually translates into something? For large parts of the game he played like he didn’t have a defensive bone in his body, and the whole stadium saw that cut in and shoot coming from a mile off. He seemed genuinely gutted after it and you had to feel for him, glad he got his redemption with the goal.
I’ve been to the Etihad a few times since moving to Manchester and I’ve caught some brilliant games here – the Liverpool 4-1, the Chelsea game this season and 2-2 Arsenal the last [for which I was sat in the home end right by the away fans and had to pretend to be a City fan all game. It was poorly thought through, a surreal and mostly unpleasant experience] but this was by far the best of the bunch and what the Champions League is all about!
Joe, AFC, Manchester [You signed Phil Jones, we signed Kun Aguero, Kun Aguero]
…Quite possibly one of the best football matches ever. Yeah there was some really shoddy defending.
However, most people watch football for entertainment purposes, I defy anyone to say that wasn’t entertaining.
The are also serious issues that need addressing, but as has been said by both Mourinho and Pep, you can’t change a whole team in one season.
So I’m not going to write about them, enough people will be paid to do so in the press.
Being a City fan for 20+ years, I have seen my fair share of crazy emotional rollercoaster style games but last night was on another level.
After the first goal I was very happy, fantastic skill from Sane and good composure from Sterling. Then Willy and the defence happened and it was suddenly 1-2 Monaco.
Little side point, it was really good to see Falcao back to full health and looking sharp. The man was a beast before his injury a few years back.
After a quick half time breather, it was 2-2, Sergio! Sergio! Get in, we are back in this!
Then Falcao again 2-3, with a sublime finish after making Stones look like a child, and I’m thinking that’s it we’re done. Cue lots of stick off people.
BUT NO!
The boys only went and pulled out one of the best comebacks ever out the bag. Aguero with a lovely finish, then Stones with a nice goal to redeem himself.
Then to top it off, Sergio Aguero on a hat-trick. Having been quite greedy at times recently, plays the ball to Sane who scores and the place erupts, I erupt, my United-supporting brother erupts.
It’s 5-3 to City and I’m a mess, I felt like laughing and crying at the same time.
That Ladies and Gentlemen is why Football is the greatest game on the planet.
In 90 minutes you can experience nearly every emotion possible. Not many other things in life can claim that.
I have no clue how the second leg will go. We need to pull out a defensive masterclass, but that isn’t likely. So maybe we will need to outscore the best attack in Europe…again.
DANNY B – MCR – MCFC (Our first great European night?)
…I was at the Etihad last night to witness one of the best games I’ve seen there. If football is about anything it’s about being able, on occasion, to watch a game like that and hope that the next one you go to makes you feel just as good. I’ve been lucky enough to have a few of those over the last few years but this was probably the best yet. Even at 2-1 and 3-2 down I had to admit is was breathtaking to watch and Monaco were outstanding at times. The quality of their final ball into the box was the best I think I’ve seen.
But a huge amount of credit should go to the City players. There aren’t many teams that could go toe to toe with Monaco in terms of attacking intent and it made for a fantastic game of basketball-football. There have been more important games and more relevant results in terms of trophies of course, but that was 90 minutes about the game, not about the tie or the competition, just about the game.
Sure there was terrible defending and listening to the radio on the way home you’d think the whole point of football was to eke out a lifeless 0-0 for the purists. But seeing John Stones redeem himself with a goal that was all about will power and Willy doing what he does best, which is save penalties and Sane slaloming through the Monaco defence. Wow, I mean, just wow. But to be fair Falcao’s finish got more than a few appreciative nods in the stands and Bernardo Silva was outstanding for Monaco. And don’t get me started wth Mbappe.
And 10 bookings across both teams. I can barely remember a bad foul. It just felt like both teams were resigned to the fact that the only way they could stop the other was by taking a booking for a tug or a trip.
I know it’s only half over and I know we could easily be dicked over there or indeed go through 10-10 on away goals, but last night was all about a fantastic game with some brilliant players going at it for 90 minutes in a small microcosm of pure football drama. The players knew it too, so when they raised their arms at the end, it wasn’t because they thought ‘job done’, it was because they were acknowledging they had been part of a simple, beautiful game football and whatever else happens this season it was a real acknowledgment of, and connection to, the fans.
It’s why I go to football matches. It’s why I bother watching any football at all to be honest. You just hope you get to see a game played the way kids play football.
Steve, Manchester
In defence of CL games on BT
In response to SW’s claim that the MNC vs Monaco game should have been on free to air TV I’d like to actually praise the coverage that it did get. I’m not going to disagree that it should have been on terrestrial TV but there is an awful lot to commend about BT’s coverage.
I tend to watch my football on my tablet, propped up next to my monitor while I’m on my PC or catching up on work on my laptop of an evening (because I’m a boring working dad). The best thing about the service they offer is that I have the option of flicking between all of the games that are in progress and also scrolling backwards to see any goals that may have been scored, as well as yellow or red cards.
If the games are boring then I can concentrate on my other screens, but if there is a goal or flashpoint then I can go and review that and decide if I want to watch the rest of the game. Yes, it comes at a premium of £20-odd but the convenience makes it worthwhile for me.
I’m not saying that BT Sport is a must for everyone, but it is definitely an object lesson in how games can be presented that Sky, ITV, BBC and possibly Channel 4 next year simply don’t do.
Phil, THFC
Sad state of affairs for Hong Kong football
So, with the arrival of play-off rounds in European cup competitions, the group stages of the Asian Champions League is starting this week too. After a long long absence, a representative from the Hong Kong Premier League is in the group stages this season. It should be a great thing for Hong Kong football fans, however, due to poor management and handling of matters, things are turning sour very quickly…
It started before the beginning of this season, when Eastern, last season’s champions, held a press conference stating that due to investment and sponsorship issues, the club will part with all foreign players and high earners, leaving only a core of youngsters to participate in the league, at the same time withdrawing from the Asian Champions League, passing on the spot to last season’s runners-up, Kitchee.
In preparation for the Asian Champion League, Kitchee then started scouting and eventually brought in a few quality players from Europe, only for Eastern to hold another press conference right before the registration deadline to announce that they have solved the sponsorship issues and will take their place in the Asian Champions League back.
What’s more, for tonight’s match away to Guangzhou Evergrande, Eastern announced two days ago that all travelling fans will not be admitted to the stadium even with the tickets, without giving a proper reason why, just saying it’s an arrangement from the home side and they will provide a compensation of 3000 dollars (that’s about 320 pounds) to each of the ticket holders. Rumours has it that the Chinese government is worried that part of the travelling group will include some Hong Kong people who resented the Chinese government and may display banners or perform actions to show their resentment during the match. Meanwhile, the rule of allocating a certain % of seats to away fans is completely ignored.
As for the home leg next month, tickets went on sale last week, without any restrictions. As a result, half of the 6000 tickets found their way to the hands of the Guangzhou Evergrande fans, meaning half of the 6000-seat stadium could possibly be filled with away fans. That would be a really spectacular sight indeed….
Sam S., Hong Kong
A long, sad mail about Derby
I know there’s not a wealth of Championship correspondence in the Mailbox, so I thought I’d email to sum up my current thoughts about my team, Derby County. Having just got in from watching us play our first ever home league fixture against Burton Albion, with Nigel Clough returning for the first time since he was sacked, this seemed like a good time to reflect on a few things.
Firstly, and obviously, Burton have done an incredible job to come as far as they have, and were absolutely brilliant tonight. Their fans were fantastic, they defended brilliantly, they got it, barring the lack of a goal, just right. We were poor, but nothing should be taken away from Burton. Some Derby fans seem to think of it as humiliating that we are in the same league as them, but it’s clearly something that says a whole lot more about Burton than it does about us.
Secondly, in the lead-up to this game I’ve heard and read a lot of Derby fans saying it’s all been downhill since we sacked Clough. I have a lot of respect for Nigel Clough and the job he did with us, but that’s clearly rubbish. He guided us through a very difficult time, and without him we could easily be a division or two lower than we are now, but he hit a glass ceiling in terms of what he could achieve with the players he’d brought in. If any Derby fan would trade the last three and a half years, regardless of how those seasons have ended, for attritional football in lower mid-table with an ever-changing cast of anonymous loanees, I’d want to know what they’re smoking.
My first match was in 1997, so this is my 20th season supporting Derby. This puts me at the younger end of the spectrum, too young to have enjoyed our glory years for certain, but 20 years is still a long time. In that time we have managed four play-off finishes. Two have come in the last three full seasons. Between 1999 (the end of our last ‘golden period’, and one I remember but was too young to really appreciate) and Steve McClaren’s first appointment in 2013, we managed a grand total of four top-half finishes. The last three seasons we’ve finished 3rd, 8th and 5th. By the standards of the last 20 years the last few years have been a veritable golden age for us.
Now, obviously, things are not entirely rosy. We’ve had far too much managerial instability. Since McClaren was sacked we’ve spent vast amounts of money to end up with a squad that’s arguably weaker than the one he left us with. In the short term, we’re on a poor run of form and can, at best, now enter the ‘there’s always next year’ period. But to hear some of our fans you’d think we were in a worse state than Coventry or Blackpool, to pick a couple of examples.
You hear often from pundits how fans of teams like Newcastle and West Ham have a certain reputation for getting on the backs of their players. We hear that away teams are told, when visiting these clubs, to keep the opposition at bay for 15 minutes, and the crowd will turn. They’ll boo and nag their own players until they make mistakes. I’d eat my hat if teams don’t get these instructions when they visit Derby, and with good reason. Tonight I heard boos because of an overhit pass in the fifth minute. One man who sits down the row from me has been known to boo after wins before. It’s a toxic atmosphere and there’s no way it can be a positive thing.
I look up at the teams in the play-offs. Reading, Huddersfield and Leeds all have one thing in common: they’ve been crap for the last few years. That means that, this season, now they’re doing well, there’s a greater degree of excitement and faith and just sheer joy about them than teams who expect to be challenging for promotion every season. We had that in the 2013/14 season. It’s a cliché but there was a carnival atmosphere at the stadium. The whole city seemed excited. The moment we lost the play-off final, it dissipated. It went from being a novelty to an expectation that we would win. When we didn’t win, the angrier sections of the crowd could immediately point to the fact that we’d beaten the same team last season. The word ‘bottle’ suddenly started getting thrown around willy-nilly. There’s an argument that, for the first half of that season, before we slipped and fell out of the play-offs, we’d been a better side than the season before, and yet it was no fun. That’s the key theme of supporting Derby for the last few years. Even though this should have been a golden era, except for one season it’s been no fun, because expectations have sky-rocketed beyond reality.
So where are we now? Not good enough to go up, frankly. We’re a hodge-podge of four different managers’ signings, all signed with the intention of changing our style of play, a style abandoned with each sacking. Some fans – the fans who were quiet when we were climbing from the relegation zone to the play-offs and breaking club records for consecutive clean sheets a couple of months ago – want McClaren gone, or are now insisting they never wanted him back. Of all the managers we’ve gone through in the last few years there’s none I’d trust more to take us up, but he needs to be given time to fix the squad. I have a feeling that, for all that we’ve bemoaned our knee-jerk sackings – well, maybe not Nigel Pearson’s – a lot of fans don’t want that time to be given. I hope I’m wrong and it’s just a vocal minority. Unfortunately they’re very vocal.
This is all a bit long and rambling, I know, but the basic point is this: I’ve been supporting Derby County for a fifth of a century, and while I love them dearly we have been, for that time, just another club, in the grand scheme of things. It’s a shame that a lot of our fans are happy to turn us into ‘one of those clubs’.
JM, DCFC
Always liked that John Murray
Whilst listening to the always erudite John Murray discussing ‘piegate’ (urgh) on 5live last night it occured to me “Bloody hell he sounds like the mailbox last week”.
Deftly avoiding the asinine subject of an idiot ruining his ‘career’ in thrall to a betting corporation Murray turned the discussion towards the real problems of obscene amounts of money washing through the game thanks to said bookies.
He then, affirming my suspicion, namechecked Jonny Nic’s piece last week. So I just wanted to say John, if you are reading, love your work, keep on keeping on.
TGWolf (Bugger a selfie, I’ll shout aimlessly into the void instead) THFC