Manchester City and Brazil are miles apart geographically, yet of late the two have been mentioned in the same breath on numerous occasions. And no it's not the comparable climates nor the Copa Cabana v Salford Quays or the Gay Pride festivals that are the topics of discussion, but the irresistable Robinho, Jo and Elano.They have become the talking points. Our Samba boys, in particular, Jo and Robinho are setting the Blue half of Manchester alight. Even the Rags have had to concede the impression they have made so far!

Sunday's display against a poor Pompey side (on the day) was a pleasure to watch. It was bordering on fantasy football.Those silky Brazilian skills had you purring in your seat. SWP is relishing his return home. His goal was sublime and his back heel for Ched Evans goal had a hint of the South Americas to it. Stevie ' a man of a thousand guises' Ireland, ran Portsmouth ragged. One of his best ever performances in a blue shirt by a country mile. Kompany's outstanding form continues and his signing could prove to be one of the seasons bargain buys. Zabaleta looked like the full back Hughes said he was.

Following our maulings at Chelsea and 'Boro respectively last term it was so refreshing to be dishing it out! This was our best ever Premier League win and I believe our best in top flight football for nearly 40 years. No wonder Mark Hughes described it as his best ever performance as a manager. It was by any standards a 6 star performance.A game that must have made pleasant viewing for our new chairman. The euphoria accompanying the result and performance was expected but caution must prevail. Just as one swallow doesn't make a summer, one superb performance doesn't make us champions elect. But this was a step in the right direction and this level of performance has to be maintained on as many occasions as possible. The Chelsea game was a reminder of what needs to be done and proved that there is a lot of ground to make up on the current top four incumbents. If we can continue to improve and stay in touch with the recognised top four and are able to strenghthen the squad in the January sales plus the return to fitness of those players injured then who knows where we could finish.

Despite my elation following Sundays win I have to say that I was disappointed with the attendance. The 7000 down on the Chelsea game probably equates to 5500 given the meagre following from Fratton Park. I understand the media frenzy following the take over and Robinho's signing generated additional interest in the game but surely a 3-1 defeat to the possible champions elect wasn't such a disgrace given our overall performance. City fans have had their hopes raised numerous times but it is only the individual who sets his or her expectancy levels. Accept that there are going to be hiccups along the way - it wouldn't be City if there wasn't - but be patient and we will make progress even if it's not as rapid as we would like. So come on blues...don't just talk about being massive...make us massive and get your arses down to Eastlands and get behind the lads and lets make the stadium rock as it did in the second half v Pompey. The futures definitely Blue with a big hint of Brazilian Yellow!

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A CASE OF SHORT MEMORIES

Went into work today (Thurs) and listened to the rag fans getting all hysterical over that shocking tackle by 'Boro's Pogatetz on young United player, Rodrigo Possebon. It was a horror tackle and was a potential career threatening challenge. The red card was more than justified. Just as Keanes was after his assault on Haaland at Old Trafford. How the selective memory syndrome affects football fans when it suits!

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