SIX HITTERS STUN RAGS

Manchester City's stunning 6 -1 defeat of Man U will live long in the memory of us City fans and the rags will try to forget it but will be reminded at every opportunity by gloating Blues. I've probablyf orgotten more derby matches than some have seen, but this will still be rattling round the memory cells for years to come. This wasn't just a defeat, it was an annihalation, the togetherness of the team and the way they fought for each other banished any rumours that we do not have a team ethic. Too a man we were absolutely magnificent, from 1 to 45 we were outstanding. Silva, gave a virtuoso display, he stroked the ball about with a finesse and accuracy that would have had Barca's players looking on in awe. Richards was solid as a rock at the back and a threat going forward, laid the ball up for Aquero's goal. Milner sent a message to Mancini, that smacked of 'drop me if you dare' . He did what he does best. Applied himslf with 100% effort. He was instrumental in setting up 3 of the goals. Kompany (even without De Jong) was awesome. Apart from one little blemish he was impeccable. Lescott was never troubled and stiffled any threat that came his way and even provided an assist for the fifth goal. Clichy was a constant threat down United's left side. Barry and Yaya were also instrumental in protecting the back four without getting the praise they deserved. Sergio wasn't at his best but his sheer presence scared the reds to death. Ballotelli has made some pretty poor behavioural choices since joining City, but he is certainly making his critics eat their words. He is making headlines for all the right reasons, he is simply doing what he was bought for and that is to score goals. Well done Mario! Mancini loves you and so do we! and finally, Mr Dzeko, after a barren spell since his four goal blast at Spurs,  he came off the bench to score two late goals and scorn the chance to hit his second hat trick with a shot over the bar. Nasri also entered the fray and ensured City maintained their stranglehold on the game.

At the final whistle we were surrounded by empty seats, the fans like their team had no answer to what they had just witnessed. We were reminded by a few wayward Norwich fans that the number 19 had some relevance to the days result. The only relevance I could see was that if you turned 19 upside down it would read 6 1!! How ironic that United fans mock Liverpool fans for the five fingered gesture yet seize any and every opportunity to remind everyone that no rag fan can count to twenty. United's record speaks for itself and it is an indelible stain in the history books that cannot be ignored. History cannot be erased but it can be rewritten. And this Manchester City side will endeavour to do just that in the coming years.

Whether you were at the game or watching it on TV, it will be a day to remember, some would say it was the day that sent a massive statement of intent to every Premiership Club, that City were well and truly back. But before we get over excited let's heed a note of caution. Yes we lead the race but with 29 games to go anything can happen. Two defeats can change the whole picture. We are becoming the side everyone wants to beat and that brings it's own pressures. How we cope with that scenario remains to be seen. Pundits and other nobodies are quick to remind us that we have not been here before and question marks remain over our ability to withstand that pressure.So be it, but didn't these same peeps level the same facts prior to our Wembley semi final v the reds? Of course they did. And yes I recollect we won that one as well. Despite all that we do have to move forward with an air of caution and not count our chickens. Bring on the fat lady and let's see where we are when she's silenced.  

Users of this web site do so at their own risk. To the full extent permissible by law Hazel Grove Blues shall have no liability for any damage or loss however it arises resulting from the use of or inability to use this website or any material appearing on it or from any action or decision taken as a result of using the website or any such material.

This website contains links to other sites. If users view such sites they do so at their own risk as Hazel Grove Blues has no control over the content of such sites.

The content of and any views expressed in the personal pages of this Web site are those of the person named and not necessarily those of the Hazel Grove Branch of the Manchester City Supporters Club or of The Manchester City Football Club Official Supporters Club.