It will come as no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed it.

If Martin O'Neill was worrying about motivating his players post OT win, he needn't have bothered. I find the whole Benitez guarantee a bit disrespectful to be honest, and if I do, you can be sure as hell all concerned with the likes of Villa will and they should use that as motivation. Don't get me wrong, this said, I think they'll finish in the four, but I found his arrogance staggering, staggering considering they looked so low on confidence at the weekend once the goal went in.

Name's not mentioned but I'll answer anyway.

I think it's a bold statement by Rafa, and if it doesn't come off, then I think he'll be in a whole heap of trouble. I've heard all this "turned a corner" stuff before. It's not even January and 4th place is now the ultimate aim.

I only want to make one statement - we won't win the PL with Rafa in charge.

If Benitez fails to finish in the top 4 then he'll probably be out anyway. Him giving a guarantee of top 4 qualification now isn't going to make the slightest bit of difference. I think he's saying these things now to ensure that he's actually given a chance of qualifying for the top 4.

Burnley giving Rafa a hand right now.

Landon Donovan to Everton in a Beckham type loan deal.

This definate? Been hearing this one on and off for a few weeks now and keeps going quiet. Only meant to be coming for about two months though.

Quote ="Dan_FC"This definate? Been hearing this one on and off for a few weeks now and keeps going quiet. Only meant to be coming for about two months though.'" During the Live Updates on the BBC's football coverage they said the Press Association were reporting that a "deal had been agreed in principle" for him to come in January. news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/footbal ... 404674.stm

Quote ="Dan_FC"This definate? Been hearing this one on and off for a few weeks now and keeps going quiet. Only meant to be coming for about two months though.'" During the Live Updates on the BBC's football coverage they said the Press Association were reporting that a "deal had been agreed in principle" for him to come in January. news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/footbal ... 404674.stm

Quote ="Lord God Jose Mourinho"During the Live Updates on the BBC's football coverage they said the Press Association were reporting that a "deal had been agreed in principle" for him to come in January. news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/footbal ... 404674.stm'" Not sure how good he is but it's another player in the squad and he can play Europa League too. Not bad for a loan deal, two and a half months is a strange agreement. Moyes has named his team for BATE tomorrow: Nash Coleman Duffy Hibbert (C) Bidwell Osman Forshaw Baxter Rodwell Yakubu Agard

Quote ="Lord God Jose Mourinho"During the Live Updates on the BBC's football coverage they said the Press Association were reporting that a "deal had been agreed in principle" for him to come in January. news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/footbal ... 404674.stm'" Not sure how good he is but it's another player in the squad and he can play Europa League too. Not bad for a loan deal, two and a half months is a strange agreement. Moyes has named his team for BATE tomorrow: Nash Coleman Duffy Hibbert (C) Bidwell Osman Forshaw Baxter Rodwell Yakubu Agard

Where is 'The Goose'?

Noticed this a few weeks back, not seen it said on here; has Robinho put on a bit of weight?

Gosling's injured mate, went off against Athens.

Fairly suprised by his team but can see why he has done it.

Wounded. You have a few players cup tied/not eligible in the Europa, don't you?

Only Neill and Heitinga are ineligible. Although saying that we're really short on defensive cover as it is. I think Neill would have started had he been able purely for match fitness, same reason he's starting Yakubu.

No wonder judging by the lack of running around he did in last nights tonking!

Robinho was anonymous last night.

But also, am i the only one who thinks Adebayor is vastly over-rated? ? ?

I've always thought Adebayor was overrated as well as Bendtner but every 1 in 6 games they do something special which you think wow maybe he is that good but at the highest level that isn't consistent enough. Especially for the price tags and wages they both carry.

The biggest concern for me was that City actually started the game quite well but faded so badly. The criticisms of Robinho & Adebayor are not unfair, but our real problems are at the other end of the pitch.

The need for extra defenders is even greatar now, particularly with Lescott out, Toure off to the Africa Cup of Nations and Sylvinho's limitations highlighted so effectively by Lennon. Unfortunately I cant see many about that are likely to be available that meet City's requirements - defensive minded full backs and centre backs in the Terry/ Vidic mould.

Upson in January?

Pretty poor again last night. First half wasn't too bad and I was impressed with Aurelio and N'gog did well. Second half was torture until the 2nd goal and the difference Torres makes when he is fit is just unbelieveable. Gerrard was fairly anonymous again and I'm wondering if he is playing through some kind of injury as he hasn't been the same since his groin problem a few weeks back.

Just glad they scored so late although N'Zogbia should be playing for a better team than Wigan. Always impresses me and took his goal brilliantly.

Well, after yet another shocking, spinless and gutless display, the only conclusion to draw is that our manager simply has to go.

The alarming thing is, after £250 million, we are not only no better but, in some respects worse. That performance last night was of a relegation threatened team and, if it had not been for Shay Given, this season, that's where we would be.

The only decent signings he has made have been Given, Bellamy, de Jong and Tevez. Adebayor and Robinho were an utter disgrace, again. Toure, Lescott, Bridge, Sylvinho, Santa Cruz, Zabaleta etc, nobody else wanted and it's easy to see why. Even Barry and Kompany are vastly over rated.

Can we afford to let him waste another load of millions in January? I think not but rest assured we will!

After Shankly day yesterday some cracking Shankly [url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11096_5772987,00.htmlQuotes[/url

Our problem is that we have too many "second centrebacks", previously known as sweepers, and not enough of the dominant types. That's why Lescott & Toure cant form a solid partnership and why Toure & Onuoha were so bad, as summed up by Spurs' second goal. Adding Upson to the mix probably wouldnt solve that problem.

Unlike DD I dont blame Hughes' recruitment policy for our weaknesses (although I havent always been convinced by by his team selection, tactics and substitutions). Even with City's wealth you can only buy the players that are available. Hughes' pursuit of John Terry in the summer showed that he recognised the need for that type of player, we just werent able to sign him. As I said in my previous post, I dont see any available defenders of the type we need that we have ignored. All of the top managers have made signings that they wouldnt wish to be reminded of. And when you are having to sign as many players in such a short space of time as Hughes has, its inevitable that some of them wont work out.

Yesterday's result in itself shouldnt cost Hughes his job, but the home draws against Burnley, Fulham & Hull are still hanging over his head. City's next fixtures are Sunderland & Stoke at home, folowed by Wolves away. I suspect City need maximum points if MH is to keep his job.

Man in suit approaches...

"How would you like to manage the greatest team in the world, the men in red"

Bill Shankly

"I didnt know Matt Busby had resigned"


Easily his best quote.

Dick Mar Van Nostrilboy to Liverpool.

Green Army.