Whatever your personal take on Mourinho's continued stance that Chelsea Team Doctor, Eva Carneiro, was in breach of team protocol by aiding a prostate Edin Hazard in the final minutes of Chelsea's opening draw with Swansea; one thing is clear, Mourinho is worried. By what no one really knows. The fact that his subsequent histrionics have served not only to take the heat off his underperforming players, but also other title contenders with their own slow starts, is quite astonishing. On any other weekend a home defeat for Arsenal to the Hammers, and unconvincing 1-0 wins for Liverpool and United, would tie up lots of column inches in the press, not this week. This week was all about a very public, and continued, dressing down of a female professional member of staff for not ignoring the referee's call to treat Hazard. Bizarre.
Also largely underplayed in the media has been the potent display from the Citizens in the 0-3 win over West Brom at the Hawthorns. In a far better exhibition of one touch football than even the most optimistic of blues would have dared predict before the game, City outplayed their hosts for 90 minutes with 69% of possession and 692 passes completed; 211 more than any other EPL team over the opening weekend. More than that, the team was both cohesive and decisive throughout. Although Spanish Dave and Yaya stood out (scoring the first and second goals respectively), all of the players had good solid games. Kolarov, was a particular highlight working well with new boy Sterling, as was Vincent who rounded off an accomplished display by scoring the third goal FROM A CORNER!?!?!?
All of the above leads nicely to City's first home game vs. Chelsea, on Sunday 16th August (KO 16:00). The newly extended south stand will mean a record attendance for the Etihad, and whilst not troubling the record English attendance set by City in 1934 at Maine Road (84,569), the place will still be buzzing with anticipation and optimism. Whether this will mean a win to lay down an early marker against Chelsea (who will be 5 points behind if it happens) and other title contenders, is of course anyone's guess - this is City after all - and perhaps Mourinho's mind games will actually work? But I for one feel much more confident than when I made my last post! ... Ooh Matron!
@l0ngwayfr0mh0me
Etihad Stadium Manchester
