Though City's seemingly unstoppable run through the league has rendered the title race all but a fantasy by now, it's only just mid-December and it would be indecent to not exhibit at least fake enthusiasm for their clash with Spurs at the Etihad. But in reality, apart from a couple of last-gasp wins before their masterclass at Old Trafford, there's been little proof that anyone save a giant meteor can stop Guardiola's troops. Sure, Spurs have some of the fluid pace and defensive solidity that could frustrate the Citizens, and they do seem to have righted the ship after a tricky month of November, but it's hard to see that being enough. But, it's still futbol, and while City has a cushy 11pt lead at the top which even a loss wouldn't imperil, with the busy Xmas-NYE slate on the horizon, a Spurs win would definitely make things more interesting.
EPL Sat 16 Dec 2017 07:30 Leicester - Crystal Palace 10:00 Arsenal - Newcastle 10:00 Brighton - Burnley 10:00 Chelsea - Southampton 10:00 Stoke City - West Ham 10:00 Watford - Huddersfield 12:30 Manchester City - Tottenham Sun 17 Dec 2017 09:15 West Brom - Manchester United 11:30 Bournemouth - Liverpool Mon 18 Dec 2017 15:00 Everton - Swansea
------------------------------ For the record, my teams: MLB: Mets / Soccer: PSG NCAA BB: Arizona / NCAA FB: Michigan NBA: Spurs / NFL: Jets
2. "Spurs 4-1, exposing a major flaw in City's tactics...." In response to Reply # 0
...leading to an unconvincing 2-1 win v. LCFC on Tuesday, and then a shock 0-1 loss to Bournemouth next weekend, in which De Bruyne picks up a groin strain and is scratched for at least six weeks.
Meanwhile, across town, rumors of players' unhappiness with Mourinho's consistently negative tactics become much more than speculation, as De Gea publicly renews his call for a transfer and Martial lets it slip that he feels "imprisoned" at United. A series of uninspiring draws follows, and they begin a long slide down to Europa-zone.
Until this scenario doesn't happen, it's what I assume will happen.
They created fuck all and scored two clank goals from Lukaku fucking up. They're the champions but a masterclass is vastly over blowing how they played.
it is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. - sherlock holmes
dula dibiasi Member since Apr 05th 2004 21925 posts
Mon Dec-18-17 04:31 PM
13. "well yeah. and that would've been a false narrative." In response to Reply # 6
again, city is MILES better than utd. they aren't close. all the underlying data supports this as incontrovertible fact.
city's as complete as any team in europe. man u is flawed AF, and basically living off of unsustainable play from a world class keeper.
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it is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. - sherlock holmes
11. "salah gets all the glory, but there was a lot to like for liverpool yest..." In response to Reply # 0
oxlade-chamberlain's patience seems to have paid off dividends. he had the ball on a string at times yesterday, was seen all over the pitch, and won back a number of challenges that led to chances. i'm not sure if coutinho will be leaving in january, but it's nice to see ox coming into his own in midfield.
andy robertson is also starting to make a name for himself. i thought in previous games he was forcing himself into the position of a wingback, but he made some really intelligent runs and good stops.
the D only looked like collapsing for about five minutes in the first half, instead of 15, and recovered pretty well once defoe's shot hit wood. and lovren scored a goal instead of losing his shit.
and i was happy to see lallana dancing along the touchline again. still a bit of rust to shake off, but he will also be needed if coutinho leaves. and i really hope ings finds a place to shine on loan for the rest of the season.
------ "I can't promise I'll try. But I'll try to try."
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