The emergence of Manchester City

[GVGjr]

The one thing that turns me off the EPL is that typically it's one of 3 clubs with a chance of winning but probably in reality it's just two sides in Man United and Chelsea.

This year Man City has stepped up to be a genuine contender. Is this a good or bad thing for the EPL?

[LostDoggy]

Re: The emergence of Manchester City

The one thing that turns me off the EPL is that typically it's one of 3 clubs with a chance of winning but probably in reality it's just two sides in Man United and Chelsea.

This year Man City has stepped up to be a genuine contender. Is this a good or bad thing for the EPL?

IIRC there is a transfer cap coming in at the end of this season.

ATM it's a good thing that another team has come up to meet Chelsea in the spending range, however in the long term it's a bad thing. These titles are totally manufactured. I can't see how the money spent vs. income generated can be positive when that's the crux of running a business.

Man U have done this well in the last ten+ years whereby they've kept spending in check by only signing big money transfers when needed unlike Chelsea who've had Abramovic feeding through oil money without any care. So many $10-20M players have been bought in and failed in his time. Lower clubs can't compete with this as they run more to a traditional business structure as above.

In the long run a teams liek Arsenal and Tottenham may see the fruits of their frugality when people liek Abramovic, the Saudis and the Thais pull their wallets from the clubs and they no longer can support their unsustainable spending.

The lower lights like Stoke are doing the right thing. Consolidate, stay up, only increase spending when the funds are available at the end of each season and build your base from there.

[Topdog]

Re: The emergence of Manchester City

It's shit. $$$

[Scraggers]

Re: The emergence of Manchester City

6 - 1 was a great result ... Man U's worst loss that I can recall.

I think it's a good thing, and about time too. I was excited last year when my team Sunderland made a great start and were sitting top 4 for a bit, just to finish middle of the table again whilst the power houses dominate. Man City's rise sparks some new interest in EPL.

[Topdog]

Re: The emergence of Manchester City

really? If anything it diminishes interest when a team can literally buy a title. I disliked it with Chelsea and City have just gone over and above Chelsea by about 4 or 5x. There are weeks when 1 City player is earning more than the entire opposition. That is far from interesting in my books.

Was very happy to see Man Utd get smacked around though.

[Twodogs]

Re: The emergence of Manchester City

6 - 1 was a great result ... Man U's worst loss that I can recall.
.

Especially seeing as how it was against City. Southampton beat them 6-3 in 1996 and I think Coventry beat them 5-0 back in the '80s.

[westdog54]

Re: The emergence of Manchester City

really? If anything it diminishes interest when a team can literally buy a title. I disliked it with Chelsea and City have just gone over and above Chelsea by about 4 or 5x. There are weeks when 1 City player is earning more than the entire opposition. That is far from interesting in my books.

This.

Instead of two or three ridiculously cashed up clubs to ensure few others get a look in, there's now four or five.

Was very happy to see Man Utd get smacked around though.

I'll pretend I didn't read that bit

[LostDoggy]

Re: The emergence of Manchester City

Southampton beat them 6-3 in 1996.

And yet Man U went on to win the title!

I think the consistency of Man U is what has been most impressive about Alex Ferguson's time there. Sure they spend consistently large sums for one or two players, and get a couple of thrashings here and there but they keep winning titles. Chelsea can't even boast that type of consistency despite having spent (way more on) their way to the top. Arsenal had their couple of years. Liverpool spend like crazy buggers every year and buy their way to nowhere. Spurs have spent more money than Liverpool and Man U over the last 10 years and haven't bought anything except a CL quarterfinal.

Also, Sir Alex has seen many a challenger off (other than the current Barcelona team). Chelsea were going great guns this time last year too (and were coached by a much better manager than Martinez), yet finished with a whimper behind Man U. Let's wait till Man City actually does anything (other than win a FA Cup against Stoke) before anointing them.

[The Coon Dog]

Re: The emergence of Manchester City

Man City fans are now referring to yesterday as 'Demolition Derby'.

[LostDoggy]

Re: The emergence of Manchester City

Man City fans are now referring to yesterday as 'Demolition Derby'.

Man City have a great record against Man U, though, even in their pre-oil money plaything days.

Shaun-Wright Phillips (remember him?!) ran riot a few years ago when Man City beat Man U 4-0 and did the double against them. I can understand the excitement, having spent a bit of time in the city and living near the Carrington training ground, but this is not a novel occasion.

Well, I guess being on top of the table is. Really, really hate what they've become though -- some of the locals I've talked to have mentioned how it's a completely different club now with the new owners, except in name.

[Topdog]

Re: The emergence of Manchester City

Spurs have spent more money than Liverpool and Man U over the last 10 years and haven't bought anything except a CL quarterfinal.

Spent less than both clubs in the last 10 and more importantly have a wage bill about 1/3 of either of them.

[Twodogs]

Re: The emergence of Manchester City

Shaun-Wright Phillips (remember him?!)

I was looking at his wiki page the other day and was suprised to learn that he is Ian Wright's adopted son. His brother Bradley who is also a pro footballer is Ian's natural son.

[Remi Moses]

Re: The emergence of Manchester City

Man City fans are now referring to yesterday as 'Demolition Derby'.

The season after Keegan's infamous rant about United and Fergie( united won with an exciting batch of youngsters) Newcastle beat Utd 5 Nil at St James. United went on to win the league that season. Until they get anywhere near Utd's record, claims of "This is our City" are a tad premature.

[Remi Moses]

Re: The emergence of Manchester City

Man City have a great record against Man U, though, even in their pre-oil money plaything days.

Shaun-Wright Phillips (remember him?!) ran riot a few years ago when Man City beat Man U 4-0 and did the double against them. I can understand the excitement, having spent a bit of time in the city and living near the Carrington training ground, but this is not a novel occasion.

Well, I guess being on top of the table is. Really, really hate what they've become though -- some of the locals I've talked to have mentioned how it's a completely different club now with the new owners, except in name.

Probably been their "Cup Final" until recently.
Was once the case that Liverpool was United's cup final, but alas the roles are probably reversed now.

[westdog54]

Re: The emergence of Manchester City

The season after Keegan's infamous rant about United and Fergie( united won with an exciting batch of youngsters) Newcastle beat Utd 5 Nil at St James. United went on to win the league that season. Until they get anywhere near Utd's record, claims of "This is our City" are a tad premature.

It strikes me as being very similar to the Adelaide/Port Rivalry. As long as you win the Showdown nothing else matters.