Archive for the ‘Matches’ Category

The Citizens will yet again be without their top striker Emmanuel Adebayor. The Togo international could well have his suspension term stretched further if the F.A. finds him guilty of inciting the visiting fans in that match at the City Stadium. Whatever becomes of that finding, Mark Hughes and his charges must live more days without Adebayor because it is most likely that Togo will make it to the African Cup of Nations finals and he will be away for as long as a month.

After seeing the Hammers fans being found guilty of hurling objects at Millwall players, how come Arsenal fans were not found guilty of the same charge after hurling objects at Emmanuel Adebayor, or was i the only person to see this abuse on TV?

With that versatile but egoistic Robinho still out on the casualty list whilst the wily Stephen Ireland a certain absentee, the two incisors of the City side have been removed leaving only that single fang in the form of Bellamy to get the home side the needed goals

Following that 4-2 home win over the Gunners, City were beaten 3-4 by Man-U in the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford. One can only sympathize with them that that they were robbed of that point when they conceded a goal that is deemed to be outside the realms of the match time, but you win some and you lose some because they could have seized that opportunity to score against their hosts too!

Craig Bellamy had been simply superb at Old Trafford. He netted 2 fantastic goals and had the Red Devils with their backs against the wall with his devastating runs down the left flanks. But coming up against his former club could be a different kettle of fish altogether. That’s because Ilunga, Gabbidon and Upson are fast on the turn unlike the off-form Rio Ferdinand and that could well cut off Bellamy in his tracks.

With Micah Richards most probably out on the casualty list, the speedy Hines and the in-form Carlton Cole could spell big trouble for the home side whilst the newcomer Diamanti could well be the key man with his free kicks.

West Ham United have a habit of winning games that seem unlikely and also losing games that they should easily win, a goal early in the game for the Hammers could be the solution to a shock result victory.

Cmon Yu Irons! Prediction (Shock Result) Man City 1-2 West Ham United

The Match can be seen live free on Goalfanzine TV

This post was submitted by Mike DiAntoni.

Reactions to Saturday’s defeat seem mixed, looking around at other internet forums.
Most conclude, as Zola states in his Manager on Monday column, that we can take a lot of positives from the game. However, a large number question the defensive tactics allegedly adopted by the Irons as well as a number of inadequate performances (particularly by Noble and Kovac) and there is the odd stool out there in cyberspace that is even questioning the Manager’s credibility and credentials, period!

For my own part, I stood there in the Bobby Moore Upper and felt thoroughly entertained. This was a performance far removed from the drab days of Curbishley and even the zero points outcome is acceptable at this stage of a long season.
I never fancied myself as much of an expert on formations so I shall leave that to others to comment on. What I do know is that I witnessed one or two excellent performances on Saturday – Hines and Parker spring immediately to mind.

Hines put in an outstanding performance

Faubert and Cole both played very well too. Illunga and Gabbs were capable, with Diamenti showing well for his hour and Behrami showing glimpses but clearly needing to regain match fitness.
As the saying goes, we’ll play worse this season and win.
As for talk about the ‘R’ word after 5 games – pathetic. We may not uproot any trees this year but no-one is going to convince me that we are one of the 3 poorest sides in that division – not by a long chalk.

Do not miss tonights Carling Cup game Live Leeds United v Liverpool on Goalfanzine.com

It may be smoke-screening, but some of the statements made by Gianfranco on Friday in the build up to the game leave me wondering exactly how progressive and attack minded we are set to be against the Mickey Mousers.
First he came out and said “I know they have good players and I am trying to limit them as much as we can then we will progress to play our football”.
This statement slightly concerns me. I believe that if we attempt to stifle the talents of their flare players, we will inevitably end up conceding and chasing the game. This view was certainly prevalent on many an internet forum earlier on Friday.
By Friday evening, the tone had changed and Zola is quoted as saying:
“I am not going to sacrifice my ideas for three points ….. we will play with good intentions and then we’ll see.”
A subtle shift in emphasis – maybe even a response to some of the posts on sites like Westhamtilidie which urged the irons to be attacking and adventurous.
Like most true West Ham fans, I want to see us have a right good go on Saturday – even if we do lose. Games against the likes of Liverpool are not, at this stage at any rate, going to make or break our season. Not this year.
For the record, I fancy us to get something although I reserve the right to delete this post after I get back from the match if those words prove to be coming from dreamland!

And dont forget the game can be watched LIVE on goalfanzine.com