Boring boring city was the cheer by opposing fans last season. Now, boring boring city is a sarcastic cheer that will be echoed by the sky blue half of Manchester City. This was not a win, but a statement by the noisy neighbors. And let’s stop calling City the noisy neighbors, because they are presently screaming into the ears of the Premier league telling everyone to get out of their way. After yesterday’s win, anyone questioning City needs to stop and think before they start talking.
First, let’s stop questioning Mancini’s tactics. There is a reason why Mancini won three straight titles while with Inter Milan. The Italian manager’s tactics have always been sound. If he takes off Johnson before the second half and replaces him with Gareth Barry he knows something we do not know. Look what happened yestarday, Mancini took off both his goal scorers and his squad went on to score three more goals. He also outcoached Sir Alex Ferguson, which not many managers can say.
Next in the line is Mario Balotelli’s talent. Sure, his life may seem more like some scripted crazy reality show, but the man is class. This performance was Super Mario’s way of voicing to the world that he is one of the best strikers in the world. He has all the physical tools, and might just be the best striker in Manchester. The Italian already has six goals this season, and will look to continue his break out year. While Balotelli is questioning, “why always me,” everyone else needs to just keep their eyes on Super Mario and enjoy the madness.
And finally, after beating United 6-1 I doubt anyone will continue to question, is City good enough? Sure, United was down a man, but it was because of a beautiful passing play by City that forced Jonny Evans to take down Balotelli. Add in the fact that the last time an opposing club scored more than six goals against United at home was in 1930 making this win even more spectacular for City.
Losing 6-1 in your own stadium just cannot happen to a club who has won 19 Premier League titles club against their rivals. Looking back on this game the score line should not be the significant factor, but the fact that City forced a Sir Alex Ferguson team to just give up with three minutes remaining is. City fans deserve to celebrate tonight’s win, while United fans might want to do the unthinkable and question a Ferguson coached team’s heart.