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In the aftermath of City’s 3-0 win against Stoke, I looked at the next two games and believed they would indicate to all City fans whether this current squad has the mental and physical consistency required to press on up the league.
Winter away games at Middlesbrough and Bolton are the acid test of a side’s ability to battle, contain and eventually break down physical, well organised teams in freezing conditions. And sadly at the Riverside City fell short of what was required to win.
Gone was the second half swagger against Stoke, replaced with a disjointed performance lacking rhythm and purpose although Mark Hughes will be encouraged by the
fact that even when performing poorly, four or five excellent goalscoring opportunities were still created.
Ross Turnbull’s outstanding goal-keeping saw the Blues confidence ebb away and each miss served only to encourage Boro, a team destined for nothing better than a mid-table finish, into believing it was their night and although 2-0 flattered them, they took full advantage when chances came their way.
The home side’s win was down to not only City’s wastefulness but also some dubious refereeing as Danny Sturridge’s clumsy challenge on David Wheater was considered a penalty although I felt the foul was ALONGSIDE the area and not IN it.
Micah Richards selection in place of Javi Garrido at left-back surprised me and after an uncomfortable evening, I wouldn’t expect to see him playing there at the Reebok this Sunday.
Pablo Zabaleta makes a timely return from suspension and Mark Hughes may switch him to left-back as he searches for the back four blend which would provide some much needed stability.
The left-back berth is a problem and the New Year will surely see a recognised defender arrive to fill the void but at this point in time, January looks a long way off.
City will have to make do in the meantime…I just wish I’d kept my old boots as the aging Chinch could be just what the Blues need to solve the problem!
Sunday’s opponents Bolton will look to compound City’s misery although the Trotters could start the game rock-bottom of the League which brings it’s own pressure and they will desperately need at least a point from the game.
Even after just 10 games, Gary Megson knows he faces a long struggle to avoid relegation and after playing alongside ‘The Ginger Mourinho’ early in my City career, I know first-hand his passion for the game and urge the Bolton crowd to support him now more than ever and pull together to avoid the dreaded drop.
City’s last trip to the Reebok back in March ended goalless giving us a taste of what’s in store this weekend, but if the Trotters do scrape an unlikely win, it would turn the heat up on a City side getting rapidly bogged down in mid-table obscurity.
A no-score bore in arctic conditions…what a delightful way to spend an afternoon!
The Chinch predicts: Bolton 0- 0 City
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Join me tomorrow November 2 from three o’clock, LIVE from THE REEBOK STADIUM as the Blues face BOLTON.
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