What to make of it, and where does it leave us? Well let’s have a look at the two talking points.

After the match Wenger said he didn’t see Adebayor kick Van Persie, and there’s an ...]]> From the media maelstrom following last Saturday’s match, you could be forgiven for thinking it was Emmanuel Adebayor alone who took on Arsenal in a bloody battle of wills and egos, rather than a whole City team that performed their gameplan to the letter.

What to make of it, and where does it leave us? Well let’s have a look at the two talking points.

Catching Van Persie

After the match Wenger said he didn’t see Adebayor kick Van Persie, and there’s an irony here in that the Frenchman was for once speaking for everyone as I think we all missed it at the time (with the exception of Van Persie who could hardly have had a closer view). On the way out of the game, nobody was even mentioning it, but once the TV replays came into their own it was another story.

For what it’s worth, I don’t think it was a ‘stamp’. It appeared more like a rake with the tip of the boot, though Van Persie’s face looked like it had been caught by studs. Obviously if Van Persie hadn’t have lunged at Adebayor, his head wouldn’t have been there.

It could be argued that Adebayor’s biggest mistake was in making contact. Van Persie said, “the contact was only centimetres from my eye”. Maybe, but likewise a couple of centimetres further away and there would have been no contact. The incident wouldn’t then have had so much as a TV replay and a national talking point / witchhunt would never have happened. There were plenty of other dubious challenges in the game, some of which were aimed at Adebayor, that could also have resulted in injury had they connected.

Only Adebayor will know the level of intent. His foot did appear to flick out slightly as it was coming down, and that looks to have been enough to get him a three match ban. It also appeared to be a heat of the moment reaction to Van Persie’s challenge rather than pre-meditated. This is something Hughes will want to look at with Adebayor. The player will now be targeted by opponents and fans in his next few games, and whenever he plays Arsenal. The ability to retain his composure and withstand any abuse is going to be essential.

The Thierry Henry goal celebration tribute

Thierry Henry, 16 Nov 2002

As you may guess from the heading, I wasn’t overwhelmed with outrage by Adebayor’s goal celebration. Like many City fans at the game I cheered the goal then saw him set off on his run. In our elated state, there was certainly an element of cheering him on to be discerned as he charged downfield. I recall having some concern at what he might he do when he reached the Arsenal fans, but he stopped short of leaving the pitch by utilising his trademark kneeslide. It was his moment, and he overdid it, but it felt like the theatre of football.

Maybe he shouldn’t have done it, but those giving him abuse, particularly racial abuse should know better as well. As intimated above, there was a certain irony in the celebration imitating one of Thierry Henry’s most famous efforts in a North London derby: after scoring at the Clock End of Highbury, the Frenchman ran the length of the pitch, before coming to a halt with a kneeslide in front of the Spurs fans.

As you can see the from the picture, the Spurs fans weren’t to enamoured either, although in comparison to the scenes on Saturday, it could be argued they took it on the chin rather well. Maybe that was why Henry heard nothing from the FA about his celebration.

What has subsequently upset a lot of City fans, is the singling out of Adebayor for condemnation when Van Persie left the field of play and swore at City supporters for his goal celebration. In his eagerly written statement, the Dutchman expressed a bit of a double standard in condemning Adebayor for showing “a real lack of class to … the fans”.

The FA appear mindful of keeping Van Persie’s celebration separate, by stating their charge of improper conduct for Adebayor is for “turning and running the full length of the pitch to celebrate”, rather than the actual celebration.

Reaction to the reaction

I’m not going to pretend to be particularly shocked or outraged by Van Persie’s injury. For as long as football has existed, players have been kicking lumps out of each other. Those who find it abhorrant would be best advised to find another sport to follow as similar incidents will doubtless happen again in the future. Likewise, expressing outrage is a long established media practice, only it’s something that has increased exponentially with the growing number of  columnists, pundits, phone-ins, bloggers, forum posters and everybody else in our communication saturated world.

With regard to goal celebrations, I’ve always thought there’s a case for deliberately aiming a celebration at opposing fans to be made a bookable offence. It can incite fans, and is far worse than a player taking his shirt off. I’ve never really understood the need to book someone for that.

It remains to be seen whether City break into the ‘top four’ in the Premier League this season, but we’ve clearly made it in terms of media coverage. The effect can be bewildering to those who remember times, not so long ago, outside the top tier when we’d struggle to get so much as a column inch in the national press.

The role of Mark Hughes in all this

How Mark Hughes deals with this situation, and the big talent / big ego players of a top level club is already being flagged up. In terms of Saturday’s incidents, Hughes is straight out of the Fergie school of standing up for your players in public. This was evident in his time as Blackburn manager when the team were accused of being overly-physical. It can leave him open to criticism of myopic bias and failing to recognise the issue, but given the level of often hysterical reaction elsewhere to Adebayor, most City fans will be happy to see him defend our corner in his usual measured tones.

Like Ferguson, what he does in private is another matter. Cantona (after his kung-fu kick), Beckham (after his World Cup sending off),  and Ronaldo (after Rooney’s World Cup sending off) all came back strongly, having doubtless been told by Fergie to focus on their game and not respond to baiting – all that stuff about seige mentalities, etc. Quite possibly Hughes will try and go down a similar path. He’ll need to be firm enough with Adebayor to make the player think twice before getting involved in further controversy, while also ensuring the Togolese remains committed to the cause.

We want more of the goalscoring Adebayor we’ve already seen and not a return to the lacklustre Adebayor of last season. Hughes will be crucial in this, and it will be a big plus for the manager’s credentials if he can pull it off.

The derby

City will almost certainly be going into the derby without Adebayor, which is likely to leave Craig Bellamy playing as a lone striker. Much as we’ve been impressed by Bellers, it’s hard to see him getting any change out of Vidic and Ferdinand on his own. This is now our biggest concern going into the weekend.

Moving Bellamy to centre-forward and playing Petrov on the wing weakens us defensively, but the Bulgarian has looked in good form recently, and should be bursting to show his quality going forward. He’s also capable of long raking passes that Bellamy can run onto and burst free of United’s defenders. This could be our best hope for goals.

Hughes may be tempted to take a chance on Tevez if the Argentinian thinks he can play, but he’s only likely to be half fit, and United won’t exactly be going easy on him. It could be a mistake to try and push him.

The absence of a target man makes our derby team look to similar to that of last season for comfort. Optimism will be dampened as we look to our midfield and defence to grind out a result.

Richards – Another improved performance. Used his strength well against Diaby. Deserves to be credited with the opening goal. Showed Wright-Phillips how it’s done in the second half, beating a defender and teeing up Bellamy for the vital second. 8

Toure – Arguably the best defender on show. Kolo retained his composure in the face of Arsenal’s movement, and showed his captaincy ...]]> Given – A few decent saves and little chance with the goals that ended his run of clean sheets. 7

Richards – Another improved performance. Used his strength well against Diaby. Deserves to be credited with the opening goal. Showed Wright-Phillips how it’s done in the second half, beating a defender and teeing up Bellamy for the vital second. 8

Toure – Arguably the best defender on show. Kolo retained his composure in the face of Arsenal’s movement, and showed his captaincy credentials by repeatedly directing those around him. 8

Lescott – Presumably he found this a better experience than the 6-1 mauling by Arsenal at Goodison a few weeks ago. Misjudged a tackle on Van Persie that led to their first goal, but produced some fine blocks and tackles throughout. Joleon is settling in nicely. 7

Bridge – Increasingly reliable defensively, while his forward runs provided a valuable outlet. Best moment came after a Given save; the ball came to Van Persie who tried to lose Bridge with a pirouette, but a sharp readjustment enabled the England man to make a crucial block. 7

De Jong – Lived up to his billing with trademark tackles. Several times the Dutchman demonstrated his particular skill in making the tackle and giving the ball to a fellow City player in the same movement. I’m not sure how he does it, but I love it. 8

Barry – His usual excellent self in the first half, instigating attacks as well as holding back the Arsenal midfield. Possibly his England exertions caught up with him in the second period as Fabregas and Rosicky started to find a way through. 6

Wright-Phillips – A game of two halves. In the first nothing seemed to come off despite his continued efforts to run at the Arsenal defence. In the second he quickly followed a howler of a miss with an assist and a goal, deftly lifting the ball over the onrushing Almunia. 6

Ireland – Never able to influence the game as much as he would have liked. The low point was the indecision that prevented him shooting or passing following a burst through the Arsenal rearguard. Funnily enough the tactical rearrangement following his substitution provided the spark for the match winning burst of goals. 5

Adebayor – Where to begin? The highlight was the dribble that culminated in a nutmeg of Gallas and teed up Wright-Phillips. Kinkladze at his best. The low point was catching Van Persie. Barton at his worst? He may be missing for a few games, but when he returns I can see a lot more of the good stuff coming our way. 7

Bellamy – He played 90 minutes in Russia midweek, but you’d never have guessed. The tireless Welshman seemed to grow stronger as the game wore on. Made up for a poor cross from an excellent position in the first half with the crucial second goal. The moment that typified him was the tackle on Clichy, charge up the pitch and pass to Wright-Phillips for the fourth goal. 8

Subs:

Petrov – Great to see him get on the pitch and he didn’t disappoint. He showed some fine touches and his attacking presence helped turn the tide long enough for us to win the match. 6

Man of the match: Bellamy

Prior to the game, Emmanuel Adebayor said he never really understood why the Arsenal fans booed him.  Well, I think it’s safe to say they’ll have a few reasons after the dust has settled on this match.

City lined up as predicted with De Jong coming in alongside Barry to bolster the defensive midfield and Adebayor played as a lone striker. Despite the sense ...]]> Goals: Richards/Aluminia 20, Bellamy 74, Adebayor 80, Wright-Phillips 84 for City. Van Persie 62, Rosicky 88 for Arsenal.

Prior to the game, Emmanuel Adebayor said he never really understood why the Arsenal fans booed him.  Well, I think it’s safe to say they’ll have a few reasons after the dust has settled on this match.

City lined up as predicted with De Jong coming in alongside Barry to bolster the defensive midfield and Adebayor played as a lone striker. Despite the sense in this approach, initially it didn’t appear to be working very well as Arsenal dominated possession and City struggled to do anything meaningful with the ball.

Then City scored. Sagna blocked Bellamy and Barry floated over the resulting free-kick. Richards won a header and the ball looped over towards the opposite post. A scrambling Almunia may have touched the ball onto the post before it rebounded back off him and into the net.

It was the third game in succession that we’ve scored from a set piece.  Surely this is some kind of record in the modern era.

The goal lifted City and for the remainder of the first half we were breaking up Arsenal’s passing more easily. Wright-Phillips and Bellamy provided vital endeavour on the flanks, but lacked the finesse of Robinho in providing an end product. Ireland suffered similarly when failing to shoot or pass after a surge into the Arsenal area. There was the fear that this failure to make the most of a good spell could come back to haunt us.

Arsenal dominated the start of the second half without creating much, so Wenger brought on Rosicky. It made a big difference as possession was turned into openings. Van Persie duly scored and went off on what wasn’t to be the last provocative goal celebration of the afternoon.

At this point Arsenal were looking the more likely winners, but when Ireland went off (seemingly with a knock), Hughes made the bold decision to introduce Petrov. Given the pressure we were under he may have been tempted to bring on Zabaleta and shore up the midfield.

To make room for Petrov on the left, Bellamy moved up alongside Adebayor and immediately found himself in the penalty area to score the crucial second goal. It was a huge goal that released the pervading fear that the game was running away from us.

City were now overloading Arsenal on the left and Adebayor went on the kind of run not seen since the heyday of Kinkladze, setting up Wright-Phillips for a tap in which he duly missed.

Thankfully, the England winger made up for it shortly afterwards with an excellent cross for Adebayor to score his goal, and set off on a hilarious streak down the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal fans. They were not impressed. Watching FA Chief Executive and Arsenal fan, Ian Watmore was also not impressed.

Even after that City were not done. Bellamy showed fabulous commitment in dispossessing Clichy, before charging upfield. As he approached the penalty area, he played a perfect through ball to Wright-Phillips, who took a touch before lifting the ball over the onrushing Almunia. The composure of the finish was something I’d love to see more of from Shaun. Sometimes he needs to have greater belief in his finishing and show more control. He has the ability.

Three goals down, Arsenal were done for, but it says everything for their quality, that it never fully felt that way. Rosicky added a second and Van Persie hit the post before Mark Clattenburg finally blew for full-time.

Mark Hughes:

“It was a big test against a side used to playing with high expectations and that is used to winning. I sensed as the guys arrived at lunchtime that there was a real sense of anticipation. It was about getting the job done and that it what we did. Both sides contributed to a high quality match.”

Micah Richards:

“That attacking part of the game is something that I am trying to work on. People say that I am strong defensively but that I am perhaps not so strong in the other direction.  I am still only young and I think I am starting to deliver in that department and feel my game is developing all the time.”

The result for City was huge, vindicating Hughes and making a statement that we can challenge the ‘top four’. Whether this is fully the case remains to be seen. Arsenal have Arshavin and Walcott to add to the team we saw today, which looked very good at times. After we beat them last season, they went on a twenty match unbeaten run, and I can see them beating most teams again this season. Last season we beat them by 3 goals and finished 10th. This season we won by 2 goals, but will undoubtedly finish higher. Just how high remains thrillingly unclear.

External reports:

BBC

The Guardian

The Independent

Official site

The Telegraph

The Times

Video:

All goals

The inimitable Phil Thompson describes the goals for Sky

Adebayor to Chariots of Fire

Much of the focus against Arsenal will be ...]]> City entertain Arsenal with a 100% record this season, and as the only side in England yet to concede a goal. If City can come through the next two fixtures with those statistics intact, then many will feel the club are truly set to challenge for trophies. However it underlines the strength of the ‘top four’ that in the eyes of most neutrals City will be going into both games as underdogs.

Much of the focus against Arsenal will be on Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor. Prior to kick off, it will surely feel strange for Toure to be shaking hands with Fabregas as captain of the opposing side, even if he is sure to get a warm reception from the visiting fans. The same cannot be said for Adebayor who they used to boo even when he played for them, but it’s the Togolese they will fear more as he’s started his City career in outstanding form. He’s also got a point to prove.

Emmanuel Adebayor:

“These sort of things stay with you in your heart and it will stay with me not just for the rest of my career but the rest of my life.

“What you can see now is a confident player. I feel loved again and that’s why I’m smiling again.”

Against the Gunners, we can’t rely on poor finishing and Shay Given’s brilliance if we’re to keep another clean sheet. They’ll need to be some improvement in the defending, particularly stopping crosses coming in, better cover in front of the back four, and not letting the game get to stretched.

With the majority of players from both sides having featured for their national sides this week, at least Wright-Phillips, Bridge and Lescott will be fresh after watching England’s destruction of Croatia from the sidelines.

Tevez is definitely out with a tweaked knee, while Robinho’s fitness and form are also questionable. If he plays, this could be just the kind of game to bring out the best in the Brazilian. As was the case last year, he’s a potential match winner, not just with the goals, but also with his ability to unlock a defence.

Hughes on Robinho:

“He had a little bit of swelling on the ankle. We do not think there is a significant injury there but it is best to check to make sure there is no stress fracture. Once we get the results we can decide whether he plays tomorrow or not.”

With Tevez injured, there’s a lot of speculation that Nigel de Jong may get his first start of the season, providing a tough tackling barrier alongside Gareth Barry. This seems eminently sensible as we attempt to hold off Arsenal’s pass and move football, and it would allow Ireland to concentrate on the creative side of his game.

For Arsenal, it was a mixed week for injuries with Arshavin now ruled out, but Fabregas expected to return after playing for Spain. Rosicky also played during the week, but it’s doubtful Wenger will rush him back. Walcott is still working on his fitness.

Despite this, Wenger will still have a strong side at his disposal, and it could be one of the few home games we see this season where the opposition have a greater percentage of possession. As a result, concentration and keeping the team’s shape intact will be paramount. Arsenal are a team that can be frustrated, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Hughes encourage a more physical approach to our tackling.

Mark Hughes:

“Arsenal are an outstanding side and if you allow them to dictate play and get their tails up they have the ability to hurt you.

“They have outstanding individual talents within a way of playing that allows them to create chances, and if they get it right on the day they can really hurt you.

“Ourselves, United and Chelsea are the only British teams to have beaten Arsenal in the past 10 months, which shows the consistency of results they are able to achieve.

“That’s what we’re aiming to do. We have great respect for what they can do when they’re in full flow.

“But they know we will be a test, certainly at home, where we were outstanding against them last season when we won 3-0.”

Arsenal have started the season in excellent form and could well have beaten United in their last match. A draw would be a good result, but as ever I’m hoping for a win.

Possible line-up: Given, Richards, Toure, Lescott, Bridge, De Jong, Barry, Ireland, Robinho, Wright-Phillips, Adebayor.

Prediction: 2-0 to City