LET'S JUST ENJOY THE RIDE...

HEY NOW, HEY NOW, DON’T DREAM IT’S OVER

KING OF THE KIPPAX COLUMN - DECEMBER 2019

 After what feels like an age (really, it’s been two months), I can finally sit down and write again. You miss a couple of issues and, suddenly, we’re at Christmas already – how times flies when you’re having fun! But really, looking after the boys and spending most of November in and out of hospital (I’m fine now, finally) sadly meant I had no opportunity to sit down and write, but I am here, determined, and ready to dissect all the latest goings-on in the world of Manchester City. I’ve not missed that much, have I? Of course I have.

BACK TO LIFE, BACK TO REALITY

Once upon a time, Manchester City set the football world on fire with some of the best football you and I have ever seen. It was breathtaking, scintillating, pure unadulterated fantasy football.

Opposition teams couldn’t get near us. Defenders were left dizzy and breathless as the players in sky blue ran rings around them. We swept teams to one side with our pace, passing and pressing. We won everything in English football. We dominated. We were remarkable.

This season, compared to the previous two, was always going to prove a tough act to follow. In stark contrast, it’s been significantly underwhelming. I think there’s a big split between fans who either a) refuse to criticise Pep or point the finger at anybody in general because of recent successes and b) fans who call a spade a spade, point out what is/has been going wrong and get slated by the fans in point A. All in all, it’s a bit stale and a bit of a mess.

The inquest began in earnest after the Newcastle game, was put on hold after our stupendous 4-1 win at Turf Moor, then resurrected after the Derby Day defeat. I’ve always believed that it’s fair to heap praise when it’s due, but similarly, be able to criticise or question things when necessary. The results against Norwich, Wolves, Newcastle, Liverpool and United were all reasonably alarming in their own right: we all saw the fine margins of last season. We knew Liverpool coming so close and missing out would sting. They’ve lived that experience – yes, winning the Champions League is some achievement, but don’t let that convince you that the one they really wanted ended up adorned in sky blue ribbons.

They’ve clearly channelled that anger, upset and frustration and brought it forward with gusto into this season. They want it, bad. So, so bad. Yes, they’ve had huge chunks of luck and decisions, but they’ve ran with it and, as of yet, haven’t taken their eyes off the ball. City, in comparison this season, have looked complacent. We have lacked desire and heart. At the moment we’re missing passion, fire and guts. Remember when Liam Gallagher snarled, ‘you can have it all, but how much do you want it?’ The same can be said for City. How much do you want it? Not enough it would seem.

A lack of leadership is obvious. As much as I respect and adore David Silva in equal measures, he is not captain material. A captain is a leader: somebody with fire in their belly, an abundance of passion and who leads both with their heart and their voice. I’m not saying David Silva doesn’t have those qualities, but he’s hardly firing the boys up and motivating them to victory, is he? It’s clichéd at this point to mention Mr Manchester City, Vincent Kompany, but it’s also ignorance not to. He was the man first on the team sheet for a big occasion, because you knew he’d excel in dragging the team kicking and screaming towards three points. We knew his departure would leave an irreplaceable void – not only in defence, but in leadership. It’s never been more evident than it is this season.

One of my main concerns has been that we’ve really missed Fernandinho’s presence in his natural defensive midfield position. With our defence looking increasingly frail, we’ve really missed the protection Ferna gives to the back line, and the gritty tenacity he brings, shifting defence to attack. But Ferna isn’t getting any younger and that’s a tough position to expect him to play and rely on him for most games. Then came the Burnley game – and the best performance I’ve seen so far from Rodri in a City shirt. His man of the match display was pivotal to City’s 4-1 win: his movement on and off the ball, his strength, passing, physicality, the way he read the game – and that’s all before I mention his thunderbolt of a goal. If he stays fully fit and in that form, Ferna can stay in the back line until Laporte comes back for all I care. When the Spaniard signed, we knew he was capable of great things – I’m glad we’ve seen a glimpse of what he is capable of and I hope that’s just a teaser of things to come from him.

Another worrying trait has been sup-par displays from players who usually run the show. Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo, David Silva (who has been overplayed – Phil Foden, anyone?), even Raheem Sterling to an extent. With Pep preferring to play Gundogan in midfield alongside either Rodri or David Silva, play has been more laboured, more pedestrian, compared to our usual zip and passing press. The defence – where to start? John Stones – is he good enough? For me, he seems to need his hand holding quite a lot, and without Laporte by his side, has looked a bit lost. Does the quality of Laporte actually flatter Stones and are we seeing him for the defender he really is – just a bit mediocre? Poor Fernandinho has been thrown into the lion’s den, having to do his best in his new centre back role until Laporte’s return in February.

Then we have the full backs. One of the key factors in making Pep’s style of football work is his full backs. But we’ve had no consistency in those positions throughout the season. Admittedly, his hand has been forced with injuries, and Zinchenko having a spell on the sidelines, but it’s left us with Angelino, Kyle Walker and Joan Cancelo. I am a fan of Walker: for me, he starts as often as he can for us. I’ve not really seen enough of Angelino, or Cancelo, to pass a fair judgement. Mendy of course has been blighted with injury since he came to City, and from what I’ve seen of him so far, I worry that he will never hit the form he had at Monaco for us. His passes into the box are blistering, but often land in no man’s land. That’s a lot of money to spend on a key position and not see any dividends. So you see the struggle with full backs and how, when they play such a vital role in Pep’s style of football, how imperative they are to the success of the team. A lot of fans question why we let Danilo go and signed Cancelo if he’s not going to feature more. That’s one for Pep to answer.

Gabriel Jesus. With Sergio Aguero injured, Jesus had featured in every game. He’s always split opinion – but he did show versatility at Turf Moor, with a 20 yard curler that was nothing short of exquisite. He also added to that and could’ve had a hat trick, proving that he’s not just the ‘tap-in merchant’ that many have written him off as. But at Newcastle and during the Derby, he had a couple of guilt-edged chances that Aguero would’ve unquestionably buried. Like Kompany, Aguero will be like replacing the irreplaceable once he leaves the Etihad, but Jesus certainly isn’t his replacement. It’s clear we will need a striker once the Argentine decides to head for pastures new, but I can’t bear to think about that just yet. We create so many chances, but of late have been so wasteful of front of goal, and that’s proved vital to not securing wins recently.

THE GAME PLAN

The past two seasons, when we were playing the best football of our lives, teams struggled to get anywhere near us. This campaign, I feel that we’ve been found out to a certain extent. Teams have found a way to limit and stifle our system and to ferment our game play. By sitting deep, frustrating us, then hitting us when they can on the counter, they know against our defence, they’ve got a huge chance of scoring – and we’ve seen it too many times already this season.

The Burnley game was much more like the City we’ve become accustomed to watching the past couple of seasons. The energy, pace, high pressing play was all back and worked a treat. They say the best form of defence is attack; no more so was this evident than throughout 90 minutes of dominant possession at Turf Moor. The players who had previously put in dubious shifts really stepped it up and it was a huge confidence boost all round.

But then came the Derby. So, with the benefit of hindsight, did that Burnley win flatter us, or am I being really cynical? Crystal Palace had just beaten them, and after our win, they lost 5-0 to Spurs, despite Spurs putting in a woeful performance against United the game beforehand.  So that tells you the extent of just how bad a spell Burnley was going through at the time. The post-match celebrations from Pep and the lads now look slightly bizarre, although at the time, that win should’ve been the springboard for us to really push on into some really tricky festive fixtures.

We know the football these players are capable of playing. We have match winners, who can and do produce something out of nothing in the blink of an eye. There are still so many things to play for this season. But it’s naïve not to notice a couple of things that just aren’t going to plan so far this season. By highlighting them, it doesn’t mean I’m any less of a fan, nor does it detract from the astounding achievements City have enjoyed in recent times. You can only live in the here and now and judge on the football you are watching week in, week out now. I never thought I’d be blessed enough to see my club win silverware, let alone everything that has gone along with that of late. If that all ends tomorrow; it was mind-blowing while it lasted, and I can just get back to going to the match, turning up, no expectations, trying to enjoy the football, seeing my friends, happy days. We’re not spoilt, nor do I know any fans in sky blue that are, and we must remember that. What will be, will be. The club will still be here when the players and Pep decide to move on (which could potentially be at the end of this season, are you ready to possibly contemplate that?) – it’s the only thing we’ve ever known – and nothing will ever change that.

LET’S TALK ABOUT VAR, BABY

Actually, let’s not. No really, let’s not. I read on the King of the Kippax Facebook page that Dave had feedback saying that KK264 was VAR-heavy (not surprised), but I have a feeling that will be a recurring trend throughout the season. I’ll try my best to keep it brief then.

Without going into it too much, the Liverpool game left so many people fuming even more than they already were. All we ask for is consistency and the correct decisions – but, even with the technology being implemented, they’re still getting it wrong. For me, it’s too subjective and open to interpretation. Also, we need transparency with it for the match-going fan: replays on the screens inside the ground and we need to hear the conversations between officials, to hear the reasoning behind their decisions. Until we do, the conspiracy/agenda rumours will be going nowhere.

I even feel like VAR had an impact on the atmosphere at the Derby. Early on, we had a big penalty shout, that was instantly dismissed. They then broke forward, went down the other end and, lo and behold, won a penalty.

Whether it should’ve been a penalty to us or not, at the time, was irrelevant. The instant feeling in the ground was despondency. You can feel the mood – so many people are sick and tired of VAR – something has to change, before fans start to give their verdict with their feet. It’s such a source of frustration and bone of contention for so many people. I’d rather scrap it and go back to basics – at least goal-line technology can never get it wrong eh! Bring back the days of questioning Mark Clattenburg and relying on decisions to even themselves out through the season – surely that can’t be any worse than VAR, particular in its current format.

TRYING TO GIVE US A FAIR PRESS

I’ve been continuing to be asked to do more bits and pieces in the media in the past few months. Despite being in and out of hospital in November, I kept being asked to go on BBC Radio 5 Live. Sometimes they want me to go to the studio and sometimes they can do it over the phone or via Skype, so luckily during this period, I could do all of my interviews from home.

I often get asked to go on BBC Radio Manchester too. The breakfast show with Chelsea and Talking Balls, with Kyle and Gaz, are shows I am invited on a lot. I try and do as many as I can: not only is it great experience for me with having my degree in Sport Journalism, I’m always very conscious that, for such a big club, City don’t have many genuine voices in the media. I’m always keep to represent us in as positive a way as possible, but I will always be open and honest. I don’t like to sugarcoat: quite a few people in the industry like to tow the party line for the sake of preserving relationships or stance, but I think it’s so important to be truthful – whether people respect me for it or not, I’m not sure. But it’s the only way I know.

I was also invited to Media City to film a piece on Raheem Sterling and the Derby for Football Focus. It only took about half an hour and they only used a few seconds of it, but again, it was fantastic to be asked and a pleasure to be involved in.

I’m getting to the point now where I am almost ready to go back to work. I had to take a couple of years off to be with my youngest (I say off, but I’m pretty sure it’s been harder work than most of the jobs I’ve had, although far more rewarding!), but now Noel is almost entitled to his nursery hours, that means some of my time will free up and I’ll be able to look at returning to work.

I’m quite nervous about it all really, as I’ve no idea which job route to go down. I’ve been doing so much voluntary media work over the past few years: writing, podcasting, radio and television, all to keep a foot in the door and of course, for the love of it. But I’m aware that it’s very much a saturated market, and I’m very City-specific, although I’m qualified in sports journalism in the broader sense. I guess the only way I’ll find out is by dipping a toe in the water – if there’s nothing available media-wise, I’ll be more than happy to find a job with my other skill sets. It’s an exciting position to be in – and I have high hopes for 2020. My boys are growing and thriving, so I feel like now is a great time to do something for myself too.

PLAYING AWAY

Long before my young children and real life responsibilities came along, there was a time when I went home and away to every game following City – because I could! These days, because of financial restraints and being parents of course, we have to pick and choose our away days carefully. We’re usually pretty lucky to do one a season truth be told, but this season we’ve done Preston, Crystal Palace and Newcastle so far. But it’s Newcastle I’m going to talk about.

Any time alone for my boyfriend Adam and I is incredible precious and rare. He gets up for work at 3am, so generally we go to bed at the same time as the children, about 8pm every night. Whereas most couples get time together once they put their kids to bed, we don’t, so all our waking time together is spent either at work or with the kids. It’s hard to find and address a balance with a young family, and no complaints here as that’s the commitment you make when you have them, but sometimes you just need time alone together. In a relationship, it’s imperative, it’s just we choose to spend our time alone with the boys in blue too.

I picked the Hilton at Newcastle Gateshead for our stay (no we’re not posh, it was the same price as the Travelodge for some reason!) and, because it was a 12:30pm Saturday kick off, we decided to stay on the Friday night to make a bit more of it. Adam got the day off work and we travelled there early afternoon, arriving at around 3pm. Could you imagine our surprise when, after 140 miles of driving, we pulled onto the car park to see the City team coach there too. It was funny because I’d joked with Adam about the team possibly staying there, but he didn’t think they would because the hotel was in the Quayside vicinity, notorious with noisy partygoers. The coach driver told us he was off to pick the team up from their flight to Tyneside and they’d be back at the hotel around 6pm. We didn’t stick around for their arrival as we had plans, but a couple of blues did. They told us there were whisked in the side entrance surrounded and shielded by security, ‘prima donnas’ was the term used.

So a delightful evening was had: we went for a really impressive curry, followed by a few pints of Red Stripe in a local indie bar called The Dog and Parrot, and then back to the hotel for a nightcap before a full night’s sleep – rare, very rare! We spotted some of the coaching staff in the bar having a couple of pints, but the team must’ve been all cosied up, ready for their early rise and preparation for St James Park.

The next morning, our lie in was cut short because of the early kick off (I know, I know, we didn’t have it as bad as the blues who travelled up there on the day, so we headed to breakfast and mused over the day ahead. Sausages and egg done, we went back to the room to collect our bags – and, as the lift doors opened to our floor, who was walking towards us? Only a certain Pep Guardiola. It was a real Sliding Doors moment (literally). A couple of minutes earlier or later, and we wouldn’t have seen him. I found it strange that he was on his own: he was quiet, but humoured our requests for selfies and was nothing but polite and gracious to us. We watched as he entered the lift alone, then the doors shut and he was gone.

Adam and I looked at each other in bemusement. I almost felt like I’d imagined the moment, because it was so surreal. There was nobody else around, just us and Pep. Turned out, the team and staff stayed on the same floor as us, so we probably could’ve waited and met them all as they headed to the game, but we didn’t want to harass them. Seeing our mugs pounce on them before going to the match was the last thing they’d want and, by this time, I was ready for a pre-game beer.

As it turned out, the game ended up a 2-2 draw and the mood was decidedly sombre at the final whistle. But for us, the whole night away had been nothing but perfect – the result would’ve just been a welcome bonus. The journey home was full of discussions of ‘where do we go from here’, reflecting on a game that we could’ve easily won 4-2 if we would’ve taken our chances. But we never take the opportunity for an away day for granted. I think I’m on 48 out of the 92 grounds so far, so I’ll keep going when the Grandparent babysitters kindly allow it, and hope to keep making the memories that surround away days and make them so special too.

AND FINALLY…

It’s the season of good will to all men (and women!), which in footballing terms means the games come thick and fast and the turkey dinner will come with far fewer pigs in blankets for Pep and co.

We’ve got some tough fixtures ahead of us: thankfully the Champions League will be over until February, so we don’t have to concern ourselves with that for the next couple of months. Arsenal have struggled under Freddie, but could pose us a few problems with their pace upfront. Leicester – oh Leicester – are looking like (barring a miracle, come on, let’s be honest now!) the only team capable of stopping Liverpool from winning the title and Jamie Vardy loves scoring against us, so that’ll be fun. Wolves have already beat us this season and Sheffield United are doing really well on the road. Into 2020 and it’s Everton and Port Vale in the FA Cup. And breathe.

We know we’re more than capable of producing on the way. We know we’ve got the players, who have got the skill. But have they got the focus and longing for it? Or has the concentration and physical and mental strength it took to reach the heady heights of the past two seasons taken its toll? They might be sportsmen, but they’re only human after all, and then of course form has led to questions about Pep’s future after this current season. Much may depend on what happens in the Champions League, so far now, that’s an unanswered question. Along with so many that current form has raised.

Enjoy Christmas, whether you’ve been naughty or nice, and I’ll see you on the other side. Loud, proud, loyal and still optimistic, no matter what Father Christmas (and VAR) decides to bring our mighty blues this festive season.

Emily Brobyn

@kippaxgirlemily

IT'S HEADING FOR A FINAL DAY DECIDER...

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER – MAKES ME FEEL SAD FOR THE REST

KING OF THE KIPPAX COLUMN - APRIL 2019

 Finally, I have had the time to open my laptop and string a few sentences together about our little old City. Having two children means that, most of the time, everything is chaos. By the time they’re in bed at night I’m fit for nothing and my head is on nursery rhyme, jingle, electronic sounds from toys, overload. More often than not, finding the time to write these days is desperately rare (I’ve had to come to my Mum’s while she looks after my youngest so I can type this all up right now), but I’m determined to keep contributing and giving my thoughts and opinions on everything to do with the Blues , as long as Dave and Sue will have me.

FOREVER BLUE

Having stepped out of my comfort zone and gone from writing to contributing on the now-defunct City Watch Podcast (!), I’m now a regular panel member for Ian Cheeseman’s Forever Blue podcast. Podcasts are a funny thing: I was so nervous the first time I ever did one and always thought I’d make a laughing stock of myself. But it turns out people do sometimes actually agree with some of the things I say. Which is very surreal. You’re never going to please everybody all the time, but as long as you stay honest, most people will respect you for that, whether they agree with you or not.

It can be quite daunting though if your opinion is different to other panel members on the podcast. I remember last season when we did a podcast and discussed the Champions League draw. We were talking about which teams we didn’t want – and I was the only person to say Liverpool. I got mocked a bit by the panel, but I gave my reasons – and then look what happened. We drew them and they ended up knocking us out. It doesn’t always go like that, but a few people remembered that and I gained a bit of respect for it.

It’s really difficult putting yourself out there like that though. You’ve got to be able to grow a thicker sin, accept that everybody is entitled to their opinion and that different viewpoints aren’t necessarily a bad thing. Ian always told me, as long as you can back your opinion up, you will always have respect and credibility for that. I’ve been asked to do a couple of other City podcasts, but for now I just want to stick to contributing to Forever Blue. Ian is a good friend, he has shown me incredibly loyalty, and for that I’ll always be grateful. Plus I have next to no spare time right now, so I have to be selective about the things that I do when it comes to broadcasting and writing.

We also had Andy Morrison on the podcast recently: I’m planning a special article for King of the Kippax based on his interview, so that’s one to look out for. His story, on a human level, is both equally devastating as it is fascinating, and it was surreal to be able to ask him some questions after Ian had conducted the main interview. I’ve interviewed dozens of players, but that was very special.

I’ve also contributed on BBC Radio 5 Live quite a lot recently; I tend to be talking all things City on their breakfast show with Nicky Campbell and Rachel Burden. I’ve just recorded an interview too with The Anfield Wrap for their main paid subscription show. Yet I still don’t feel overly confident speaking on these platforms – I’ve still not decided if it’s something I’ll continue to pursue, writing is definitely my comfort zone, but I am enjoying it and it allows me to spend what little spare time I have talking about City – and what’s not to love about that?

IT’S A FUNNY OLD GAME

It’s always made me laugh how fickle football fans can be. I remember when Zinchenko was linked with a move to Wolves in the Summer. When he decided to stay, many Blues mocked him for it on social media.

‘What’s the point – he’ll never get game time now Mendy’s back. Where his ambition to play first team football?’

Some said he wasn’t ambitious enough. Some said he was greedy, happy to take a wage without getting enough game time. But a minority, myself included, were glad he decided to stay and saw a future for him at the club.

Fast forward to now and Zinchenko has just been voted City’s Player of the Month for February – no mean feat considering the form of Bernardo and Sterling, along with Aguero’s two hat tricks. But it’s thoroughly deserved for the Ukrainian: after the 6-0 drubbing of Chelsea, the 22 year old has been unplayable.

His attitude is commendable, he’s obviously a much liked squad member, his confidence has soared, but crucially, both his technical ability and physicality have much improved. It’s obvious to see that he’s been working on his strength: you only have to look to the Chelsea game at Wembley for proof of that, having dealt with the threat of Pedro and Willian quite comfortably. Game after game he’s been solid: he’s a dream left-back for Pep because his natural position is actually more of a winger/attacker, so his pace and trickery serves him well when turning defence into attack for City. There’s talk of a new deal being lined up for him – it’s no less than he deserves – and if/when Mendy ever gets fit again, the Frenchman has to know that he’s got one hell of a fight on his hands to gain his place back in the starting line up.

Gundogan is another player who has really impressed me recently. When Fernandinho got injured, a lot of people obviously panicked. After City failed to sign another defensive midfielder to be able to rotate in when Fernandinho is rested/injured, alarm bells were ringing. But Gundogan really has come into his own of late. We’re seeing the Borussia Dortmund Gundogan at last, the player City paid £20 million for, and that price is looking more and more like a bargain. The Champions League second leg against Schalke is the best I’ve seen him play for us so far. The way he was linking play, quashing their moves forward and some of his passes were phenomenal. He’s an intelligent footballer, one that perhaps (with no disrespect meant), only supporters of a certain ilk can truly appreciate. He’s relishing his game time and we can’t take him for granted.

Fernandinho has long been established as a key player in this side and his role and contribution cannot be underestimated. City have offered new deal to Gundogan and he is yet to sign – at the age of 28, he has a decision to make. Does he stay and fight with all his might for a place in the first team, knowing that a fit Fernandinho will always be favoured in that position? Knowing that if he plays elsewhere in midfield, his fight is just as tough being surrounded by superb midfielders? Or does he look for a new challenge, at a pinnacle point in his career, knowing that he could secure guaranteed game time and be a first team starter elsewhere? It’s a really tough decision for him to make and I understand the time he needs to take to do that, even if the foot-stamping fans don’t. I would love him to stay – and he may just be the answer to our defensive midfielder problem, without us having to make an extra signings. But it’s been a certain percentage of fans who have belittled his ability, mocked his contributions and sneered at him for a long period of his time at the club. It’s a shame it’s only now that fans are starting to wake up to his capabilities at City. It might just be too little, too late – and who could blame him for that?

But good news on the new deal front has been the imperious Bernardo Silva signing a contract extension, taking his stay at City up to 2025. There’s no doubt he’s a front runner for Player of the Season – nobody puts in the work rate and miles like Bernardo does. He runs himself into the ground twice a week for us, his trickery dazzles and his first touch is the best I’ve ever seen from any player – and that’s no exaggeration. He’s been undroppable for Pep all season and has established himself as a firm fan favourite: he’s the type of player you just delight at being able to watch play for your football club. He has everything: charisma, bottle, flair, technique, scoring ability, fight and he will run for longer than Forrest Gump ever did. He’s quite possibly a representation of the kind of player we as fans would aspire to be if we could ever be lucky enough to grace the pitch at the Etihad – he has those attributes that endears himself so dearly to the City fans – with his own ABBA ‘Voulez Vous’ song to go with him. It takes some doing to become ‘top Silva’ when you’ve playing alongside David, but based on current form, few could argue that he’s well on his way to securing just as memorable as legacy as his Spanish teammate. Based on form so far this season, for me, it’ll be between him and Sterling for Player of the Season.

RAHEEM THE GREAT

I want to take a minute though to talk about Sterling, although he serves so much longer. I’m happy to admit that I was one of the doubters when he joined us from Liverpool. I wrongly judged him – possibly on reputation alone. I don’t think I’d been brainwashed by the media, although sadly, many have been, but I’d just seen a few things about him that had made me think ‘what a d**k’. I thought his price tag was massively inflated and largely based on potential. But when he signed for City, as is the case when any boy in blue, we get behind the player and support him regardless. Last season I thought Sterling was incredible – 18 goals and countless assists – with some of those goals crucial. Match-winning goals. The last minute goal at Bournemouth tore the roof off the place.

But this season, remarkably, he’s improved even further. Ever since that incident at Stamford Bridge with the Chelsea fan, it seems like a weight has been lifted off Sterling’s shoulders. He seems more confident, more assured, more humble, more determined. It’s a sad indictment of the world we live in that it takes something like that for the media to reassess their viewpoint on him. For years, there has been a huge smear campaign against Sterling, one that he has now rightly called the press out on. He alleged that the media’s vilification of him and other players is all down to the colour of their skin. Fair play and a standing ovation from me for the 24 year old to use his platform to say that and to make certain members of the press think about their actions and the consequences they can have.

Why does Sterling get booed by the opposition fans at every ground we visit? Why, doing the World Cup, was he the only player in the starting line up that got booed in the pub I was in, in the middle of Manchester? Because his faux reputation precedes him: people have been wrongly brainwashed by the media to believe that Sterling is a flashy, trashy, cocky footballer. The constant snake emojis used towards him – he’s a money-grabber. He only moved to City for the money. NO – he’s a young man with ambition and with the talent and skill to back that up. He took the winning penalty in the shoot-out at Wembley to win us the Carabao Cup – the place he was born. That took balls of steel. He nailed it. Many could and would falter under such pressure – he didn’t. He’s already won many trophies at City and contributed massively towards those, proving that he made the right decision for his career.

He continues to learn, to thrive, to excel, to grow and, most importantly, command respect. Respect is no less than he deserves. It takes watching him every week to really appreciate how important a player he has become at City. He’s a joy to watch. His hat-trick against Watford and his captaincy against Schalke only strengths how crucial a part he plays for us – and it’s about time other fans took notice of not only how talented a player he really is, but how genuine a man he has become. It’s tragic that it’s only since he’s called out the media, that his charity work has been highlighted. That other tales of good will gestures have been raised. Raheem is the finest example I could point to for my two young sons – he’s a superb role model, make no mistake of that – and there can be no greater karma and legacy against the naysayers than that. Safe to say now that I’m one of his biggest fans and I look forward to seeing him progress even further.

THE RUN-IN

When City had a pretty much disastrous December, many wrote them off in the race for the Premier League title. But Liverpool have since wobbled, and we have continued to keep our winning run going, so now (at the time of writing), and with Spurs tailing off predictably, we are neck and neck for the League. It’s almost too close to bear.

We’re now flying towards the business end of the season, where every aspect of both sides is constantly being scrutinised and analysed. The fixtures left are the main talking point, with City being painted as having the tougher run-in. I don’t think there’s really that much really in it. Playing a team threatened with relegation can be a much tougher ask than playing one of the so-called ‘bigger’ teams. We as City fans know the importance of trying to survive a relegation fight, and you’ll give blood, sweat and tears in order to try to maintain your place in the Premier League. You raise your game beyond anything you’ve known, so the role that these teams could play can never be underestimated. We’ve both got to play teams down there, so it’ll be intriguing to see if any of them can derail a title charge. I’m looking at Palace away, United away and even Burnley away as being our toughest tests. Cardiff and Newcastle away for them shouldn’t be easy, plus they’ve got Chelsea at home.

The Champions League quarter final draw has just been made and those games will play their part too. Ajax v Juventus, Porto v Liverpool, Spurs v City and Barca v United are how the final eight teams will shape up. I wanted Porto, Ajax or Spurs so I’m pretty made up with that. Spurs are never to be underestimated, but they’re arguably the less media-hyped English club of the three, if we would’ve drawn Liverpool/United, the run-up to the fixtures would’ve been unbearable. Ajax or Juventus in the semi final should we progress is also relatively kind, so could we actually be heading to Madrid in June? UEFA will want their poster boy Ronaldo to feature in the final, but it’s going to be one hell of a couple of months.

The only difference really between us and Liverpool’s fixtures is that we’re still in the FA Cup (at the time of writing, before the semi final). Having just got home from Swansea, I’m still not really sure how we still are in the Cup. A first half of chaos, going 2-0 down, to then somehow miraculously come back and win the game 3-2, with no extra time needed, I’m still in a bit of shock about how it all panned out. The amount of beers I drank that day didn’t help the memory, but I do remember the turning point being Pep bringing the subs on: Zinchenko, Sterling and Aguero made all the difference. The goals may have been dubious to say the least, but in a season where Liverpool have enjoyed more than their fair rub of the green with decisions to keep them in the title race, I’ll take that all day long. I almost felt sorry for Swansea: once upon a time that was us. They gave it a really good go and on another day would be heading to Wembley, but there’s no denying the quality in Bernardo’s goal that started the comeback, even if the penalty and final Aguero goal had question marks over them.

With Watford, Brighton and Wolves all left in the FA Cup, it was Brighton who were paired to face us. But here’s the dilemma I have – and I’ll be really honest. I love going to Wembley. I’ve been 11 times now watching City, I still can’t believe I’m writing that, 11 times, and they’ll be people who have been more because I’ve had to miss a couple. But it’s now getting to the point where I’m having to potentially choose which games I can go to because I can’t afford it all. It’s not just the ticket with Wembley – it’s the travel cost, the food and drink. When we went down for the Carabao Cup final, we did it there and back in a day and only got home at 1am. I know people who got back later. But my boyfriend, Adam, has to be up for work at 3am and he couldn’t book the day off because he had run out of holidays. Doing it there and back in a day, especially with Vincent, is such a big ask, but cost and holiday-wise, we didn’t have any other options.

Now we’re playing Brighton, and I know you can never take anything for granted, the potential of being in the FA Cup Final is looking realistic. We’ve reached the Champions League Quarter Final. So we may need money for two more finals there. I know people say not to count chickens, but these are things financially that we need to consider, coupled with the cost of everyday life anyway (rent, bills, food, my children), it’s getting to the stage where we have to make decisions and we may not be able to afford both the semi final and the final too. Why they play the FA Cup semi finals at Wembley anyway is beyond me, but it doesn’t really help me out when I’m trying to find the funds to be able to afford everything and being stretched to the limit like every other blue. The price you pay for success!

The media are starting to make a bit more of a noise about the fact that the ‘quadruple’ is still on for us, funny that they’re realistically the only people talking about it. City fans know better than that – I don’t think any one of us is thinking that we will do it. But, it’s almost April. We have won the Community Shield (yes I know, doesn’t count) and the Carabao Cup. We’re in the FA Cup Semi Final, the Champions League quarter final and well and truly in the hunt for the Premier League title. Is it a good or a bad thing when it comes to Liverpool that we are still spinning so many plates? Just looking at our fixtures in April makes me feel tired. Eight (possibly nine if Cardiff gets re-arranged for that month too) huge games in three different competitions and the pressure is well and truly on to win them all. People talk about player fatigue, but what about us fans? It’s knackering just trying to keep up with it all!

This is do or die: it’s crunch time. Last season when we romped the League, we came up against a really big week in April – and lost all three games. We all remember it, but we wish we didn’t. At that point, Liverpool knocked us out of the Champions League and United, well, they just delayed us winning the League until they got beat by West Brom at home. No real damage done in that respect! Hopefully the players have taken that experience on board and can now look back on it as character building. If we have a week like that in April this time round, with how close the League is and Liverpool not really showing too many signs of relenting, it could be a different story.

But the big plus for City is that we’ve been here before and done it – three times in seven years. We have the experience of coming from behind to win the League, twice. When it comes to the crunch, it’s a test of who wants it more, who is stronger, both physically and mentally, who is more motivated for it. Anything could happen between now and May to affect both teams involved – a surprise suspension or a shock injury could have a detrimental effect on either side. There are so many contributing factors, so many twists and turns to come.

I would love to win it all; I don’t think you’ll find a football fan who wouldn’t want to see their team lift every trophy and enjoy all the successes it brings with it. For me, the Premier League is the one to win. It’s the toughest, with the most games to play over a longer period. The FA Cup has always held a special place in my heart - even that awful day when Wigan beat us to win it hasn’t taken away my love for the competition. I’ve never really taken to the Champions League, which probably sounds ridiculous, but for some reason I’ve struggled with it, no more helped with UEFA and their ridiculous Financial Fair Play fiascos. But for many teams, it’s considered essential to win it to really be held in high esteem and be regarded as amongst the elite in European football. I don’t believe we’ll have a greater chance of winning it than this season – but will something have to be sacrificed elsewhere in order to do that? Can we really sustain the momentum and winning streak to power through until May? I’ve got butterflies just thinking about it. But nobody does it better than Manchester City, do they? The drama of the Carabao Cup final shoot-out, the recent comebacks at Schalke and Swansea and recovering ground in the League to still be challenging for the title shows just how special this team is and what we’re capable of. It could be a very different story that I’m telling come next month, but for now let’s just enjoy the what ifs. Makes me feel sad for the rest…

IT COULD HAVE BEEN ALL SONGS IN THE STREETS...IT WAS NEARLY COMPLETE... IT WAS NEARLY SO SWEET...

THE BEST SUMMER OF OUR LIVES

KING OF THE KIPPAX COLUMN - AUGUST 2018

The Summer of 2018 is the one we will remember for the rest of our lives.

It’s the one where we had continuously scorching hot sunshine. The one where we had barbecues every single day and didn’t get bored. A Summer where I took my children to a different beach every weekend in the UK: from the seaside in Cornwall to the shores of mid Wales, beaches that looked more like the Caribbean or the Mediterranean than our own country. Heat so ferocious it fuelled fires that burned for days on the Moors and Winter Hill.

It’s been the Summer that you longingly hope for year upon year but doesn’t come to fruition. For this year, those balmy nights and hazy days, tropical temperatures graced the shores of Great Britain, the Jorginho deal was ‘close’ every day – and England reached the semi finals of the World Cup. Did I actually just type that? Yes you heard it right. England were part of the final four in the biggest tournament in world football. Football may not have come home, but it united a nation bathed in sunshine and for that we should all be grateful.

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

I was looking forward to the World Cup this Summer just to provide me with my football fix before pre-season with City started. I hadn’t been heavily invested in international football for many years. I love watching the World Cup and the Euros when they roll around; mainly to use it as an excuse to scout upcoming talent that I’d love to see playing for City – but the tide has turned that much at the Etihad that most of the really impressive players on show already played in sky blue.

The last time I was really patriotic, and I mean jumping around like a maniac in an England shirt with a flag, was 2002. It’s been a while since I’ve really cared about the national team, although it goes without saying that I keep an eye out to see how City players fare for their respective countries. I guess all those years of hurt really did take their toll on me and I just lost interest in England. How neglectful/glory fan of me!

But going into Russia 2018, the mood seemed different with England. There was little to no expectation from anybody towards the Young Lions. It’s a different generation; a squad that carries no baggage is a squad with a different mentality, with a psychological edge. Free from the shackles that have tied others down for years, able to perform with a new found energy and confidence. It’s been a joy to see, a delight for all and a surprise for the nation.

Throughout the countries, it’s been a relatively mixed bag from the City players there. Germany – Joachim Low made the stupendous mistake of leaving Young Player of the Year Leroy Sane out of his squad – tumbling out at the group stage. Why you would leave such a talent behind is beyond comprehension, particularly as it was his pace, drive and energy that they so severely lacked. Argentina – Sergio Aguero scoring twice but frustratingly benched twice – again, he can only do his job when he’s on the pitch, something Jorge Campaoli failed to acknowledge, allowing his rift with Aguero to affect his team’s performance. Nicolas Otamendi didn’t have his best few games, with a couple of typically hot-headed moments, leaving last season’s form largely in the dressing room at the Etihad (let’s hope he finds it there on his return).

Bernardo Silva had some moments of brilliance for Portugal and has done his case with Pep no harm, as did David Silva for Spain. Both put in displays we’re used to seeing from them week in, week out, but ultimately exited at the quarter finals. Ederson didn’t get to play but Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus both featured for Brazil: the latter displaying his usual hustle and energy upfront but failing to score any goals. Then there was Belgium, with Vincent Kompany rested for a couple of games after his recent injury, but brought into the side and played well. Kevin De Bruyne – the GOAT –played an absolute blinder and scored similar too –but ultimately their efforts weren’t enough to see Belgium progress into the final after getting beat by France in the semis.

But England. Oh, England.

SEND US VICTORIOUS

They didn’t quite do that. But boy did they give it a really good go. I didn’t expect to be gushing over both England and City this year. What a football year 2018 has been.

‘Not in my lifetime’ is a phrase branded about quite frivolously – and tongue in cheek because of Fergie – by some, but City winning two trophies, breaking a load of records and England getting to the semi finals of the World Cup whilst being managed by a player who missed THE penalty in the Euro 1996 semi final shoot-out sounds like a fable mocked up in your local boozer late on a Friday night. These things don’t happen, ever.

I’m a big fan of the documentary ‘One Night in Turin’, which charts England’s journey through Italia ’90. The late Sir Bobby Robson, so hideously mocked by the press at the time, took his team of England players off to the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Nothing was expected of them: they’d been chewed up and spat out by the red tops, with rising star Paul Gascoigne becoming the tabloid’s next target for his late-night boozy antics and jack-the-lad juvenile, jovial behaviour.

But what happened to them was nothing short of sensational. They reached the semi finals that year – knocked out on penalties to West Germany, Chris Waddle blazing his penalty over the crossbar. But they united the country, gave England hope when fans and critics had wrote them off before a ball was kicked. They came home heroes – and rightly so.

This almost mirrors what has happened to England 28 years later. Many of the players in the current national squad weren’t even born when Italia ’90 was played out. When they left the country to head to Russia, there was no great fanfare, no bustling crowds sending them on their way. Many people didn’t know what to make as Gareth Southgate as manager; he’d picked a young squad – The Young Lions. There weren’t too many survivors from a previous era of hurt and upset. People wrote them off: ‘too young’, ‘not enough experience’, ‘won’t get out of the group with that lot’.

But what people failed to stop and think about was that the England squad had winners in it. Raheem Sterling, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Fabian Delph all went to Moscow after that incredible season at City. Their confidence was sky high and they were playing some of the best football of their lives. The youth in the England squad also brought vitality, a fresh outlook, a new attitude, free from many of the shackles that have burdened and tied down so many in the past after the heroics of 1966.

Tunisia and Panama – nothing to be afraid of, with Belgium always destined to be the hardest game in the group. But nobody could’ve possibly predicted the 6-1 annihilation of Panama and this is where the excitement started for many. A Harry Kane hat trick and two goals from John Stones, a rampant England side recording their biggest win ever in the World Cup finals, the result set the country alight with a real buzz in the air. Maybe, just maybe, this time could be different. A kinder route to the final after the Belgium defeat did nothing to prevent the giddiness, a nation growing in cautious confidence, could this be the dawn of a new era? Could it be?

A quarter final against Sweden, the IKEA Vikings, and a solid 2-0 win sending England to their first semi finals for 28 years. We all now believed. Gareth Southgate and his squad had given us new hope and many people the best moments of their Summer. We’d watched the Panama win with our family during a barbecue on a scorching hot Sunday. We watched the Sweden win in a packed bar in Manchester, with everybody spilling out into Peter Street to celebrate with reckless abandon afterwards. Thankfully no stomping on ambulances here, just many chants of ‘football’s coming home’ with people dancing, jumping around and hugging each other in the blazing hot sunshine. It was a very surreal moment. Everybody so joyous, so happy, so together in their celebrations – what a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of, something so unexpected and truly wonderful.

Then came the semi final. A night where the country stood still. Roads were silent, with friends and family gathered around the nearest television screen to witness history in the making. The furthest England had progressed in a World Cup since 1990 – potentially 90 minutes away from a World Cup final.

The old football cliché ‘a tale of two halves’ is prevalent here. England sent into dreamland within the first five minutes with a Kieran Trippier free kick sailing into the top right of the net. The Three Lions coping well with anything Croatia had to offer and attacked with gusto. Sterling tormenting their defence time and time again; creating opportunities but failing to find that important second goal. But the second half England lacked that impetus and looked out of ideas and sluggish. Croatia capitalised on sloppy defending and, after extra time, we were out of the World Cup again.

That really hurt. I didn’t expect to be so emotionally invested in our national side, it had been so long. Like many, I allowed myself to be swept along in the hysteria, a feeling that felt so good, adding spontaneous delight and delirium to everybody’s Summer. I truly believed that we could do it. We were 22 minutes away from the World Cup Final. It felt like a real kick in the stomach. It was such a golden opportunity for a new generation to make their mark; so many big guns had disappointed and fallen flat on the big stage, whereas England had soared. The comedown was real. I hadn’t felt that disappointed over football for a long, long time. It was a bit of a reality check. I almost feel like, with getting that close, we will never get so close again. Next time, the expectation and pressure will be back. World Cup semi finalists – surely we can repeat that? I’m not so sure. The boys are young, but finishing in the final four means the weight of the world next time round.

But really, the boys do come home with full credit to them, with most of their reputations enhanced. Stones rediscovered that form he had before his injury at City, with many citing him as the next Bobby Moore, putting in some outstanding performances and scoring twice. Walker proving to be just as valuable and Sterling – well, if anything, this World Cup has just shown me how many people don’t truly understand football. So many people were quick to jump on social media to lambast Sterling for ‘missing so many chances’, without stopping to think about the fact that he created them in the first place. His pace and energy put the fear of God into the opposition, opened up space for others to run into. He is an attacking midfielder – he did his job with aplomb – the only game we lost was when he didn’t start, and every time he was subbed we looked worse off for it.

With One Night in Turin. the boys came home to crowds of thousands and an open top bus. I don’t believe that reception is really warranted this time round. Yes, they’ve done remarkably well and come so far, but there is still much work to be done. At the time of writing this, England still have to play Belgium in the play-off game for third place (what a nonsense game, surely nobody cares about who finished third after missing out on the final?), then the boys will be granted some much needed time off before coming back to City and preparing for the 2018/19 season defending the Premier League trophy. And breathe.

Don’t be sad it’s over, be glad it’s happened. Some of those celebratory moments made my Summer what it was. My first World Cup with my two beautiful sons and my partner. It will never be forgotten. Very precious memories.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

It’s hard to put into words just quite what last season was like for us City fans. It was so much more than we could’ve all possibly hoped for, could’ve dreamed of. We left the opposition trailing in our wake, a gap so embarrassingly dominant it was almost like playing in our own League. There’s no arrogance; just a startling honesty that the standard of the football that we played was at least 19 points better than the closest team to us. Even now the dust has firmly settled, it’s hard to process the level of control we had and the standard of football we played – breathtaking, mesmeric and captivating fantasy football.

So, where do you go from smashing dozens of records and winning two trophies? Where do we go after such a record-breaking season? You move to defend your titles, win more and somehow still improve further.

Signings-wise: at the time of writing, Jorginho (a name quite frankly that I am sick to the back teeth of hearing) looks to be heading to Chelsea because he would prefer to live in London than Manchester – his loss. But City have made their record signing with former Leicester man Riyad Mahrez signing for £60 million (that unveiling at the Etihad though with Moonchester and Moonbeam – talk about cringe). We were linked with him of course in January, but the midfielder has now made the move and, to be quite honest, yes, a fantastic player, but I’m scratching my head at where exactly Pep will play him. He already has the Bernardo/Sterling dilemma on the right and Sane has been flying on the left, which is Mahrez’s preferred position – not a bad headache to have, and I am excited to see what he’ll offer in a team he’ll no doubt thrive in when he gets the chance.

Angus Gunn leaving did disappoint me. I’ve seen the young goalkeeper progress so much since I used to work for the club and covered the EDS back when they played at Platt Lane and I really thought we’d move to keep them and have him as our reserve. But £10 million plus add-ons is a lot of money to turn down and I’ve no doubt he will go on to be England’s number one in the future when he thrives at Southampton. Zinchenko has also been linked with leaving, but for now he’s still at City. Pablo Maffeo has gone to VFB Stuttgart and I’ve probably missed others out, but for now that’s the main movement in the transfer window. Not a great deal, but we didn’t need to drastically strength. Most of the improvements were made last Summer, although a back up for Fernandinho would make me sleep better at night.

After our entirely PR-driven pre-season tour of the US (sorry, I just don’t pay any attention whatsoever to pre-season games, they serve no purpose apart from selling shirts and spreading the word in foreign countries for the club), it’s the Community Shield against (at the time of writing, managerless) Chelsea on the first weekend of August and then Arsenal at the Emirates for our opening game of the 2018/19 season. Talk about a baptism of fire. It’ll be an interesting start that’s for sure, with many players returning late after featuring in the World Cup, although at least Otamendi and Aguero will have had an extra long rest (sorry boys!).

There’s no reason we can’t go out there and defend our title with the same excitement as we provided last season. The main difference was the gulf in class between us and our rivals – and that difference as mentioned was 19 points. I am yet to see any evidence of any teams around us strengthening and improving to the tune of a 19 point difference. Don’t get me wrong  - I don’t think it will be as much as a walk in the park as it was last season by all means. But people realised that other squads needed to be added to in order to try and bridge the gap and I’m not sure that has really happened at all. I just worry about making a good start – hopefully all our players come back refreshed enough, ready to push on and achieve more dreams in blue.

SEA’S THE DAY

I usually spend the Summer more or less wishing the time away, but this time was different. As soon as the season finished, Adam and I were preparing to take Vincent and Noel Sergio down to Cornwall for 10 days for their annual holiday there. We absolutely love it down there: the week we go in May has been blessed with incredible weather now for the past two years of going and the place we stay, in Portreath, is beautiful. We’re lucky to be able to go out of season at the moment because the boys haven’t started school yet, so there were no crowds and quite often we find ourselves the only people on certain beaches.

The whole 10 days were spent bathed in magnificent unbroken sunshine, on a different glorious beach every day, with Vincent building sandcastles and Noel legging it into the sea and eating sand pies. Porthcurno, Marazion, Porthgwidden, Portminster, Portmeor, Kynance, Towan, Watergate, Fistral, Perranporth, Hayle and Gwithian. All ridiculously stunning, with golden sands and turquoise waters. Every evening we drank beer and Aperol spritz watching the breathtaking sunset over the sea in the hot tub. It was like a dream – and best of all, we didn’t even need our passport. Yes you need to be lucky to get the weather, but boy did we. It was quite possibly my favourite holiday and set the tone for our wonderful Summer.

So we’ve spent the Summer (sorry if you follow me on Instagram and are bored of seeing my seaside photos!) having as many days out as possible to enjoy the delightful sunshine we’ve been living under. I wasn’t here in 1976 and I’ve heard so much about it, so it’s been a joy to experience days and days of prolonged sunshine in our country and, along with the football, it’s really provided that feel good factor for most of us. We’ve discovered more of our beautiful UK coast, with trips to Barmouth and Abersoch in Wales, and many more days out at zoos and parks. We wanted to squeeze the zest and juice out of the weather and I definitely feel like we’ve done that – I’ve not had this good a tan since I last went on holiday to the Caribbean!

So as those long, hazy days roll by and the season approaches, I’ll be sad to wave goodbye to the heatwave that has gripped us so tightly recently. But normal service will resume in a matter of weeks – football may not be coming home, but City are coming back – and we all know what that means. More thrills, less spills, more of that incredulously unbelievable Pep Guardiola football we were so lucky to watch last season.

As always, I’ve no idea what to really expect with City. But I do know it won’t be boring. The pressure and expectation will be there and we’ve got to know how to cope with everybody wanting to beat us again. Déjà vu, c’est la vie.

But I’m really excited for it all, are you?

WAKE ME UP WHEN SEPTEMBER ENDS...(AND PINCH ME TOO)...

KING OF THE KIPPAX COLUMN - NOVEMBER 2017

It’s hard to believe that this time last month I was sitting down in front of my laptop preparing to write about the indifferent start to the season that City had made. I used the terms/clichés, ‘new signings bedding in’ and ‘no excuses for Pep this season’.

People were questioning our defence. People wondered if, despite our Summer spending spree, Pep’s squad was big enough. People even wondered whether Sergio would break Eric Brook’s top goal scorer record this season.

There were plenty of questions, but it was too early for many answers.

Then came September.

WAKE ME UP WHEN SEPTEMBER ENDS

I love October. The crisp Autumn air signalling the end of Summer. Hallowe’en fun and frolics with my children, with pumpkin picking and trick or treating aplenty. But I especially love October this year because City entered it on the back of an entirely unbeaten month. September was a 100% win record for Pep: 7/7, sitting top of the class on goal difference at the time of going to press. The first time we’ve won our opening two Champions League games. What a time to be alive.

I felt reasonably confident going into the Liverpool game, but I don’t think anybody could’ve predicted what followed. The Scousers will moan that the Mane high boot/decapitation attempt on Ederson (in which intent is irrelevant) changed the game and it did to the extent that it eliminated the threat from their star player, but the capitulation that followed from Klopp’s side was nothing short of astounding. No red card should see your side fold the way they did: what more, Klopp had no response to it. He didn’t react or change his side to cope effectively – a manager held in such as high regard as Klopp shouldn’t be as embarrassed as he rightly was with such a score-line.

But the 5-0 result was nothing more that City deserved. Sane’s incredible last minute effort capped off a stunning team performance that set the tone for what was to follow in a truly spellbinding month for the Blues. A 4-0 win at Feyenoord and a 6-0 win at previously unbeaten Watford. A 2-1 victory at West Brom in the Carabao Cup was followed by a 5-0 demolition of Crystal Palace at the Etihad.  A 2-0 triumph over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League with the cherry on the cake, a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge, home of the current Premier League Champions, Chelsea.

25 goals scored and just one conceded. That should put to bed any doubts anybody had over our defence. Let’s really take the time to give credit where it’s due and heap praise – on everybody. From the back to the front, it’s been a colossally enthralling month of truly bedazzling football. It’s been the kind of football we expect from a Pep side, but don’t ever dream for a second we’d be lucky to watch week in, week out. It’s what we thought could happen, with a squad so gifted. A squad littered with pace, youth, energy, experience and efficiency. The perfect blend with the potential for a seismic impact – September was the month City arrived. For when questions have been asked, players have delivered in abundance.

Ederson – stretchered off so dramatically in the Liverpool game – has been a dream in goal. We don’t have to worry when the balls goes near him, we trust in him, we know he can handle the situation. He brings an almost eerie calm behind the defence: his decision making has been almost flawless, his bravery is to be commended and his distribution – well, it ranks up there with the best outfield players. He’s the goalkeeper you need to reassure you: sensible, respected and mature. He gets on with his job with gusto and is proving to be quite the acquisition.

Kyle Walker and Danilo – equally as impressive, adaptable, pacy and solid as each other. ,Mendy was looking an unyielding character in that left back position before his injury, with his first time crosses a particular favourite of time. John Stones – what a month it’s been for him. He started September with many still doubting his capabilities, but I think all doubt can be laid to rest now. He’s developed into a figurehead at the back, forging a formidable and unforgiving partnership with Otamendi. They’ve been good for each other – and due to Kompany’s injury absence, have grown both together and as individually solid defenders. Otamendi still worries me with those sliding, lunging tackles, but thankfully he’s come out of most of them well recently so I can forgive him! Stones? Well, he is potentially looking a little reminiscent of a certain former Chelsea captain. Potential City captain in the not-so-distant future? Maybe.

Fernandinho is always an unsung hero, bridging the gap between defence and midfield. When a player goes about his business almost unrecognised and without much fuss, it usually means that he’s doing a pretty good job, and that is exactly what Fernandinho is about. He’s just doing a really, really good job. Head down, focused and consistent. Not as combustible as Nigel De Jong, not as studious as Gareth Barry, but just as good as his job. Every team needs a Fernandinho – we’re just lucky he chose us.

The midfielders. The creative types: the ones who really weave their wands and work their magic to produce such trickery and flair. Raheem Sterling: the one with the hefty price tag at such a young age. An England youngster with the weight of expectation on his shoulders, he’s flying at the heart of a confident team with encouragement all around him. Sterling is working hard to prove those doubters wrong and knows he has to be part of a winning squad to succeed. Leroy Sane – such remarkable energy and footwork. Scoring magnificent goals and thriving amongst a team so excitable and remarkable. David Silva being David Silva. His namesake Bernardo just as mesmerising. Wonderful to see Gundogan back from injury and looking just as electrifying as before. He holds a soft spot for me because he has so many shades of Kinkladze. The dinks and vision take me back to the brightest light in the 1990s during the darkest time – we’ve only just begun to see what he’s capable of.

Kevin De Bruyne – I’m running out of adjectives. It’s been that kind of a month. I don’t think I’ve ever said that. Incredulous to believe a Chelsea reject could go back to Stamford Bridge and absolutely run the show – just for the visiting team this time. He’s the kind of player you should rightly weep about when you let him slip through your fingers – the conductor at the heart of a City orchestra that has been playing the most enchanting of symphonies. His vision is exemplary; he’s knitted together the attacks with stupendous wonder. Out of everybody, at a push he’d been my pick for player of the month.

Aguero and Jesus? Of course they can play together. They compliment each other and the team spirit has even made Sergio pretty generous when it comes to assisting instead of shooting – worth noting, particularly with that record in his reach.

Have to also give a mention to Fabian Delph. He was mocked in the Summer for not wanting a move to Stoke and for wanting to stay and fight for his place at City.

‘Fight for his place? More like to earn a tidy wage by being happy to be a benchwarmer,’ they mocked.

Well, he stayed and he has worked hard to fight for a place in the team. Never mind *that* goal against Crystal Palace, but his performance against Chelsea even left Mendy nervous in his hospital bed. Delph should be commended for having the right attitude and for being willing to adapt to suit the team’s needs. A consummate professional whose endeavours have been rewarded – I love it when players prove people wrong.

I’ve mentioned team spirit there a couple of times, but the last time I saw such a team spirit was probably the early days of the Mancini era. The players are working for each other and it just works. It’s an utter delight to watch and it’s hard to keep our feet on the ground – but we have to, because this is City and we never know what’s around the corner. But the energy, the movement, the vision, the attitude and persistence is what sets this team apart. They’ve got each other’s backs. They know they’re all in it together. They are willing to fight for each other and together. They support each other on social media and include the fans, which also does make a big difference. We’re allowed an insight into their interaction with each other and we see bonding and giving a shit. That Trafford lot may be over our shoulders, but they’ve yet to play any of the big sides and we’ve overcome our biggest test yet.

Chelsea was the complete performance – completed with the most fitting of goal scorers.

Onto October: Stoke, Napoli, Burnley and Wolves at the Etihad with West Brom away.

Note to self: it’s normally when you count your chickens, that they don’t hatch.

DAM BUSTING

It’s safe to stay there was a lot of reaction to the news that came out of the Netherlands following Sergio Aguero’s car crash. Waking up to read the news breaking on Twitter about our star striker, who was poised to break the record set by Eric Brooks going into the Chelsea game in a rich vein of form, was not an ideal start to my Friday.

I knew that Aguero was in Amsterdam at a concert because I follow him on Instagram, so I’d seen the ‘stories’ that he’d been posting on there. But as soon as I found the photos of the smashed-up taxi he’d been in, I realised surely he’d done more damage than initially suggested. It looked really bad. So imagine my surprise that City fans and ‘pundits’ alike was reacting in anger to the situation.

‘What the hell was he thinking?’ ‘Why the hell is he in Amsterdam when we’re 48 hours away from the biggest game of the season so far?’ ‘What is he playing at?’

Are these people actual rational human beings?! Do they realise that he could’ve been involved in a similar incident coming out of the CFA in Manchester? Or driving out of his home back in the UK? Do these imbeciles actually stop for a minute to consider that players are allowed to do whatever they want, within reason, in their spare time? I work part time and my boss would never for a second tell me what to do in my spare time. He wouldn’t be remotely interested. Granted I’m not playing for a high profile Premier League side and have sponsorship deals coming out of my ears, but let’s cut the guy some slack please.

The initial reaction of a sane person would be one of concern and shock. Thankfully, that seemed to be the response from the majority of the fans I came across. The minority let the side down. Then there was Richard Keys, who incredulously had the guile to compare it to the Rooney ‘way over the drink drive limit and over for a booty call behind his pregnant wife’s back’ incident. It beggars belief. We are very lucky that Sergio escaped with nothing more than a broken rib. Just be grateful for that. Be grateful that his time out is minimal – and that he’s still with us to tell the tale.

MENDY IS THE MAN

More injury woes came in the form of our brand spanking new left back, Ben Mendy. With what initially looked nothing more than a slight knock, everybody’s worst fears were confirmed when a scan revealed a ruptured ACL. He’s since had an operation, but the recovery time means we may not see him on the pitch again this season, but if we do, he should be back in time for the main title push in April.

It was a big blow to a player who’s proved to be a firm fans’ favourite so far since joining from Monaco. His antics on social media have left everybody entertained and waiting for what’s next to come. He’s the founder of the #sharkteam hashtag, the name he’s bestowed on this new-look Pep side, with fans taking to website in droves to buy inflatable sharks to take to the Stoke game. There are even rumours that the club may have jumped onto the bandwagon and ordered a mass shipment of inflatable Jaws-lookalikes to capitalise on Mendy Mania.

Whether he’s filming Bernardo Silva in the canteen and mocking him, or bringing down Duncan Castles a peg or two on Twitter, one thing you can rely on Mendy for is dedication and optimism. He filmed himself going down to theatre for his op with a big smile on his face and he posted several videos from his hospital bed of him and his friends watching the Chelsea game and cheering us on. ‘Come on City’ was the cry, with his Gucci hat with the painted-on worker bee to represent Manchester. He sent his teammates a video before that game with words of encouragement and it was touching to see Delph post-match dedicating the win to the ‘big man in the hospital bed.’

Mendy is the man of the moment – and long may that continue.

#sharkteam

TYPICAL CITY

It may seem a bit harsh to take a pop at the club after such a fantastic month, but City being City, they do make it very easy for us. I’m not sure whose bright idea it was to think of conducting a behind-the-scenes tour at the City Academy with Chappy as the host and actually contemplate for a second that they could get away with charging £200 a pop for it. Is that how much Chappy is charging these days? I know plenty that’d do it for free – and be more popular.

Similarly, who in their right mind thought they could introduce a ‘Women At The Game’ event for the Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk?

‘Meet together. Watch together. Cheer together,’ An inspiring tagline if ever I heard one.

35% of the average football crowd in 2017 is female. That number has been steadily rising for a good couple of decades. You can’t patronise a core element of your support with what can only be described as belittling bullshit. We have been meeting together, watching together and cheering together for a number of years if you haven’t already noticed. We don’t need an entirely ill-advised manufactured event to socialise at football.

The days of us being confined to the kitchen are long gone – we are actually allowed out to attend the match in this wonderfully modern era of equal rights. I mean, Emmeline Pankhurst didn’t waste her life campaigning for women’s rights only for City to come along and entirely alienate the female City population in one fell swoop. Is there any kind of quality control that goes on at City in the marketing and events department before these ideas are promoted? It’s just baffling and utter tripe.

A big issue at the moment that the club are also struggling with is the queues that are gathering at the turnstiles before the game. I touched on this last month and on why the security measures are necessary in light of the heightened tensions and constant barbaric terrorist acts that seem to be happening almost daily now across the globe. The huge queues that form pre-match are a serious concern now and it’s time for the club to address them.

One way this has been attempted to be dealt with is by offering fans ‘chip for a quid’ if they enter the ground early. Another promotion was selling soft drinks for £1. Hang on a minute, somebody hold my pint so I can rush down and benefit from such an alluring offer! No City no. Half price beer maybe, but nobody is going to look upon those deals as an incentive to leave the pub early.

Also, the club spend time promoting the events going on in City Square before the match, so which one is it to be City? Do you want us in the ground early eating our chips for a quid supping our coke, or do you want us outside watching two fans interviewing former players? It’s contradictory – you need to be clear on where you want the fans to be and when. If you want us all inside the ground by a certain time, then take the entertainment inside.

It’s not going to work. People stay in the boozer sometimes right until the last minute. It definitely won’t work for night matches: people picking their kids up, getting home from work, rushing around. There is no way that everybody can be at the ground 45-60 minutes before a night game because people have lives. They have other commitments outside of football – football fits in around all that, so you have to make it slightly easier for everybody in that regard. Why not employ more security staff to do the checks outside the ground? Or let people use more entrances instead of restricting people to just one turnstile? There are ways around it, because it’s never been as bad as it is right now to enter the ground before the game. Not only are fans queuing for ages, it poses a huge security risk in itself, with people almost sitting ducks.

It’d only take a bit of common sense to rectify the situation – but then again that’d be too easy, wouldn’t it? #typicalcity

So what a month September was. My eldest, Vincent, turned three so we took him to the Palace game as a treat/test to see how he’d get on. Decked out in his new shirt, he was so excited on the journey there and I’ve never felt more proud walking up to the Etihad than I did with my boy holding my hand tightly, shouting ‘Come on City!’

He loved all the excitement outside and the atmosphere when the team bus turned up. We thankfully arrived early enough not to queue, so he had a hot dog inside and skipped to his seat in the South Stand. When the teams came out onto the pitch, he looked around in bewildered awe. He’s been to a couple of games before, but he’s at an age now where he’s older and more aware, he could really take it in and join in with the songs.

We managed to get 10 minutes out of him before he was asking for his Kindle to watch YouTube and I totally expected that. But he joined in with all five goal celebrations and exited the Etihad pumping his fist shouting Leroy. That’s more than enough for me. It was a very proud day for this City Mama.

You’d think City being impeccable off the pitch would mean the media would be fawning over us, of course that’s not to be. I had an interesting engagement on Twitter with Ian Ladyman, Daily Mail’s Football Editor, over an entirely unnecessarily negative Aguero tweet for which he demonstrated no morals, remorse or integrity. Trying to constantly find the negatives in positive situations is lazy and unsubstantiated journalism, with non-existent sources cited to accompanied make-believe stories that excite our opponents as much as that offend City fans.

The constant City bashing from most media outlets is proving to be sadly predictable: price tags relentlessly brought up as valid arguments for justification for current form and attempting to fantasize rifts with Pep and players is lazy click bait at its best. It’s monotonous, boringly churlish at a time where credit is rightly due regardless of any other factors.

But we’ll just let actions speak louder than any words – and take great pride in that.

As always.

Emily Brobyn

@kippaxgirlemily