I know we shouldn’t read too much into pre-season friendlies as they are not really a scientific indicator of form for the forthcoming season, but even by City standards, this was a frighteningly dull and lacklustre affair.
Just over 20,000 of us spread ourselves out in the COMS looking forward to seeing the new arrivals and the return of a City legend, but the expectant cheers soon turned to groans of disappointment as a new-look City failed to spark into life.
Porto are a decent side, but not a patch on the team they were a few seasons ago when they won the Champions League. City started well and to be fair dominated 1st half possession and were unfortunate to go a goal down against the run of play just before half time. Poor defending from a corner allowed Adriano a clear header on goal, which he executed with some finesse, giving Weaver no chance.
A Blue backlash in the second half never really materialised with the City forwards and midfield strangely reluctant to shoot at goal, instead choosing to fiddle around with unnecessary passes across the field and backwards much to the frustration of an increasingly comatose crowd. A couple of shots did hit the post and side netting, but in truth we never looked like scoring.
Trying desperately to find some positives from today, I think:
* The new signings do look like they have good potential. Corradi and Dabo look classy and I’m sure will shine once they’ve settled in. Unfortunately Hamman and Trabelsi were absent, but both have great pedigree
* Vassell looks sharp again, although he did tweak his leg and had to leave the field…. fingers crossed that was only precautionary. He really does need to play just behind the front two rather than as an out-and-out striker to get the best out of him
* Dickov received a rousing reception on his return and City looked sharper when he came on in the second half
* Joe Hart looks like he’ll develop into a good ‘keeper and looks already to have jumped ahead of Kasper in the pecking order
I hate to finish on a negative, but once again Reyna ( skipper for the day ) just seems to coast and float around the pitch with very little meaningful contribution and I really don’t know why Psycho persists with him after two very indifferent and injury plagued seasons; our midfield always looks light and ineffective when he’s in the side.
Anyway, despite the defeat and performance, it’s great to be back at the COMS once again and hopefully we’ll be in for a more successful, and just as importantly, a more entertaining season….. after what we’ve had to endure for the last few years, we deserve one!
.. Come on City !!!!!!!!!!!
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