Vital Manchester City received the following article from ‘Once A Blue’
Seven Premier League draws in a row, a completely uninspiring performance and another lead lost for the blues means this nightmare run just keeps continuing.
The match was a drab affair and the late Jimmy Bullard penalty added salt into the wide open wounds of many City fans.
Many problems have arisen from this game; the lacklustre performance of pivotal players, the growing weakness in the centre of midfield and most importantly the failure to close out games.
Three games in a row we have taken the lead and failed to continue, every time we surrender our lead, falling away like tissue paper.
The match before hand was highly anticipated, a win was much needed, not just that but an exceptional performance. With 80 minutes gone I think most would have settled just for a win, however, with a key decision not going our way, we were left literally paying the penalty.
City started the game with intent, holding onto possession and looking to get the ball forward. Robinho was starting his first game since August and the Brazilian was our linchpin going forward.
Robinho had the first real chance of the game, a few shimmies gave the striker room against a poor Paul Mcshane, however, his right foot curling shot went just wide.
Other chances in the first half fell to Carlos Tevez, Micah Richards and Shaun Wright Phillips. Tevez was put through after some decent built up play but the Argentine failed to slot the ball past Hull keeper Matt Duke. Micah Richards also missed a good opportunity heading over from an SWP floated corner. SWP then had a chance of his own, if Wright-Phillips did convert then Eastlands would have witnessed the goal of the season, crisp link-up play from Robinho, Adebayor, Ireland and again Robinho found SWP wide right, however, his technically superb shot hit the side netting.
Half time was looming and a boring half looked like coming to an end. Lee Probert then saw his first real action of the game, the referee was instinctive in his allowing of the game to flow, Tevez passed the ball to SWP who’s 20 yard shot took a slight deflection off own goal specialist Anthony Gardner before nestling into Matt Duke’s goal.
This goal should have meant we came out flying, pressure off our backs and raring to add more goals to the tally.
This was not the case; both teams came out for the second period lacklustre to say the least, Hull looking to stop the free flowing of goals by sitting back and City looking as nervous as a school boy in a ladies underwear shop.
In the first minute the defence was asleep, well everyone bar Joleon Lescott, the England defender reacted instinctively to slide the ball off the goal line from a Ricky Garcia shot.
The second half continued in a poor manner, neither team offering anything, no clear cut chances just the odd substitution.
We kept possession well and never looked in doubt of dropping any points. Despite this Jimmy Bullard was constantly rallying his troops for more effort.
Just as the match was nearing a close referee Lee Probert added controversy to the match, after turning down a SWP penalty appeal earlier in the half the Wiltshire based ref decided to give Hull a late penalty.
A harmless ushering of the ball from Captain Kolo Toure sent Hull striker Vennegoor of Hesselink spiralling towards the turf. Probert then, to the home fans dismay, pointed to the spot.
Up stepped the mercurial Jimmy Bullard, the floppy haired midfielder saw his penalty fly into the side of the net after goalkeeper Shay Given’s parry only helped the ball along.
The onus was back on City to press but it was too little too late, a desperate performance from us and an ever worrying league position heaps more pressure on Mark Hughes. Hull will be delighted with a lucky point which means their good form continues.
Next League game is Chelsea, a worrying sight for most blues, a turnaround is needed instantly from The Blues and Hughesy whether this comes next week is debatable.
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