In many ways 2012 will go down a one of the greater years in footballing history. Nations like spain & Zambia can still hear the resonating sounds of victory from their not very distant continental triumphs. In contrast, nations like Germany (both at country/club level) and Italy will be reminiscing on what might have been had things gone right for them on those disappointing nights. Not forgetting Didier Drogba's solely driven Ivory coast ship whom yet again missed out on what seemed a golden opportunity to put their previous international disappointments to bed.
Talking players, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain the game's cream of the crop, the former breaking a 40 year old Gerd Muller goal record, but not without a rare scary moment for Him and Barca on the much anticipated Champions league night against Benfica. In truth breaking the record was no surprise and never in doubt, as once in sight Lionel messi was always favourite to cross the finish line.
On the final league day of the 2011/2012 season the City of Manchester stood still for a final nerve racking five minutes, as the blue halve of Manchester will never forget the memories of Martin Tyler and Guy Mowbray screaming ‘Aguero’. In contrast a victory at the stadium of light felt like the Munich tragedy for Manchester United, as even the motivational Sir Alex could have used some words of comfort for himself and his deflated troops. The truth remains that Manchester City were a better team throughout the course of the season and somewhat deserved their title.
The then summer expectations have become a living winter reality for players. supporters and likewise the managers. With the league reaching its midway point it leaves pundits and neutrals with the conventional view and opinions on "The Journey So Far".
Manchester United remain in poll position to reclaim the title, a coveted silverware of Sir Alex Ferguson, a silverware which over the years they've come to believe is rightly theirs. With A seven points cushion at the premier league summit and a relatively superior goal difference to their 'noisy neighbours', a factor which cost them a supposed sunny holiday outing at the Caribbean, one wouldn't be wrong if he put his money on Ferguson's charges to get the job done come may. Manchester City on the other hand are yet to hit the heights of last season, the reality being that the team has not yet hit its stride. A second season syndrome was always on the cards, but with the stellar squad Roberto Mancini possesses they're little or no room for excuses. Though scarcely participating in the summer transfer market the addition of Scott Sinclair, Jack Rodwell and Javi Garcia seemed to have been a rather regressive or hasty decision and has had little or no effect on the squad in this first half.
That is why 2013 could be the yet another incredible year in domestic football, with Robin Persie now in the picture and undoubtedly swinging the balance of power towards the red half of city of Manchester. Something that lead the 71 year old gaffer to likening him as "the last piece of the Jigsaw".
MAKE OR BREAK
It will be a final five months of who makes
the least slips, wins more games convincingly, edge out close encounters and which team stays injury free. Whether United can continue to give teams a head start before coming to win in the dying minutes of games is a question the Manchester United faithfuls will want answered and sorted ASAP, and why not particularly with the return of their captain Nemanja Vidic, one will be hoping his presence will bring the much needed stability to the United rearguard.
Unlike United who simply have the fire power to shoot teams to submission couple with an age old myth, the City strikers have been goal-shy and Mancini's men have been winning games in rather unconvincing fashion. Roberto Mancini's men saw a two year home record broken by their Elder brothers (United), the defeat at Sunderland and numerous draws have left them in an inferior title position. City have often chose the conservative approach to matches rather than go for the Jugular, which is no surprise with the knowledge they patronise the services of an italian manager. City have the players to play in both systems for the purposes of deriving the desired result. Could their inability to replicate their last season form be down to a lack of hunger, second season syndrome or managerial flaws? These are questions the sky blues need to answer sooner rather than later.
January could become a pivotal month and might kick-start what is to be a 'Make Or Break' stand sooner than expected. "On New Year’s Day, United go to Wigan, the scene of the Shaun Maloney-inspired 1-0 defeat last season. They also have to play indifferent Liverpool and Tottenham away before the month is out. City, on the other hand, have Stoke at home – Tony Pulis’ side historically tend to roll over in that fixture – while playing QPR and Fulham after a trip to Arsenal".
If trophies were handed out at the turn of new year's day United will out rightly be crowned champions for a record 20th time. City on the other hand have little or no time to re-evaluate. But they can take positives towards their title push after producing a win with a befitting champions performance over Norwich City at Carrow road on sunday.
It will be a calamity not to tag United title favourites at this stage but just like last season, City can take inspiration from over-turning an eight point lead and beat United to the title yet again.
We will be watching every step of the way. From the Counter Attack team; "Have a Blessed & Prosperous New year".
The author of this piece is an analyst on the weekly Total football radio show with Mozez Praiz (supersport) on Smooth 98.1fm.
Credit: goal.com
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