THE FUTURE’S BLEAK thinks the City squad is more than holding its own in the early Premier League season.
Back in July we were told we ‘have picked up talented players, but they’re probably not Premier League quality. It’s a risk since they will need to make a big ol’step up to the big time’ and so on.
It’s only six games in but the table is taking some sort of shape, and so far they’ve unquestionably stepped up. Naivety aside, of course. The most important thing is the team element hasn’t been left behind when revolving doors cranked into action.
Even what felt like the most underwhelming of signings has stepped up to the plate, even if he does look like he’s eaten a plate or two. Bradley Johnson came with a reputation of inconsistency but he’s been the exact opposite, systematically breaking up the play, biting and harrying. He seems to be the perfect partner for Fox, allowing the little one to spray the ball about as he does the dirty work.
Arguably he’s been one of our best players this season; the Lambert influence is clearly doing wonders. Learning your craft from a Champions League winner can’t be bad.
Another who has stepped up and gained cult figure status is he-who’d-never-play-for-us. Someone, somewhere has lost the ability to put in inviting cross after inviting cross and Tierney’s the one who took it. Or he’s done a Robert Johnson. He was always noted for giving his all and a little bit more, but he’s now added a touch of the brilliant.
So good he’s been we’ve forgotten all about whassissname who really should be in the Hall of Fame by now.
Ruddy still seems something of anomaly, somehow seemingly bereft of and over confident at the same time. His shot stopping can’t be questioned and by no means is his place being questioned. In fact the whole side have offered up the answers to any questions that might be asked of them. We even got though a whole 90 minutes without a penalty.
You would be excused for feeling optimistic about how this season might pan out. What better way to keep that in check than a visit to the ‘best side in the country’. For what it’s worth, I’m expecting goals at both ends. Just don’t ask me how many. (I also don’t mean goals in either half for United…)
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