Peter Anderson ⚽ After the Community Shield Final in August, jubilant Liverpool fans were taking to social media to laud the arrival of Darwin Nuñez. 

Liverpool won that "final" and Nuñez had scored on his debut, playing well to boot. City's big signing, Erling Braut Haaland, had not made such a great start, missing a sitter or two to the jeers of the Redmen. 

A Twitter poll later that week asked which was the best signing and Nuñez came out on top. How things have changed! Such evaluations can't be made on the back of a Community Shield match. 8 games into the season and I think it is fairly safe to say that if City offered Liverpool Haaland for Nuñez plus £100m the scousers would eat their hand off. The big Norwegian is that good. He has taken the league by storm. After only 8 games he has scored the same amount of hattricks as Vardy and Lampard did in their whole careers. If he can avoid serious injury, he could well become the GOAT, certainly the best in the EPL. He is a dream to watch and I can't believe he's ours, and we got him for £57m. Just as importantly, he may be the reason for Pep to sign a new deal. Who wouldn't want to manage Haaland on his journey?

On Sunday morning during the club cycling run the Man U faithful were doing some winding up. They were convinced that United would win Sunday's derby. "Get a score o'quid on Man U, big man! We're on a roll and coming for you!" Ballax. Man U came for no-one. The game was over after 7 minutes when City got their first through Foden. By half-time Foden had two and Haaland had two. Men against boys. The camara showed Sir Alex sat in the stands looking even more red faced than usual. Text messages were sent to my Man U mates to rub noses in dirt.

Haaland's connection with de Bruyne is a joy to behold. The best passer in the league finding the best finisher in the league is a pattern I could get used to, but in the long run Haaland's relationship with Phil Foden may be the critical one. Both are very young and insanely talented. Haaland's assist for Foden's second on Sunday was a rare glimpse of the Norwegian's passing abilities. This is a relationship that could prove extremely fruitful. The early signs are very encouraging. On Twitter later that evening 2 pics appeared of Haaland and Foden as young children, both wearing City tops. Both grew up supporting the club which makes it even more special. Just how good can they get? Citymen are salivating at the prospect.

The next big date in the calendar is in two weeks when City go to Anfield. Normally we fail dismally there. This time the scousers won't be so confident. The thought of Haaland up against their failing back line will give them the chills. We can be a little more relaxed knowing that Liverpool aren't serious contenders this season. Also, after 4 EPLs in 5 seasons, the big prize this season is the UCL. And with Haaland in the team the pressure will be on to lift our first. The thought among Citymen is to go full tilt for the UCL and let the league look after itself. If we don't win it, no big shakes.

Even if we win nothing this season, it is going to be a joy watching thon big Norwegian shredding defences.

Peter Anderson is a Unionist with a keen interest in sports.

Dream To Watch

Peter Anderson ⚽ After the Community Shield Final in August, jubilant Liverpool fans were taking to social media to laud the arrival of Darwin Nuñez. 

Liverpool won that "final" and Nuñez had scored on his debut, playing well to boot. City's big signing, Erling Braut Haaland, had not made such a great start, missing a sitter or two to the jeers of the Redmen. 

A Twitter poll later that week asked which was the best signing and Nuñez came out on top. How things have changed! Such evaluations can't be made on the back of a Community Shield match. 8 games into the season and I think it is fairly safe to say that if City offered Liverpool Haaland for Nuñez plus £100m the scousers would eat their hand off. The big Norwegian is that good. He has taken the league by storm. After only 8 games he has scored the same amount of hattricks as Vardy and Lampard did in their whole careers. If he can avoid serious injury, he could well become the GOAT, certainly the best in the EPL. He is a dream to watch and I can't believe he's ours, and we got him for £57m. Just as importantly, he may be the reason for Pep to sign a new deal. Who wouldn't want to manage Haaland on his journey?

On Sunday morning during the club cycling run the Man U faithful were doing some winding up. They were convinced that United would win Sunday's derby. "Get a score o'quid on Man U, big man! We're on a roll and coming for you!" Ballax. Man U came for no-one. The game was over after 7 minutes when City got their first through Foden. By half-time Foden had two and Haaland had two. Men against boys. The camara showed Sir Alex sat in the stands looking even more red faced than usual. Text messages were sent to my Man U mates to rub noses in dirt.

Haaland's connection with de Bruyne is a joy to behold. The best passer in the league finding the best finisher in the league is a pattern I could get used to, but in the long run Haaland's relationship with Phil Foden may be the critical one. Both are very young and insanely talented. Haaland's assist for Foden's second on Sunday was a rare glimpse of the Norwegian's passing abilities. This is a relationship that could prove extremely fruitful. The early signs are very encouraging. On Twitter later that evening 2 pics appeared of Haaland and Foden as young children, both wearing City tops. Both grew up supporting the club which makes it even more special. Just how good can they get? Citymen are salivating at the prospect.

The next big date in the calendar is in two weeks when City go to Anfield. Normally we fail dismally there. This time the scousers won't be so confident. The thought of Haaland up against their failing back line will give them the chills. We can be a little more relaxed knowing that Liverpool aren't serious contenders this season. Also, after 4 EPLs in 5 seasons, the big prize this season is the UCL. And with Haaland in the team the pressure will be on to lift our first. The thought among Citymen is to go full tilt for the UCL and let the league look after itself. If we don't win it, no big shakes.

Even if we win nothing this season, it is going to be a joy watching thon big Norwegian shredding defences.

Peter Anderson is a Unionist with a keen interest in sports.

15 comments:

  1. Exhausted LFC will be fortunate to get a Europa spot for next season . They should of replaced the central midfield & bought a new r b & c b . Based on first half performances , the Reds would be last in the Prem table with just 4 points from 21 ! Don't see them getting much change from Rangers & Arsenal . Nunez makes Andy Carroll look like a goal machine !

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    1. Rangers have paid the price of not replacing their top players of last year.

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  2. Rangers paid the price for decades of cheating and financial misconduct. That price was liquidation. Sevco, a Rangers tribute act, desperately tried to shift their 'top players' in the transfer window but they weren't wanted. Last night Sevco were measured and found wanting.

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    1. What are ye on about? We sold Bassey and Aribo plus Patterson for top money. The only reason why the club went into financial liquidation is due to criminal mismanagement. Interesting to note that if the tax cases happened now there wouldn't be a problem. Anyway, absolutely everybody knows, from UEFA to dogs in the street that it's the exact same club and no amount of clicking your heels and wishing it wasn't won't change that. Why would a new club piss you manky lot off so much? And if it wasn't for us dragging to co-efficient up Septic wouldn't be playing Champions League football. You are welcome.

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  3. There is no such team as "Man U" apart from in the minds of philistines. It is Man Utd, Manchester United, or, in Manchester, United. City are, Man City, Manchester City, or, again in Manchester, City.

    Of course the Blues have derogatory names for us, but "Man U" is not one, and us certainly for them.

    If I die in the Kippax Street, there'll be ten blue bastards at my feet, woo, woo,oo, wo, oo
    If my bones never mend, carry me back to the Stretford End, woo, woo,oo, wo, oo

    Caoimhin O'Muraile

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    1. Quite true, I prefer the term 'ManUre'.

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    2. The term Man U is widely used. There are no religious-like edicts that determine what a team may or may not be called.

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  4. Steve R, Sevco fans are a bit like some violent, dissident republicans in that they follow a continuity myth where the entity they support is a greatly-diminished, considerably nastier and much less effective replica.

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    1. Yeah, right. UEFA Europa League final last year, won the SPL a few years before after setting world records in the lower divisions. Celtic tried to kill us and it just made us stronger. You know we are the exact same club that's what really boils your piss.

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  5. No urine percolation problems here Steve. If Fergie sat on Liz's throne would it make her the same queen? Sure don't take my word for it, try Steven Naismith - “The loyalty I had was with Rangers. I’ve never met anyone from Sevco since it’s been formed. And I don’t think I could have moved forward on those terms.
    “Will I ever come back and support the new club? I haven’t thought about it"
    https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/rangers-in-crisis-i-havent-quit-rangers-1130179
    Have a nice day and remember Jesus loves you.

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  6. Oh dear Gavin, fully investigating thongs not your strong point I see. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40445277

    Have a great day and remember no-one loves you.

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    Replies
    1. I've investigated a thong or two in me time Steve but only on a consensual basis and some of the wearers still even talk to me.

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    2. Ah yes, the old 'focus on a spelling mistake' shtick.

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    3. but you did hang them out there for a good kick!!!

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    4. Feckin knew i should have read it back before pressing submit!

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