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Ahead of Albion's game against Manchester City
at the Etihad Stadium, we caught up once more with Howard who writes about all
things City on Howard's Blog. He
gives his views on their season,
Manuel Pellegrini,
Monday's game
and more. You can also find Howard
on Twitter @howiehok34.
Last
Wednesday night’s draw against Sunderland looks as though it might have ended
City’s hopes of the title. Is that now the general feeling around the club and
amongst supporters or is there still optimism that you can finish top?
I think the general feeling is that the title has gone.
Chelsea's defeat to
Sunderland since has changed the picture slightly and if they could win at
Anfield it is back in City's hands (if we win against West Brom and Crystal
Palace of course), but there is too big a mountain to climb in my opinion. Of
course City have been here before, a disappointing home draw at Sunderland
seemingly ending our hopes, which were resurrected by beating West Brom 4-0, but
I don't believe history will repeat itself this time round.
How is City’s
season being viewed on the whole?
Hard to say, as there is great disagreement from City fans
over this and plenty of arguments. Some think it a failure, others like myself
prefer a bit of perspective. Any season with a trophy is not a disaster,
especially with our record over the past three decades, but there will be a
general feeling that it has been an up-and-down season, full of exhilarating
football, but ultimately slightly disappointing.
How is Manuel
Pellegrini rated amongst City supporters compared to previous manager Roberto
Mancini?
Again, there is great variety in how he is perceived amongst
the City fan base. The Roberto Mancini fan club have struggled to accept a new
manager and have been quick to pick up on Pellegrini's mistakes, which there
have been plenty of. I would hope the majority have been generally pleased with
a trophy, the biggest goal haul in our (or anyone else's) history, some
wonderful, entertaining football and hope that he truly shows his worth in his
2nd season, having adjusted to the various foibles of the English game. Mancini
is of course revered amongst City fans as whatever wealth we may have, the fact
is that he brought us our first trophy and first title in over a generation -
it's just a shame he had to leave under such a cloud by fighting with virtually
everyone at the club.
City reached
the last 16 of the Champions League before losing to Barcelona, what do the club
need to improve on if they are to better that next season?
Get in a higher pot! The fact is that the top seeds always
stand a better chance of progressing as they aren't tested fully until the
latter stages of the competition unless they get an unlucky draw. If City can
get into Pot 2 for next season they stand a better chance even before a football
is kicked. Also, there has to be no fear from the team or manager from now. This
will be our 4th year in the competition and we should play without caution and
any inferiority complex.
Highlight of
the season so far?
Winning the Capital One Cup of course. People can deride the
trophy all they want, but I will never tire of seeing my team lift a trophy at
Wembley - i am fortunate to witness it twice now and it will always mean a lot.
For all the criticism of City this season there have been
many highlights. A comfortable double over United and a win at Bayern Munich
runs the cup win close.
Moment you
would rather forget?
Wednesday night. All our dreams came crashing down and the
lack of fight was sobering. The footballing lesson at home to Bayern Munich was
another low-light.
Player of the
season?
David Silva. I don't take much notice of player awards but
how he hasn't been nominated for the PFA award baffles me. He is still hampered
by injuries but he has been at his imperious best this season especially in the
past month. He is the one player who is irreplaceable.
Villain of the
season?
I wouldn't label any City player a villain. I'd give the
award therefore to the minority of the press still obsessed by the fact City
have spent money and their need to mention it in every match report or article
on the club, as if no one had spent money before. It was boring three years ago,
it is staggeringly tedious now.
Premier League
champs?
Sadly
Liverpool. It's their destiny and all that...
Relegated?
Norwich, Cardiff and Fulham.
This is not a confident prediction though!
Best chant
heard this season?
I can barely remember a good one all season! Most the chants
from opposition fans are so pitiful i won't repeat them - except for the
lamentable "where were you when you were s**t?" (answer - sat in the same seat
watching your team probably)
We don't have enough player chants so my favourite is the new
Pablo Zabaleta one - but it has swearing in it so you'll have to google it.
Prediction and thoughts on
Monday’s game?
God knows! It certainly won't be a comfortable home game, but i predict City to
show a bit more fight and win 3-1. We'll definitely concede and you will
probably collapse at the end again!
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