City have won nothing yet

Tuesday, 25/10/2011

by Caroline Oatway, Shoot's Man City blogger

If you’d asked any Manchester City fan for a prediction ahead of Sunday’s game, you’d have been hard-pushed to find one that replied: “6-1 to City.”

In fact, you’d have been more likely to hear them predict 6-1 to United!

A historic day in Manchester seems to have finally cemented the Blues as a top club – not just in the Premier League, but in the world. The Blues tore United apart, subjecting the Reds to their worst home defeat since 1955 and Sir Alex Ferguson’s worst defeat of his footballing career.

It was an incredible win – certainly one of the best in my lifetime – and I’m unashamed to admit that I fell to my knees weeping at 6-1! No City fan in their wildest dreams would have envisaged what was to happen, but that result will live long in the memory for years to come. It’s not often we even beat United, never mind netting six past them in their own back yard!

The game brought nothing but positives for the blue half of Manchester, including a stunning display from the controversial Mario Balotelli, who could not have found a better way to answer his critics. Having been slated by the media (and probably rightly so) for setting fire to his house the night before, Balotelli produced some fireworks of his own in a brilliant display that put him in the papers for all the right reasons for once – and he wasn’t the only bright spark.

A superb attacking performance by the entire squad – along with the added bonus of Jonny Evans’ red card – saw the Blues stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points. City fans are daring to dream of a first top-flight title since 1968, and who can blame them? The signs are definitely there to show that the Blues may have finally knocked their bitter rivals off their perch.

It is flattering to hear the majority of United fans admit defeat gracefully, with some even commenting that the Blues were the better team on the day. But is it just on the day, or are City now a better team than United?

The Reds would probably disagree, but if Manchester United cannot handle a potent City attack, who can? The Old Trafford outfit were unbeaten in 25 home fixtures going into the game, although their performance would suggest otherwise.

But City fans shouldn’t get carried away with their league position just yet – nothing is won in October. United have recovered from worse positions than this many times before and there is still a long way to go. City face both Liverpool and Chelsea away in the next few weeks and it will be interesting to see if the Blues can maintain their unbeaten league run until then and thereafter.

Sunday’s result was long-awaited and the best statement of intent that City could possibly give. The blue moon is rising as they say, but only time will tell if it lasts. For now, let’s enjoy the ride!

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