mancityblues.com

Thanks to Doug Higginbottom, of mancityblues.net, for this post after the derby game.

His analysis of the first team, both in training and in the league is very perceptive and entertaining;

"Yaya ,what does he actually do? I think the answer is whatever the hell he wants. A subdued role yesterday as a central midfielder but again he was excellent. Not exactly a defensive role, not really an attacking role with surging threatening runs but a controlling role prompting the awesome attacks.

What exactly was Milner's brief? Easy to see he was on the right helping Micah quash Young's threat and Evra I guess but how come he was also setting the first goal up from the left wing? He was all over the place and just superb.

Same for Silva. Started left side and was part of telling Nani he should not have bothered coming but did such great work on the right side both in creating goals and scoring his one. While I still think of Colin Bell as my all time best I watch Silva and think I really enjoy watching his skill and style as much as any other City player I have ever seen. The guy is just sublime on the ball and he works hard as well.

Are there still any fans who don't rate Gareth Barry? Another game where he didn't stand out but if you can find the time to watch him closely he is such an intelligent player, he fills holes constantly, he's always available and makes simple effective passes. We know in a straight race he hasnt got the pace to beat anybody so how come he almost always seems to be where he is needed?

Clichy. Considering all the high transfer values and premiuims we have had to pay, how come we didn't for this guy? Looks a top professional and was totally in control of Nani. No real attacking from him as a result but we know he has that in him as well.

Micah. Awesome. Difficult for a little while as the scum needed Young to be a success for them to perform but he never really got the better of him and after a while it was all about Micah going forward rather than defending. Did we see Evra attacking? I think not.

How come baconface chose that centre back pairing and left their latest world star on the bench? Ferdinad has gone, Evans never will be and clearly he thinks Jones isnt quite ready yet. Looks like he must also think that Vidic has had his day. Smalling just isn't that good when the ball isn't lumped in the air at him.

And what about that midfield pairing. Silva's boot laces have more creative quality than those two put together. Did he underestimate City completely or is he losing it?

What happened to shrek? We all know he is a good footballer but not on yesterday's performance. Where was his fighting spirit? Totally squashed along with his team.

Was Nigel originally selected and then changed due to a little niggle or were we misinformed about the team initially? I have to say I have seen him happier on the bench especially given the tonking we were handing out.

And then there is Mario. Not exactly starring until he stroked in that great first goal and we saw a moment of real Mario as he turned to greet the adulation and show off his Tee-shirt. Quality and his game just grew. I loved it when he scored the 2nd and unusually ran across in delight to thank/congratulate Silva and Milner for the set up. Top moment that for me and it was a class class goal.

I am priviledged to watch City in training every week and the football at the end was pure training ground stuff. They often practice attacking movements against no opponents and that was just what it was for those last 3 goals. In fact maybe for the last 5 goals. How good is it to be able to say "those last 5 goals"?

No special plaudits for either Vinnie or Lescott. They were just very good and hardly gave a sniff at all. A very very good defensive partnership and probably the best in the premier league."

Nice one, Doug!