For me though, I think I must have hit a trampoline because I've bounced right back up to where I was. We are in the Premier League and no-one can take that away from us (for about 8 months at least, I hope!). Ok, my 1-1 prediction was rather ambitious but I couldn't publicly predict a pummelling in our first game, although between me and you I did say 4-0 on the way to the ground!
Let's not shy away from the fact we lost 4-0 though. On paper it looks like a drubbing, but in reality we were beaten by a better team of World class players who were stronger than us and had that 'edge'. We held our own for long periods I thought, continuing our footballing mantra throughout. I've never been a fan of Man City, but it was a pleasure to watch them play tonight, and it gave me particular pleasure watching them start to get twitchy bums in the second half when it was still 0-0!
I think it's fair to say that we did Wales proud tonight. I'm sure our dear friends up the road may question that, but as a team with a record transfer fee of a whopping £3.5mil compared to a squad of proven internationals and worth way in excess of £300mil, we can have no complaints.
I do believe, however, we may have stormed the bragging rights for the singing though. I think there were two thousand Tom Jones' and a few Max Boyces' in the crowd tonight. In fact, there was one citeh fan to our left in the upper tier who quite possible threw her verbal knickers at us. It wasn't pretty, believe me.
Well, that was it, game one. No goals, no points. No problem. Our season doesn't rely on getting points from this type of game. Our home form is crucial, as are the away games against the likes of Wolves, West Brom, Blackburn, QPR etc.
I'm not going to single out anyone for praise or criticism as not only was it the first game of a long season, but I feel the boys deserved to enjoy that game as a little treat for reaching the promised land. No more chances though lads, anyone misfires on Saturday and you're toast.
Next up at home is Wigan Athletic. Roberto Martinez makes his first return to South Wales since he ever so kindly left two seasons ago. Tasty!
Keep the faith Jacks and Jackesses.
Total car mileage: 490
v Wigan prediction: 2-1
Jack, Saw your post on the Blue Moon Board. Look forward to reading the ups and downs of the Jacks this year. Critisism aside, i look forward to Vorm and Sincliar this year. Looked good and sharp. Brendan does need to improve defensive options though. Last night we had all of our defenders on the pitch. None on the bench, and only 2 to come back...
ReplyDeleteAgree with you there John. Although we are looking fairly strong in defence, injuries and suspension may leave us very thin on the ground throughout the season.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you saw the Vorm stole the headlines again yesterday. Didn't have much else to do to be honest, but definitely saved a point for us.