Is Man City becoming a bogey team for us? How’s that we beat the biggies (they’re not one yet) but still get beaten by Man City in succession. For a team that doesn’t get beaten that often, our recent record against Man City’s recent record is disturbing.

The sad thing is they have beaten us with the same tactic every single time. Its actually embarrassing. This being a match at the City of Manchester stadium, we shouldn’t have probably allowed them any opportunities for counterattack. They knew that we’d attack in numbers. And we knew that their goals would come from counterattacks. The one guy in Citeh who can apply a great finish is Tevez and he’s the one player I need to worry about in their team. Yet, we allow him negotiate our strong defence and beat the keeper.

I’d agree with JoseHoliday. This is a match that we should have produced a tactical masterclass, like the Chelsea under TSO. We were trying the same thing over and over again and at no moment we were able to really surprise them.

By half-time, I was clear about one thing – Ramires was the weak link. He is new to this league and he is learning the hard way. He’s been a bit iffy in the last few games that he played. In fact, I’m yet to see a good game from him. I’m sure that he’ll improve but why would we play him against such a good counterattacking team?

Ramires has not been confident on the ball. It’s not just this match and this goal. He plays in such a crucial position that he can’t afford to be unsure. Probably Mancini saw him to be the weak link and gateway for their opportunities. That said, Man City hassled us very well. They never allowed our players any time on the ball. Only players like Essien, Mikel and Anelka could get some time on the ball. But I’m very positive about Ramires that he will come good. I was one who got hyper-excited when I learnt that Ramires is signing for Chelsea. I’m sure he’ll improve.

Okay, over to a better result. I didn’t get to see the match. I don’t when will see a champions league match again. The kick off of these night matches is at about 3 am in the morning which makes it impossible for me to watch them. Anyways I do catch up on reactions, goals and interviews.

Chelsea continues to perform strongly in Europe. I don’t think anyone’s even asking if we can progress to the next round. We are marching on like champions. On the champions league this season, Chelsea seems to be quiet and modest but also very focussed and determined.

I have a feeling that Carlo would value the champions league success more than a premier league success this season. That’s because he’s not like Arsene Wenger or Rafa Benitez who have not won a league title for donkeys years. Carlo just won the league so he can afford to turn to champions league. Personally, I’d rate premier league over champions league any day. But hey, gimme both, I won’t mind!