How much did that pair cost, close to a round £50million between them? What an absolute joke! Ashton, Cole, Green, Ilunga, Upson, Parker, Behrami, Collins, Dyer, Boa-Morte and Neill were all bought for less than the cost of those two! Now, I'm not saying that they were all great signings, but watching City tonight, you have to wonder at the decision making. There was one lovely moment second half when Robinho did his dance, feet going this way and that over the ball, and Benjamin simply put out his leg and took away the ball. £34 million plus? I'm not sure the guy is worth any more than £5million personally. How many goals is it in 2009? One? And wasn't that for Brazil?
And as for Period Pains, yet again a booking for dissent and, to my mind, he was very lucky to then remain on the pitch after yet more bellyaching when claiming a penalty for a perfectly good tackle in the box on Ireland. £14million pounds for him? You couldn't write it! Shay Given kept City in the contest first half and the 3-1 score flattered them on the night. They may yet pull it round in the second leg but the smart money will be on Hamburg getting a goal, meaning City need three just to take it to penalties. I can't see that happening!
The best thing about tonight though was to see Jol looking so chuffed. Tottenham treated him appallingly and it is deliciously ironic that he is now favourite to be in the semifinal of the UEFA Cup and within touching distance of Champions League qualification with Hamburg. Let's hope he has learned his lesson and gets somebody to test the food before he lets his players tuck in on the eve of any showdown battle!
As for Mark Hughes, surely it is only a matter of time now before he is shown the door? Certain players are clearly not doing it for him, whilst others are being ignored illogically. Why wasn't Petrov brought on? If City don't want him, I'd love to see him at West Ham!
