Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Ahead of tomorrow afternoon’s Premier League tie at the Emirates Stadium versus Manchester City, which will be refereed by Michael Oliver, I spoke to one of their supporters. Thank you to Kev for answering the questions!
How long have you supported Manchester City?
My first game at Maine Road was in October 1978 but I had been a fan since the League Cup Final in 1976.
What are your hopes and expectations for the 2023/24 season?
I don’t ‘expect’ anything, how can you after winning the Treble? Everyone talks about winning an unprecedented 4 in a row (that has never been done before) but my ‘hope’ is to retain the Champions League at Wembley, that would be special.
What are your views on your manager?
He’s the Greatest of all Time, I’ll be devastated when he eventually decides to leave us. Nobody has revolutionised the game like he has, so much so even 5th-tier teams (like Notts County last season) emulate his style of play.
Style of play and tactics – direct/passing/hybrid?
He is constantly evolving and tweaking his & City’s style of play. I haven’t seen a team consistently dominate possession in the way Pep’s teams do, it’s a joy to watch and we are very fortunate to have witnessed it at our club.
One(s) to watch now and in the future?
Now – Alvarez, Foden & Rodri in particular.
Future – Lewis, Doku & Alleyne.
Random fact about your Club?
84,569 – no club in the EPL/EFL has ever had that many fans inside their own ground for a domestic fixture. Completely quashes jealous and petty opposition fans who say we have no fans or history (because it happened in 1934).
Which were your favourite and least favourite matches involving Manchester City?
Favourite – The Maine Road Massacre of Sept 23rd 89’ because it was so unexpected. City 5 Utd 1 … and I was there in the North Stand.
My least favourite is losing 1-2 to York City in the last minute 98/99. I felt like stopping the car and jumping off the Humber Bridge on the way home to Lincoln.
Which sides do you think will finish in the top four and which do you think will finish in the bottom three?
Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool & Newcastle in no particular order.
Luton, Sheff Utd & Bournemouth.
What are your thoughts on Arsenal?
I like Arteta, he’s Pep’s protege and he’s doing very well. Their fans on ATV can be a bit delusional at times, as are their Celebrity fans like Morgan & Davies. We’ve beaten them 12 games in a row remember, something they never did to us under Wenger when they were at their pomp 2 decades ago.
If you could steal one Arsenal player for your own team, who would it be and why?
Bukayo Saka – a wonderful talent, and seems a decent unassuming guy too.
What is your prediction for this match?
Rodri, KDB and Gundogen (left) are all missing from the side which demolished them 3-1 & most notably 4-1 last season. All 3 are irreplaceable, to be honest, so I’d gladly take a scoring draw if you offered me it now.
