‘The spectre of relegation looks very real’

Last week this blog suggested City would be happy with gaining anything from our two tough away games at Pride Park then Elland Road. After a pretty dramatic 180 minutes, and a remarkable 9 goals, we managed to return with just 1 point, but, given the toughness of the task in hand, I’ll take that.

Much was made of the so-called capitulation at Derby, but, if truth be told, we know we can’t defend a lead – and who wouldn’t have taken a point before kick off?

As to why we can’t defend a lead, well, your guess is as good as mine to be honest, but more of that to come.

Now, in a time dominated by fake news and spin, I thought it’d be an ideal time to look at some stats. So, five points from four games sounds alright doesn’t it?

Only one defeat in those five matches where we have faced some good teams in the upper reaches of the division.

Doesn’t seem too bad does it?

This is, in fact, an example of how stats can be misleading. The reality, and a more appropriate assessment, is five points and one win from the last twelve games. And that, my fellow City fans, is relegation form.

Sadly, things aren’t likely to get sunnier any time soon with City’s next fixtures seeing us face play-off-chasing Fulham and Championship leaders Newcastle. 

So where did it all go wrong for a team that began the campaign so brightly? And, can the finger be solely pointed at the manager?

Certainly, there seems to be doubt over his preferred starting eleven, and confusion as to why players signed for millions cannot warrant a place on the bench or are out on loan (Magnusson, Engvall & Moore). Perhaps the failure of the recruitment staff to bring in a replacement for the departed Luke Ayling is also a factor?

Speaking of transfers, could it be down to new arrivals needing more time to adjust, or is it lapses in concentration and individual errors by the players at vital times during games? Questions, questions! These are the subjects debated by my friends and I as we stay for more than ‘just the one’ we promised ourselves in the pub post-match-debrief. All very depressing, indeed.

That is why it was heartening to see the (in my opinion, horrendously named) Sports Bar & Grill rammed to the rafters for the beam back of the Leeds game on Tuesday night. It’s a fantastic idea for those unable to travel to away games, particularly midweek, and it would be great if this becomes a regular occurrence. 

Hopefully the unity and passion will roll over into the next game against Fulham as a toxic atmosphere does little to encourage an already struggling team. Although, talking of toxic, failure to beat Fulham, coupled with some difficult away games, the match against Burton (Burton!) at the beginning of March will take on the unwelcome tag of a ‘six pointer’ with the spectre of relegation looking very real indeed. 

Read more: ‘Three points will do a world of good’