Comment: City follow form book

Last updated : 27 August 2005 By Ben Collins
...I never actually thought we would do it though.

On paper, our first four games of the season - West Brom, Birmingham, Sunderland and Portsmouth - were all winnable, either home or away.

Trouble is, as you all know, football is played on grass not paper. Also, as City fans you'll be used to things not exactly going to plan.

Well, we did it. We managed to get three wins and a draw, but how?
Naturally, much of the praise must go to Stuart Pearce.

During last season's run-in we had Shaun Wright-Phillips, Kiki Musampa on top form and players playing in their right position - that finally gave players who had long been underachieveing the environment to play to their capabilities.

You don't need me to remind you that Shaun's now gone, while Kiki's so far failed to reproduce the dazzling form he showed last term and we've had Stephen Jordan playing at centre-back.

There's no superstars in there anymore but they're still getting results.

For me, it's down to team spirit. Stu has get them playing together in a way that can accommodate a left-back playing in the middle, which he's done reasonably well considering.

It's also allowed Trevor Sinclair to slot in on the right after a long-term injury and start playing again as if he's never been away.

It's also helped Darius Vassell and Andy Cole establish a successful partnership in no time which has seen reward in goals.

How 'get's the ball' must be relishing a return to Old Trafford. You're not alone pal!!