THE LEGEND OF MANCHESTER CITY

Image Credit- CNN.

Manchester City defeated Fluminense 4-0 on Friday to win the Club World Cup, finishing off an amazing year with yet another trophy. With five trophies so far this calendar year—winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Super Cup—Pep Guardiola's team has become the first English club to achieve this feat. A highly charged night in Saudi Arabia saw Manchester City outperform its Brazilian opponents, providing the last missing piece of the puzzle.

It is interesting to note that Manchester City seized the lead in just forty seconds. After Brazilian left-back Marcelo mishandled a pass in the opening minutes, Nathan Aké was able to take a long-range shot. The defender's attempt was deflected by the post, but Julián Álvarez, the forward, was at the perfect location to use his chest to turn the rebound into the net.

 The second Manchester City goal  was an own goal as Fluminense defender Nino blocked Phil Foden's attempted cross into his own net. City now extended its advantage before halftime, looking increasingly dangerous. In the 72nd minute, Foden netted the third goal of the game after being prodded from close range. In the 88th minute, Álvarez concluded an incredible display with a clean strike into the far corner, capping the thrashing.

Although a brawl broke out between players on the field after the final whistle, the game will be remembered as another great night for City despite some unpleasant events. Furthermore no other English side has ever accomplished it, hence it will live in the memory of all football fans for a very long time. 

The Champions now return to England to take on a challenging Premier League title defense.

THE GROUP OF DEATH

 

Image Credit- UEFA.

The 2024 UEFA European Championship is just 6 months away from now. Every football fan is excited for this festival of joy. However, everyone's eye is stuck on Group B of the League which can also be called the Group of Death. This is because this Group consists of Heavyweights like Spain, Croatia and Italy. The Spanish are the defending UEFA Nations League Champions. Whereas the Italians are the defending Euro Champions. Apart from that for the past few years Croatia too have been consistently reaching the semi-finals and finals of multiple football tournaments. So, we cannot write them off as well. Hence it will be very interesting to see that who will get past this Group of Death. 

THE RISE OF UNDERDOGS

 

Image Credit- Girona FC.

One of the common criticisms which the Spanish League faces is that out of the 20 teams competing, the title race is only between 2 i.e., Real Madrid and F.C. Barcelona. In the last two decades there have been only three occasions wherein a club other than Real Madrid or FC Barcelona have lifted the trophy. Valencia did it in 2003-04, whereas Atletico Madrid did it in 2013-14 and 2020-21 season.  Apart from these 3 seasons it has always been either the Galactico's or the Blaugrana.

However, this time something interesting is brewing up in Spain. We have got a new contender in the title race. Girona FC have come from nowhere and are challenging the Champions. At the end of Matchday 15 they are tied on the first position with Heavyweight Real Madrid. It is interesting to note that the Underdogs have beaten some of the big names of the league. So, there is an air of excitement in Spain as well as in Europe.  

However still there is a long way to go. As a result, it is hard to say now that will they go on to repeat what Leicester did in 2016 or will they crumble in between. The answer lies in the womb of time. But, for the time we have a new challenger. 

THE MISERY CONTINUES

 

Image Credit- Telegraph India.

2021-22 ISL Season was the season which no Jamshedpur Fan will ever forget. Defying all odds we became the winners of the ISL Shield. It appeared that it is just the beginning and something great is about to happen. However the very next season we witnessed the most horrendous season in the history of the club. We finished 10th in a 11 team league. The Champions were down and dusted. 

However we did perform better in the pre-season this time. As a result everyone expected a strong comeback from the former champions. Unfortunately the current season is just like the previous one. Out of the 8 games we have played this season, we have won just 1.  Furthermore we are reeling at the 10th position and a chance of qualifying for the play-offs seams very bleak. Despite the changes made in the club, the misery still continues. 

Currently the club is in a very precarious situation. They need to act quick or else we will massacre one more season. 

MANCHESTER IS BLUE

 

Image Credit- Sky Sports

10 years ago, Sir Alex Ferguson retired from Manchester United as the most successful manager this game has ever seen. It appeared that no English Club would come close to the achievements of the great Manchester United side. However, we have been proved wrong. Not only has an English Club come close to the Red Devils but are on the verge of overshadowing them. 

The Club whom everybody called the Noisy Neighbors are now the Kings of England as well as of Europe. In the last one decade the men in blue have won 6 League Titles, 2 F.A. Cups, 6 Carabao Cups and the prestigious Champions League Trophy.  It is pertinent to note that Manchester City has been consistently performing strong in every tournament for a long time now. The Club has become so strong that winning against them in home seams a dream. 

Lastly if we look at the past few Manchester Derby results, we will get to know how dominant each Manchester Team have been. Yes. Manchester United have won a few games against their city rivals, but it it's the Men in Blue who has had the upper hand. Hence it won't be wrong to say that Manchester is Blue.