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Originally Posted by rio1981 eFGee - I actually disagree on two levels, first that he single-handedly kept us up, and second that he'll definitely ply his trade elsewhere next season (not that I'm ruling that out, of course).
No team can win 7 out of 9 relying on just one player. Watching them over the last 2-3 months I'd say that Mark Noble (finally and rightfully given a run in the side), Lucas Neill (who's added much needed organisation at the back), Bobby Zamora (who without which Tevez would not have struck up a good partnership), Rob Green (some cracking and commanding performances) and in recent weeks Yossi Benayoun (showing a real commitment to the cause, and some proper leadership qualities too) have been equally important, if not more so.
The second point is the kind of self-depricating that ultimately leads to the "gulf" between the top four and the rest (that for some reason we're not in the right "league" to buy Tevez - why can't we have him next season? We managed to offer the best deal to Lucas Neill and he picked us, why not the same for Tevez? He already has a bond with the fans, enjoys playing for us, so why not?
Call me an old romantic - and naive if you will - but we need to pull out all the stops to get him on the books permanently. |
I hear where you’re coming from, but the main problem we’ve had all season is scoring. And without Tevez hitting form at just the right time, we would be down now.
Of course the others you mentioned (excluding Zamora) were also instrumental, particularly Neil who marshalled the defence so effectively in the absence of a captain but when it came down to the wire, it was Tevez’s brilliance and guile that got the goals that won us the matches we needed.
And I, like every other supporter, would love to keep him, even if it meant breaking the bank. But it’s just not going to happen. Everything I’ve heard from Curbs, Eggy, MSI, Kia, other sites, those itk, all point to the fact that he’ll be leaving.
But then what do I know. I was the one who said we were relegated. And you were the one who said we had a chance. Lets both hope I'm wrong.