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This is the last post of the very uneventful year 2009. It is considered uneventful because I expected it to be hectic and relentless, to say the least. However, it turned out to be rather disappointing and I had to take much of the responsibility. I did not push myself as hard as I should and as such, I felt empty and unfulfilled. In spite of this, I am not remorseful for my actions for I cherish each and every moment spent with my family and friends. Nevertheless, it could, and should have been a much better year.



I am sorry to bore you again with my analysis on football. I know this is beginning to be an eyesore for most of you, if not all. Do forgive me as I am bereft of ideas. I promise to include more intriguing topics soon.



Mark Hughes' departure was received with consternation all around the English football scene. This shocking news incited reactions from coaches, players and quite possibly, the entire footballl fraternity. Several symbolic figures stood out against the shabby treatment of the former Manchester United frontman. There is considerable furore over the impatience of the club's bigwigs, the administration and the rationale of the dismissal. I shall not delve into that because I think it is always more important to place our emphasis on the football itself.



After all the dust has settled, the first question that comes to mind is whether the sacking of Mark Hughes was the right decision. For me, it was, without a doubt, the best decision ever made. Manchester City can only progress and achieve their giant ambitions without Mark Hughes. A slew of senseless purchases at inflated price tags last summer was the first inkling of things to come. Despite the stockpiling of forwards, Mark Hughes has remarkably allowed an injury crisis to hit Manchester City's frontline. Should I laugh at or laud his prescience?



Secondly, Mark Hughes does not have a clear footbal philosophy. He is not as visionary as Mourinho, Hiddink or Ferguson. When a club lacks a unique brand of football, being the cream of the crop becomes ever so insuperable. Manchester City needs that extra ingredient, that Chemical X to separate himself from the rest. This deficiency is conspicuously present in Mark Hughes as he struggles to gel his superstars together.



Thirdly, his patent tactical inferiority results in points lost rather than gained many a time. His monotony with formations makes Manchester City predictable. His inability to take decisive actions at critical periods allows minnows to throw the sucker punch or denies Manchester City the chance to stage a comeback. When you look at the statistics, you see that Manchester City's away form has been a direct contrast to their unbeaten record at the City of Manchester stadium. If Manchester City won at least half of the drawn games they drew, they would be within striking distance of Chelsea or even be sitting at the top of the table. This is a relatively conservative assumption. Who knows what will the title race look like if Manchester City has gotten a better lot? Manchester City is underachieving and 'credit' must definitely go to Mark Hughes.

So, this is my take on Mark Hughes. I am awfully glad that rumours of Mark Hughes as Alex Furguson's successor has died down because the Red Devils do not deserve someone of such questionable calibre. Roberto Mancini at the helm presents a refreshing challenge for the teams in the EPL, though his accolades do not seem all that flattering. Whether Mancini will bring Manchester City to greater heights or fall short of the targets he set for himself, only time will tell. However, there seems to be a slight intimation of the future with their names. Man-city and Mancini. A match made in heaven, perhaps?