As we're unlikely to see terraces again at football, this is the virtual equivalent where you can chat to your hearts content about all football matters and, obviously, Arsenal in particular. This forum encourages all Gooners to visit and contribute so please keep it respectful, clean and topical.
Something feels off to me too. The timing just feels too convenient. I do love a good conspiracy so here goes:
Context: City stroll through their opening half dozen fixtures, looking huge favourites for a 7th title in 8 years.
PL: “Given the scale of your lawbreaking and the general feeling against the club, I’m afraid a slap on the wrist fine and symbolic points deduction won’t cut it - we’re going to have to contemplate relegation. But there is an alternative. If Man City were to somehow
“lose form” for the next dozen or so fixtures, falling short in its pursuit of yet another title, then a more symbolic form of punishment would be a far easier sell to the general public.”
I dont buy that Steve O - city are not the team they were and it shows. They dont have a david silva anymore, they dont have a leader like kompany anymore. Walker is in decline and their left back position has been a revolving door for past two seasons. I will always argue that de bruyne was a big game bottler for them, but the reality is that against the decent and shit teams in premier league he was often outstanding, but he is injured a lot these days and when he plays is a pale imitation of himself. Pep (the real pep not the fake one we have ) is starting to fall out with players in the last year or so, and there is no doubt that the pressure of these 115 charges and the fact that every non city fan now looks on them as cheats and no longer respect them, and that is probably weighing heavy on everyone in the club
Agree about Walker , I was surprised how easily he was beaten for pace for the 4th goal.
Man City's 115 alleged rule breaches case could drag on beyond end of the season. Hearing not due to be completed until mid-Dec + judgement + possible appeal could take months.
Man City's 115 alleged rule breaches case could drag on beyond end of the season. Hearing not due to be completed until mid-Dec + judgement + possible appeal could take months.
Makes you wonder whether the other 19 clubs would be happy for it to drag on as long as possible if it means it contributes to more uncertainty and more shit performances.
Man City could learn fate around 115 alleged PL rule breaches before end of next month but appeal could drag on until next season
The Times
Leads us to believe that they've been found guilty of a lot of the charges. They will then appeal, drag it out until the start of next season meaning the Premier League won't put a punishment in place until perhaps the season after and that of course, gives Cheaty the best part of 18 months to prepare for it. They've known what's going to happen for months and have been prepared for it since they were formally charged. The only way the rest of English football will accept this is if they are relegated or stripped of every trophy during the period in question.
EXCLUSIVE: Erling Haaland signs new 9.5yr contract to commit vast majority of career to Manchester City. 24yo #MCFC striker now secured to 2034 & any exit clauses from previous terms removed. Among most lucrative deals in sporting history @TheAthleticFC
They’ve 100% beaten the case and got away with it.
EXCLUSIVE: Erling Haaland signs new 9.5yr contract to commit vast majority of career to Manchester City. 24yo #MCFC striker now secured to 2034 & any exit clauses from previous terms removed. Among most lucrative deals in sporting history @TheAthleticFC
They’ve 100% beaten the case and got away with it.
Tying him to that so it maximises his price when they have to sell him when the sanctions hit. I honestly don't think they can escape the charges.
Haaland has signed that deal so his value is retained. Could also be a millstone round their necks if they are contracted to pay him a fortune when they are in the Championship.
EXCLUSIVE: Erling Haaland signs new 9.5yr contract to commit vast majority of career to Manchester City. 24yo #MCFC striker now secured to 2034 & any exit clauses from previous terms removed. Among most lucrative deals in sporting history @TheAthleticFC
They’ve 100% beaten the case and got away with it.
Tying him to that so it maximises his price when they have to sell him when the sanctions hit. I honestly don't think they can escape the charges.
Well, I've said it from day one and I still believe they will negotiate a show trial with a minimal punishment with the PL. A token points deduction and a big fine (which will be meaningless to their Arab billionaire owners). No real punishment, no trophies or titles voided, and the cheats go on cheating. Wonderful time to be alive.
EXCLUSIVE: Erling Haaland signs new 9.5yr contract to commit vast majority of career to Manchester City. 24yo #MCFC striker now secured to 2034 & any exit clauses from previous terms removed. Among most lucrative deals in sporting history @TheAthleticFC
They’ve 100% beaten the case and got away with it.
Tying him to that so it maximises his price when they have to sell him when the sanctions hit. I honestly don't think they can escape the charges.
Well, I've said it from day one and I still believe they will negotiate a show trial with a minimal punishment with the PL. A token points deduction and a big fine (which will be meaningless to their Arab billionaire owners). No real punishment, no trophies or titles voided, and the cheats go on cheating. Wonderful time to be alive.
The only way they avoid big penalties is if they are found not guilty on all charges. Forest and Everton points deductions have set a precedent. So if they are guilty of anything they are getting slammed.
) is starting to fall out with players in the last year or so, and there is no doubt that the pressure of these 115 charges and the fact that every non city fan now looks on them as cheats and no longer respect them, and that is probably weighing heavy on everyone in the club
The original 115 alleged charges given to Man City have been EXTENDED to a total of 130. 
