Vs Manchester City (A): Post Match Thread

[Paddy]

Thought we looked very good for large parts of the game, just lacked that cutting edge. That will come, not forgetting the addition of Balotelli, Lallana etc to the squad.

Not overly concerned. We'll beat Spurs.

[Slinky Skills]

Do you know what. I can't believe Suarez has ****ing ditched us, it's just sinking in now properly that he's gone.

What an absolute cunt.

[kingfunk]

Do you know what. I can't believe Suarez has ****ing ditched us, it's just sinking in now properly that he's gone.



What an absolute cunt.

Was there not a thread about it on POF?

[baitman]

[I, Ravel Morrison]

The voice of reason.

Betcha it's the first time the name Ravel Morrison has ever been associated with being a voice of reason.

[Muddled]

You'd not be far wrong.

[Carras_Shin_Pads]

Man City are champions, and pretty much seasoned champs with their second recent crown. They have been spending huge amounts and effectively building towards being champions since 2009 after the Arabs took over.

They are an extremely well-organised side with power, pace, creativity and world-class players throughout.

And we gave them a decent tussle till we goofed up late in the first half. I'd only duly worry if we exhibit similar frailties against Spurs.

I needed that - nice one

[vonk]

Watched the game again last night, to take the red mist out of it. Moreno played pretty well apart from the one error for the first goal. Think he just needs time to get to the pace of the league. Can certainly put a cross in. Thought Allen was excellent and Gerrard made a lot of saving tackles, more than I thought. For the second I think Moreno and Lovren were doing the right thing, they stepped up to leave the City players offside. Problem is that Skrtel and Johnson were on a different wavelength. Also Henderson completely fails to track Jovetic once he made the run, not sure what was going through his head. I actually think Henderson was quite poor. He gets into two great positions in the box, and makes the wrong decision both times. Also when we need a quick forward pass he instead played a conservative backwards one more often than not. Yes, he runs a lot but around the box he's not decisive enough. For the third I actually blamed Lovren initially, but I think with Aguero's pace he did all he could, he pushes him wide. The problem is Mignolet's position made it so easy for Aguero. If he's in the right place, then Aguero has to shoot across him. I know he saved us last weekend but he was very poor yesterday. Seems to take an age to get his feet sorted and really does not inspire confidence. Joe Hart in contrast was brilliant. Made some great stops from Sturridge and Lambert and caught everything that came near him. starting to think we need a better keeper. Sturridge was my MOM, very little service, yet was strong and made our goal with his determination. Coutinho and Sterling were contained, Allen was lively. Markovic and Moreno going forward gave me hope for the future. Not as down as I was yesterday.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

I think Henderson has been really poor in our last two games

Really lacked energy in both performances

Maybe its because I've come to expect him running all over the pitch like the Duracell Bunny but I have been disappointed with his performances so far in this regard

In fact I've been disappointed with our pressing generally think its been lacklustre and sporadic to say the least. This was a problem in Brendans first season also but we excelled at it for most of last season but there has definitely been a noticeable drop off in intensity this season imo

I actually thought Henderson pressed really well against Southampton, he was just closing down on his own which never really works out well.

Completely agree about the lack of intensity though, there was a period last night at 3-1 where we really picked it up and I found myself shouting at the tele where the **** has that urgency been all night?

[vonk]

I think Henderson has been really poor in our last two games

Really lacked energy in both performances

Maybe its because I've come to expect him running all over the pitch like the Duracell Bunny but I have been disappointed with his performances so far in this regard

In fact I've been disappointed with our pressing generally think its been lacklustre and sporadic to say the least. This was a problem in Brendans first season also but we excelled at it for most of last season but there has definitely been a noticeable drop off in intensity this season imo

Agreed. After watching it live I had Johnson as the main culprit but watched it again last night (painful) and Henderson was very poor. I didn't think Gerrard had done much, but he actually won tons of possession and made a lot of saving tackles that went unnoticed.

[Lecter]

Fair comment but its only 2 games in. I think Sturridge is less likely to close down as intensely and as often as Luis. Cannot see that improving much with Balotelli either. ****, we really do miss Luis.

Its right the way through the team that I see a lack of pressing its not just Sturridge