IMO we need to approach City differently to Arsenal; Arsenal have a very good passing midfield but their forwards aren't very creative in a technical sense and struggle to break through defences that are well-organised. We contained them well for a lot of our match against them, refusing to leave gaps in dangerous areas for them to exploit with their creative midfielders, usually giving the defence enough cover to drop deep and nullify their attackers.
City, though, are practically the opposite. They have tons of craft up top, but relatively poor midfield passers. IMO they want teams to sit back so they can move the ball forward at ease to the likes of Silva, Tevez and Aguero to work their magic. They're comfortable when the other team sits back and allows them to move forward en masse, but are far less comfortable when they're required to move the ball forward under pressure.
IMO we have to be brave and snap at their heels tomorrow, both to protect our defence and to give us impetus going forward. Yaya Toure said that the game at Anfield this season was probably the toughest he'd played in as a City player, a huge part of this was that Gerrard, Shelvey and an in-form Joe Allen swamped them when they had the ball.
Yes, it's more daunting at The Etihad, but IMO it's necessary if we're to get something. I'd rather try that than sit back and allow them - cheaply - to engineer those situations where most of the outfield players are camped within 25 yards of our goal and City's creative players are getting on the ball.
Arsenal generally need to be contained, and we made a decent fist of that during the week, barring the mad spell where we conceded the two quickfire goals. City, though, need to be pressurized, and I hope we have the bravery and conviction to go about it properly.
They're similar to United in terms of the top-heavy distribution of their quality, and you only have to look at our differing strategies in the respective halves at Old Trafford to realise that we need to press teams like that and cut them off from regularly getting the ball to their danger men.
City
posted on 2/2/13
I was at the game at Anfield; the atmosphere was just electric, everyone buzzing. I still fancy our chances for 3 points. JimmyTheRed
posted on 5/2/13
Considered yourself now unfiltered. Had to email the powers eventually as it wouldnt let me undo it. Maybe they thought i was better off!
posted on 5/2/13
You were better off, I wish I could filter myself sometimes!
Really annoying not to have gotten more from our last two games, but also hugely encouraged.
posted on 5/2/13
Filtered
posted on 5/2/13
posted on 5/2/13
I filtered by mistake and the member page wouldnt change so you've been filtered for two weeks. It shows really good progress that we know we should have won at Arsenal and Man City.
posted on 5/2/13
Yeah it was on one of the Friday threads where you started mucking about with your filter list or something wasn't it? Ya big eejit
I'm delighted that we're currently beating the smaller teams. We've also performed well against bigger teams whilst admittedly showing some mental fragility, but the more Buck's here the better we'll become in that aspect, hopefully.
I'm delighted at the moment, and confident ahead of the West Brom game. A bit crappy having a match on Monday followed by one on Thursday though.
posted on 6/2/13
..and one in Russia at that. I think we'll try and get away with a lesser squad for the game. But Rodgers would spring a suprise if Gerrard and Suarez went. Can see Carra staying home too and Sturridge is tied.
Something like:
Jones
Wisdom Coates Skrtel Enrique
Lucas Allen
Shelvey
Suso Borini Sterling
posted on 6/2/13
I'd be happy enough with that, the only real problem is that Lucas is still looking tired (especially towards the end of matches) but we don't look properly balanced without him, and I wouldn't be optimistic away at Zenit without him.
Maybe we could even give Coady a game, he was solid and sensible away at Anzhi. Himself and Allen might be able to sit and protect the defence. But then we'll struggle to go forward.
Oh sod it, can somebody just clone Lucas and be done with it?
posted on 6/2/13
No i feel that with the right attitude and instruction we can be soild enough with Coady and Allen (who should be fresh) along with Shelvey.