My two cents on last night

We have used less players than any other PL team, which sort of blows the 'myth' we have this fabulous, in-depth squad that most forum fans keep jumping all over.

We've been in all 4 competitions for a significant amount of time and yes, I guess it will take it's toll at some point, however, we've had 3, maybe 4 players who have had a load of rest, so tiredness cannot be to blame as we've only had one game per week for some time.

I just think our organisation at the back has been pretty carp recently. Last night for Wickham's second goal....only 2 players anywhere near the half way line when the play broke down. One of them was Fernandinho! I ask where was Kolorov, Kompany or even Zabaletta? The defence has been totally disorganised all season...we all know our LB and CB positions need addressing seriously his summer, as Clichy and Kolorov are not 'A' class players, neither is DeMichelis or Lescott.

And it does really matter when it comes to games...be as good as you like going forward, but the likes of Chelsea wouldn't have conceded those 2 goals last night.

comment by Boris 'Inky' Gibson (U5901)
posted 2 minutes ago
Most games played, fewest players used so far this season. Pel has to fill that squad out with up-and-coming youth players rather than some of the deadwood who are never going to get back or break in to the first team.
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Agree...we had the 'vision' of the most injured player in City's history warming up last night - Richards. His hunger has clearly gone, he's on his way out and no longer has the stomach to fight for a place with Zaba...so yes, we have some top class youth who have been away with the squad pre-season and are doing exceptionally well in their youth squads. The likes of Facey, Lopes, Barker, Bytyki, Fofana and let's not forget Rekik who's on loan and can play left CB or LB...who Viera said was one of the best young LB's he's seen and will be surprised if he doesn't go to the World Cup.

Got to say that Zabelleta looks to have gone well of the boil to me but form is temporary.

There is definitely a middle ground with attack and defence, obviously, and both our sides have struggled to get that balance right. What has become clear, though, is that a settled defence is a must. Also, again with both sides, it only takes one pass and you're at the back four. Guess that's the price to play for good attacking football at times.

there was no cutting edge last night the focal point for all the teams efforts is a striker to score a goal so all the players getting the blame are the usual scapegoats ,when its actually first negredo and aguero and then dzeko and jovetic who failed to provide a focal point for the team,city don't need to waste money on a left back who might make 1 point difference over a season they need a striker ,Cavani would be perfect

j edward belmont (U3109)

I'd say you need back up for Fernandinho and Toure myself. Games are won in midfield and I'm not sure Garcia, Rodwell, Milner (whom I like) or Demi are cut out for that especially in a two.

comment by j edward belmont (U3109)
posted 4 minutes ago
there was no cutting edge last night the focal point for all the teams efforts is a striker to score a goal so all the players getting the blame are the usual scapegoats ,when its actually first negredo and aguero and then dzeko and jovetic who failed to provide a focal point for the team,city don't need to waste money on a left back who might make 1 point difference over a season they need a striker ,Cavani would be perfect
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Cavanni? Every time I've seen him he's looked like an expensive version of Dzeko....and equally as poor. I don't want us having to spend £50-60m on a player who will command £250k pw+...and not worth it.

As it stands, we still have 2 out of the top 6 goalscorers in the PL and that's with Aguero missing over 15 PL games this season, Negredo being a bit part player since his injury and Jovetic being a sick note for most of it.

Strikers, yes haven't been as 'on-form' as we would like, but we've still scored over 120 goals, have a better GD than any other PL team and can still go on to score more.

Our problem is clearly with our defence...our forwards will be fine next season - maybe not Dzeko though. lol.

You didn't see the game v Marsielle when they were down to 10 men and 1-0 down and he covered every blade of grass as they came back to win 2-1
,Pel cant be happy with the goals hes getting in the big games from the strikers,the service they get is of the best quality and most strikers would thrive on it,im not liking jovetic at all regardless of his injuries I don't get what hes trying to do most of the time,that bycycle kick should of stayed in his dreams,negredo was beating the ground in frustration at how bad hes become,

comment by j edward belmont (U3109)
posted 10 minutes ago
You didn't see the game v Marsielle when they were down to 10 men and 1-0 down and he covered every blade of grass as they came back to win 2-1
,Pel cant be happy with the goals hes getting in the big games from the strikers,the service they get is of the best quality and most strikers would thrive on it,im not liking jovetic at all regardless of his injuries I don't get what hes trying to do most of the time,that bycycle kick should of stayed in his dreams,negredo was beating the ground in frustration at how bad hes become,
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Did you see the game that Dzeko scored 4 against Spurs a few seasons ago? My point made.....

All players will have a good game, the sun shines on a dogs a** every now and then. To mention one game is ridiculous.

Did you see Jovetic's bicycle in training this week? It was clearly a set piece that they have worked on. It didn't come off, granted, but how many do in 'live' matches? Rooney's - maybe.

I'm really not sure what else to say on your other points....sort of not worth it tbf.

haha I like it ,don't knock yourself out on my behalf
don't think I made any other points anyways

comment by j edward belmont (U3109)
posted 53 seconds ago
haha I like it ,don't knock yourself out on my behalf
don't think I made any other points anyways
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certainly won't mate.