Post match discussion..

..with no mention of Kepagate or VAR So much to talk about, probably the most dramatic 0-0 I’ve ever watched. But would be nice to disseminate just the performance.

Compared with our win over City earlier in the season, I actually think our performance was better in this game. I’m still all for Sarri coming in, and trying to alter our style of play, but the way we set up today was probably the best way to get a result from City, and it showed the type of pragmatism perhaps Sarri needs to show to help his case as being the right man. I think and want Sarri to stay but I think everyone agrees he also has his faults and so I don’t think he should see this as ‘giving in’ to what fans want. Not limited to the set up he also did some inspired subs. No Kovacic for Barkley was definitely a surprise, I like how he went for RLC who has usually been the best option off the bench. It was also good to see trust in CHO especially after ignoring him against United..they both played well in their own right but I think this also further spurned on the crowd. There’s a lot of intangible positives you get from playing the youth..

Some good individual performances today. Emerson was good, and should not be dropped until we can reassess in summer. His best defensive performance yet, and I think he looks more confident in just all facets of his play with increased game time - who would’ve known. Special mention that he’s good at working ball out from defence for quick breaks - eg. The Pedro chance came from excellent work from him.

Kante actually was poor first half, at least on the ball but was imperious the rest of the game. Just a shame he couldn’t finish off our best chance of the game. I think he’s slowly improved throughout the season, when he plays full of confidence and assertiveness he’s so good.

Other particularly good performances were Willian and Rudiger. I’m almost not surprised Willian had a good game it’s exactly the type of style and atmosphere that suits him. Barkley and Pedro maybe not beat output but their energy levels were great and perhaps is the logic behind Sarri picking them in this game, especially in Barkley’s case. Have to say though he’s still very clumsy and suspect on the ball, basically anytime he receives it quickly and/or under pressure, going forward or in his own half.

Why didn’t we win? Maybe not perfectly clinical but other than that I don’t even think City had a clear cut chance (other than Aguero VAR goal) which in hindsight is pretty incredible.

I hope the incident at the end doesn’t halt any sort of momentum the performance today could bring.