My 2 cents (while we're at it)
We have 2 main avenues of creativity - Yaya and Silva. If ones injured why rest the other one?
The attitude in general. If we'd replaced the ballboys with topless lapdancers the team wouldn't have looked less distracted.
Milner. Worst game since in played in goal for Chapletown Under 9's, 2 days after he'd had a triple heart bypass. At least we know he's better than that.
Garcia. No vision whatsover and refuses to take responsibility. How many times did he pass the ball sideways or straight back to the player who'd just passed to him?
Hart. Set the tone when he mis-kicked early on when he was under no pressure, beaten too easily for the 2nd goal.
The Manager. Easy to say in hindsight but why start Sergio when he's obviously still off colour and our 2 main playmakers were missing. Why take our goalscorer and our biggest goal threat (Negredo) off when we're chasing the game?
It was obvious after 20 minutes that they were wise to the fact we like to have overlapping Full Backs running at defences, full marks to Poyet for making sure they had at least 2 player covering those channels, no marks for Pel for not changing the system.
Jovetic. What does he have to do to get ahead of Dzeko?
Pellegrini has got us playing the most attractive football I've ever seen but it's infurating the way he underestimates the opposition. The lower half of the PL is of a much higher standard than anyting you'd find in the bottom end of foreign leagues when it comes to both skill and commitment and he'd better realise that fast.
I think the other thing about the Premier League is that it is made up of very different styles and you could argue that this is not the case in other leagues.
For example, to my mind, most La Liga teams play the same way but some have better players.
In this league you can come up against a West Ham, Swansea and Southampton and all play very differently. For a new manager coming into the league I reckon this must need getting used to.
I look at the amount of different systems Chelsea and LFC have used this season and could the same be said of City?
Pelegrini has facked it up. You have low expectations that needs adjustment if you think he hasn't. And your defence is a shambles. If you were managed by Maureen, you'd have romped to the title - not a question in my mind.
Have the papers arrived yet, Fawlty?
comment by Robbing_Hoody - Here, have some goals. You don't have to work for them. They're a gift. That's what we do now. (U6374)
posted 17 minutes ago
I think the other thing about the Premier League is that it is made up of very different styles and you could argue that this is not the case in other leagues.
For example, to my mind, most La Liga teams play the same way but some have better players.
In this league you can come up against a West Ham, Swansea and Southampton and all play very differently. For a new manager coming into the league I reckon this must need getting used to.
I look at the amount of different systems Chelsea and LFC have used this season and could the same be said of City?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think if you look at our season as a whole, its the old cliche of 'a season of two halves'.
Our formation in the first half of the season was an out and out 4-4-2 with Navas and Silva playing the wide roles and Negredo and Aguero on fire up top. You have to remember a coupe of points here, Navas was doing extremely well at this stage and Silva wasn't at his very best through a couple of niggles.
Second half of the season, through the injuries to Aguero and Negredo, he's opted for a 4-2-3-1 with Dzeko up top, Navas on the right, Nasri on the left and Silva in behind the striker. A few more points here; Navas has had to do more work tracking back, and hasn't been nearly as effective, however, Silva has suddenly recaptured his brilliant form in his preferred position.
Obviously, there's been a buy off between the balance of the team, players playing into form, others having to do different roles, others playing in their best position, which has definitely had an impact.
The injuries to Negredo and Aguero weren't great, and with Jovetic being a bit of a 'sick note', that's left Dzeko being the only go-to guy...and he's all intense and purposes, awful on a good day.
So we have changed our system throughout the season, I just think the manager hasn't had a regular squad whereby he can pick his best team consistently.
That's not an excuse, as we should have more than enough to beat the lesser teams, but with this being Pellegrini's first season, along with the likes of Negredo, Navas, Jovetic etc and a long run of games not being afforded to these players, unlike DeMichelis, who has suddenly improved immensely, I think next season we will have gotten rid of the deadwood, brought in one or two more players in critical areas - like in defence, and with this year under their belts, I'm sure we will have a much better season than we've endured in the latter part of this one.
I'm fully behind the manager and think some of the players need to look at themselves, like Joe Hart, dare I say the skipper and ask themselves if they need to raise their games.
The season's not over yet, and if Liverpool go on and win their remaining games, then winning 14 on the spin to win the league will mean they are worthy champions.
If Liverpool wins all 14 on the trot then I have no qualms on them winning the title.
There's also the luck element, City were on stunning form when we should have originally played Sunderland, same as Everon when they should have played Palace.
Not ane excuse BTW, just an observation.
Beauty and The Beast! (U18910)
Yep, take your point on that, but it's also noticable that these are enforced formation changes rather than adapting. SHould he have changed the 4-4-2 in the away games earlier in the season?
Just playing devils advocate here.
Maybe, but I think if you asked any City fan at the time, most of us would have stuck with Negredo and Aguero.
I think our problem was down to our defending being so erratic...as we were still scoring 2+ goals per game, but making some terrible errors at the back.
Our defence then went through a really solid period, but lately, it's reverted back to looking like we've got an error in us every game. I know most goals come from errors, but I'm referring to the likes of Kompany's on Sunday. Add to that, we've just missed too many chances in front of goal. I can only remember two games all season where we have only created 3 chances or less.
I just think last night was disappointing in respect that we have all called for us to start quickly like we were a few months ago, we did, scored after a few minutes, then sat back and everything became slow, slow, pass, pass....that's what's annoying and different from earlier on in the season.
Well if there is a team that can complain of fatigue with any credence then it is city. Used the least players (?) and cup runs a plenty.
Poyet got his tactics spot on against us for what that is worth. I rate him despite the slide.
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.
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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,
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------
certainly won't mate.
Sign in if you want to comment
My two cents on last night
Page 2 of 2
posted on 17/4/14
My 2 cents (while we're at it)
We have 2 main avenues of creativity - Yaya and Silva. If ones injured why rest the other one?
The attitude in general. If we'd replaced the ballboys with topless lapdancers the team wouldn't have looked less distracted.
Milner. Worst game since in played in goal for Chapletown Under 9's, 2 days after he'd had a triple heart bypass. At least we know he's better than that.
Garcia. No vision whatsover and refuses to take responsibility. How many times did he pass the ball sideways or straight back to the player who'd just passed to him?
Hart. Set the tone when he mis-kicked early on when he was under no pressure, beaten too easily for the 2nd goal.
The Manager. Easy to say in hindsight but why start Sergio when he's obviously still off colour and our 2 main playmakers were missing. Why take our goalscorer and our biggest goal threat (Negredo) off when we're chasing the game?
It was obvious after 20 minutes that they were wise to the fact we like to have overlapping Full Backs running at defences, full marks to Poyet for making sure they had at least 2 player covering those channels, no marks for Pel for not changing the system.
Jovetic. What does he have to do to get ahead of Dzeko?
Pellegrini has got us playing the most attractive football I've ever seen but it's infurating the way he underestimates the opposition. The lower half of the PL is of a much higher standard than anyting you'd find in the bottom end of foreign leagues when it comes to both skill and commitment and he'd better realise that fast.
posted on 17/4/14
I think the other thing about the Premier League is that it is made up of very different styles and you could argue that this is not the case in other leagues.
For example, to my mind, most La Liga teams play the same way but some have better players.
In this league you can come up against a West Ham, Swansea and Southampton and all play very differently. For a new manager coming into the league I reckon this must need getting used to.
I look at the amount of different systems Chelsea and LFC have used this season and could the same be said of City?
posted on 17/4/14
Pelegrini has facked it up. You have low expectations that needs adjustment if you think he hasn't. And your defence is a shambles. If you were managed by Maureen, you'd have romped to the title - not a question in my mind.
posted on 17/4/14
Have the papers arrived yet, Fawlty?
posted on 17/4/14
comment by Robbing_Hoody - Here, have some goals. You don't have to work for them. They're a gift. That's what we do now. (U6374)
posted 17 minutes ago
I think the other thing about the Premier League is that it is made up of very different styles and you could argue that this is not the case in other leagues.
For example, to my mind, most La Liga teams play the same way but some have better players.
In this league you can come up against a West Ham, Swansea and Southampton and all play very differently. For a new manager coming into the league I reckon this must need getting used to.
I look at the amount of different systems Chelsea and LFC have used this season and could the same be said of City?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think if you look at our season as a whole, its the old cliche of 'a season of two halves'.
Our formation in the first half of the season was an out and out 4-4-2 with Navas and Silva playing the wide roles and Negredo and Aguero on fire up top. You have to remember a coupe of points here, Navas was doing extremely well at this stage and Silva wasn't at his very best through a couple of niggles.
Second half of the season, through the injuries to Aguero and Negredo, he's opted for a 4-2-3-1 with Dzeko up top, Navas on the right, Nasri on the left and Silva in behind the striker. A few more points here; Navas has had to do more work tracking back, and hasn't been nearly as effective, however, Silva has suddenly recaptured his brilliant form in his preferred position.
Obviously, there's been a buy off between the balance of the team, players playing into form, others having to do different roles, others playing in their best position, which has definitely had an impact.
The injuries to Negredo and Aguero weren't great, and with Jovetic being a bit of a 'sick note', that's left Dzeko being the only go-to guy...and he's all intense and purposes, awful on a good day.
So we have changed our system throughout the season, I just think the manager hasn't had a regular squad whereby he can pick his best team consistently.
That's not an excuse, as we should have more than enough to beat the lesser teams, but with this being Pellegrini's first season, along with the likes of Negredo, Navas, Jovetic etc and a long run of games not being afforded to these players, unlike DeMichelis, who has suddenly improved immensely, I think next season we will have gotten rid of the deadwood, brought in one or two more players in critical areas - like in defence, and with this year under their belts, I'm sure we will have a much better season than we've endured in the latter part of this one.
I'm fully behind the manager and think some of the players need to look at themselves, like Joe Hart, dare I say the skipper and ask themselves if they need to raise their games.
The season's not over yet, and if Liverpool go on and win their remaining games, then winning 14 on the spin to win the league will mean they are worthy champions.
posted on 17/4/14
If Liverpool wins all 14 on the trot then I have no qualms on them winning the title.
posted on 17/4/14
There's also the luck element, City were on stunning form when we should have originally played Sunderland, same as Everon when they should have played Palace.
Not ane excuse BTW, just an observation.
posted on 17/4/14
Beauty and The Beast! (U18910)
Yep, take your point on that, but it's also noticable that these are enforced formation changes rather than adapting. SHould he have changed the 4-4-2 in the away games earlier in the season?
Just playing devils advocate here.
posted on 17/4/14
Maybe, but I think if you asked any City fan at the time, most of us would have stuck with Negredo and Aguero.
I think our problem was down to our defending being so erratic...as we were still scoring 2+ goals per game, but making some terrible errors at the back.
Our defence then went through a really solid period, but lately, it's reverted back to looking like we've got an error in us every game. I know most goals come from errors, but I'm referring to the likes of Kompany's on Sunday. Add to that, we've just missed too many chances in front of goal. I can only remember two games all season where we have only created 3 chances or less.
I just think last night was disappointing in respect that we have all called for us to start quickly like we were a few months ago, we did, scored after a few minutes, then sat back and everything became slow, slow, pass, pass....that's what's annoying and different from earlier on in the season.
posted on 17/4/14
Well if there is a team that can complain of fatigue with any credence then it is city. Used the least players (?) and cup runs a plenty.
Poyet got his tactics spot on against us for what that is worth. I rate him despite the slide.
posted on 17/4/14
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.
posted on 17/4/14
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.
posted on 17/4/14
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
posted on 17/4/14
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.
posted on 17/4/14
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
posted on 17/4/14
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.
posted on 17/4/14
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
posted on 17/4/14
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,
posted on 17/4/14
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,
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
posted on 17/4/14
haha I like it ,don't knock yourself out on my behalf
don't think I made any other points anyways
posted on 17/4/14
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------
certainly won't mate.
Page 2 of 2