City v Bristol City 1st leg post match

[OB1]

There was a simple pass out wide to Sterling who had a yard on his marker, no need to try the difficult pass to Zinchenko.

I'm not sure who he was actually trying to pass to but IIRC the angle to Sterling was still relatively narrow: Sterling was in an advanced position.

 

[Pedrothe exile]

He's not a terrible defender. He's not a good footballer
There is a difference

In Pep's team the difference is magnified-you'd get away with it in a lot of other teams.

 

[come-on-barney]

You wonder if by leaving Aguero out Pep was sending a message, because without another forward coming in were screwed infact the mentality of starting the home leg minus your only front man,when the idea is to build a lead is baffling ,Have to give BCFC full marks for tonight and if we go there with anything but our strongest team we will struggle.. infact this competition has proved in depth we are not as good as you would like to think we are

I was still looking for the false number 9, until the legend came on :)

 

[eversince 76]

We had so many opportunities we didn´t take that it took me to a near frustrational breakdown. And when we did score the winner in the last minute, I felt kind a sorry for Bristol who have been brilliant and able to keep up right till the end. I´ve seen much worst PL-teams. The CL-sides (Wolves/Bristol) that visited us were the hardest ones played at the Eithad.

Mangala didn't do his confidence any good with the howler that brought Stones in to making a wreckless tackle and Bristol scoring 1-0 from the spot. Thought after we eqilazied we would go all the way. Unfortunately we left it late. But whatever. 2-1 win and in two weeks time I expect us to be looking out for CL-cup final tickets. Again though, respect to Bristol for the way they playerd and keeping up till the end.

 

[OB1]

IMO , Mangala (who stepped up to play although still wearing a mask to protect his injury) made mistakes but so did every other player (some made more mistakes than Mangala!!). He certainly made more clearances than any other defender.

Defensively we were poor but that was across the whole team not just the back four and keeper.

When the forwards and midfielders are on their game defensively, our back four and keeper have less to do and look better. This wasn't the case last night and it was a problem in the Wolves game also.

In his programme notes Pep highlighted that against Burnley " John Stones made a mistake...but that is not the problem. The key factor is how he responded. He didn't let his head go down. That is the way this club will continue to make steps forward over the next years."

IMO I think Pep would prefer us as fans to get behind the players after their mistakes and not castigate them (like some did with Sane also after his errors against Burnley) . Some of the comments about Mangala are ridiculous and are quite clearly from people who weren't even at the game.Watching it on TV just doesn't give you the whole picture .

We win as a team, we draw as a team, we lose as a team. It's the Pep philosophy. If supporters can't buy into it they can always go watch ManUre instead and join the other rags who always see the faults in others but not in themselves.
CTID

Unfortunately, despite having a ticket, I had to watch from the armchair last night but I saw enough of the picture. It was not our best display but it was better than many want to characterise it; mind, that is often the case these days IMO.

Defensively, I thought their players had too much room in midfield at times; however, this was another prime case of had we had our finishing boots on, they'd have got a serious tonking.

 

[Rolee]

I'm not sure who he was actually trying to pass to but IIRC the angle to Sterling was still relatively narrow: Sterling was in an advanced position.

Nah mate, Sterling was hugging the sideline, see him in the top right of this pic just after Mangala lost possession

 

[come-on-barney]

Seems they are the Dipper team of Bristol.

Gas is absolutely right. Living in South Wales all teams in the South West really don't like them. You think we are self-entitled! Been to Ashton Gate a few times with friends who support other teams, and you can hear a pin drop, so made me laugh with 'Is this a library'.

However, their team and manager deserve full credit for their performance.

 

[Neville Kneville]

Unfortunately, despite having a ticket, I had to watch from the armchair last night but I saw enough of the picture. It was not our best display but it was better than many want to characterise it; mind, that is often the case these days IMO.

Defensively, I thought their players had too much room in midfield at times; however, this was another prime case of had we had our finishing boots on, they'd have got a serious tonking.

They made some terrible mistakes last night, the kind we would usually punish, & got away with it.

But if it makes all he morons in the press & the 2nd rate coaches think they have stumbled onto a way to 'beat' City, which everyone can follow (even though they lost) it's all good for us when others try it & we bugger them severely.

 

[Marvin]

We had so many opportunities we didn´t take that it took me to a near frustrational breakdown. And when we did score the winner in the last minute, I felt kind a sorry for Bristol who have been brilliant and able to keep up right till the end. I´ve seen much worst PL-teams. The CL-sides (Wolves/Bristol) that visited us were the hardest ones played at the Eithad.

Mangala didn't do his confidence any good with the howler that brought Stones in to making a wreckless tackle and Bristol scoring 1-0 from the spot. Thought after we eqilazied we would go all the way. Unfortunately we left it late. But whatever. 2-1 win and in two weeks time I expect us to be looking out for CL-cup final tickets. Again though, respect to Bristol for the way they playerd and keeping up till the end.

We made it tough for ourselves by wasting countless great attacking situations. That's the most wasteful we have been this season

 

[west didsblue]

Gas is absolutely right. Living in South Wales all teams in the South West really don't like them. You think we are self-entitled! Been to Ashton Gate a few times with friends who support other teams, and you can hear a pin drop, so made me laugh with 'Is this a library'.

You mean "Is this a loybury"

 

[Neville Kneville]

Nah mate, Sterling was hugging the sideline, see him in the top right of this pic just after Mangala lost possession

Look at Mangala's reaction already, he's ahead of the player, has hold of him, but is not trying really hard to stop him, just half fouling him.
Next thing, he's behind him, half running, half flapping with his arms.

That's a far bigger problem with Mangala, than an occasional bad pass. That situation, in open play, with those two players challenging for the ball, should not result inthe oppo scoring.

His shit pass, has masked the real problem, which is his fucking hopeless defending.

 

[Decepticon]

eh?

The idea that the penalty was Jones mistake and not Zorro is laughable. Yes it was a late challenge, but at least the boy try to fix Zorro's brainfart mistake...I'm not gonna give him stick for that..

 

[come-on-barney]

Zinchenko - This lad is growing in confidence game by game. Last match just tried to keep it simple but some of his touches last night were excellent. Really liked this lad but not a left back of course. Hoping that Pep sees something in him and keeps him in the first team squad. I reckon this lad could become a valuable first team player and could save us some money over the next few years.

Mangala - Will never criticise a player at the game as I think its counter productive, but I think we can see why Pep needs a center half. I would have loved it to work out for him but thinking that his time is coming to end. I think a few went to buy their JFE t-shirts after the game last night :)

Yaya - I think the reason he played yesterday besides rotation is they are excellent in the air and set pieces and think he was brought in to deal with that to some extent. Sad to see a once great player really struggling.

Bravo - I never really understand keeper rotation except for keeping someone happy. He has done well with the penalties and in getting us this far. However, does not provide the confidence Eddie does. More importantly Eddie gets us moving more quickly although I think Bravo did much better last night. He often passed the ball out to players in tight situations which put us under pressure. It is what it is.

Sterling/De Bruyne - I felt that those two lads were almost carrying us in the first half. The movement off the ball was poor in the first half, and players in control of the ball had very few options.

Walker - Now although Aguero got the goal Walker was the reason we won that last night. His passion when he came on and will to win was incredible. He totally bossed it and he was so determined to get us going. If you are looking for a captain he is it for me.

Silva - I know he has had some criticism but I think he just needs this season, think we will see the player who we bought next season. Great cross for the goal inch perfect.

Danilo - Very indecisive at the back and going forwards does not provide the same intensity as Kyle.

Stones - Rusty but was also trying to mop up from others at the back last night.

False number 9 - still looking for him, I think Sergio made the point.

The tie - Bristol will have to come out at home and will give us more space and time. Tough game and we will need a strong side to see it through.

The season to date - living in a dreamland and we need to enjoy the ride, and some ride it is.

 

[Armaan]

Look at Mangala's reaction already, he's ahead of the player, has hold of him, but is not trying really hard to stop him, just half fouling him.
Next thing, he's behind him, half running, half flapping with his arms.

That's a far bigger problem with Mangala, than an occasional bad pass. That situation, in open play, with those two players challenging for the ball, should not result inthe oppo scoring.

His shit pass, has masked the real problem, which is his fucking hopeless defending.

The Portuguese league must really be awful if he looked like a 40m pound defender there. I’ve never once got on mangalas back and still do feel sorry for him but he’s clearly not that good.

 

[Armaan]

Those dissing bravo should see that pass he picks out which makes our first goal. Mangala fucks up - Blame Bravo. Stones fucks up - Blame Bravo. Apparently Bravo is the reason why stones fucked up against Burnley too.... Just a scapegoat win or lose.

 

[come-on-barney]

Those dissing bravo should see that pass he picks out which makes our first goal. Mangala fucks up - Blame Bravo. Stones fucks up - Blame Bravo. Apparently Bravo is the reason why stones fucked up against Burnley too.... Just a scapegoat win or lose.

Some may be doing that, but I did not witness anyone at the game doing that either. Recognition he has got us this far. For me personally would play Eddie all the time as keepers don't need rotating. We do lose some intensity when Eddie does not play, is better with his feet and a better shot stopper. However, whenever he pulls on that jersey he has my full support and deserves it.

 

[mosssideblue]

The idea that the penalty was Jones mistake and not Zorro is laughable. Yes it was a late challenge, but at least the boy try to fix Zorro's brainfart mistake...I'm not gonna give him stick for that..

The penalty was 100% John's mistake. The circumstances leading to it was down to Mangala, but John is old and ugly enough to know you don't go lunging in like that

 

[mosssideblue]

Also as for their "great fanbase" "great following" etc bullshit. It was a massive game for them. Massive, massive game. We sold our 4000 ticket allocation within a few hours (season ticket holders only) for Stamford Bridge last season in the 2nd round of the EFL Cup (only lost 3-2). We would have took many, many more if we had more tickets or it went past season ticket holders. Even some season ticket holders missed out. Their ground is a fucking library week in, week out so they hd a cheek singing that to you last night and the biggest match at Ashton Gate in a long time and they haven't even sold out (they will now as they are still in the tie).

I don't want to sound bitter as they are doing well on the pitch. But off the pitch they lack class and are fickle, obnoxious ****s. I'll enjoy the hammering in the 2nd leg.

Well you do sound extremely bitter.

 

[mosssideblue]

I'm having some difficulty understanding the absolutely damning tone of some posts on here. By God, do we think we have a divine right to win games?! Bristol City came and they gave it a go. On the way to us, they've beaten Watford, Stoke, Palace and United. They are anything but Charlies. They didn't clog us anything like as much as some PL teams that we've had to encounter recently, and they didn't particularly park the bus either. Credit to them.
I can't see what Bravo did wrong – he did what he had to do – and he in no way resembles the keeper that we had to endure last season. His distribution was generally better than at any point last season, and his quick ball out to KDB in space played a major part in our equaliser. He also got bloody close to that penalty. He's not Ederson. Who is, at present?
About Mangala almost nothing more needs to be said. We need to go and get Jonny Fucking Evans (yes, even him!). Or someone.
Sané is a constant threat, even when his game is somewhat off. Same with Sterling. I'd play them every game if I could.
What hugely impresses me about this team is their ability to plug away right till the end. We've seen this over and over this season. That is why I'm sure they'll win trophies.
Onwards to Anfield.

Great summation

 

[mosssideblue]

lets get one thing straight Bravo. Danilo. Mangala. Zinchenko. Y Touré. Gündogan. Bernardo Silva. don't start games like semi finals at home if we did not have a 2nd leg to play and liverpool at the weekend yes football is a squad game and they need game time too and should be good enough to beat bristol city on any given day

but lets not forget bristol city its a game of the lifetime for some of there players a semi final of a major competition at the etihad what more do you need to rise and play out of your skin. the media are missing the point here manchester city vs bristol city is a league cup semi final and its going to be game on even if we played with the main starting line up its still game on

now this morning in the media its like manchester city have lost and out of the league cup. ok you give credit to them and they did play really well but they lost the game this is how far manchester city have come when winning the first leg of the league cup semi final with the squad that the media keep bring up about the cost of building this team and we win the game and somehow the media are turning it around and reporting something else

lets see in 2 weeks time and if pep lets the big boys play and bristol city want to play and take on man city under the pressure of there home fans the one thing is we will not defend and we will score so they will need 3 to win the game in 90mins

i dont think playing eddy was anything to do with the dippers on Sunday. I also think Bravo will play in the return leg and rightly so