Gundogan's Moustache
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 15 Jan 2014
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- 4,407
Stinks of 16/17 this season
Reminds me of 12/13. Started the season slowly and everyone was sure that we would suddenly ‘click’ at some point. But we never did and the season just petered out.Stinks of 16/17 this season
Watching last night, it was striking how far we’ve moved, in terms of shape, from the 17/18 season. Then we had a solid base with the two centre halves and the fullbacks in narrow with Fernandinho, which meant we weren’t especially susceptible to counters. A balanced three in midfield, with Silva and De Bruyne taking up similar positions left and right. Sané and Sterling providing proper width and making non-stop runs in behind the fullbacks.
Last night we seems to play a kind of lopsided 4-2-3-1, with Gundogan deeper to the left of Rodri and De Bruyne pushed up almost as a centre forward to the right. Fullbacks spread wide across the pitch but not really offering anything going forward. Bernardo from the right bringing everything back inside (as Mahrez does). Far fewer runs in behind. Defence too deep and so a huge gap at the back of the midfield. No real balance and badly exposed to the counter whenever we lose the ball.
Not for a minute suggesting that the change in shape is the only, or even the main, reason we’re struggling at the moment. Not least as we’d already moved a bit in this direction last season and that turned out pretty well. And much if it has to do with injuries and availability, and the players themselves being off form / moving the ball so slowly, which exacerbates all the little weaknesses. Just that I felt the difference was really noticeable last night.
Jesus - tough fucking crowd in here.He needs to change it up, now - otherwise we could end up with 0 trophies this season. 2 seasons out of 4, would not be good enough.
Jesus - tough fucking crowd in here.