Are we too reliant on Carlos ??

[Grand Master Ram Rod]

Tevez and Nigel have been missed really bad. Just our luck that they both get injured at the same time although we shouldn't be relying on just two players. If we didn't have AJ, Silva and Kompany, we'd be even worse off atm.

 

[mammyjam]

we just dont look like scoring without him... and we look like conceding without de jong

 

[stirlingblue]

Of course we rely on him too much! Adebayour is not a viable alternative as he simply cannot hold up the ball and the desire just isn't there. We have also missed De Jong big time since he was neutured after the Bar Codes game. These 2 plus Kompany and Hart are the spine of the team.
Come January we need to find a viable alternative to Ade who can offer an outlet when things aren't going our way. Again tonight nothing would stick with him when we most needed it to in the last 10 mins. Ade - now that is another thread but personally he makes me want to pull out what remaining hair I have left.

 

[onceabluealways]

we ae at the moment but i expect Mancini couldn't foresee Ballo getting injured in his first game and expected him to be fully involved - Ade should be a capable backup , he led the line for Arsenal and us last season but he just hasn't been greta because he isn't playing every week.

I would like to see more goals from midfield - I expect silvea will start contributing soon, but i thought Milner would way in with at least a couple - i can't remember the last reasonable effort on goal he had.

 

[persvenality cult]

Yes, we are. The difference he makes is more than just his goalscoring and general haring about like a lunatic to win the ball back.

He is a far better target man than Ade, because Carlos actually holds onto the ball when it comes up to him. This gives everyone else time to move up in support.

With Adebayor, he flicks, dribbles, far too often gives the ball away straight away. He also very often fails to challenge for the header at all, leaving the defender free to make a good headed clearance. I know the midfield were poor-ish tonight but I honestly believe this is number one reason we get strung out across the pitch. The players are just starting to move up and they have to go on the back foot again.

Balotelli is absolutely not a target man. Llorente or Dzeko are absolutely essential in my book.

 

[dayvo]

So having missed him for our last two games and having the injury midway through the Arsenal game,are we really too reliant on Mr Tevez ??
IMO he really is sorely missed up front and even his pressence on the field must upset defenders,with his enthusiasm and never give up attitude.
Think its been proven.
We do miss him and rely on him,so is there an alternative ??

Far too reliant, that said he's doing a cracking job. As for alternatives... Adebayor is not the answer, balotelli might be. I think sell adebayor and rsc in january if we can get replacements in Dzeko?!? and another young striker?!?

 

[inGavious]

El Capitan wouldnt have helped if he played cos the tactics were all wrong matter who played. We didnt go to Poland to win. it looked that Mancini was looking for a draw before we even kicked off, and that stupid defensive substitution at 1-1 again .... just boggles me to do it twice in two games.

 

[m7mcfc]

Yes, we are. The difference he makes is more than just his goalscoring and general haring about like a lunatic to win the ball back.

He is a far better target man than Ade, because Carlos actually holds onto the ball when it comes up to him. This gives everyone else time to move up in support.

With Adebayor, he flicks, dribbles, far too often gives the ball away straight away. He also very often fails to challenge for the header at all, leaving the defender free to make a good headed clearance. I know the midfield were poor-ish tonight but I honestly believe this is number one reason we get strung out across the pitch. The players are just starting to move up and they have to go on the back foot again.

Balotelli is absolutely not a target man. Llorente or Dzeko are absolutely essential in my book.

Holds the ball up? it virtually sticks to him I often find myself thinking how the fuck has he done that with 2 or more defenders climbing all over him.

 

[tyqmvko]

Tevez has definitely been missed. However I think the absence of de Jong has had more of an effect on the team because I've noticed that players on the opposing teams are not being closed down very often, something which de Jong does a lot and is good at.

 

[TTTCITYBHOY]

I think we are.
At least Capitano does the 90 mins (unlike some others)
Come on Carlos,be fit for the rags.