Barca v City Post Match Thread

[OB1]

I'm hugely encouraged and excited by that performance. I know it sounds odd but I think we are right on their shoulders now. I think this team, with the defensive additions which will come over the next two windows, can and will win the Champions League. I'm sure many people have commented on the bad luck and errors, but I maintain my belief that nobody can live with our attacking players when they get going, and we showed that when it was 11v11 and 10v10.

I'm enjoying your bullishness. Good to see you back.

 

[FCBarca]

I think KDB was used primarily to stifle the midfield & starve MSN of any outlets and then be in a position to spearhead attacks to the wide players when needed

 

[OB1]

I was also encouraged by a lot of what I saw, but I think you're being too positive, I said on Saturday that our defence isn't good enough, it's not, and it should have been sorted in the summer. When Everton have 3 attacks, score once and could have scored 2, you rightly worry about playing Neymar, Suarez, and Messi. The other concern is our finishing, and has been for 18 months, despite the goals we do get, it's not good enough for the very top level, as they showed last night.

At least we are definitely adding what looks like a world class forward in January.

 

[tonea2003]

Now, i'm not too fussed about the CL full stop so the score line and all that don't particularly bother me. But i thought we played well last night, we were the better team in the first half and only appalling finishing and a 50:50 hand ball shout that didn't go our way (he was only a few metres away) saw us not go in for half time in the lead. The tactics from the outset were bang on and the only way through us was over the top, Barcelona actually struggled against us.

Then came the stupid mistake through lack of concentration from the 'keeper and the game was over because we lost that shape that was making it difficult for them and the game changed.

We then went to pot and players were making mistakes everywhere and because that was the final impression left with us because it's the last part of the game everyone thinks we had a bad game. But if you've recorded the game, watch the first half back and then don't bother watching the second half (i did this before work this morning) and you'll realise how well we played...i'll repeat, we were the better team in the first half - away, at the best team in the world!

great post mate, the signs are there

 

[FCBarca]

At least we are definitely adding what looks like a world class forward in January.

Don't jump the gun there, integrating a player from South America who has never played in Europe and is 19 years of age? I think patience is imperative. Neymar was much further along by comparison and 21 years of age before he came to Barcelona and even then many questioned whether he could 'do it in Europe'.

 

[inchy14]

All the vultures were circling when I got into work this morning. A quick mention of their CL exploits this season and it's a swift "fuck off".

I was pleasantly surprised by my rag colleagues this morning, they were all of the opinion that we were in the game and playing exceptionally well until the sending off, fine margins and all that.
That's apart from the one red prick who refuses to discuss the CL with me because we haven't won it yet, this has come about as he can't handle the abuse for now not actually qualifying for it.

 

[tonea2003]

Clearly I don't. Check my posts after we've won. I said we were wonderful against Bournemouth.

I just don't buy the mega love in that most of you do. AT THE MOMENT. In capitals for the twats who can't read

you clearly revel in the negativity, and you can't hide that by claiming to be checking the supposed love in

 

[Barcon]

This will go against every grain in my body but in Europe, you have to learn to play the ref. Game was close last night and for the majority of the first half we had Barca nullified so what do they do, they start to play the ref. feigning injury from nothing tackles that due to play acting look far worse and result in players getting cheap yellows. Its cheating but it gains them a sporting advantage and at this level, if you dont do the same you can forget winning the thing its that simple.

They will beat you with beautiful football or by any other means at their disposal its that simple and whilst we gifted them the game, just watch the first half about half way through and how all of a sudden the rolling around started and yellow cards started to be dished out and the effect it had on our players.

Agreed. When Silva was booked, the ref made no indication that he was going to get his card out until the fouled played decided to spend 5 mins on the deck.

 

[Barcon]

Exactly, thats what bravo should have done, will he now be banned for the remaining games in this group. I think we played ok tonight but that mistake may come back to bite us.

What are you talking about? The Barca goalie kicked the ball out in error. He was flustered.

 

[Terra Passenger]

Agreed. When Silva was booked, the ref made no indication that he was going to get his card out until the fouled played decided to spend 5 mins on the deck.

Yeah, I thought that that was total bullshit.

Gerard Piqué basically rolled around the pitch for 5 minutes until a yellow was awarded. Yeah, he was injured. Yeah, the tackle wasn't great. But Pique wasn't going to get up until the yellow was flashed.