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Zin 'messiah' Zimmer
Well-Known Member
I saw something last night I hadn't before with Yaya being easily dispossessed playing it out of defense. Age catches up to all of us eventually
On the flip side of that he was intentionally sticking close to stones (who looked like Michael J Fox on the ball), prompting him to bring it out... It was a deliberate ploy due to 3 pressing him at any given time, it just failed due to stones lacking any resemblance of confidence at the moment...
blueyorkie
Well-Known Member
Thought Stones was excellent last night, opinions!On the flip side of that he was intentionally sticking close to stones (who looked like Michael J Fox on the ball), prompting him to bring it out... It was a deliberate ploy due to 3 pressing him at any given time, it just failed due to stones lacking any resemblance of confidence at the moment...
there was 3 on him to be fair mate
I thought he was dog turd in the first 15 minutes. I think his head had gone down a little after a ridiculously early booking.
After that he soon pepped up and was top draw.
FantasyIreland
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 29 Oct 2008
- Messages
- 64,697
I'm not sure,other than his huge legs,there's much weight to lose,he looked pretty lean when being readied to play.I just think he's lost some spark.That was very noticeable, and I think Kun is certainly going to have to up his game if he is to stay at the club (much as I love him) beyond the summer. He looked like he was trying too hard with the ball last night, whilst not doing enough without it. Maybe losing half a stone would help?
On the flip side of that he was intentionally sticking close to stones (who looked like Michael J Fox on the ball), prompting him to bring it out... It was a deliberate ploy due to 3 pressing him at any given time, it just failed due to stones lacking any resemblance of confidence at the moment...
It worked a treat too. Stones grew and grew in confidence. He looks much more composed on the right.
When Otamendi came on and Kolarov went left. Fernandinho central. We really did look like we could defend..
Chippy_boy
Well-Known Member
Thought Stones was excellent last night, opinions!
An opinion shared by Pep, judging by the hugs he was giving Stones at the end.
St.Pauli support
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 17 Feb 2010
- Messages
- 5,127
To me it felt more or less like we were happy to be a bit deeper and invite pressure closer to our box to have more space to counter attack.
Absolutely agree. And then the defense system is standing close and compact, not allowing much space.
It seems to be Pep's answer to deep sitting teams. In many matches City couldn't find a way to create clear chances against double deckers who keep sitting deep even if the are losing. That was frustrating and I think we needed a tactical response to that.
Now honestly we have won yesterday a bit like Chelsea does. Get the lead, stay calm, control the game, maybe score another, let the opponent run out of fuel and bring the match home safe. Didn't we see that last night? That's something new for us. I like it.
First half I was a bit annoyed when City didn't use chances for a quick counter and made a calm build-up instead. But maybe that's the style to play a safe and controlled way in terms of match plan. Well, it worked vs Bournemouth, quite perfectly.
Another point where we can see Pep is constantly working on approving the system is left back.
Admittedly I thought he had tested Dinho at RB to switch Sagna over to left, or maybe also try Delph at LB. But again Pep has shown he is unpredictable, which is great of course. He is using his huge and fit squad. Makes sense to use our advantages to other teams.
End of the day only Pep is close to the players, knowing what all of us don't know in terms of fitness, mood, problems, squad talking and so on.
Next time we criticize his line-ups we just should try to remember Pep ALWAYS has a plan, based on information we are sadly missing.
there was 3 on him to be fair mate
Not on the particular play I saw, one on him. It's not a criticism, just was strange to see since the Yaya I knew could never be bullied off the ball like that
squirtyflower
Well-Known Member
Everything you post is a criticism of City, why do you even bother?Not on the particular play I saw, one on him. It's not a criticism, just was strange to see since the Yaya I knew could never be bullied off the ball like that