sir baconface
Well-Known Member
Should have been a penalty but if players want to cheat or exaggerate, they can't complain too much when it backfires. Shit decision though.
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City 3 - 1 Barcelona - Post match thread :-)
- Thread starter FantasyIreland
- Start date
Should have been a penalty but if players want to cheat or exaggerate, they can't complain too much when it backfires. Shit decision though.
kaz7
Well-Known Member
Just watching the highlights again,cheering every goal,brilliant
Cityisland
Well-Known Member
Misses our third as thee stream on kodi dropped out.
Had my nine year old daughter sat on the sofa with her fingers, arms, legs, toes, eyes and hair crossed praying that we were still ahead when I got it up and running again.
Jumped around like a loon to see us casually stoking it about with a 3.1 scoreline. Delicious.
Lucky charm.
Had my nine year old daughter sat on the sofa with her fingers, arms, legs, toes, eyes and hair crossed praying that we were still ahead when I got it up and running again.
Jumped around like a loon to see us casually stoking it about with a 3.1 scoreline. Delicious.
Lucky charm.
One of the things that impressed me most was the fact we went longer and more direct especially second half, its good that we can change that way, as there will be games we will need it.
Pep realized that MSN were not going to help out the midfield much, so the long ball and winning the SECOND BALL IN MIDFIELD would help us keep the pressure off us in and around our own box, while helping us have a constructive starting position of 30-50 yds from their goal. There were times when we not only overloaded them in midfield, but we then surged forward with enough players to overload their defence, too.
I think it has been a VERY long time since anyone has had as many realistic goal scoring opportunities against Barca as City had in that second half.
feedmpenzaandhewillscore
Well-Known Member
Pep realized that MSN were not going to help out the midfield much, so the long ball and winning the SECOND BALL IN MIDFIELD would help us keep the pressure off us in and around our own box, while helping us have a constructive starting position of 30-50 yds from their goal. There were times when we not only overloaded them in midfield, but we then surged forward with enough players to overload their defence, too.
I think it has been a VERY long time since anyone has had as many realistic goal scoring opportunities against Barca as City had in that second half.
Shows a bit of tactical naivety from Enrique, should have sacrificed one of Messi,Neymar or Suarez to sure up the impending tide that came in the second half.
We have had a resurgence of form going back to two full backs, I really don't think 3 at the back works. I hope Pep realises this and keeps it going.
the_game_161
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 1 Jul 2014
- Messages
- 1,663
Think Barca without pique and iniesta have big holes in their defence and midfield without those. They are the glue that team needs. MSN are their best players but those two are huge to control the midfield
A couple of comments:
Some people in the media are sort of playing down Tuesday’s performance / victory, emphasizing on the “weakened Barcelona” factor. Which is also convenient for rival fans. However:
Both were brought in as first team options. What you or I believe regarding their actual abilities is irrelevant, they both were Barcelona’s choices in the summer transfer window (where the club was pretty active), Enrique intends to use them both in the framework of a rotation policy (for a start).
So this “weakened side” nonsense does not qualify as an excuse, it simply does not connect with any reality. In fact, if you mentioned it to a Barca official, a member of their technical staff, never mind Enrique himself, they would take it as an insult…
On the other hand, nobody seems to give enough credit to a manager who has trusted from day 1 in people like Stones, Otamendi or Kolarov in central defense, for example. An area extremely sensitive for the team’s balance, an area where City still miss Company. Transforming a 21yo into a leading figure from the beginning, identifying in Kolarov abilities the player himself wasn’t aware of, making Otamendi consistently overachieving (I’ll say it again, you can watch recent performances of his with the national team, playing alongside Funes Mori, for example; we are talking about a different player under Guardiola). We’ve all got familiar with this situation, we take it for granted. Would these players be the choices of an Anceloti, a Conte or a Murinho? Seriously doubt it…
A historic victory on Tuesday, the kind of “stuff dreams are made of”. This is why the CL is important, this is why ignoring it is out of the question, this is why Tuesday and Wednesday nights have become so special. A victory enhancing the club’s status, pushing you to a higher level, making people happy, proud of their team, attracting new fans…
As for the match, Guardiola faced again serious difficulties with his initial game plan. Team was pretty nervous to respond successfully to their pressing, giving the ball away easily. While build up from behind seemed almost impossible, with KDB, for example, failing to move so as to provide a passing option, lost out wide, totally out of the game. On the other hand, City’s high pressing, with Gudogan – Silva moving high up, left huge spaces uncovered in midfield – and Fernadinho exposed. Barca would eventually find their way through and establish their passing game, either start organizing attacks or simply maintain possession. Which made Guardiola’s players more and more uncomfortable…
City could -and should- have scored first, they were robbed of a clear penalty, and had they done so the match would have taken a different direction. Nevertheless it’s better to focus on areas needing improvement here, and 1st half made it clear that the team needs to further progress so as to dominate with its game at the highest level…
We lost total control for a 5-7 min. period after 30’, when Barca came repeatedly close to 0-2. We somehow survived the nightmare, but most importantly never gave up. It is the attitude I will never forget regarding this match. Opponent has taken the lead, ref protects him, game plan seems not to work, Barca seem ready to score the 2nd at any minute and kill the match. Still, the team refuses to accept defeat! And when the opportunity occured, everybody involved in the play was ready to make the most out of it: Pressing finally forces a fatal error, Sergio finds Sterling in space in the box who sets up Gudogan for the equalizer: Sterling’s best moment in the match. At last City becomes cynical…
That was on 39’. It is the moment Guardiola orders Silva – KDB to mutually change positions, a wise decision meant to seriously influence the match proceedings. But the momentum had already changed radically (“players realised the bad moment was behind us”, as Pep said afterwards), with City taking the initiative and threatening for a 2nd goal till the end of the 1st half…
Very few would have handled the match the way Guardiola did in the 2nd half. Personally I will admit that his approach didn’t surprise me, nevertheless I couldn’t find anything concrete to comfort my skepticism: it was Barcelona after all, one mistake would make it 1-2. How would, how could the team react again then? Not to mention, a point could have turned out to be valuable, even if the Germans would beat Celtic. You simply don’t lose in Germany and win vs Celtic at home. Gladbach would need to win in the Camp Nous, practically impossible. But the guy is a pure voluntarist, he will force things his way not hesitating to take risks. He didn’t want to lose the momentum, basically he wanted to demonstrate to his players that we’re not afraid of them, that we’re all in for winning…
Naturally, the game went totally mental, Enrique and his players never knew what hit them, they still don’t if you ask me. They’re not used to such aggressiveness, teams are more or less cautious when playing against them, that is if they don’t park the bus. Pace and tension were unbelievable for 45+3 minutes, a chaotic situation on the pitch controlled by Guardiola as much as possible. He kept pressing relentlessly, however the team’s coordination was seriously improved. Gudogan starting beside Fernadinho meant 2 banks of four in short distances with players on the flanks also closing in. Compact in the middle areas, avoiding penetrations centrally, forcing opponent to pass wide so that City’s formation would afford the time to adapt. Defensive line with 100% concentration, anticipating and intercepting. Midfielders + KDB (AM) + Sergio fighting for every ball, ready to execute counter attacks [By the way, how many tackles, how many interceptions, how many 50/50 has Silva won during these 3 months? Could it be more than in his entire career? I would bet so]. Contrary to what Guardiola has been working on for 3 months, the concept here was to actually give them the ball from behind (so as to avoid losing it in the build up process) – press – win it – immediately go on the break – score. Keeping the ball as away as possible from our box, operating in a direct manner when having it…
City started asking questions from 46’, and Barca were caught unprepared. Stealing balls one after another, executing waves of counter attacks. Numerous dangerous situations, it’s a miracle they survived conceding only 3. But balances were extremely delicate, everything could go wrong anytime, one mistake, one unfortunate situation, like the one Stones was involved in 65’ (Gomez finding the bar), and you would be in hell again. Nevertheless, the team never slowed down, never changed the attitude, the determination, the fighting spirit, the sense of sacrifice and unity, with players covering (and playing for) each other, were awesome. I would say moving. Especially after Fernadinho’s exit (60’), one eye was on Gudogan; hoping that he would somehow control his enthusiasm, keeping his position, not leaving Fernando alone. Fuck me, that was never meant to be the case. We kept being brave and daring as nothing had changed. Gudogan followed the counter attack after Aguero (!) took the ball away from Messi just outside the box, was at the right place the right time and scored again: 3-1! City under Guardiola is an experience to watch…
Stats reflect the reality of the match in the 2nd half: around 25’ Barca enjoyed >70% possession, it ended 59%!. Attempts were 13-9 (4-3 on target), distance covered (km) was 111,63 (!) – 105,99. And pass completion 74 – 84%...
This match demonstrated City’s ability on counter attacks, if we could only be more effective in terms of finishing. Against organized defenses (or parked buses) however, we need to improve our creativity so that our possession becomes more effective. We need through balls getting forwards on 1 vs 1 especially against high defensive lines (like the one by KDB on 2’ where Sergio was caught offside), we need higher pace in our passing game, first touch combinational football etc. And we definitely need more goals, we waste too many opportunities. KDB (the fantastic 3rd goal is his creation) and Gudogan reaching top form are expected to be crucial regarding the above, the same applies to Silva (but I have no complaints, the guy’s commitment is amazing). Players able to make City’s game unpredictable to opponents, not to mention their expected contribution in terms of scoring themselves. All this and others (our organization defending set pieces, for example) are expected to improve in time, what worries me short term is our fucking fitness levels. Matches such as the one vs Barca are extremely demanding, yet City have only 3 days to recover for the next PL fixture. I don’t want to repeat myself, but Fernadinho, Silva and Aguero need protection, while Kevin – Gudogan were also exhausted on Tuesday. And the manager’s rotation options regarding certain positions are rather limited …
The team seems focused, disciplined, convinced of the manager’s game plan and style. Players enjoy what they experience. But they are only human…
Anyway, a must win match today. Good luck to Pep and his men.
Some people in the media are sort of playing down Tuesday’s performance / victory, emphasizing on the “weakened Barcelona” factor. Which is also convenient for rival fans. However:
- Barca paid serious money to get Digne (who is not considered as "their Maffeo"),
- The same applies for Umtiti.
Both were brought in as first team options. What you or I believe regarding their actual abilities is irrelevant, they both were Barcelona’s choices in the summer transfer window (where the club was pretty active), Enrique intends to use them both in the framework of a rotation policy (for a start).
- As for Iniesta, I have already talked about possible complications regarding players having participated in the recent EURO in my first post. Iniesta missed the first matches, was carefully incorporated in the team (or that’s what they thought anyway), got injured in the process. Have seen this happen on similar cases, it’s not unusual. Apart from that, Barcelona will eventually have to get used to playing without him (same way they did with Xavi). They know that, which is exactly the reason they also invested in midfield, in players such as A. Gomez, D. Suarez (Arda was already there) etc.
So this “weakened side” nonsense does not qualify as an excuse, it simply does not connect with any reality. In fact, if you mentioned it to a Barca official, a member of their technical staff, never mind Enrique himself, they would take it as an insult…
On the other hand, nobody seems to give enough credit to a manager who has trusted from day 1 in people like Stones, Otamendi or Kolarov in central defense, for example. An area extremely sensitive for the team’s balance, an area where City still miss Company. Transforming a 21yo into a leading figure from the beginning, identifying in Kolarov abilities the player himself wasn’t aware of, making Otamendi consistently overachieving (I’ll say it again, you can watch recent performances of his with the national team, playing alongside Funes Mori, for example; we are talking about a different player under Guardiola). We’ve all got familiar with this situation, we take it for granted. Would these players be the choices of an Anceloti, a Conte or a Murinho? Seriously doubt it…
A historic victory on Tuesday, the kind of “stuff dreams are made of”. This is why the CL is important, this is why ignoring it is out of the question, this is why Tuesday and Wednesday nights have become so special. A victory enhancing the club’s status, pushing you to a higher level, making people happy, proud of their team, attracting new fans…
As for the match, Guardiola faced again serious difficulties with his initial game plan. Team was pretty nervous to respond successfully to their pressing, giving the ball away easily. While build up from behind seemed almost impossible, with KDB, for example, failing to move so as to provide a passing option, lost out wide, totally out of the game. On the other hand, City’s high pressing, with Gudogan – Silva moving high up, left huge spaces uncovered in midfield – and Fernadinho exposed. Barca would eventually find their way through and establish their passing game, either start organizing attacks or simply maintain possession. Which made Guardiola’s players more and more uncomfortable…
City could -and should- have scored first, they were robbed of a clear penalty, and had they done so the match would have taken a different direction. Nevertheless it’s better to focus on areas needing improvement here, and 1st half made it clear that the team needs to further progress so as to dominate with its game at the highest level…
We lost total control for a 5-7 min. period after 30’, when Barca came repeatedly close to 0-2. We somehow survived the nightmare, but most importantly never gave up. It is the attitude I will never forget regarding this match. Opponent has taken the lead, ref protects him, game plan seems not to work, Barca seem ready to score the 2nd at any minute and kill the match. Still, the team refuses to accept defeat! And when the opportunity occured, everybody involved in the play was ready to make the most out of it: Pressing finally forces a fatal error, Sergio finds Sterling in space in the box who sets up Gudogan for the equalizer: Sterling’s best moment in the match. At last City becomes cynical…
That was on 39’. It is the moment Guardiola orders Silva – KDB to mutually change positions, a wise decision meant to seriously influence the match proceedings. But the momentum had already changed radically (“players realised the bad moment was behind us”, as Pep said afterwards), with City taking the initiative and threatening for a 2nd goal till the end of the 1st half…
Very few would have handled the match the way Guardiola did in the 2nd half. Personally I will admit that his approach didn’t surprise me, nevertheless I couldn’t find anything concrete to comfort my skepticism: it was Barcelona after all, one mistake would make it 1-2. How would, how could the team react again then? Not to mention, a point could have turned out to be valuable, even if the Germans would beat Celtic. You simply don’t lose in Germany and win vs Celtic at home. Gladbach would need to win in the Camp Nous, practically impossible. But the guy is a pure voluntarist, he will force things his way not hesitating to take risks. He didn’t want to lose the momentum, basically he wanted to demonstrate to his players that we’re not afraid of them, that we’re all in for winning…
Naturally, the game went totally mental, Enrique and his players never knew what hit them, they still don’t if you ask me. They’re not used to such aggressiveness, teams are more or less cautious when playing against them, that is if they don’t park the bus. Pace and tension were unbelievable for 45+3 minutes, a chaotic situation on the pitch controlled by Guardiola as much as possible. He kept pressing relentlessly, however the team’s coordination was seriously improved. Gudogan starting beside Fernadinho meant 2 banks of four in short distances with players on the flanks also closing in. Compact in the middle areas, avoiding penetrations centrally, forcing opponent to pass wide so that City’s formation would afford the time to adapt. Defensive line with 100% concentration, anticipating and intercepting. Midfielders + KDB (AM) + Sergio fighting for every ball, ready to execute counter attacks [By the way, how many tackles, how many interceptions, how many 50/50 has Silva won during these 3 months? Could it be more than in his entire career? I would bet so]. Contrary to what Guardiola has been working on for 3 months, the concept here was to actually give them the ball from behind (so as to avoid losing it in the build up process) – press – win it – immediately go on the break – score. Keeping the ball as away as possible from our box, operating in a direct manner when having it…
City started asking questions from 46’, and Barca were caught unprepared. Stealing balls one after another, executing waves of counter attacks. Numerous dangerous situations, it’s a miracle they survived conceding only 3. But balances were extremely delicate, everything could go wrong anytime, one mistake, one unfortunate situation, like the one Stones was involved in 65’ (Gomez finding the bar), and you would be in hell again. Nevertheless, the team never slowed down, never changed the attitude, the determination, the fighting spirit, the sense of sacrifice and unity, with players covering (and playing for) each other, were awesome. I would say moving. Especially after Fernadinho’s exit (60’), one eye was on Gudogan; hoping that he would somehow control his enthusiasm, keeping his position, not leaving Fernando alone. Fuck me, that was never meant to be the case. We kept being brave and daring as nothing had changed. Gudogan followed the counter attack after Aguero (!) took the ball away from Messi just outside the box, was at the right place the right time and scored again: 3-1! City under Guardiola is an experience to watch…
Stats reflect the reality of the match in the 2nd half: around 25’ Barca enjoyed >70% possession, it ended 59%!. Attempts were 13-9 (4-3 on target), distance covered (km) was 111,63 (!) – 105,99. And pass completion 74 – 84%...
This match demonstrated City’s ability on counter attacks, if we could only be more effective in terms of finishing. Against organized defenses (or parked buses) however, we need to improve our creativity so that our possession becomes more effective. We need through balls getting forwards on 1 vs 1 especially against high defensive lines (like the one by KDB on 2’ where Sergio was caught offside), we need higher pace in our passing game, first touch combinational football etc. And we definitely need more goals, we waste too many opportunities. KDB (the fantastic 3rd goal is his creation) and Gudogan reaching top form are expected to be crucial regarding the above, the same applies to Silva (but I have no complaints, the guy’s commitment is amazing). Players able to make City’s game unpredictable to opponents, not to mention their expected contribution in terms of scoring themselves. All this and others (our organization defending set pieces, for example) are expected to improve in time, what worries me short term is our fucking fitness levels. Matches such as the one vs Barca are extremely demanding, yet City have only 3 days to recover for the next PL fixture. I don’t want to repeat myself, but Fernadinho, Silva and Aguero need protection, while Kevin – Gudogan were also exhausted on Tuesday. And the manager’s rotation options regarding certain positions are rather limited …
The team seems focused, disciplined, convinced of the manager’s game plan and style. Players enjoy what they experience. But they are only human…
Anyway, a must win match today. Good luck to Pep and his men.
East Level 2
Well-Known Member
Of course we beat a weakened team. There's no way on earth City could beat Barcelona.
Or perhaps there's no way on earth the rancid, gibbering, fuck-Muppets in the media would ever give us an ounce of credit.
Or perhaps there's no way on earth the rancid, gibbering, fuck-Muppets in the media would ever give us an ounce of credit.
feedmpenzaandhewillscore
Well-Known Member
Of course we beat a weakened team. There's no way on earth City could beat Barcelona.
Or perhaps there's no way on earth the rancid, gibbering, fuck-Muppets in the media would ever give us an ounce of credit.
Understrenth Barca team with 3 of the 4 top players in the world in it.
prestonibbo_mcfc
Well-Known Member
A couple of comments:
Some people in the media are sort of playing down Tuesday’s performance / victory, emphasizing on the “weakened Barcelona” factor. Which is also convenient for rival fans. However:
- Barca paid serious money to get Digne (who is not considered as "their Maffeo"),
Both were brought in as first team options. What you or I believe regarding their actual abilities is irrelevant, they both were Barcelona’s choices in the summer transfer window (where the club was pretty active), Enrique intends to use them both in the framework of a rotation policy (for a start).
- The same applies for Umtiti.
- As for Iniesta, I have already talked about possible complications regarding players having participated in the recent EURO in my first post. Iniesta missed the first matches, was carefully incorporated in the team (or that’s what they thought anyway), got injured in the process. Have seen this happen on similar cases, it’s not unusual. Apart from that, Barcelona will eventually have to get used to playing without him (same way they did with Xavi). They know that, which is exactly the reason they also invested in midfield, in players such as A. Gomez, D. Suarez (Arda was already there) etc.
So this “weakened side” nonsense does not qualify as an excuse, it simply does not connect with any reality. In fact, if you mentioned it to a Barca official, a member of their technical staff, never mind Enrique himself, they would take it as an insult…
On the other hand, nobody seems to give enough credit to a manager who has trusted from day 1 in people like Stones, Otamendi or Kolarov in central defense, for example. An area extremely sensitive for the team’s balance, an area where City still miss Company. Transforming a 21yo into a leading figure from the beginning, identifying in Kolarov abilities the player himself wasn’t aware of, making Otamendi consistently overachieving (I’ll say it again, you can watch recent performances of his with the national team, playing alongside Funes Mori, for example; we are talking about a different player under Guardiola). We’ve all got familiar with this situation, we take it for granted. Would these players be the choices of an Anceloti, a Conte or a Murinho? Seriously doubt it…
A historic victory on Tuesday, the kind of “stuff dreams are made of”. This is why the CL is important, this is why ignoring it is out of the question, this is why Tuesday and Wednesday nights have become so special. A victory enhancing the club’s status, pushing you to a higher level, making people happy, proud of their team, attracting new fans…
As for the match, Guardiola faced again serious difficulties with his initial game plan. Team was pretty nervous to respond successfully to their pressing, giving the ball away easily. While build up from behind seemed almost impossible, with KDB, for example, failing to move so as to provide a passing option, lost out wide, totally out of the game. On the other hand, City’s high pressing, with Gudogan – Silva moving high up, left huge spaces uncovered in midfield – and Fernadinho exposed. Barca would eventually find their way through and establish their passing game, either start organizing attacks or simply maintain possession. Which made Guardiola’s players more and more uncomfortable…
City could -and should- have scored first, they were robbed of a clear penalty, and had they done so the match would have taken a different direction. Nevertheless it’s better to focus on areas needing improvement here, and 1st half made it clear that the team needs to further progress so as to dominate with its game at the highest level…
We lost total control for a 5-7 min. period after 30’, when Barca came repeatedly close to 0-2. We somehow survived the nightmare, but most importantly never gave up. It is the attitude I will never forget regarding this match. Opponent has taken the lead, ref protects him, game plan seems not to work, Barca seem ready to score the 2nd at any minute and kill the match. Still, the team refuses to accept defeat! And when the opportunity occured, everybody involved in the play was ready to make the most out of it: Pressing finally forces a fatal error, Sergio finds Sterling in space in the box who sets up Gudogan for the equalizer: Sterling’s best moment in the match. At last City becomes cynical…
That was on 39’. It is the moment Guardiola orders Silva – KDB to mutually change positions, a wise decision meant to seriously influence the match proceedings. But the momentum had already changed radically (“players realised the bad moment was behind us”, as Pep said afterwards), with City taking the initiative and threatening for a 2nd goal till the end of the 1st half…
Very few would have handled the match the way Guardiola did in the 2nd half. Personally I will admit that his approach didn’t surprise me, nevertheless I couldn’t find anything concrete to comfort my skepticism: it was Barcelona after all, one mistake would make it 1-2. How would, how could the team react again then? Not to mention, a point could have turned out to be valuable, even if the Germans would beat Celtic. You simply don’t lose in Germany and win vs Celtic at home. Gladbach would need to win in the Camp Nous, practically impossible. But the guy is a pure voluntarist, he will force things his way not hesitating to take risks. He didn’t want to lose the momentum, basically he wanted to demonstrate to his players that we’re not afraid of them, that we’re all in for winning…
Naturally, the game went totally mental, Enrique and his players never knew what hit them, they still don’t if you ask me. They’re not used to such aggressiveness, teams are more or less cautious when playing against them, that is if they don’t park the bus. Pace and tension were unbelievable for 45+3 minutes, a chaotic situation on the pitch controlled by Guardiola as much as possible. He kept pressing relentlessly, however the team’s coordination was seriously improved. Gudogan starting beside Fernadinho meant 2 banks of four in short distances with players on the flanks also closing in. Compact in the middle areas, avoiding penetrations centrally, forcing opponent to pass wide so that City’s formation would afford the time to adapt. Defensive line with 100% concentration, anticipating and intercepting. Midfielders + KDB (AM) + Sergio fighting for every ball, ready to execute counter attacks [By the way, how many tackles, how many interceptions, how many 50/50 has Silva won during these 3 months? Could it be more than in his entire career? I would bet so]. Contrary to what Guardiola has been working on for 3 months, the concept here was to actually give them the ball from behind (so as to avoid losing it in the build up process) – press – win it – immediately go on the break – score. Keeping the ball as away as possible from our box, operating in a direct manner when having it…
City started asking questions from 46’, and Barca were caught unprepared. Stealing balls one after another, executing waves of counter attacks. Numerous dangerous situations, it’s a miracle they survived conceding only 3. But balances were extremely delicate, everything could go wrong anytime, one mistake, one unfortunate situation, like the one Stones was involved in 65’ (Gomez finding the bar), and you would be in hell again. Nevertheless, the team never slowed down, never changed the attitude, the determination, the fighting spirit, the sense of sacrifice and unity, with players covering (and playing for) each other, were awesome. I would say moving. Especially after Fernadinho’s exit (60’), one eye was on Gudogan; hoping that he would somehow control his enthusiasm, keeping his position, not leaving Fernando alone. Fuck me, that was never meant to be the case. We kept being brave and daring as nothing had changed. Gudogan followed the counter attack after Aguero (!) took the ball away from Messi just outside the box, was at the right place the right time and scored again: 3-1! City under Guardiola is an experience to watch…
Stats reflect the reality of the match in the 2nd half: around 25’ Barca enjoyed >70% possession, it ended 59%!. Attempts were 13-9 (4-3 on target), distance covered (km) was 111,63 (!) – 105,99. And pass completion 74 – 84%...
This match demonstrated City’s ability on counter attacks, if we could only be more effective in terms of finishing. Against organized defenses (or parked buses) however, we need to improve our creativity so that our possession becomes more effective. We need through balls getting forwards on 1 vs 1 especially against high defensive lines (like the one by KDB on 2’ where Sergio was caught offside), we need higher pace in our passing game, first touch combinational football etc. And we definitely need more goals, we waste too many opportunities. KDB (the fantastic 3rd goal is his creation) and Gudogan reaching top form are expected to be crucial regarding the above, the same applies to Silva (but I have no complaints, the guy’s commitment is amazing). Players able to make City’s game unpredictable to opponents, not to mention their expected contribution in terms of scoring themselves. All this and others (our organization defending set pieces, for example) are expected to improve in time, what worries me short term is our fucking fitness levels. Matches such as the one vs Barca are extremely demanding, yet City have only 3 days to recover for the next PL fixture. I don’t want to repeat myself, but Fernadinho, Silva and Aguero need protection, while Kevin – Gudogan were also exhausted on Tuesday. And the manager’s rotation options regarding certain positions are rather limited …
The team seems focused, disciplined, convinced of the manager’s game plan and style. Players enjoy what they experience. But they are only human…
Anyway, a must win match today. Good luck to Pep and his men.
Enjoyed that. Good read.
custardpie
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 31 Mar 2009
- Messages
- 476
So we only won because they had players missing?Think Barca without pique and iniesta have big holes in their defence and midfield without those. They are the glue that team needs. MSN are their best players but those two are huge to control the midfield
Likewise.Enjoyed that. Good read.
the_game_161
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 1 Jul 2014
- Messages
- 1,663
Did I say that? Talk about being defensiveSo we only won because they had players missing?
Fact is they look very shakey without two of their most important clogs after MSN. Without iniesta they simply have no world class player in the midfield to control games. Which is clearly a huge part of winning games. That's one position they need to upgrade before iniesta retires.
Barca lost this game down to bad mistakes at the back pretty much and they certainly looked nervous with zero leadership
Did I say that? Talk about being defensive
Fact is they look very shakey without two of their most important clogs after MSN. Without iniesta they simply have no world class player in the midfield to control games. Which is clearly a huge part of winning games. That's one position they need to upgrade before iniesta retires.
Barca lost this game down to bad mistakes at the back pretty much and they certainly looked nervous with zero leadership
I watched Maradona win the world cup mainly on his own so Barcelona with One of the best player ever lived and with Neymar Suarez they should be beating us easily the fact is we as a team played outstanding football and beat them comfortably!
the_game_161
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 1 Jul 2014
- Messages
- 1,663
Beating us easily? Don't think anybody would beat us easily at home.I watched Maradona win the world cup mainly on his own so Barcelona with One of the best player ever lived and with Neymar Suarez they should be beating us easily the fact is we as a team played outstanding football and beat them comfortably!
Football is more than just firepower upfront. If you make mistakes at the back you are in trouble no matter who you play.
Our shakey defending was fine against Barca and we didn't make any mistakes unlike at camp nou. You do that you have a chance against anybody.
We controlled the midfield brilliantly which was key.
Beating us easily? Don't think anybody would beat us easily at home.
Football is more than just firepower upfront. If you make mistakes at the back you are in trouble no matter who you play.
Our shakey defending was fine against Barca and we didn't make any mistakes unlike at camp nou. You do that you have a chance against anybody.
We controlled the midfield brilliantly which was key.
Well first 30 odd minutes in the first half they looked like they were on there way to a win and Luis Enrique said that was the best he had seen his team play. Bottom line if you have those 3 players Barcelona have you should be winning comfortably but as I said we played far outstanding football ended up beating them comfortably.
Vienna_70
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Pep realized that MSN were not going to help out the midfield much, so the long ball and winning the SECOND BALL IN MIDFIELD would help us keep the pressure off us in and around our own box, while helping us have a constructive starting position of 30-50 yds from their goal. There were times when we not only overloaded them in midfield, but we then surged forward with enough players to overload their defence, too.
I think it has been a VERY long time since anyone has had as many realistic goal scoring opportunities against Barca as City had in that second half.
Every time we broke, it looked like we could score in that second half.
It was fantastic, scintillating football.
kaz7
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Sergio nicking the ball off messi was my fav bit,he was back helping out,i bet pep was very happy about that
custardpie
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I'm not sure why but you are rarely complimentary about Manchester CityDid I say that? Talk about being defensive
Fact is they look very shakey without two of their most important clogs after MSN. Without iniesta they simply have no world class player in the midfield to control games. Which is clearly a huge part of winning games. That's one position they need to upgrade before iniesta retires.
Barca lost this game down to bad mistakes at the back pretty much and they certainly looked nervous with zero leadership
They beat the best team in the world fair and square, quite easily as it happens, by putting them under so much pressure that they made mistakes.
But you crack on mate with the same sorry reasons icicle City could possibly beat the mighty Barca I've read in the red tops and the Caf!
the_game_161
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Wtf are you on about? I always praise my team when it's deserved. When we play bad I will state it. That's what objective fans doI'm not sure why but you are rarely complimentary about Manchester City
They beat the best team in the world fair and square, quite easily as it happens, by putting them under so much pressure that they made mistakes.
But you crack on mate with the same sorry reasons icicle City could possibly beat the mighty Barca I've read in the red tops and the Caf!
Where did I say we didn't beat them fair and square? We were clearly the better team and dominated in the 2nd half and could of got more than 3
Would you say the mistakes we have made at the back this season can be put down to just pressure then? Let's not act like mistakes at the back aren't unavoidable. Barca lacked leadership and experience at the back and we took advantage
Saying Barca are worse off without pique and iniesta isn't downplaying us winning. They look a different team without them.
I think we still win even if they were there as we played amazing football but dismissing their impact is foolish. And questioning my loyalties is wrong.