Not trawled through all 66 pages, but for me the most important thing to come out of last night is that we learn something from the defeat. Yes we were missing some very influential players and my heart sank a little when the two teams were announced prior to kick off, but we need to learn how to play against teams who set up and play the way Chelsea did last night. No doubt last night will become the blueprint for visiting teams, fortunately not many will possess the quality of players Chelsea do, but I'm sure most will try and play that style.
Firstly, for me, get Lescott back with Vinny as the regular centre back pairing. I can't understand why, first Mancini, and now Pellergrini want to break up the partnership that helped us to the league title. Secondly, if we're going to play Kolorov, and apart from him being unable to head the ball or defend, I can see why we play him, it's no use playing the ball out to him on the left and him having no left sided support. To often, especially when Aguero isn't playing, he is left stranded with no option but to play the ball backwards and inside because there is no outlet upfield and he cannot go past the defender and cross the ball. He can, like Beckham, at times, deliver a dangerous ball in. For last nights game it was a surprise that MDM was selected over Milner given the style of the opposition.
On a more positive note, we're still in an excellent position with lots to play for and lots to look forward to and, as an understandably giddy Chelsea fan said to me last night, " the team that finishes above City will win the title". So, just got to make sure no one finishes above us then!
Firstly, for me, get Lescott back with Vinny as the regular centre back pairing. I can't understand why, first Mancini, and now Pellergrini want to break up the partnership that helped us to the league title. Secondly, if we're going to play Kolorov, and apart from him being unable to head the ball or defend, I can see why we play him, it's no use playing the ball out to him on the left and him having no left sided support. To often, especially when Aguero isn't playing, he is left stranded with no option but to play the ball backwards and inside because there is no outlet upfield and he cannot go past the defender and cross the ball. He can, like Beckham, at times, deliver a dangerous ball in. For last nights game it was a surprise that MDM was selected over Milner given the style of the opposition.
On a more positive note, we're still in an excellent position with lots to play for and lots to look forward to and, as an understandably giddy Chelsea fan said to me last night, " the team that finishes above City will win the title". So, just got to make sure no one finishes above us then!