The optimism that perverted around this forum on August 16 th has now disappeared, and replaced with anger, dejection and disappointment. Rightly so, we are desperate now..
The game:We played poor and Liverpool’s movement, ball control and possession was something we couldn’t combat. You would have thought they were the home team. The goals from both teams were well taken and brilliant. That first half was quite simply the most disjointed and stoke-esque performance I have seen from City at home since 2009. I think the most frustrating aspect was that both Garcia and Clichy failed to effectively clear the ball on both goals, which led to shots. This is the only reason the goals were scored.
The tactics: I know, I know, I along with many others are “clueless” and we should “let Mancini do his job”. But for one, we should have matched their midfield with 3 men. This would have given us better shape and allowed us to constrict their midfield. I think the 3-5-2 worked to an extent, although it was done too late. Also, Mancini was right to bring on Maicon but it was for the wrong man and again, executed too late. The substitutions should have been:
Garcia > Maicon
Silva > Tevez
The season: The task has now diverted from climbing the Swiss Alps to hiking Mt. Everest. I could post on and on and write multiple pages on the future season or our frustrations, but I will make it short. I think the constant cries for restructure, both from a management and player perspective is unwarranted. You don’t win the league, come 2 nd the following season and sell, sell, sell (like many of you want). We now must take each game one at a time, build pressure on United and if it’s meant to be, the rest will take care of itself.
The most disappointing aspect was that our team doesn’t look like they have the belief or desire. I would have thought last year’s weaknesses would’ve turned to strengths, but it appears the adverse has happened. Shame really…
Regards, GB