City vs Bayern Post Match Thread

[Vienna_70]

Watching the game yesterday morning on NBC in the States, Lee Dixon, who was co-commentator, alluded to a 'poor performance' at least twice.

Now, I only watched it live, but others on here, who had a second or even third viewing of the match, made the point that Bayern, apart from the goals, posed very little threat.

Thinking about it, I can see what they mean, and it just goes to show that even Blues, like Dixon, can get wrapped up in the media perception of the game.

I'm not suggesting that Dixon said this deliberately to get a reaction. I'm merely pointing out that we weren't as bad as media thought we were.

 

[Larry Stranger]

Yes when you watch the game a second time you can put aside all the pundits saying City did little in this match. It was clear from the beginning that the strategy was to pump balls over the top or through for Sergio to try to get in on their center backs. Since Bayern play the high line at the back and possess the ball well, every chance we had we immediately tried to play Sergio through as it paid off on the first penalty.

Then we give up a set piece from Alonso, then another goal from Lewendoski. I thought Lewendoski was holding Sagna and got lucky but whatever. Anyway the second half the strategy was the same. Press Bayern and as soon as we got the ball we quickly kept trying to play Sergio through. This can lead pundits to think we lacked possession and did little to break down a 10 man Bayern because when it doesn't come off they think we just gave the ball away instead of keeping possession. I'm actually interested to see what the possession stats say for the 2nd half because I thought we did have a lot of the ball. We did get a little lucky and it paid off in the end because Bayern got tired and we got the goals, but still it was Pellegrini's plan all along to play direct and not posses the ball as much because he knew Bayern were good at it. Sometimes it pays off sometimes it doesn't.

Another thing is that every pundit was waxing lyrical about Xabi Alonso and how well he played up until the gift. I counted at least 5 times in which he gave the ball away.

 

[cleavers]

I'm merely pointing out that we weren't as bad as media thought we were.

It wasn't just the media, I posted earlier in the thread (or in another) how I wasn't that impressed whilst at the game, but having watched it again twice, have completely changed my opinion. On the night I thought we played OK, but that I thought Bayern were great, however watching it back, I now think we were very good, with clever tactics, and were very deserved winners.

 

[Blue Mist]

I'm merely pointing out that we weren't as bad as media thought we were.

It wasn't just the media, I posted earlier in the thread (or in another) how I wasn't that impressed whilst at the game, but having watched it again twice, have completely changed my opinion. On the night I thought we played OK, but that I thought Bayern were great, however watching it back, I now think we were very good, with clever tactics, and were very deserved winners.

And perhaps that is the problem, supporters like the media think the possession stats are the important thing. Bayern 'dominated' the game .......... but we scored three times.
You could pass the ball in your own half for twenty minutes and statistically seem to be on top but in reality you haven't threatened the other team at all.

 

[Newman Noggs]

Wow it's interesting to see everybody cheering up after a blatant fixed game. Check any italian football forum. So obvious, two gifts in the last minutes. Bayern shame of Europe! it's not the first time they do it for the money, check UEFA cup against Zenit where some Bayern players got bribed. How comes they didnt play vs City the way they played vs ROMA, Guardiola fielding bullshit kids and bragging what a professional he is always going for victory. And City is no better for pulling this rigged shit, FUCKING PATHETIC. We may not be among the big teams of Europe but we have pride. Oh and you wont be welcomed in ROMA!

As we approach the season of goodwill, please spare a thought for this guy.