I found the game on Saturday absolutely thrilling (in the end!) and for the neutral who just want to see a good game there can't have been any better. For some time now I have felt relief after (comparatively rare) City wins, but on Saturday I was absolutely cock-a-hoop! Yet some City fans seem less than satisfied even to the point of questioning VAR decisions, so I have watched MotD, the City website highlights and the City+ full match replay - and loved every minute! I have drawn several conclusions.
VAR got the "mathematical" decisions spot on. They confirmed the onfield decisions but backed them up with visual evidence. Palace's third "goal" was close perhaps to the naked eye but it was clearly offside. City's forth was close to the naked eye but was onside. The only decision I did not agree with was not "mathematical" at all but was the incident when Marmoush was put through by KdB. I thought he was put off balance by a tug on the arm and a penalty should certainly have been awarded and possibly more, but the ref's decision is final.
In general I thought we played quite well with the ball in the first half hour but we did give the ball away, we didn't press as a team. The consequence was disastrous as Eze put Palace ahead. For the same reason they could have had a third. What we were doing for their second god only knows! It seemed we took no notice of any opponent but were determined to prevent Ederson getting anywhere near the ball. In the event he didn't do at all well but neither did anyone else.
Fortunately we improved. We had much more energy, defended and pressed as a team, and, inspired by KdB attacked with energy and determination. Not back to the days of the treble but a best for this season.
