During our title year, it seemed like other teams in the league didn't want to accept we were that good, but finally caught on about 1/4 to 1/2 way through the season that they had no chance of winning unless they defended and looked for the counter. Also, I think they wanted to try their offensive tactics in the early part of the season to see what they were capable of. Our strikers were all on fire, and if we would simply maintain possession, eventually we would eventually get the win. Mancini adopted the philosophy that with enough pressure, the dam will eventually burst, but it made us look one-dimensional. I thought it was a good idea to try and do something different trying 3 at the back to make us look less one-dimensional, but we simply didn't execute well, and weren't clinical when it came to finishing.
What to rate Pellegrini on after three games? He seems to be a good motivator so far, and his past players recommend him. The true test is whether he can get us to break down teams that bunker without succumbing to the counter-attack. It looks like we are trying to get more width, and go over the top more, but defending the counter has not gone well. Still to early to tell in my opinion, but we need to give Pellegrini and the players all the support possible this season until he gets the team playing the way he wants. I don't anticipate we see the team playing how he wants until Nov-Dec. No need to pile on unrealistic expectations on them at this point, just get a top four finish, and progress to group stage of Champions league, anything beyond that is bonus for me.
