Discussion: Manuel Pellegrini 2015/16

[Big Yaya Wilko 12]

The worst for years? Really? Worse than 12/13?
January 14th 2013; played 22 and 48 points, so slightly better but 7 points off top as opposed to 3 today, so not really better. League cup? Out in the first round we played in 12/13; this season semi final, result yet unknown. So not better there. Champions league? 2012/13, bottom of group with 3 points. Last 16 tie is awaiting us this year. Not really better there then either. FA cup? Through to round 4 with an away tie coming up. Same in both seasons. Not sure in what way it's worse...

If we had the same amount of points as that mediocre 2012/13 season, we'd currently be 5 points clear at the top of the table.

I think that proves how little we've improved since then.

 

[Dax777]

De Bruyne should have been off earlier, a lot earlier as he was shocking and running off fumes. Poor in that regard that he didn't change things sooner.

However, an inspired Howard kept them in it and that **** of a ref finished it off.

Analysis after the fact is all nice and good. But Kevin is the type of player who can pull something our of nothing in the blink of an eye. Even on his worst day, I wouldn't fault a coach who keeps faith with him.

We've seen it enough times to understand when a coach gives him more time.

 

[Dax777]

May take some stick for this but...

When I saw the team selection I was skeptical of our engine room but I think Pellegrini anticipated this match well. Everton's away form really isn't bad at all, and they play a good counter attack. Had they set up to try and destroy the midfield battle, then Fernando and Toure could have been in trouble, but as Pellegrini expected, they conceded the centre to maintain their solid away record.

Sterling really helped make the system work, with his switches between midfield and striker areas. He was often coming deep for our midfield to set off attacks with, but would sometimes stretch play if on the opposite side to the football, making more room for Aguero and the midfield to operate. Aguero worked well in this regard also.

When out of possession, there was some signs of concerted, pressure on the ball carrier in our own half, which was good to see. (Sadly not enough, but still worth crediting.)

All in all, I think Pellegrini got this one right, tactically, but our finishing has let us down. (all credit to Tim Howard and the Everton defense who've been solid on their travels.) Unlucky City.

Ah? Someone who actually watched the game. What a refreshing idea. :)

 

[pudge]

Analysis after the fact is all nice and good. But Kevin is the type of player who can pull something our of nothing in the blink of an eye. Even on his worst day, I wouldn't fault a coach who keeps faith with him.

We've seen it enough times to understand when a coach gives him more time.

He was fucked, couldn't run the length of himself most of the second half; offered nothing defensively. His set pieces were well below par and basically a waste and his movement in the final third was static; countless times he stood there with Navas on the ball congesting the area. Very, very poor performance from him and with Silva on the bench the sub should have come a lot sooner; there's a moment or two of brilliance in him too.

But again, Howard and the ref were the cause of the draw. Not much else Pellegrini could have done, except see Kev was dead on his feet.

 

[Dax777]

If he had got it right tactically and chosen the correct team then we would have won.

Ha! You should be coach then. As we all know, luck has nothing to do with it. Just get ur selection and tactics right and you win.

Shoot! I should have been a manager, didn't know it was that easy.

 

[BlueDeadHead]

Ah? Someone who actually watched the game. What a refreshing idea. :)

Yep. Howard and East are why we dropped two points. That simple.

That said MP's subs (or lack thereof) were typically awful.

 

[vmsuhail]

Ah? Someone who actually watched the game. What a refreshing idea. :)

Ok. Tactically he got it right. But what explains the reason for not bringing in Kelechi ? He must be knowing in the second half Arsenal were winning the game.

 

[Dax777]

Ok. Tactically he got it right. But what explains the reason for not bringing in Kelechi ? He must be knowing in the second half Arsenal were winning the game.

Because he believed in Aguero, Silva, Sterling, Navas and Yaya.

I can't believe folks are really questioning why a reasonable coach would show faith in the the one time best AM, Best Striker, Best CM and best young player in the league.

My God! How dear he show faith in 3 of City's all time greats. I'm mean, its not as if he doesn't have Messi on the bench. Oh wait? Just a young up and coming striker? That's his failure? Keeping faith in those who have won us everything the last 5 years? How idiotic of him.

Fire him now!!!

 

[Kinkladze 1]

For fucks sake Pellers, perhaps it's time to try something new instead of our usual, predictable shit you're delivering.

 

[flb]

Yeah, he could have done that. Or he could expect the high priced players on the field to score 1 of this 22 shots. How irrational of him.

Just perhaps with twenty minutes to go with us yet again failing to convert chances he thought it may have been a good idea to bring on a player who seems to have the knack of knowing where the net is.