Hate the international breaks. We've seen good things in the opening games, especially against Spurs, but we've also seen elements that definitely require attention, which is why the international break is so frustrating, as I'm sure Guardiola would prefer to have them together addressing these things.
The defending at the back is certainly careless at times and is naturally the focus of attention because that's where the chances happen and the goals are conceded, but, in truth, it is simply indicative of inadequate defending across the pitch. Against Brighton, who bravely wanted to retain possession, players were often not in sync with each other when it came to closing down angles and making it impossible for them to play out, or we only had two out of three players defending, or players were passing and then standing still; that is the defending and group work that needs to be continually worked on in the rondo and in training games.
Alas, we only have days together before we play Norwich, where those problems will probably be masked, but then we play Shakhtar Donetsk. Now, some might say relax, don't worry, we turned them over comfortably last season and will do so again. However, we'd already lost to Lyon and escaped from Hoffenheim with our fingers singed before we got our act together and thumped them. I'd happily take us going there and winning 1-0 with a dominant performance and assured defending, but with so little time to work on the training field, a bumpy ride wouldn't be a surprise.
In the four league games, I'd probably pick Walker as our most consistent performer, with an average of say 7.5, so there is plenty of room for individual improvement and individual consistency. Couldn't give a fig about the other teams because if we work on raising those individual levels, no other squad will match ours.
