Breathe, breathe, fucking breathe...
As expected, similar to the last 15' vs Bayern, to the last 30' vs Arsenal etc, the second half reflects our low energy levels and the limitations in terms of personnel. The difference is that we were 3 up in those matches, therefore able to manage the game more comfortably...
Naturally Jack lacks sharpness (who doesn't?), under different circumstances he would have scored at least twice during first half, putting the game to bed (and we would probably have avoided the equalizer also). As for people like Rodrigo and Ilkay, forget it. They are well and trully fucked but since there are no alternatives, they will simply have to keep going, no other choice...
For a third year in a row, a manager who has developed a strategy so as to hide our problems and limitations, control opponents' strengths in every single match, play the games under our own terms. Creating a team that inspires fear and intimidation to opposition (a primary reason behind Bayern's and Arsenal's failures in recent matches, they both underperformed; the other reason is associated with tactical excellence, City were clearly superior in that department in both matches). And players rapidly adapting and effectively responding to unbelievable situations, plus always willing to sacrifice themselves, like they've done million times all these years. What we knew (or thought we knew) is an illusion: Guardiola is literally reinventing football, imposing his own rules and principles. Which I said he would in the summer, if necessary, even if it means reintroducing Chapman's well forgotten WM occasionally, under his own terms. It's incredible. And his boys are following him with discipline and a work ethic out of this world...
Heroes all of them. The world is witnessing a combination of excellence and sacrifice never EVER seen before. For those unsatisfied by the quality of the performance this afternoon, those who speak about ugly wins etc, stop embarrassing yourselves. We are struggling. The boys will give everything, but it's not going to get easier any time soon. The only thing we haven't witnessed yet is to see a player faint on the pitch. Trust me, we're not far away. Which means, the team is going to suffer. Prepare yourselves to suffer with the boys.
And pray. Pray for avoiding injuries. Pray that Kevin will return soon. Pray that Phil will find his form soon, we need him desperately. Pray that Kyle will stay fit, his presence is crucial. And so on...
Congratulations for a massive victory. And good luck to our physios who have a hell of a mission to fulfil ahead of another must win match in 3 days. And then another in 3 days. And then another (Madrid away) in 3 days. And so on...
As expected, similar to the last 15' vs Bayern, to the last 30' vs Arsenal etc, the second half reflects our low energy levels and the limitations in terms of personnel. The difference is that we were 3 up in those matches, therefore able to manage the game more comfortably...
Naturally Jack lacks sharpness (who doesn't?), under different circumstances he would have scored at least twice during first half, putting the game to bed (and we would probably have avoided the equalizer also). As for people like Rodrigo and Ilkay, forget it. They are well and trully fucked but since there are no alternatives, they will simply have to keep going, no other choice...
For a third year in a row, a manager who has developed a strategy so as to hide our problems and limitations, control opponents' strengths in every single match, play the games under our own terms. Creating a team that inspires fear and intimidation to opposition (a primary reason behind Bayern's and Arsenal's failures in recent matches, they both underperformed; the other reason is associated with tactical excellence, City were clearly superior in that department in both matches). And players rapidly adapting and effectively responding to unbelievable situations, plus always willing to sacrifice themselves, like they've done million times all these years. What we knew (or thought we knew) is an illusion: Guardiola is literally reinventing football, imposing his own rules and principles. Which I said he would in the summer, if necessary, even if it means reintroducing Chapman's well forgotten WM occasionally, under his own terms. It's incredible. And his boys are following him with discipline and a work ethic out of this world...
Heroes all of them. The world is witnessing a combination of excellence and sacrifice never EVER seen before. For those unsatisfied by the quality of the performance this afternoon, those who speak about ugly wins etc, stop embarrassing yourselves. We are struggling. The boys will give everything, but it's not going to get easier any time soon. The only thing we haven't witnessed yet is to see a player faint on the pitch. Trust me, we're not far away. Which means, the team is going to suffer. Prepare yourselves to suffer with the boys.
And pray. Pray for avoiding injuries. Pray that Kevin will return soon. Pray that Phil will find his form soon, we need him desperately. Pray that Kyle will stay fit, his presence is crucial. And so on...
Congratulations for a massive victory. And good luck to our physios who have a hell of a mission to fulfil ahead of another must win match in 3 days. And then another in 3 days. And then another (Madrid away) in 3 days. And so on...