I don't believe that Lyon are a better team man for man than Fulham, the difference last night was our team selection allowed them to dominate our midfield 1, it started right from kick off, pressure was applied and we wilted under it. Fernandhino was effectively playing there on his own, Silva had no support further forward, almost every time he passed to Sterling, Sterling ran back past him towards our goal, whereas on Saturday Sane ran at the Fulham defence, not Sterlings fault, but he really can't do anything with his left foot. The knock on effects of Sterling on the left, namely Bernardo on the right, and the statue in midfield, affected pretty much the whole team.
I don't buy the complacency thing, it was a poor team selection, and it was obvious quite quickly, and should have been dealt with earlier, much earlier.
I don't believe our players are lazy, or have turned arrogant overnight (certainly not in this competition, its every players dream to win it), so I prefer to look for a football reason, and last night it was staring us in the face from kick off, players were put under pressure, and couldn't cope in the positions they were in.As you say , and I posted earlier, the overloading of midfield by Lyon was tactically superior. All other arguments are superfluous. It should have been spotted in the first ten minutes.
Everything else negative, e.g. careless passing ,was a result of this.
absolutely spot on.Can and didn't.
Sergio wasn't the answer to the issue last night, the answer was the first sub made, and the change of positions of 2 other players, and it should have been made after about 10 minutes, 40,000 could see that. Had it been made much earlier then Jesus would have had much better (some even) service from both sides, whereas he had none from either side.
I don't believe our players are lazy, or have turned arrogant overnight (certainly not in this competition, its every players dream to win it), so I prefer to look for a football reason, and last night it was staring us in the face from kick off, players were put under pressure, and couldn't cope in the positions they were in.
Delph between Saturday and Wednesday, hasn't turned to rat shit, he just kept finding himself facing his own goal, and he didn't like it, and was panicked. Fernandhino another one who appeared to have turned to rat shit overnight, had no help at all, his only pass seemed to be a chip over other players to Bernardo on the touchline, who had a large full back in front of him, or back to one of the CB's.
Ultimatately, their tactics were far better than hours, and until the first sub was made we couldn't get any foothold in the game. Lyon outplayed us for an hour, and we appeared to make no changes to resolve the issue.
If there was any arrogance it was on our touchline, thinking the game plan would eventually come good.
I couldnt work out that free kick either, at thst stage of the game when losing with the quality we had available to take it. Not a good leadership decision by whoever made itI felt the first change of Gundogan for Sane, also Jesus for Sergio worked out well as Bernardo moved inside and Sane was an instant threat on the left, and in that 10 minute spell we looked something like our old selves. We'd got a goal back and we were very much in it. The Sterling for Mahrez sub for me didn't work and the game just petered out. I couldn't understand Walker being allowed to take a free kick that was truly bizarre. All in all a very disappointing night, hopefully we can get this defeat out of our system by getting 3 points against Cardiff at the weekend!!
Or even David dropping deeper, with Bernardo coming into the gap that Gundogan was stood in.If Bernardo had dropped deep, Silva to the right, would have sorted it.
Anyone concerned we could go in the Europa if god forbid we finish 3rd?
Last night worried me.
We'll still win the group don't worry.
I wouldn't be to sure if our attitude stays the same we will finish bottom
Slightly off topic in terms f the game but don't know where else to put it - last night I was sat about 8 rows behind the away dugout. A fair few French players and fans around us.
With a few minutes to go an absolute yob of a city fan starting shouting fuckoff you French ****s at a few of the Lyon fans and getting highly aggressive. he was utterly embarrassing and what made it even more surprising was that he was with his wife. He must have shouted French **** twenty times in 15 minutes and there were kids about and families. I hope City identify him and ban the bastad. Utter Scum.
Madness that people can not act with more dignity and class.
Well in that case, we won't have to suffer Europa League ;-)
Did you draw it to the attention of anyone. I know it is not your job, but I hate that type of behaviour. Would have had a word myself .
What do you expect mate, last year killed three quarters of the press and media outlets, any defeat or drop of points and you got a full season of pent up bile spewing out from the bitter masses.Wow we are being attacked on all fronts after last night. Hopefully we use this to our advantage.
Maybe or maybe not. I think he very much needs a non Barca CL win on his CV and believes CITY is the best option. He is almost certain to leave at the end of cirrent contract for sure.I'm more worried about us suffering like other post title winning teams if we have a poor season I feel pep will walk
We look physically and mentally fried. Walker and Fern in particular look well short of the extra gears.
The starting eleven always seemed to suggest we hoped to get away with a win, which has to be on Pep.
I keep thinking some of our early below-par displays will suddenly see us wake up but there is no discernible improvement towards our best level as yet.
Off the top of my head, though, there is a recurring theme in all the games we have got negative results in under Pep (thankfully, they are few and far between) but when Gundogan is starting on the pitch...
Leicester
Celtic (twice)
Burnley
Liverpool Champs League
Wolves
Lyon
United
Palace
Shakhtar
He's a defensive liability because he gravitates towards the number ten role and doesn't have the fitness or desire to get back in and help.