Match Thread | Man City vs. Arsenal (31/03/24)

[Newman Noggs]

At this moment it's hard to see where a goal is coming from. Bit of déja vu going on with their game plan. Stifle us and pounce on the inevitable defensive error.

 

[MellowJoe]

I reckon we come out and score within 2 minutes, then

Bit like the opening period of a hardcore BDSM session: domination but very little penetration.

Despite what Inner Party Chairman Arteta may have said, it is obvious that they didn’t setup to go for it. They’re playing like Sheffield United in a defence v attack drill, so chances are going to be at a premium for both sides.

Even so, they’ve had the better of the chances, as we have been a little sloppy, especially on the left side, leading to most of their forays in to our third.

If we can clean that up, and look to involve Phil and Erling a bit more, I think we could make the domination count in the second half. Their press is uncharacteristically terrible so far and they may get more desperate to close as the minutes tick away.

We need to be careful about how much Lewis tucks in and Gvardiol advances forward, though, as they are setting pocket press traps for Rodri, which have lead to two counters, one that nearly saw us concede. It looks like Odegaard’s role is to trigger that targeted press when Rodri drives forward and get behind him to receive the ball if Arsenal are able to nick it. With Gvardiol forward and Lewis tucked, they then have Saka and Jesus bomb in to the vacated space, and split our centre backs. Pep has undoubtedly noticed that pattern of play and will make the necessary adjustments.

Still think we win this.

Up the blues!

All we need to do is ballgag them and shove a dildo up their arse

 

[PragueBlue]

Very measured but conservative game so far. Neither team looked ready to really go for it. I suspect that will change in the 2nd half and they will bring on some pace up against Lewis.

We just haven't got our creative players on the ball often enough and seem content for it to be primarily with the CBs, Rodri and Kovacic. Need a bit more from KDB, Foden and Haaland 2nd half.

Both teams really need the win and so I expect the game to open up a bit 2nd half. Shame about the injury to Ake but hopefully we can keep a clean sheet and score a couple of goals from somewhere. Just need to keep probing away, keep it tight at the back and if a chance or two falls our way, we should win this.

 

[Fordyboy46]

Read my post again, no end product…..KDB defo not fully fit

I think he'll be off for Doku soon

 

[give it to gordon]

Foden, KDB being marked out of the game gooners allowed to foul Bernie without fear of a card.

 

[yankblue]

I reckon we come out and score within 2 minutes, then

All we need to do is ballgag them and shove a dildo up their arse

Now we're talking

 

[eversince 76]

We seem to be the better team due to more possession. Arsenal let us have the ball. So far imho it’s a copy of the two games we played vs Arsenal this season. Let’s hope it’s our turn to get fortunate with a deflected shot.

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

We have not looked the team that used to rip teams apart for some time, far too one paced and predictable

If I was at home watching on the TV, instead of being at the Etihad, I'd be watching this out of the corner of my eye while reading a book.

We're fucking boring this season

 

[Mancity1980]

Bit like the opening period of a hardcore BDSM session: domination but very little penetration.

Despite what Inner Party Chairman Arteta may have said, it is obvious that they didn’t setup to go for it. They’re playing like Sheffield United in a defence v attack drill, so chances are going to be at a premium for both sides.

Even so, they’ve had the better of the chances, as we have been a little sloppy, especially on the left side, leading to most of their forays in to our third.

If we can clean that up, and look to involve Phil and Erling a bit more, I think we could make the domination count in the second half. Their press is uncharacteristically terrible so far and they may get more desperate to close as the minutes tick away.

We need to be careful about how much Lewis tucks in and Gvardiol advances forward, though, as they are setting pocket press traps for Rodri, which have lead to two counters, one that nearly saw us concede. It looks like Odegaard’s role is to trigger that targeted press when Rodri drives forward and get behind him to receive the ball if Arsenal are able to nick it. With Gvardiol forward and Lewis tucked, they then have Saka and Jesus bomb in to the vacated space, and split our centre backs. Pep has undoubtedly noticed that pattern of play and will make the necessary adjustments.

Still think we win this.

Up the blues!

Great detailed analysis, obviously spoken with experience, particularly the opening sentence…:)

 

[KingGeorge]

At this moment it's hard to see where a goal is coming from. Bit of déja vu going on with their game plan. Stifle us and pounce on the inevitable defensive error.

Let’s see what adjustments Pep makes