Match Thread | Newcastle vs Man City (29/01/19)

[dave_blue12]

We really don't need 4 defenders for games like this

Missing Bernardo

 

[FCBarca]

dreadful

Agreed, pretty stagnant for the most part - everyone looks a bit off, save the pair of Stones & Laporte. Like to see Sterling more involved but overall there's a discernible lack of rhythm

 

[NorCalBlue]

Must be missing all these Newcastle attacks people are flapping about. All I see is that we have fallen into a complacent rhythm by not giving enough respect in midfield, leaving passes to the last minute, selling them obvious dummies that they wouldn't normally expect to work against better opposition.

This always concerns me. Apart from getting caught in possession, the player receiving the last minute pass is often unprepared, so we lose the ball that way as well.

 

[ninjamonkey]

Incredibly sloppy from pretty much every single player on the pitch, lucky were playing a team struggling to survive otherwise we wouldn't be ahead right now. Barely created anything and Newcastle actually look a threat if they can get a few passes right. Expect Pep to absolutely bollock them and us to come out flying again second half. It's fine playing within outselves like this when we're 3-0 up but not when it's 1-0 and a fluke goal could cost us the title.

 

[Phil1]

Way, way, way below our best in that first half is probably being generous.
Errors all over the pitch and the wrong options time and time again.

I’ll put it down to them all freezing their bollocks off.

 

[deano ou812]

Poor first half,only good thing is we are leading,but boy is it frustrating,also do we seem to be playing slightly different style if I can call it that,seem not as fluid but that could be down to a poor first half of misplaced passing and over hit passes..

 

[Gabriel]

You have to give credit to Benitez. He knows how to line up against Guardiola and has them well drilled. They are happy for the ball to get to Walker or Danilo and then block off Silva and Aguero. We simply cannot take risks, as Stones and Laporte have done, and must wait for those passages when the play becomes more open and then pounce. Had Aguero been better at linking play, we'd have had two clearer opportunities.

 

[Dave Ewing's Back 'eader]

Scored to early daft as it sounds.

My ERO rejoiced after three minutes and I told him he had 87 mins to hang on. Then we score in the first! 'Kinell!

 

[MichaelFrontzeck'sBathroom]

We look a bit off but we're still leading. Similar scenario to the Huddersfield game I think we'll be fine barring a major fuck up

 

[Gordyola]

Has Pep ever made a change at half-time?

Only due to injury Making a change at HT informs the opposition and gives them an opportunity to change tactics if it’s made during playing time they are less able to make any change