Matty
Well-Known Member
We made really hard work of that! Norwich played, essentially, 5 at the back, as they had 3 centre halves and 2 wing backs, but put everyone behind the ball. They played a very high line when they could, obviously realising that with Sterling on the bench and Bony/Iheanacho up front we didn't have lightning pace to trouble them. Our play was all a bit pedestrian, lots of passes but limited attacking threat, and when we did threaten Bony's finishing was wayward. Great first goal for City and you really couldn't see Norwich getting back into it. Then Hart dropped an absolute bollock. I'm willing to cut him some slack as it's not a regular occurrence, but Christ he really made a proper hash of a not too difficult cross. Thankfully Ruddy returned the favour and we got the winner from the spot.
That today was one of those games we could have dropped points in, as we weren't at our best, but we got the 3 points which was vital. There were issues though, and certain things which we really don't want to be seeing. We were moving the ball too slowly, and it was taking us too long to get bodies into the box. Bony's performance was a concern, yes he was getting some chances, but his all around play wasn't what we need. It was reminiscent of Dzeko on one of his bad days. Pellegrini's decision to take off Iheanacho, rather than Bony, wasn't one I agreed with either. Yaya's reaction to being subbed off, given it was the 92nd minute, and we wanted to bring on a defender to shore things up, was totally unacceptable. The result is all important, not his ego, he really needs to stop being a spoilt woman at times. Shut up, accept the call, realise the situation in the game. If you're not happy then have a word post match.
Otamendi was excellent today, he's really starting to settle into English football, 100% commitment, really strong in the air, great tackler, good with the ball at his feet, and an excellent goal.
That today was one of those games we could have dropped points in, as we weren't at our best, but we got the 3 points which was vital. There were issues though, and certain things which we really don't want to be seeing. We were moving the ball too slowly, and it was taking us too long to get bodies into the box. Bony's performance was a concern, yes he was getting some chances, but his all around play wasn't what we need. It was reminiscent of Dzeko on one of his bad days. Pellegrini's decision to take off Iheanacho, rather than Bony, wasn't one I agreed with either. Yaya's reaction to being subbed off, given it was the 92nd minute, and we wanted to bring on a defender to shore things up, was totally unacceptable. The result is all important, not his ego, he really needs to stop being a spoilt woman at times. Shut up, accept the call, realise the situation in the game. If you're not happy then have a word post match.
Otamendi was excellent today, he's really starting to settle into English football, 100% commitment, really strong in the air, great tackler, good with the ball at his feet, and an excellent goal.