Our attack - what's off?

[Out on blue 6]

Think we're starting to see the real impact of losing Dave and Sane. The way at our best we played Dave and Kev between the lines from the opposition holding midfielders and the full backs and centre backs was where the majority of chances were created. Not necessarily assists but pre assists if that's a word. Add in Sane and Sterling running with pace on their natural sides we could roll everyone over. Torres may turn out to be a good signing as the signs are good but no one will replace Silva. Phil and Bernardo are different players imo. Kev's got the weight of the world on his shoulders to create from central positions that why he needs Foden or Bernardo along side him.

 

[FantasyIreland]

A lack of ambition,confidence and character from one or two.We need a couple of players who aren't afraid to show some bollocks,let the opposition know they mean business,and even take a risk or two.

I think we are 3 or 4 first team players short in that department,maybe,if Pep took his head out of his arse......the academy could help there?

 

[BoyataIsGod]

Lack of a fit, young, world class striker.

Aguero is over the hill now I'm afraid no matter how much we all are trying to escape it. The guys behind Sterling, De Bruyne, Torres, Foden etc can create in abundance and will more so when they have a consistent reliable striker to aim for.

 

[Dave Ewing's Back 'eader]

Don’t get in behind the opposition enough...or as much as we used to

Lack of clinical finishing

Wanting to pass up a shot for a pass inside the box

Sterling is nowhere nears as good as his new reputation

KDB is knackered

Too many balls flash across the six yard box with no one to put it in...used to be Sané on a Sterling cross, and Sterling on a Sané cross!

Too much fancying around on one on ones or fast breaks. Convert far too few.

One word: DYNAMISM.

I think this is the standout. I watched the last two women's games and it is as clear as day that shooting, certainly from outside the box, seems to be frowned upon, even though I'd rate is a better chance than the pass. We also seem to play teams who garner a bigger slice of luck that should be available in one game when defending, and how many goalies have their GotS against us. The number of times shots 'hit' a goalie without him consciously making a save, inside of thigh, back of calf, boot, ball spinning onto post and out and not in. I think we have hit the woodwork more than anyone, too. Why a chance does not go in is one of the most subjective aspects of the game, when what you want is someone to add a scintilla of objectivity to sort it out. I've often used the 'pyramid of footballs' analogy to explain what you have to change - cover the pitch with footballs, make a second level by placing the ball on top of the first layer, and so on until you have just one ball to place at the top of the pyramid, count the balls, and you have the number of suggestions as to how you score when yer given the chance.

 

[Bobby Heaton Moor]

Our attack was already showing signs of wear and tear after Christmas last season and we've since lost David Silva, Sane and arguably Aguero and not replaced them.

I said it a month or so ago on here but there simply isn't enough dynamism, goals, pace or threat among Sterling, Mahrez, Jesus, Torres, Foden to talk seriously about challenging for major honours this season and surely the club know this and were happy to leave us short in that area for a reason? Top 4 will be fine but I think we're kidding ourselves talking about the league or Champions League this season.

 

[FantasyIreland]

Lack of a fit, young, world class striker.

Aguero is over the hill now I'm afraid no matter how much we all are trying to escape it. The guys behind Sterling, De Bruyne, Torres, Foden etc can create in abundance and will more so when they have a consistent reliable striker to aim for.

Nonsense,while another quality striker is needed,Jesus is plenty capable.

The problem lies elsewhere,as ive mentioned above.

 

[BlueMoonz1977]

We obviously have to move on but it quite evident to myself that we miss the ability of Merlin....

The ability to pass between the lines and split a defence with a single pass.

At the minute KDB is the only player who tries it but he is guilty of trying to hard, but that comes as he is probably aware that he is the only one with the vision to see it

The others are over reliant on trying to play around the opposition all the time


I think we have to open our eyes and recognise that we have lost our fear factor. Years back teams were already half beat before the game had kicked off.

 

[feedmpenzaandhewillscore]

When you can't pick up a second ball from your defence, it's hard to attack quickly. The two holding midfielders aren't quick enough to turn the other team around, especially in games like yesterday. The space was behind their 4 but we didn't pick up enough second balls when our defence cleared it to set us off the other way. A complete lack of acceleration or sharpness in Gundogan and Rodri is killing us. It means we have to attack the way we do in games against teams who sit with 10 behind the ball.

Sterling needs to get off that left hand side. We need to put Foden out there and tell Sterling to get chalk on his boots on the right. Make the pitch bigger like we used to. Narrowing our wingers and making them cut inside is making the game easier for our opponents.

They did a number on us playing 4-2-4 in the first twenty minutes, it left Rodri with no way of picking the ball up from defence and moving further up the field. Everything seemed panicked and the only out all was to try and find Sterling deep in their half which kept coming back at us.

Losing David Silva is a big loss, yes he was fading towards the end of his time with us but he could still knit stuff together in the final 3rd and find a weighted killer pass through a back 4. It feels like everything is on KDB to create and he looks knackered, same with Sterling further up the pitch he’s played a lot of football and we can’t give him a breather as there is no one pushing to get into the side. You could have given Sane or Sterling a rest two years ago as Bernardo would pop up with a goal or assist.

Cancelo did well yesterday but it’s concerning we have two right footed players covering the left flank. Their natural instinct is to come inside closing everything up and not stretching a team. We won a league with a 100 points with Sane and Sterling getting out wide and putting crosses in to the danger zone where the other one could time it and tap it in from close range. It used to have teams shitting the bed, you never see us in those positions anymore.

A new wide player if Mahrez doesn’t fancy it here anymore, a new centre forward if Sergio is struggling to be fit and another attacking mid to take the pressure of De Bruyne. I would imagine none of that shopping list would not come cheap, if Barca want to do a deal for Messi and move Garcia the other way in January I would be all over that.

 

[EL APACHE TEVEZ]

David Silva

Irreplaceable

 

[Cobwebcat]

Also remember every fanbase in Europe is wondering what is going on with their team. No crowds and no break is having a weird affect everywhere. Look no further than United for a team that can be good one week and awful the next.

With City in particular we have spent so much on central defenders (we have seven now) not to mention the full back turnover.

Fernandinho makes the whole team tick providing a shield for the defenders and an extra man going forwards...he's nearly 36! Rodri is a good player but was never meant to be a Fern replacement. I know we have been after Zakaria for ages (now injured) but we need to make this number one priority...yet another left back will do nothing.

No more defenders please it's time to replace Fernandinho there's only one of him and we have 11 defenders. Once his role is covered the defenders will all look great again and we will break the lines going forward more.

5 Contracts up in June:

Fernandinho
Aguero
Carson
Bellis
Garcia

Only Aguero and Bellis will be renewed.