To be fair, I think the problem with the poor combination going forward was mostly due to Clichy's inefficiency going forward.Unfortunately, Silva can't do as good a job of helping Kolarov as Nasri can. So if we are ever playing Kolarov on the left, I'll always prefer the Nasri to Silva as the left mid.NanaToure42 said:100% agree. Nasri has been world class the last few matches. He and Kolorov (unlikely duo) have been working together and interlinking more effectively than Silva and Clichy ever have offensively. Also think Nasri is more of a scoring threat than Silva. As of right now I think our first team left back and left attacking middy have to be Alex and Sam.
Here's a great tactical analysis of how effective the Nas-orov (or maybe Kol-ri?) duo was in the derby. (credit to whoever posted this link originally in the United post-match thread) Very interesting stuff.
http://www.zonalmarking.net/2013/09...and-kolarovs-overlapping-puts-city-in-charge/
But if the leftback is Clichy, then it really doesn't matter who the left mid is. SIlva is as good as Nasri going forward. Sometimes even better. But defensively Nasri is better.