This is my take on it.
Teams , as they do, have adapted to Pep’s football .We are no longer subjected to the high press and as a result our build up play has had to change too.
I think Pep new this was coming having seen it towards the end of last season and we have changed our play to suit ( Leicester at home). The diagonal ball in behind the full backs as a tactic was previously used sparingly -we could see evidence of this as early as the Community Shield and unfortunately we then lost Sane and Raheem is now our only outlet with real pace.
The other thing that really stands out for me and this one hurts , as others have alluded to we have changed our set up to accommodate David . He is still picking pockets but I’m afraid that is just about it. He makes Sergio look isolated and he is basically relieved of any defensive chores and is playing far too forward for my liking- I’d suspect KDB and Gundogan may somewhat agree . The days of our total midfield dominance seem pretty distant.
Don’t get me wrong, there is not too much wrong but we are struggling to balance this current set up with the players available.
I have little doubt he will persevere and will succeed as that is what great innovators do but at the moment it is a little disjointed and a wee bit frustrating to watch.
What is baffling to suggest a player who was magnificent last season has dropped off in form? And injuries have not been kind to us who wouldnt feel better going to scouseland with Sane and Laporte and finally how often does Mahrez take the easy way out going across with the ball and not trying to beat his man finally finally would love to see us turn them over on SundayBaffling to understand this post. Not easy to play against a resolute 11 behind the ball and doubling up on you everytime you get it.
Hurts like hell to agree re MerlinImo a good analysis. Although also in my opinion the frustration is how teams set up, not in our play.
Its Silvas' swansong and slowly he becomes less effective, and believe me it hurts for me to say that.
Hurts like hell to agree re Merlin
He was as poor as I have ever seen him play.Strange, I thought he was our best player.
Simply don't agree with this Bernie knocking and all I can say is that you need to watch the match again. Look at his stats - 89% pass completion, no fouls. The Southampton defensive left side was strong and quick and he battled well in the first half. After the break he switched over to back Jesus and was a key player in terms of energy and possession. He got better as the game wore on and mantained our intensity - he shouldn't have been subbed either - Foden should have replaced Gundogan.He was as poor as I have ever seen him play.
Hard work is not enough. i am a huge fan of his. Great player and lovely guy. Probably too much football over the last couple of seasons. He is just lacking end product just now and is slightly off his defensive best.Simply don't agree with this Bernie knocking and all can say is that you need to watch the match again. Look at his stats - 89% pass completion, no fouls. The Southampton defensive left side was strong and quick and he battled well in the first half. After the break he switched over to back Jesus and was a key player in terms of energy and possesson. He got better as the game wore on and mantained our intensity - he shouldn't have been subbed either - Foden should have replaced Gundogan.