Southampton (H) | Post Match Thread

[paulchapo]

They had Haaland marked with 2 sometimes 3 players, that left some huge gaps on the wings which were duly exploited. The guy only needs to stand on the penalty spot and all chaos will ensue.

Foden's goal was a perfect example. KDB had the ball and three players went with Haaland leaving Foden free on the left. This tactic might restrict the number of goals Haaland gets but it's sure going to leave loads of space for others.

 

[Manc in London]

Looks like you lot will be this season‘s invincibles. I honestly can’t see a team that can beat you.

I cannot see that happening. Too many good quality teams and with us putting out strong teams in all competitions we do stretch ourselves thin.

I do think it more likely defensively minded teams can go unbeaten. We take too many risks for us not to lose the occasional game.

 

[Manc in London]

Ederson, 7 - commanding at catching crosses and distributed it well

Akanji, 8 - looked really solid despite being out of position
Dias, 8 - looked like his usual self, well done to him
Ake, 8 - took a few knocks today but kept getting back up and kept moving the ball well
Cancelo, 9 - dangerous all afternoon and scored an excellent goal

Rodri, 8 - really classy as always
De Bruyne, 7 - looked a bit rusty in patches but provided that pass to Foden
Bernardo, 7 - faded into the background a bit today but was always busy

Mahrez, 6 - took his goal well but was otherwise our weakest player
Haaland, 8 - always a threat, getting more involved in our play, took his goal well
Foden, 9 - my personal man of the match, was excellent throughout

That's harsh, in my opinion. Rare start, great goal and an assist. Cannot expect much more than that.

 

[LucahArchie10]

Five* players from the City Academy on the pitch yesterday was a fair achievement for a youth system that supposedly been a waste of money and has only produced one player.

*if we're allowed to count Bazanu who spent far more time at Shamrock Rovers, in fairness.

Southampton RB who came on was City academy also?

 

[Grassland Blue]

Ahh.... the latest media strawman, this years "invincibles".
We will not go unbeaten in my opinion and the cunts in the media will use this as a stick to beat us with. We're bound to have one day where we're a bit off it and we get countered and can't drag it back. We're likely to face injuries to key players at some point which may prove fatal.

The main reason is this team is built to attack and win games. Arsenal's invincibles were built to defend, hence so many draws. There is risk and reward playing our way but occasionally it will be our undoing. On top of that there is great quality throughout the premier league and the best sides will still be tested away at those in the relegation places.

We do however look better equipped to cope with counter attacking teams this year. The ultimate test will be Spurs who are built to play that way and have the best 2 exponents of the counter attack in Son and Kane.

I'm interested to see how we set up for the scousers next week so will have a keen eye on the game tomorrow versus the Arse. Pep may get some pointers on how to go if we see Arsenal win. Equally if they lose. The result may tell us which of the 2 might be our rivals in the run in. Chelsea going about there business coming up on the rails. Wonder if Sterling was outraged at being on the bench today?

No City fan thinks this league is over or we're invincible to suggest anything other is media created bullshit.

It is possible for City to be beaten in the league, but which team do you think will do it?
There doesn't appear to be any other team that will start as favourites against us.
Who is nailed on to beat us?

 

[LucahArchie10]

That's harsh, in my opinion. Rare start, great goal and an assist. Cannot expect much more than that.

Totaly agree, his touch is the best in the prem its a disgrace how good he is
The guy like anyone needs starts & he finishes at least 2 of those chances

 

[Manc in London]

Top of the league hopefully A draw for the Arsenal!

Long way to go too with the World Cup and we haven’t played Liverpool Arsenal chelsea or spurs yet..

They haven't played us either ;)

 

[LucahArchie10]

This

Clear tactic to try and control Haaland, and tbf it worked (sort of) for an hour, just as you say, left acres of space for our other players who can also score the odd one or two between them

Haaland chance that hit the post goes in he scores another 3 imo, nobody controlled him he just had an off day but he never let his head drop & good management to leave him on anyone else they would have been dragged

 

[HelloCity]

Correct, Wenger won three titles in 20 years, Pep has won four in six seasons but the Media still harp on about the Invincible's, Chelsea lost only one game under Mourhino, that was to us, but gets no adulation for that, we got lucky that day, the Chavs battered us.

We actually played really well that day we beat Chelsea and it was only in the last 20 they had a bit of a siege at our goal. We had some good chances to make it 2-0 as well. It was the 0-0 game at theirs where they absolutely battered us but we some how hanged on. David James made a great save from a Lampard volley in injury time to top it off.

 

[wattle]

Totaly agree, his touch is the best in the prem its a disgrace how good he is
The guy like anyone needs starts & he finishes at least 2 of those chances

Haters gotta hate someone. It’s very sad and pretty embarrassing. Any other team in Europe would have him in their team. He just happens to be a level lower than Kev, Haaland, Bernie and Phil. But who isn’t? At least Grealish is getting a break from the boo boys