Sunderland post match thread

What I saw yesterday was pretty much the same as last year... Score, keep possession, don't build on the goal, they score, panic stations to score again.

Kept possession well, worked hard,but frustration at not scoring the 2nd.

Tactics with the fullbacks was innovative, might be found out though if we use them regularly . I am sure they will be adapted.

It's work in progress. I do think Liverpool and the way they play is what we are aiming for but better... Let's see once we face one of the top six teams, then can get a better idea of the steel in the team.
 
flb said:
Sergio seemed to be playing a more deeper central role,when he's adjusted to it with the likes of Sane beside him the goals will soon be going in.
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I think part of the reason behind this was because Sagna and Clichy are fairly weak with the ball (not a knock, but they are) and at times found themselves with central attacking responsibilities (when the drifted in field). With more technically proficient full backs, i think Aguero can hold his position a little bit more, and maybe even look to run beyond the backline without waiting for the ball to go through Silva or De Bruyne. Ideally, the full backs would be Fernandinho and maybe even Delph, although i would personally prefer an upgrade on Delph.
 
A lot of it yesterday was a bit like Pep by numbers, players moving into positions and tactics that are just hugely different to what they and we are used to. Add lack of fitness for several and absence of some players in the mix and that is why we didn't steamroller Sunderland.

Give it a few weeks and we will rip teams apart.
 
Just had the chance to watch the match. Thought we looked good first half, in control of the match for the vast majority just looked rusty in the final third.

Clearly a work in progress but nice to see a plan & some tactical flexibility in the side.

Sterling the stand out attacker by some distance, great to see him look so confident. Stones composed, Clichy comfortable in the role he's been asked to do, Fernandinho his usual impressive self. Aguero and De Bruyne a bit off the pace, Sagna less comfortable than Clichy.

Seen a lot of praise for Kolarov, but I'm not sure if that's more from the very low expectation; he was solid enough (which is far better than I expected!) but for me he's still not got a place in this side - had very little to do, would not be happy to see him face up against a stronger team.

Very nice 3 points, little fortunate to get it but were clearly the better team. Throw Otamendi, Gundogan & Sane in the mix, along with KdB & Aguero up to speed and you'd like to think we look pretty solid.

Still expecting many ups & downs this season, transitional getting used to new players, new manager & much new tactics - but have hope that if we can get through these first 3 PL matches with 7+ points, and get through our CL qualifier we can have a successful season.
 
BlueMedic said:
Seen a lot of praise for Kolarov, but I'm not sure if that's more from the very low expectation; he was solid enough (which is far better than I expected!) but for me he's still not got a place in this side - had very little to do, would not be happy to see him face up against a stronger team.
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A tough crowd. Kolarov was magnificent-watch it again. Every header, brilliant passing, inspired and committed.
 
bert38 said:
A lot of it yesterday was a bit like Pep by numbers, players moving into positions and tactics that are just hugely different to what they and we are used to. Add lack of fitness for several and absence of some players in the mix and that is why we didn't steamroller Sunderland.

Give it a few weeks and we will rip teams apart.
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I actually think (assuming we don't mess it up or pick up injuries) the qualifying games could be a good thing for City. Pre season didn't run smoothly in China and the Sunderland match showed that the players are understandably still getting to grips with the new way of playing. The players need game time and Pep needs to see them in match situations. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly.
 
bert38 said:
A tough crowd. Kolarov was magnificent-watch it again. Every header, brilliant passing, inspired and committed.
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Just didn't see it, solid, won his headers well, passing was good enough but not brilliant - a few loose ones, but under no pressure at all almost. If he can put that performance in against say Arsenal or team of that level I'll be delighted, but I'm not convinced he'd cope, do you think he would?

You're right about the committed part though, was supposed to put that in my post actually - loved when we got the winner how he held the huddle & called players over to join in. Think he has the passion to be a good leader amongst the players - I just don't think he has the ability and sometimes lacks the work ethic to find a place in our team with any regularity.
 
BlueMedic said:
Just didn't see it, solid, won his headers well, passing was good enough but not brilliant - a few loose ones, but under no pressure at all almost. If he can put that performance in against say Arsenal or team of that level I'll be delighted, but I'm not convinced he'd cope, do you think he would?

You're right about the committed part though, was supposed to put that in my post actually - loved when we got the winner how he held the huddle & called players over to join in. Think he has the passion to be a good leader amongst the players - I just don't think he has the ability and sometimes lacks the work ethic to find a place in our team with any regularity.
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No, I think if we were forced to defend deep he may struggle more or if teams played long balls over the top to expose his pace on the turn. But you are right he looks up for it-looked a leader, fitter, leaner and that is to his credit.
 
bert38 said:
No, I think if we were forced to defend deep he may struggle more or if teams played long balls over the top to expose his pace on the turn. But you are right he looks up for it-looked a leader, fitter, leaner and that is to his credit.
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Ditto. Felt he struggled against Arsenal in the pre-season, albeit that was alongside Fernando. Had a decent match with little to do for me, good passion, good in the air, but won't be good enough against stronger teams - what happens to him when Kompany & Otamendi are fit is my question, backup left back, first choice left back, 4th choice CB, starting CB or sold? Still seems up in the air.
 
BlueMedic said:
Ditto. Felt he struggled against Arsenal in the pre-season, albeit that was alongside Fernando. Had a decent match with little to do for me, good passion, good in the air, but won't be good enough against stronger teams - what happens to him when Kompany & Otamendi are fit is my question, backup left back, first choice left back, 4th choice CB, starting CB or sold? Still seems up in the air.
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I would say guaranteed to stay-offers so many options. Pep clearly likes him and rates him. I've always felt Kolarov needs love and Pep's tendency to publicly praise players will boost his confidence like so many of the players.
 
Worst Case Ontario said:
If you really think Sterling is 50M player then you live in imaginary world, and Stones was at fault for goal cough cough...

That doesnt change the fact I want them to succeed here, and unlike most I dont slag our own players at every opportunity.

According to your logic we must blindly love every player we are linked with, yet its ok to call them different names when they are here (like Kolarov, Bony, Fernando, Hart etc)
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What exactly is a 50M player these days? Thought Sterling played well regardless of the valuation placed on his head. Stones will not be happy about their goal but over all he looked sloid and composed
 
OB1 said:
I saw nothing yesterday to dispel the notion that Pep is way ahead of the pack in terms of taking the game forward.

I adore possession football: I hate it when our opponents have the ball. I was also delighted though when Kolarov knew the best option was to clear the ball high and long forward.

Obviously possession has to have a purpose beyond keeping the ball away from the opposition but I do enjoy the weaving of pretty patterns as the team works its way into position for the next assault on the opposition's goal. The team does need to be creating more attempts on goal but I fear even if we top those charts, again, some are going to complain of boredom if we average 70% plus possession.
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Generally a good all round display despite some rough edges. One criticism was the very poor level of shooting which hopefully will be addressed.
 
bert38 said:
I would say guaranteed to stay-offers so many options. Pep clearly likes him and rates him. I've always felt Kolarov needs love and Pep's tendency to publicly praise players will boost his confidence like so many of the players.
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Perhaps Kolorov enjoys the discipline that a manager like Pep brings, he was certainly better under firebrand Mancini than he was under the soppy old labrador which was Pellegrini.

if he can get a player like Kolorov to perform like that then he will do for me.
 
Father Paul said:
Generally a good all round display despite some rough edges. One criticism was the very poor level of shooting which hopefully will be addressed.
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Absolutely. Awful & weak. One decent effort from Nolito which we will see go in once or twice this season I think.

With decent shooting power & accuracy & also taking the shots quicker we wouldn't have had a close game imo. But other than that I was delighted.
 
flb said:
Perhaps Kolorov enjoys the discipline that a manager like Pep brings, he was certainly better under firebrand Mancini than he was under the soppy old labrador which was Pellegrini.

if he can get a player like Kolorov to perform like that then he will do for me.
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Surley you mean bloodhound?


Kolorov was outstanding - hopefully not a one off.
 
OB1 said:
:)

Oh I'm not ready to get carried away but given the disjointed preseason and current state of the squad, the performance on Saturday was, at worst, in line with my expectations so I am content with progress.

I anticipate some bumps in the road but I hope we don't hit one in Romania.
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Can't see that but I think until November it will be a bit hit and miss. Sane and Gundogan will help when they come in. We could do with another signing for me.

Now that teams have actually witnessed this passing out from the back, they will be swarming all over us, waiting for that mistake that's let's face it is going to happen at some point with the current personnel. However if we can move the ball more quickly and pass more accurately then we should be able to catch some teams out once we bypass their swarm. Some of our passing was terrible on Saturday.

The main thing for me is that there is clearly a plan whereby for the last 2 years we just haven't had that in the majority of games, always relying on individual brilliance.

There was also much more team spirit evident which was good to see and we worked as hard as they did which again as not always been the case in the previous seasons.
 
Millwallawayveteran1988 said:
Can't see that but I think until November it will be a bit hit and miss. Sane and Gundogan will help when they come in. We could do with another signing for me.

Now that teams have actually witnessed this passing out from the back, they will be swarming all over us, waiting for that mistake that's let's face it is going to happen at some point with the current personnel. However if we can move the ball more quickly and pass more accurately then we should be able to catch some teams out once we bypass their swarm. Some of our passing was terrible on Saturday.

The main thing for me is that there is clearly a plan whereby for the last 2 years we just haven't had that in the majority of games, always relying on individual brilliance.

There was also much more team spirit evident which was good to see and we worked as hard as they did which again as not always been the case in the previous seasons.
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Guardiola doesn't mind playing long ball's at all:

(Goals 1 and 3)

If the need arises through a high press from the opposition, especially if they have a high defensive line, he'll just ask the team to go long.

On team spirit, he's said that is the first thing he's tried to build here because without that tactics don't matter
 
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