I can see why we started with Balo - he's a big game player and he was key at Old Trafford last season. But the difference with Carlos highlights who is the better player for us right now. Carlos should have started in hindsight, but there you go. You could also say that in hindsight we should have played with Garcia, not Nasri, allowing Yaya to be more of a physical presence going forward.
Mario's commitment is always suspect I'm afraid, when tackled his hands go up in the air and he huff and puffs. When he does chase back I do worry that he'll go in studs up. Carlos showed the energy and commitment that we needed yesterday, his movement was better, and he actually did something useful with the ball. But Mario is unpredictable - wouldn't surprise me if he plays a blinder next game and scores a hat-trick.
Personally I'd like Tevez's future sorted sooner rather than later. If he stays I'll be happy, if he is South America bound when his contract is up then we need to eye up a replacement soon.
First time I have said it, but it falls at the manager's door and nobody elses. Not saying I want him out or Pep in at all, just that the manager is inevitably the one to get the finger pointed at them, and so it's up to him to make sure we catch them up, starting with 3 points at a very poor, currently, Newcastle.
But, back to the original question, can't fault Carlos at all. His work rate, creativity and willingness were first class. Him and Aguero for me next game, Milner in for Nasri preferably, or second choice is Garcia or Rodwell for Nasri and Yaya roaming forward, giving us a 4-2-2-2 almost, with everyone forward of the the DMs having creative license when we have possession. But Mancini's the man who has to ensure we get the result in the bag.
If anything, Nasri's lack of 'form', shall we call it, and Milner out and Sinclair obviously deemed not good enough, highlights our need for another creative 'wide' player, one comfortable operating in any attacking area. I feel Isco potentially just came a step closer to joining the blues, though the media are citing a cut price deal for Sneidjer this morning, all good to me.
