“In the first half we did the exact opposite of what Pep wants from us” , Clichy - 16/03/2017
Goals; Mbappe (8'), Fabinho (29'), Bakayoko (77'minutes); Sane (71')
Line Up (4-1-4-1) (match ratings in brackets);
Caballero (6.5)
Sagna (5)
Kolarov (4)
Stones (6)
Clichy (4) (Iheanacho 84' (5)
Fernandinho (5)
Silva (6)
DeBruyne (5)
Sane (7)
Sterling (6)
Aguero (6)
Stats; Possession 41%/59%; Shots 4(1)/3(2); Corners 3/6; Fouls 12/13
The first leg of this tie was probably up there with one of the best City matches of all time for entertainment value. It had absolutely everything that makes this sport the most popular across the globe. The prospect of a second leg a fortnight after had the football world licking its lips. However, as a City fan, I think the majority of the faithful were dreading it, and with good reason.
While we were all feeling slightly more at ease with the goalkeeping situation over the past months, there was still a distinct void in class between defence and attack that always felt like an open Achilles waiting to take a blow. The highest scoring team in Europe were certainly wounded after the first leg, but had a taste for a scalp that was ready to be taken.
In the end, it was the team who dreamt bigger on the night who came away victorious. City were left beaten and bloody after the first 45 minutes in Monaco and just couldn’t muster the fight to claw themselves back for a second time in the tie. Just like that, Pep’s first Champions League bout with Sky Blue gloves was over before it really begun. Here are the five things that stood out for me last night.
1. The hangover Pellegrini failed to cure has not be solved by Pep
Now don’t take this the wrong way. I was a Manuelista to the end. I still believe his first season in charge was the best and most exciting football I have seen City play consistently. However, it was towards the dregs of the Manuel era that "first half'itis" began. A lethargy or lack of intent from City which has appeared randomly in games. Yesterday was a prime example of that. Monaco started with intent, while City were still lacing their boots. This has to change for us to kill lesser teams off in the first forty five, rather than relying on a kick up the backside for the second, and clawing back from the brink.
2. The Yaya problem
The Ivorian is still our best Central Midfielder. He was omitted yesterday, one would assume, for the dynamism of Fernandinho, and the energy to track back. But Yaya remains more than that, he is the metronome that can make City tick. The "Pivote" role was made for his incredible ability to play the game, and dictate the tempo, while having the vision and technique to pull the strings from deep. Fernandinho is a workhorse, and a fantastic one. But he isn’t Yaya. Gundogan is his likely successor, however, until then Yaya has to start the big games [due to his legs, he cannot start every game], maybe he was the one to rest verses 'Boro... though such things are easy to type in hindsight.
3. The Usual Suspects
We have mentioned a few times on this blog those who are deemed surplus to requirement. That message was only further reinforced last night. Clichy and Sagna are not the Full Backs they were. Neglecting this area of the pitch in the windows has cost us this season. Then the Kolarov and Stones partnership, while Stones was excellent last night, in my opinion. Kolarov is too prone to lapses in judgement. He looked like a full back shoved as a centre back for Monaco’s third last night. He doesn’t have the spatial awareness and presence as a commanding centre half (understandable as this takes years and years to perfect).
4. Oh Captain, My Captain
Buffon, Godin, Ramos, Bonucci, Pique... and Kompany. Leaders of men. For one reason or another, we have none. These are players that can drive teams through the toughest of encounters alone. An experienced presence to lead, Pep can only do so much from the dugout. This area has to be addressed. Why is Kompany not fit. More than just an experienced centre half to partner Stones, City need a leader.
5. We need to talk about Kevin
The best attacking midfielder at the start of the season in the Premier league, bar none. However, thats beginning to feel a long time ago. DeBruyne has everything in his locker, but the last few games has appeared to be beating himself up, and its exacerbating his mistakes not helping him get over them. If anyone needs a Pep arm around the shoulders at this moment its Kev, he could make the rest of City's season.
So, here we are. Quite frustratingly, City have been dumped out of Europe’s elite without ever being comfortably beaten. Not once did I think we wholly deserved to lose. Barca away was a farce ruined by officiating and a certain Mr Bravo. Last night was a missed opportunity which was still nearly pulled round despite the worst half seen by City all season. I still feel City had a heck of a lot more to give in this competition. But it was not to be. City’s run in from now is kill or be killed. The FA cup and Second Place finish would by no means be a failure. One thing we know for sure. We’ll be back.
@PatrickElano
Line Up (4-1-4-1) (match ratings in brackets);
Caballero (6.5)
Sagna (5)
Kolarov (4)
Stones (6)
Clichy (4) (Iheanacho 84' (5)
Fernandinho (5)
Silva (6)
DeBruyne (5)
Sane (7)
Sterling (6)
Aguero (6)
Stats; Possession 41%/59%; Shots 4(1)/3(2); Corners 3/6; Fouls 12/13
The first leg of this tie was probably up there with one of the best City matches of all time for entertainment value. It had absolutely everything that makes this sport the most popular across the globe. The prospect of a second leg a fortnight after had the football world licking its lips. However, as a City fan, I think the majority of the faithful were dreading it, and with good reason.
While we were all feeling slightly more at ease with the goalkeeping situation over the past months, there was still a distinct void in class between defence and attack that always felt like an open Achilles waiting to take a blow. The highest scoring team in Europe were certainly wounded after the first leg, but had a taste for a scalp that was ready to be taken.
In the end, it was the team who dreamt bigger on the night who came away victorious. City were left beaten and bloody after the first 45 minutes in Monaco and just couldn’t muster the fight to claw themselves back for a second time in the tie. Just like that, Pep’s first Champions League bout with Sky Blue gloves was over before it really begun. Here are the five things that stood out for me last night.
1. The hangover Pellegrini failed to cure has not be solved by Pep
Now don’t take this the wrong way. I was a Manuelista to the end. I still believe his first season in charge was the best and most exciting football I have seen City play consistently. However, it was towards the dregs of the Manuel era that "first half'itis" began. A lethargy or lack of intent from City which has appeared randomly in games. Yesterday was a prime example of that. Monaco started with intent, while City were still lacing their boots. This has to change for us to kill lesser teams off in the first forty five, rather than relying on a kick up the backside for the second, and clawing back from the brink.
2. The Yaya problem
The Ivorian is still our best Central Midfielder. He was omitted yesterday, one would assume, for the dynamism of Fernandinho, and the energy to track back. But Yaya remains more than that, he is the metronome that can make City tick. The "Pivote" role was made for his incredible ability to play the game, and dictate the tempo, while having the vision and technique to pull the strings from deep. Fernandinho is a workhorse, and a fantastic one. But he isn’t Yaya. Gundogan is his likely successor, however, until then Yaya has to start the big games [due to his legs, he cannot start every game], maybe he was the one to rest verses 'Boro... though such things are easy to type in hindsight.
3. The Usual Suspects
We have mentioned a few times on this blog those who are deemed surplus to requirement. That message was only further reinforced last night. Clichy and Sagna are not the Full Backs they were. Neglecting this area of the pitch in the windows has cost us this season. Then the Kolarov and Stones partnership, while Stones was excellent last night, in my opinion. Kolarov is too prone to lapses in judgement. He looked like a full back shoved as a centre back for Monaco’s third last night. He doesn’t have the spatial awareness and presence as a commanding centre half (understandable as this takes years and years to perfect).
4. Oh Captain, My Captain
Buffon, Godin, Ramos, Bonucci, Pique... and Kompany. Leaders of men. For one reason or another, we have none. These are players that can drive teams through the toughest of encounters alone. An experienced presence to lead, Pep can only do so much from the dugout. This area has to be addressed. Why is Kompany not fit. More than just an experienced centre half to partner Stones, City need a leader.
5. We need to talk about Kevin
The best attacking midfielder at the start of the season in the Premier league, bar none. However, thats beginning to feel a long time ago. DeBruyne has everything in his locker, but the last few games has appeared to be beating himself up, and its exacerbating his mistakes not helping him get over them. If anyone needs a Pep arm around the shoulders at this moment its Kev, he could make the rest of City's season.
So, here we are. Quite frustratingly, City have been dumped out of Europe’s elite without ever being comfortably beaten. Not once did I think we wholly deserved to lose. Barca away was a farce ruined by officiating and a certain Mr Bravo. Last night was a missed opportunity which was still nearly pulled round despite the worst half seen by City all season. I still feel City had a heck of a lot more to give in this competition. But it was not to be. City’s run in from now is kill or be killed. The FA cup and Second Place finish would by no means be a failure. One thing we know for sure. We’ll be back.
@PatrickElano
