At least we are still the game at half time which I didn’t think would be the case before the match. We need to stay strong and try not to concede early in the second half. At least try and make it nervy for them
Well I think that half was as expected. The core ‘triangle’ of players - Emerson, Davies and Bissouma - look nervy and rusty and are giving the ball away a bit too much. Hopefully Biss plays himself into the game a bit more in the second half. Not much that can be done about the CB pairing. I think the big decision is up top. Walker has Gil on toast and that kills the transitional threat down the left, he’s just too fast and strong for him. Wouldn’t mind putting Kulu wide left and bringing in a midfielder. Hojbjerg might help us cover the spaces a bit better but the thought of him in possession against this City team gives me kittens. But Johnson looks like a strong outlet on the right and Sonny’s pace can cause everyone problems.
Not sure what Neville expects us to do? We can’t magic some adequate centre backs out of thin air. If we sit back and just hoof it we lose, if we try and play some football we also lose but at least we might score. had our moments, sadly to many of them fell to Bryan. Can’t fault the effort but just seems to have absolutely nothing about him.
We’re still in the game but not take having many chances up front. Bryan cannot do anything with Walker so I would take him off. Put Johnson on the left, kule on the right. Lo Celso at 10 and bring on Hojbjerg.
Nothing new in that, been doing it since Pep took over, remember when Jose pointed it out and we played to it , zinchenko got a red at the lane ( smart c**ts)
Yeah I like him in midfield. But you have to change a wide player and I’m not sure Santiago is the answer to this game.
Hojberg for Gil might have given the team more solidity in midfield. No team goes there and has the answers. Arsenal got a hiding in a “title decider” last season. Almost every team has lost recently. So far, City haven’t had many clear cut chances, although they have had plenty of attempts. But Ange is playing a high risk game. Would you be better off than the current one goal deficit had he been more pragmatic? Who knows.
Looks like Hojbjerg for Gil then. Would guess Johnson will get a run against Walker and Kulu on the right.
What ever happens today ... we are in for a great few years with this manager ... so so impressed what he is doing with over half a team out
