Those that note that Huddlestone slows the game down with his sideways and backwards passes should take a look at one of Barcas goals yesterday, there was was lots of sideways passing and also backwards, ableit with precision and yes pace and all on the ground (except one). What made the goal possible was in the sequence just one or two defense splittling passes at the end again on the ground. With regards the pace did see a speeded up version so perhaps I should temper my enthusiasm a little.
I'm just amazed that Barcelona haven't put a bid in for Thudd before now, he's clearly far too good for us.
Barcelona have the luxury of playing the ball around while the opposition sets their defence because they have players who can split the best defences. City are at their best when they play fast fluid football which denies time and space to opposition defences.
This would have been my response, if it wasn't for the fact that the 'Huddlestone Champions' are causing me to lose the will to live.
It's all so telegraphed with Huddlestone. And there's no urgency. He very often gives the opposition time to regroup.
Before kick off Steve Bruce did say that the toss was important and even after he aluded to the conditions and pitch not being very good. It did not look to bad on the telly, it is unusual for managers to blame the conditions before a game though.
All things considered it was a good point. Maybe if the game had been last week we would have won it. We are still top after round 17 so we move onto another rival in Derby County. With Will Hughes already out long term and now Bradley Johnson OUT SUSPENDED, Derby are missing there best 2 players by far. Doubts also over 2 defenders. Back to Brizzle mind. It was a super cool quality finish by Maloney who for me has done enough to start on Friday. A point @ Ashton Gate is never a poor point. My only grumble was the over fussy / poor referee-ing of Paul Tierney. The best/worst example was when Brizzle's no.5 Ayling went / barged into Livermore and got the freekick. Laughable. The chant to Ayling of your just a **** Andy Carroll was amusing.
We should have won fairly comfortably despite not playing that well; Clucas and Akpom especially both missing easy headed chances. The Huddlestone debate is interesting, as though I am a fan of him and his talent, it does seem we play a more deliberate and methodical style with him in the side. If Bruce really wants Huddlestone to influence the game further forward, it goes without saying that it is going to take something away from Livermore's game insofar as he is going to have to think more about his defensive duties. On the other hand, with either Meyler or Hayden, they can take it in turns to try and join in with the forwards or get into the box when the ball goes out wide. That said, I think against Brizzle the issue was more about just how lost Akpom looked, meaning very sticking up front and little link up between midfield and forwards- just hope Hernandez can keep up his form over a whole season and that we get Diomande fit to give us some options up front as that is going to be key to us going up.
It was a fair point that Bruce made then. However, watching the game back Harry Maguire looked to get fouled just before the Goal.
Yes. 5th booking I don't fear Derby at all. Middlesboro have more quality. It is all about how Hull City perform on the night. If we are at it then we win. Simples.
