Hughes lost the game to Chelscum

With three games to go - how could a team walk out not looking motivated? Why was Cisse playing on the left with no left foot? He was totally lost for the game until moved to the middle.
Mackie only one with head up. - We did not press - gave them space - heads dropped.

Why not start Tommy Smith on the left? Or at all.

Why ever play SWP ever?

Why bring out the same team, looking dejected for the second half with no clear change in plan or new players on the pitch?

 

WE missed Diakite today big time.and just to think i got my one and only ticket for the stoke game yesterday what a joke.

 

The only rational explanation I can come up with is this. MH knows that this is a likely lose game. He also knows that if he tells them to go for it, especially with the current conditions, and with Chelsea's quicker feet, then we might be facing Stoke with a couple less first team players. He has gambled on us beating Stoke and Bolton only getting 3 points from last 3 games. Sadly, I suspect this gamble will not pay off unless we are capable of holding City to a draw at the Etihad. Crazy game. I'm going to become a tiddly winks fan instead.

 

But what sort of manger would plan to throw a game like he clearly did today?

 

Don't think he wanted to throw it. I just think he did not want to lose any players to reds. Perhaps he also gambled that Chelsea would be resting players etc?? I'm not looking for excuses, just trying to explain the inexplicable because I know this team are better than that performance. Maybe I'm deluded?!

 

I’m no fan of Hughes, but he didn’t lose the match, the players did. How could they show such a lack of fight in any match, let alone a massively important one? With our players not competing the tactics were rendered irrelevant, we were absolutely shocking.

 

Spot on

 

I can't argue with this

 

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I agree Roller....but we should have had a go at their make-shift back 4 mate!!

 

I'm no big fan of MN, he is too cautious and lacks the passion Neil showed, but can't see he did anything wrong today. He is prof, and his team and tactitcs today looked correct. I can't blame the players too much either, except Kenny, they just had a bad day, and also met Chelsea on a day they were clearly in form, boyed up by their win in the CL, and looking for revenge.

Kenny was MoM last week for me, but was partially at fault at least for the first 4 goals today. But we look favourite for the drop now with Blackburn, but while their is a chance we must fight on - 3 points from Stoke and a miracle at City will do it!