Post by deadbat on Dec 30, 2023 18:40:45 GMT
It was an expected and routine defeat at World Champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium as United closed the year with yet another defeat with it now being 15 defeats, 3 draws and only 2 victories in a sorry campaign. City scored a goal in either half from Rodri and Alvarez but completely dominated the game and other than a brief spell before half time, the home side just passed United off the park and it resembled a practice match for long spells. United did not crumble and at least the margin of victory looks respectable.
Both teams were missing several expected first teamers with no Stones, Haaland, Doku and De Bruyne in the starting line up for the home side. United were without the suspended Methodize, Hamer and the ineligible McAtee but also opted to leave McBurnie and Archer on the bench. United began playing away from their own supporters wearing their traditional red and white shirts but with red shorts.
United kicked off but after conceding possession instantly, City were soon into their groove of moving the ball around and trying to force an early opening. They made one when the ball was played across to Alvarez but he shot wide. Norwood tried to find a cross but overhit it and Ederson made the clutch on his own goalline. Oscula did well to move United up the field but soon it was on its way back and Grealish and Foden were constantly looking to get on the ball and make things happen.
On 14 minutes the opener came. The ball was played into Foden whose touch was delightful despite Souza bundling him over. RODRI took the ball on and nobody pressed the ball from the United midfield or defence and as Robinson backed off, the midfielder arrowed a low shot into the far corner and United’s early resistance was broken.
Silva then sent a dangerous cross over but Alvarez could not direct his header down and it looped over. Foden then played in Silva whose low shot was pushed away by Foderingham. United were struggling to keep the ball and the possession was already up to 85% possession. Slimane and Norwood then both had the chance to keep it but the former ran one out and the latter played an aimless ball.
Walker had a shot just wide after the ball was worked across and the home side continued to completely dominate possession and territory. Grealish had a cross that was headed behind from Robinson and then Rodri and Grealish were both chopped down. Robinson then was careless on the ball and Silva robbed him and was away but the referee, Coote, decided Souza’s shoulder to shoulder was legitimate. Pep Guardiola was booked for his protestations.
City were looking for the second goal and Grealish’s cross field ball found Walker getting in behind the sleeping Thomas but Foderingham read the cross from the former Blade. Grealish then had a cross shot that was saved by Foderingham as the one-way nature of the game continued. Walker then had a fierce effort blocked as he continued to look for a goal.
United did break out with Robinson playing in Bogle down the right and the cross was excellent but Osula, despite getting in front of his man, could not quite get the necessary contact and Akanji blocked it – the ball was probably not going on target. The corner came in and Osula’s flicked header was grabbed by Ederson – in United’s first effort on goal. The Danish striker had been a real livewire and sprinted away before Kovacic cynically chopped him down leading to an easy call of a booking for the City midfielder. United won a corner soon after and Bogle then had an effort that was easy for the City keeper but at least United had got out and had a better 5 minute spell in a game that the home side had otherwise dominated.
City did end with the final effort as Rodri flashed a drive over the bar but United had at least managed to restrict City to one goal and had not gone under and even finished the half with some opportunities.
The second half started the same manner as the first half as Rodri had a shot off target before neat football saw Grealish nearly in and Souza had to make the tackle. Grealish seemed to pull up in the challenge and was replaced from Bobb soon after this. Bogle has to make the interception as the pressure carried on unabated and this half the Blades simply could not get out of their own third. Robinson kicked it out under no pressure and the ball kept coming back.
A ball over the top from Rodri and Foden was in but Foderingham made the block as he threatened to go round him. Alvarez then fired over after the ball was moved across. Another opportunity came when Foden cut in bit his shot was deflected over. City moved it around with real patience and United tried to fill the gaps. Ake had a header over as the home side won two corners early on. It seemed inevitable that the second goal would come and so it proved.
Bobb did well in the build up and moved it inside and Slimane switched off and did not track his runner Foden who moved onto the ball and sent a delightful cross over. Trusty and Thomas failed to react and ALVAREZ tapped into the net.
City continued to pour forward and Foden’s trickery saw him weave past three men and as the challenge game in, the ball dropped for Bobb but his shot was blocked. Slimane and Osula were replaced on 66 minutes by Brewster and Archer. Walker and Kovacic came off Oscula for Dias and Lewis for Citizens.
Robinson’s pass back to Foderingham saw the keeper take too long and his clearance bounced off Alvarez and fortunately for the visitors went over the bar. Foden then had an effort saved by the keeper. United were struggling to even make any forays into the City half and it just seemed a case of if the home team wanted to exert more pressure and try and score more goals. United were working hard to deny space but it was so one sided and the pass count was reaching record breaking numbers.
Foden, the game’s outstanding player, checked back inside and his effort was blocked by Trusty before his floated ball saw Baldock have to head behind under pressure from Ake.
United were chasing shadows and young energetic City players Bobb and Lewis were not what they wanted to see running at them! They finally got up the field when Bogle was well advanced and his cross eventually fell for Osborn but he could not get the shot away. The ball came back soon after and Archer sent a decent ball over but Bogle’s shot was blocked.
This rare spell at least gave something for the away fans to shout about but were concerned on more than one occasion when Foderingham dithered or sliced a clearance out. Norrington Davies came on for Thomas for his first appearance for well over a year. The referee spared United any more pain and only added on three minutes of stoppage time and City opted not to go forward and try and add to the scoreline.
United – Game was a routine defeat but of course we expected that and in the end it was a respectable yet comfortable defeat where City barely had to get out of first gear and just strolled it. 82% possession and almost 900 passes was it? That really paints a picture of how one sided it was. It was a really boring game in that is one sided but the Champions just did what they had to. Fortunately for us they were happy to just take the win and not try and really put us to the sword.
The plusses are we stayed in a decent defensive shape, filled gaps and for the most part did not get run through at all. They scored 2 goals and easily could have had 3 or 4 more but it was not shot after shot coming in or them cutting through us at will. We of course have got beat 5-0 twice and 8-0 and when you saw the line up we put out and even with City having players missing, you felt that it would be a difficult afternoon. In the end it was but was not quite the hammering many may have feared. The game was not close though and we had maybe 3 or 4 attacks the whole game. We looked like we had no belief at all and we just settled for not getting embarrassed. Maybe that is all we can hope for?
City did what they had to really and felt they eased to the win. As I say, the positive is we stayed competitive in the scoreline and it looks closer than it actually was. Credit that the players did not go chasing and kept a good work ethic. The reality is we got a real going over in terms of the possession, territory and how much we had to defend. They scored only two goals somehow but I suppose Foderingham only maybe had 3 or 4 saves to make and only possibly one was a really good one. Whether that was through us just denying space and keeping it tight or that City just went through the motions and not really piling it on? It was maybe a combination of both. The reality is that it was another away game where we barely had the ball, barely had an attack, and never really looked like scoring at all. Granted today was the best side in the world so hard to criticise but it was very similar to most, if not all, away games this season. It must be hard for the fans who go away to keep spending money and going to game where we are effectively almost conceding. I would say we are better organised of course under Wilder and not getting done over but I think we have now revered to what we were like under Heckingbottom earlier in the season – that is a plucky side doing our best to stay in games but ultimately lacking quality.
As I say hard to be critical of us today when we are playing such a good side but you could maybe flip it and say how Palace did there recently? Suppose shows how far we are off even teams like them.
Wilder’s team selection in not playing McBurnie and Archer said that he did not think we had much chance and had to pack midfield, deny space, and hope for the occasional break. Suppose if Osula scores that one big chance than it’s a perfect plan but after the break we barely got into their half and it was difficult to watch and our players looked shattered by the end as they were just chasing City around.
We now have nearly three weeks off before the next league game. We look absolutely doomed and with 19 games left, have to do something incredible to even give ourselves a chance. Not sure anyone, even our own fans, think there is a remote chance of that happening. We have the transfer window but not sure I would be bringing in any players unless they are with the Championship in mind. The worst thing we could do is bring in short term loans that are not going to be here and drain resources for next season. I just do not see the point really? We need to look to move a few out (players who are not going to commit from the offers made surely we need to get fees for now – as the offers we make are not going to change) and have both eyes on players who can help us contend for promotion next season and start to move away from this slow/weak side that lacks physicality/fitness/pace.
We have the FA Cup but again I would use that to play some of the younger/development players. It does feel like we have 19 games that we are merely playing for pride in. The first aim is to break Derby’s record but after that to see if we can get to the 23 points we got last time. That is going to be tough for me. We won 7 games last time. We are not going to get close to that I do not see (currently on 2) but did only draw 2 last time.
Ratings (marks may seem a bit high but trying to factor in the opposition somewhat!)
Foderingham 6/10 – No chance on the first goal as was left exposed and drive into the corner and ditto for the second. First half he made one good save from Silva and a few other decent takes/things he did well. His kicking was awful and punted a few out or to no one in particular. Second half made the excellent save from Foden and a few other routine things but then his awful kicking and decision making was evident again as got away with one kick out that spooned over and then took too long or kicked a few others out near the end.
Bogle 6.5/10 – Our best player for me. Did ok v a tough opponent in Grealish first half and was aggressive and committed v a tough opponent but he did get away from him a few times. He did get forward near the end and put a few crosses in and one really good one that Osula should have done better with. Second half stuck to his task, maybe over played a few times and then got caught out but had another late flurry with a decent run/cross and a shot blocked.
Thomas 6/10 – Started ok and a few foot ins but switched off when they had a few balls down the side. He was facing Walker but he did ok and kept plugging away. They did thread a few down that side and have some chances on the right but he was not making lots of errors – although needs to get across on the 2nd and see the danger. Offered little going forward. He is quite weak physically and lacks awareness/pace and this lack of size/physicality shows up when you lack skill at this level. Not sure it was his worst game thought and did better than he has in other appearances.
Baldock 6/10 – Not sure he is suited to right centre back and tends to switch off a bit but he kept to his task early on. He did flick a few headers away and got his foot in a few times but most of the game was just trying to stay tight on players running through and deny gaps and the defence did that for spells but they did have lots of times they did get in too.
Robinson 5.5/10 – Thought first goal he does not advance or close down (others also at fault too). He then gives it away and gets lucky as Souza makes the tackle. Some tackles/headers too in the 1st half but as the game went on he started to lost his man and Alvarez gets way too much space at times. He punted it away under no pressure twice second half and as the game went on started to lose his shape and they seemed to get into the box with no pressure on then,
Trusty 6/10 – Another who kind of stuck to his task all game despite clearly the opponents being quicker, more skilled and sharper in everything they did. He struggled with the movement of the City players at times but he also got his foot in a few times. A few moments they got through the middle and he did not quite see the danger but the movement is so good.
Norwood 3/10 – Really poor and just looked out of his depth. Not even sure he got his foot in much at all and just looked very leggy as they passed it round us. Not sure what the point of him playing really was? He cannot run, he is not going to see the ball and lacks mobility. Surely Osbon would have been preferable? The few times he had it, he just kicked it away and for his experience he does not use his brain at times. One decent corner to Osula but outside of that not sure he offered much at all. Don’t like the way he went Rodri’s shirt at the end -did not get near him most of the game!
Brooks 4.5/10 – Thought today was a bit of a struggle for him. He chased and harried but barely saw any of the ball and thought we did not really pressure the midfield and sat off (times you have to of course) and this put pressure on the defence all game. He did his best but looked like a young lad making his way in the game (he is of course) and looked shattered by the time he came off.
Souza 6/10 – Made a few decent interceptions and got some blocks in but he also lost a few tackles or did not come out with the ball on key moments – the first goal for example. He got his foot in a bit but as the game went on, he sort of lost his shape and I felt that he was treading water most of the 2nd half. Midfield did not really put them under much pressure and they just passed it round.
Slimane 4/10 – Our weakest player along with Norwood. We needed midfielders to chase/harry/close down and then when they had it, try and get us up the field or keep it. He did none of those things and looked a bit out of his depth – granted against a fantastic team. Did well against Brentford but in the outings we have seen since he has struggled and you can see why neither manager had been using him. Not really sure what his position is either?
Osula 6.5/10 – Thought he worked his socks off first half and ran the channels early, won a few loose bits and tried to get us up the field. His hold up play was decent albeit with little support. He had the really good chance and kind of fluffed it after getting across his man but did have a headed effort after that. 2nd half he was not in it as we did not attack at all and had ran his race. Showed some promise today with little service or support.
Subs –
Archer 5.5/10 – Had one run and cross for the Bogle chance but it was mostly us defending even after we put two strikers on.
Brewster 3/10 – Not sure he touched the ball at all in the time he was on. Seemed to be constantly behind the play too and not quick enough to react. Frightening we have another 18 months of him under contract.
Osborn – Came on for the final 10 minutes. Had one opportunity to shoot but took too long.
Norrington Davies – Nice to see him back. Not sure he touched the ball. Hopefully gets some minutes in the cup tie at Gillingham.
Manager: Wilder 6/10 – We did not get hammered nor were we disgraced and the set up was to try and frustrate them and we did that for spells. Not sure we ever looked like remotely scoring or even having many attacks or spell of pressure at all but we restricted them to few clear chances and with a much weakened side, that is a positive. I am unsure why he did not play McBurnie or Archer or both as we do not have a game for 3 weeks – it’s not like we need to rest them for a game coming up? Osula did ok but it seems odd when you already have 3 or 4 of our better players out – to not play either of them? The subs did not really make much difference to the general flow of the game and the result. Overall, we have become more solid and harder to break down but both Chelsea and City, we still lost quite meekly really and have no idea how to even make it hard for the top teams away- granted we did better at Villa but on another day that could have been a similar result. I think he realises we are miles off the talent level needed to compete and is trying to just frustrate and deny teams space but it’s a depressing aim to just go down without getting more hammerings (not his fault)? I seriously cannot see us winning a single away game this season and makes that Warnock side seem adventurous from that season back in the Premier League under him – granted the standards have risen massively. We just look so far out or our depth and it’s quite clear that the manager change whilst has seen us improve, performance wise, we are still losing most games and not sure how he changes that with what he has available? Yet does he really want to use what funds we have to try and have a go when it seems we are probably already done for?
Man City – Missing a number of stars but their style of play and the standards they set is clear. Of course they have dropped some of these standards and had some poor results this season but they seemed to be hitting their groove at the right time. With De Bruyne and Haaland to come back, I expect them to just go through the gears and still expect them to win the league again. Liverpool, Villa and Arsenal all are right there but do not see any other team finishing above them. It is weird in that even though they are so much better than everyone else, they are quite boring to watch! I know that sounds strange but today as I was just almost falling to sleep as they passed it, passed it, passed it. I know they could have maybe attacked more and maybe gone for more goals but they are almost that good they are quite dull!
They have won pretty much everything and the standards they have set is such that they will keep driving on and expect many more trophies over the next period. It depends how motivated they and Pep are but they have a relatively young side still and will keep adding. The argument over financial fair play is one that won’t go away but the Premier League will not take them on and if they did they’d have better lawyers and chuck all the money needed to make it go away. That’s how I and sure most feel. It is not a level playing field but then there are many other clubs (Chelsea/Man Utd) who have spent stupendous amounts and they are not excelling in the same way.
Opponent Man of the Match – I think Rodri is fantastic and is so key to what they do. He scored a good goal and is so big/strong and technically superb on the ball. Alvarez is a good footballer who does a bit of everything and Grealish showed his dribbling/crossing although was played well by Bogle. I thought Foden was the best player on the pitch by a fair margin though. He ran with the ball, controlled the play and was the one who looked most likely when they attacked.
Opponent Weak link – I thought Kovacic was poor. He got booked and looked quite static and was not able to really move the ball on at the pace of the others. The rest of the side just looked so much better than us as individual footballers though!
Referee/Officials – Easy game to ref and Coote was fine. One booking apiece for Bogle and Kovacic were easy calls. Do not like the way he was laughing and joking with the City players though almost as if he wanted to make friends? He did not give fouls though for shoves/strong challenges from Souza and not sure he fell for some of the theatrics from Grealish/Foden etc.
Both teams were missing several expected first teamers with no Stones, Haaland, Doku and De Bruyne in the starting line up for the home side. United were without the suspended Methodize, Hamer and the ineligible McAtee but also opted to leave McBurnie and Archer on the bench. United began playing away from their own supporters wearing their traditional red and white shirts but with red shorts.
United kicked off but after conceding possession instantly, City were soon into their groove of moving the ball around and trying to force an early opening. They made one when the ball was played across to Alvarez but he shot wide. Norwood tried to find a cross but overhit it and Ederson made the clutch on his own goalline. Oscula did well to move United up the field but soon it was on its way back and Grealish and Foden were constantly looking to get on the ball and make things happen.
On 14 minutes the opener came. The ball was played into Foden whose touch was delightful despite Souza bundling him over. RODRI took the ball on and nobody pressed the ball from the United midfield or defence and as Robinson backed off, the midfielder arrowed a low shot into the far corner and United’s early resistance was broken.
Silva then sent a dangerous cross over but Alvarez could not direct his header down and it looped over. Foden then played in Silva whose low shot was pushed away by Foderingham. United were struggling to keep the ball and the possession was already up to 85% possession. Slimane and Norwood then both had the chance to keep it but the former ran one out and the latter played an aimless ball.
Walker had a shot just wide after the ball was worked across and the home side continued to completely dominate possession and territory. Grealish had a cross that was headed behind from Robinson and then Rodri and Grealish were both chopped down. Robinson then was careless on the ball and Silva robbed him and was away but the referee, Coote, decided Souza’s shoulder to shoulder was legitimate. Pep Guardiola was booked for his protestations.
City were looking for the second goal and Grealish’s cross field ball found Walker getting in behind the sleeping Thomas but Foderingham read the cross from the former Blade. Grealish then had a cross shot that was saved by Foderingham as the one-way nature of the game continued. Walker then had a fierce effort blocked as he continued to look for a goal.
United did break out with Robinson playing in Bogle down the right and the cross was excellent but Osula, despite getting in front of his man, could not quite get the necessary contact and Akanji blocked it – the ball was probably not going on target. The corner came in and Osula’s flicked header was grabbed by Ederson – in United’s first effort on goal. The Danish striker had been a real livewire and sprinted away before Kovacic cynically chopped him down leading to an easy call of a booking for the City midfielder. United won a corner soon after and Bogle then had an effort that was easy for the City keeper but at least United had got out and had a better 5 minute spell in a game that the home side had otherwise dominated.
City did end with the final effort as Rodri flashed a drive over the bar but United had at least managed to restrict City to one goal and had not gone under and even finished the half with some opportunities.
The second half started the same manner as the first half as Rodri had a shot off target before neat football saw Grealish nearly in and Souza had to make the tackle. Grealish seemed to pull up in the challenge and was replaced from Bobb soon after this. Bogle has to make the interception as the pressure carried on unabated and this half the Blades simply could not get out of their own third. Robinson kicked it out under no pressure and the ball kept coming back.
A ball over the top from Rodri and Foden was in but Foderingham made the block as he threatened to go round him. Alvarez then fired over after the ball was moved across. Another opportunity came when Foden cut in bit his shot was deflected over. City moved it around with real patience and United tried to fill the gaps. Ake had a header over as the home side won two corners early on. It seemed inevitable that the second goal would come and so it proved.
Bobb did well in the build up and moved it inside and Slimane switched off and did not track his runner Foden who moved onto the ball and sent a delightful cross over. Trusty and Thomas failed to react and ALVAREZ tapped into the net.
City continued to pour forward and Foden’s trickery saw him weave past three men and as the challenge game in, the ball dropped for Bobb but his shot was blocked. Slimane and Osula were replaced on 66 minutes by Brewster and Archer. Walker and Kovacic came off Oscula for Dias and Lewis for Citizens.
Robinson’s pass back to Foderingham saw the keeper take too long and his clearance bounced off Alvarez and fortunately for the visitors went over the bar. Foden then had an effort saved by the keeper. United were struggling to even make any forays into the City half and it just seemed a case of if the home team wanted to exert more pressure and try and score more goals. United were working hard to deny space but it was so one sided and the pass count was reaching record breaking numbers.
Foden, the game’s outstanding player, checked back inside and his effort was blocked by Trusty before his floated ball saw Baldock have to head behind under pressure from Ake.
United were chasing shadows and young energetic City players Bobb and Lewis were not what they wanted to see running at them! They finally got up the field when Bogle was well advanced and his cross eventually fell for Osborn but he could not get the shot away. The ball came back soon after and Archer sent a decent ball over but Bogle’s shot was blocked.
This rare spell at least gave something for the away fans to shout about but were concerned on more than one occasion when Foderingham dithered or sliced a clearance out. Norrington Davies came on for Thomas for his first appearance for well over a year. The referee spared United any more pain and only added on three minutes of stoppage time and City opted not to go forward and try and add to the scoreline.
United – Game was a routine defeat but of course we expected that and in the end it was a respectable yet comfortable defeat where City barely had to get out of first gear and just strolled it. 82% possession and almost 900 passes was it? That really paints a picture of how one sided it was. It was a really boring game in that is one sided but the Champions just did what they had to. Fortunately for us they were happy to just take the win and not try and really put us to the sword.
The plusses are we stayed in a decent defensive shape, filled gaps and for the most part did not get run through at all. They scored 2 goals and easily could have had 3 or 4 more but it was not shot after shot coming in or them cutting through us at will. We of course have got beat 5-0 twice and 8-0 and when you saw the line up we put out and even with City having players missing, you felt that it would be a difficult afternoon. In the end it was but was not quite the hammering many may have feared. The game was not close though and we had maybe 3 or 4 attacks the whole game. We looked like we had no belief at all and we just settled for not getting embarrassed. Maybe that is all we can hope for?
City did what they had to really and felt they eased to the win. As I say, the positive is we stayed competitive in the scoreline and it looks closer than it actually was. Credit that the players did not go chasing and kept a good work ethic. The reality is we got a real going over in terms of the possession, territory and how much we had to defend. They scored only two goals somehow but I suppose Foderingham only maybe had 3 or 4 saves to make and only possibly one was a really good one. Whether that was through us just denying space and keeping it tight or that City just went through the motions and not really piling it on? It was maybe a combination of both. The reality is that it was another away game where we barely had the ball, barely had an attack, and never really looked like scoring at all. Granted today was the best side in the world so hard to criticise but it was very similar to most, if not all, away games this season. It must be hard for the fans who go away to keep spending money and going to game where we are effectively almost conceding. I would say we are better organised of course under Wilder and not getting done over but I think we have now revered to what we were like under Heckingbottom earlier in the season – that is a plucky side doing our best to stay in games but ultimately lacking quality.
As I say hard to be critical of us today when we are playing such a good side but you could maybe flip it and say how Palace did there recently? Suppose shows how far we are off even teams like them.
Wilder’s team selection in not playing McBurnie and Archer said that he did not think we had much chance and had to pack midfield, deny space, and hope for the occasional break. Suppose if Osula scores that one big chance than it’s a perfect plan but after the break we barely got into their half and it was difficult to watch and our players looked shattered by the end as they were just chasing City around.
We now have nearly three weeks off before the next league game. We look absolutely doomed and with 19 games left, have to do something incredible to even give ourselves a chance. Not sure anyone, even our own fans, think there is a remote chance of that happening. We have the transfer window but not sure I would be bringing in any players unless they are with the Championship in mind. The worst thing we could do is bring in short term loans that are not going to be here and drain resources for next season. I just do not see the point really? We need to look to move a few out (players who are not going to commit from the offers made surely we need to get fees for now – as the offers we make are not going to change) and have both eyes on players who can help us contend for promotion next season and start to move away from this slow/weak side that lacks physicality/fitness/pace.
We have the FA Cup but again I would use that to play some of the younger/development players. It does feel like we have 19 games that we are merely playing for pride in. The first aim is to break Derby’s record but after that to see if we can get to the 23 points we got last time. That is going to be tough for me. We won 7 games last time. We are not going to get close to that I do not see (currently on 2) but did only draw 2 last time.
Ratings (marks may seem a bit high but trying to factor in the opposition somewhat!)
Foderingham 6/10 – No chance on the first goal as was left exposed and drive into the corner and ditto for the second. First half he made one good save from Silva and a few other decent takes/things he did well. His kicking was awful and punted a few out or to no one in particular. Second half made the excellent save from Foden and a few other routine things but then his awful kicking and decision making was evident again as got away with one kick out that spooned over and then took too long or kicked a few others out near the end.
Bogle 6.5/10 – Our best player for me. Did ok v a tough opponent in Grealish first half and was aggressive and committed v a tough opponent but he did get away from him a few times. He did get forward near the end and put a few crosses in and one really good one that Osula should have done better with. Second half stuck to his task, maybe over played a few times and then got caught out but had another late flurry with a decent run/cross and a shot blocked.
Thomas 6/10 – Started ok and a few foot ins but switched off when they had a few balls down the side. He was facing Walker but he did ok and kept plugging away. They did thread a few down that side and have some chances on the right but he was not making lots of errors – although needs to get across on the 2nd and see the danger. Offered little going forward. He is quite weak physically and lacks awareness/pace and this lack of size/physicality shows up when you lack skill at this level. Not sure it was his worst game thought and did better than he has in other appearances.
Baldock 6/10 – Not sure he is suited to right centre back and tends to switch off a bit but he kept to his task early on. He did flick a few headers away and got his foot in a few times but most of the game was just trying to stay tight on players running through and deny gaps and the defence did that for spells but they did have lots of times they did get in too.
Robinson 5.5/10 – Thought first goal he does not advance or close down (others also at fault too). He then gives it away and gets lucky as Souza makes the tackle. Some tackles/headers too in the 1st half but as the game went on he started to lost his man and Alvarez gets way too much space at times. He punted it away under no pressure twice second half and as the game went on started to lose his shape and they seemed to get into the box with no pressure on then,
Trusty 6/10 – Another who kind of stuck to his task all game despite clearly the opponents being quicker, more skilled and sharper in everything they did. He struggled with the movement of the City players at times but he also got his foot in a few times. A few moments they got through the middle and he did not quite see the danger but the movement is so good.
Norwood 3/10 – Really poor and just looked out of his depth. Not even sure he got his foot in much at all and just looked very leggy as they passed it round us. Not sure what the point of him playing really was? He cannot run, he is not going to see the ball and lacks mobility. Surely Osbon would have been preferable? The few times he had it, he just kicked it away and for his experience he does not use his brain at times. One decent corner to Osula but outside of that not sure he offered much at all. Don’t like the way he went Rodri’s shirt at the end -did not get near him most of the game!
Brooks 4.5/10 – Thought today was a bit of a struggle for him. He chased and harried but barely saw any of the ball and thought we did not really pressure the midfield and sat off (times you have to of course) and this put pressure on the defence all game. He did his best but looked like a young lad making his way in the game (he is of course) and looked shattered by the time he came off.
Souza 6/10 – Made a few decent interceptions and got some blocks in but he also lost a few tackles or did not come out with the ball on key moments – the first goal for example. He got his foot in a bit but as the game went on, he sort of lost his shape and I felt that he was treading water most of the 2nd half. Midfield did not really put them under much pressure and they just passed it round.
Slimane 4/10 – Our weakest player along with Norwood. We needed midfielders to chase/harry/close down and then when they had it, try and get us up the field or keep it. He did none of those things and looked a bit out of his depth – granted against a fantastic team. Did well against Brentford but in the outings we have seen since he has struggled and you can see why neither manager had been using him. Not really sure what his position is either?
Osula 6.5/10 – Thought he worked his socks off first half and ran the channels early, won a few loose bits and tried to get us up the field. His hold up play was decent albeit with little support. He had the really good chance and kind of fluffed it after getting across his man but did have a headed effort after that. 2nd half he was not in it as we did not attack at all and had ran his race. Showed some promise today with little service or support.
Subs –
Archer 5.5/10 – Had one run and cross for the Bogle chance but it was mostly us defending even after we put two strikers on.
Brewster 3/10 – Not sure he touched the ball at all in the time he was on. Seemed to be constantly behind the play too and not quick enough to react. Frightening we have another 18 months of him under contract.
Osborn – Came on for the final 10 minutes. Had one opportunity to shoot but took too long.
Norrington Davies – Nice to see him back. Not sure he touched the ball. Hopefully gets some minutes in the cup tie at Gillingham.
Manager: Wilder 6/10 – We did not get hammered nor were we disgraced and the set up was to try and frustrate them and we did that for spells. Not sure we ever looked like remotely scoring or even having many attacks or spell of pressure at all but we restricted them to few clear chances and with a much weakened side, that is a positive. I am unsure why he did not play McBurnie or Archer or both as we do not have a game for 3 weeks – it’s not like we need to rest them for a game coming up? Osula did ok but it seems odd when you already have 3 or 4 of our better players out – to not play either of them? The subs did not really make much difference to the general flow of the game and the result. Overall, we have become more solid and harder to break down but both Chelsea and City, we still lost quite meekly really and have no idea how to even make it hard for the top teams away- granted we did better at Villa but on another day that could have been a similar result. I think he realises we are miles off the talent level needed to compete and is trying to just frustrate and deny teams space but it’s a depressing aim to just go down without getting more hammerings (not his fault)? I seriously cannot see us winning a single away game this season and makes that Warnock side seem adventurous from that season back in the Premier League under him – granted the standards have risen massively. We just look so far out or our depth and it’s quite clear that the manager change whilst has seen us improve, performance wise, we are still losing most games and not sure how he changes that with what he has available? Yet does he really want to use what funds we have to try and have a go when it seems we are probably already done for?
Man City – Missing a number of stars but their style of play and the standards they set is clear. Of course they have dropped some of these standards and had some poor results this season but they seemed to be hitting their groove at the right time. With De Bruyne and Haaland to come back, I expect them to just go through the gears and still expect them to win the league again. Liverpool, Villa and Arsenal all are right there but do not see any other team finishing above them. It is weird in that even though they are so much better than everyone else, they are quite boring to watch! I know that sounds strange but today as I was just almost falling to sleep as they passed it, passed it, passed it. I know they could have maybe attacked more and maybe gone for more goals but they are almost that good they are quite dull!
They have won pretty much everything and the standards they have set is such that they will keep driving on and expect many more trophies over the next period. It depends how motivated they and Pep are but they have a relatively young side still and will keep adding. The argument over financial fair play is one that won’t go away but the Premier League will not take them on and if they did they’d have better lawyers and chuck all the money needed to make it go away. That’s how I and sure most feel. It is not a level playing field but then there are many other clubs (Chelsea/Man Utd) who have spent stupendous amounts and they are not excelling in the same way.
Opponent Man of the Match – I think Rodri is fantastic and is so key to what they do. He scored a good goal and is so big/strong and technically superb on the ball. Alvarez is a good footballer who does a bit of everything and Grealish showed his dribbling/crossing although was played well by Bogle. I thought Foden was the best player on the pitch by a fair margin though. He ran with the ball, controlled the play and was the one who looked most likely when they attacked.
Opponent Weak link – I thought Kovacic was poor. He got booked and looked quite static and was not able to really move the ball on at the pace of the others. The rest of the side just looked so much better than us as individual footballers though!
Referee/Officials – Easy game to ref and Coote was fine. One booking apiece for Bogle and Kovacic were easy calls. Do not like the way he was laughing and joking with the City players though almost as if he wanted to make friends? He did not give fouls though for shoves/strong challenges from Souza and not sure he fell for some of the theatrics from Grealish/Foden etc.
