Match Thread - Manchester City FC vs Tottenham Hotspur - PL

[USAFSPURS]

Up to the point that he put Sissonono on, I agreed with his line up and felt we'd played reasonably well against an incredible team - but once he did that, I knew we were going to get negative and withdrawn and have our butt handed to us.

Honestly, you can ask 80, but at 2-0, I couldn't watch it anymore, told him and went and cooked my dinner lol!

Ex that is the issue...his lineup was fine...and it didn't matter, we were still second best against a not 100% City by a long ways. (of course the Sissoko sub was flipping hilarious, but whatever) Sure Llorris made a few mistakes...but sorry that is the nature of the game. Capitalize on mistakes and they did. God knows we make too many to begin with.

Top to bottom we are not good enough...that is clear.

Believe it or not, we are now in a fight to see if we can remain in top 10.

 

[steveperryman]

There are two issues that still bug/embarrass me about their 3rd goal.

Firstly, we are the specialists of route one football. City, specialists of passing game probably only attempted ONE route one effort in the entire season and executed it to perfection against Jose's setup that's been working on that approach for over half a season!

Secondly, (and I note Sanchez being slaughtered in the media), how a simple nudge from a player slightly smaller and lighter could just bundle Sanchez to the ground. Assured defenders have firm footing and commanding presence, but our Davinson, whenever he needs to turn 90 degrees or more loses his balance, hence we see his headers and clearances in panic mode. IMO, the ball was in the air long enough for Sanchez (the last man) to position himself.

It is not the first time our defenders are guilty of misjudging the flight of the ball, hence why we concede regularly from set pieces. Dier is also guilty of this.

All comes down to coaching. Whilst I agree Sanchez and Tanga might be the future pairing in the defence, they need to be honed/coached. Surprised that having Ledley amongst the coaches isn't helping, unless the training focus is very skewed towards some alien practices, 'cos I'd be damned if I could see any sign of continuous improvement!

No doubt he should be stronger in that situation however when nudged he lost his balance & ended up flat on his face. He was at full pelt so he couldn't correct himself when he tried to turn around. In some ways i blame Hugo for standing off instead of cutting it out himself. Then again he was probably fast asleep as well.

 

[Spursex]

Ex that is the issue...his lineup was fine...and it didn't matter, we were still second best against a not 100% City by a long ways. (of course the Sissoko sub was flipping hilarious, but whatever) Sure Llorris made a few mistakes...but sorry that is the nature of the game. Capitalize on mistakes and they did. God knows we make too many to begin with.

Top to bottom we are not good enough...that is clear.

Believe it or not, we are now in a fight to see if we can remain in top 10.

I'm cutting them some slack as against even Manc's partially changed team, their quality in depth puts most clubs to shame, but then when you've spent nearly 1.5 billion on players, it shouldn't surprise anyone.

 

[Pompey Yid]

I can't, I'm utterly gutted at being proved right, I truely hate how it makes me feel about the club and and it's decision making - I only have one saving grace and that at the moment I'm not paying to watch it (well apart from media fees).

One of the guys I normally attended with swears he will not go the stadium (even if he could) again until Jose has gone. Today, right now, it's pretty much how I feel too.

Your last para Ex, could quite easily be the oppos of mine who go to every home game, they are so pissed off.

 

[Gary Onedaysoon]

I'm the same. Hidden between the recent results has been a much better passing game. Sometimes, a tipping point is achieved, things suddenly click and it does get you wondering whether we're closer to that than we think.

In the first half against City we found ourselves in some great attacking positions ahead of the midfielders and exposing their defence. A few times the ref let us down by not producing the cards and a few other times our lack of quality in the final ball showed. If he can start bringing a couple of key players to the foreground, then it will start to come together.

What will keep Jose his job is having top 4 form at the end of the season, regardless of the cup final.

Up to the point that he put Sissonono on, I agreed with his line up and felt we'd played reasonably well against an incredible team - but once he did that, I knew we were going to get negative and withdrawn and have our butt handed to us.

Honestly, you can ask 80, but at 2-0, I couldn't watch it anymore, told him and went and cooked my dinner lol!

Likewise, I was actually quite pleased with the way we played (if not with the score) in the first half. I thought we defended very well and reduced City to only one decent chance. When we recovered possession we tried to build through the midfield and it was lack of quality with the final ball that let us down. I was looking forward to the second half.

I came back just before the second half and my heart sank when I saw the camera focusing on Sissoko. And within a couple of minutes it was game over. I lost all interest after that. As did a few of the players, I think.

 

[Pompey Yid]

It has been mentioned a number of times about heart sinking when Titanic, sorry lead in his legs Sissoko, was sent on, me exactly the same, with "oh my god here we go further goals conceded! yep! within 2 mins".

 

[Critical_Spur]

I see some of today's posts are 'in the cold light of day' acknowledgement for the opponents. Which is valid, but I do not agree with accepting that our line-up and setup was good. I think the cliche' 'good on paper' would be more apt!

Following on from the Everton energetic - near front foot - style, the line-up did in deed, at least provide hope that the bus had been locked in the garage. However, I felt the performance of both Lamela and Moura made our intent futile. Their continual passing to opposition or losing the ball meant there was no link up with Son and Kane, both of whom remained isolated and easily marked out the game. Jose' should've seen Lamela+Moura show was poor and done something about it......sooner. I don't mean brought on Sissoko either!

Hardly any wonder, apart from Kane's free kick, our next shot at goal was from a moment of magic from the golfer!

 

[Spursex]

I see some of today's posts are 'in the cold light of day' acknowledgement for the opponents. Which is valid, but I do not agree with accepting that our line-up and setup was good. I think the cliche' 'good on paper' would be more apt!

Following on from the Everton energetic - near front foot - style, the line-up did in deed, at least provide hope that the bus had been locked in the garage. However, I felt the performance of both Lamela and Moura made our intent futile. Their continual passing to opposition or losing the ball meant there was no link up with Son and Kane, both of whom remained isolated and easily marked out the game. Jose' should've seen Lamela+Moura show was poor and done something about it......sooner. I don't mean brought on Sissoko either!

Hardly any wonder, apart from Kane's free kick, our next shot at goal was from a moment of magic from the golfer!

in fairness, I didn't mention Lamela as his performance was exactly as I expected it to be.

 

[USAFSPURS]

Critical..."Hardly any wonder, apart from Kane's free kick, our next shot at goal was from a moment of magic from the golfer! "

LOL those two shots were damn near 90 min apart. LOL

 

[muttley]

in fairness, I didn't mention Lamela as his performance was exactly as I expected it to be.

We also know that a massive part of Jose would have ripped Moura off that pitch after 30 mins. A year ago he wouldn't have had a single doubt in his mind. However, he also knows that he can't afford the spotlight it brings at this point in his tenure.