Pep "Happy"...

I thought that we were running out of steam in the second half - for example DeBryune looking very jaded. But they picked themselves up and raised their game.

Thought Willy had a good game - not used to seeing saves. Also we would have been in big trouble if Mane's wasn't so wasteful with his final balls.

In the end the problem - again - was our finishing.

Wonder how it would have gone if we'd played a RB and Fernandinho in centre mid from the start. Yaya was letting too much get past him.

Toure and Coutinho coming off changed the game. We were all over City in midfield in the second half with Toure strolling about. Good sub from Pep which changed the game and allowed Silva and De Bruyne to be much more effective.

Not sure why Coutinho came off as I thought he was running the show but he hasn't been the same since coming back from injury (and I don't think he's completed 90 mins since) so maybe it was precautionary or fitness-related.

A good point for both sides given the way the game went - I would've taken it if offered before KO.

I think part of Pep's problem is that he has a Barcelona mindset without - at the moment anyway - having a Barcelona squad. You can press high when you have the likes of Biscuits or Dani Alves backing it up. Kolarov and Fernando not so much.

I still think he issue is more at the front that he back in that, in terms of pressing at the right time. That and the fullbacks, which is the biggest fundamental issue we have.

comment by meltonblue (U10617)
posted 27 minutes ago
I still think he issue is more at the front that he back in that, in terms of pressing at the right time. That and the fullbacks, which is the biggest fundamental issue we have.
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I think we're close to being sorted in attack, but I think it must affect even the attacking players knowing that if they lose posession we are so vulnerable to a counter. Couldn't agree more about the FBs. Was watching Clyne enviously yesterday.

Attack I think we are nearly there too (need Hesus back really!).

It's more from a defence perspective that it needs to start from the attack and the midfield and I don't think we are there with that yet.

Sagna is fekin hopeless, I assume Zab is injured.

It was absolutely the right change to bring him on yesterday due to the impact it had in terms of Fernandinho moving (and De Bruyne, Sterling and Aguero).

His passing was shocking though, it wasn't even difficult passes.

Not really sure what Pep has said wrong. We could have won but for a string of missed sitters (as could Liverpool), but after the deflating result midweek it's hardly going to do the players any good to pick holes in the performance... I think they call it... Coaching?!

We could have won but for a string of missed sitters (as could Liverpool),
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^ this

It does make you wonder how each club would be fairing with a top (in form) striker for each. I honestly think us and you have the best attacking play in the league but NEVER convert enough of them.