LWWLLWWL. There's a definite pattern there. I need to stop predicting draws.
Here are my ratings:
Schmeichel: 6 - Occasional odd bits of distribution from the back, much like the rest of the defence in front of him.
Amartey: 6 - Continues to be not bad, although needs to learn about clearing a high ball first time and not letting it bounce.
Morgan: 3 - Struggled with Richardson all day. Probably should have been hooked after bundling him into the hoardings when already on a yellow card and receiving a final warning from Marriner, but then Puel might have expected his experienced captain to play it more conservatively anyway. Time for Evans to cement a place.
Maguire: 6 - Teammates don't seem to respond to his charging runs forward, making them briefly entertaining but pointless. Not bad at the back but a few loose passes.
Chilwell: 6 - Let himself get wound up as the match went into its latter stages. Understandable on occasion for a youngster and something to learn from.
Ricardo: 7 - Backed himself on his left foot, opening up the space to score. Other than that, a generally good game on the right and more defensively tuned-in today. My choice for our MOTM in a game where nobody really stood out.
Ndidi: 7 - Energetic and full of tackles, also eager to get forward more at times, which was interesting to see.
Mendy: 7 - Very good at the start of the game, getting involved, reading the play well and making interceptions. Drifted out of the game later on and probably should have been hooked for a more attacking option at 2-1 down.
Maddison: 7 - Notable by his absence after being subbed. Always willing to get his foot on the ball and look up, and becoming more adept at it with games played. Coming on.
Iheanacho: 6 - Back to his erratic norm. Sometimes completely left the ball behind, other times involved in play such as the nice one-two in the build up to the goal. Always looks a team player though, which I like.
Vardy: 6 - Got in some good positions but just didn't have his shooting boots on today for some reason.
Albrighton: 5 - Failed to influence the match, although the damage had obviously been done before he came on.
Ghezzal: 4 - Had to wrack my brain to remember he even came on. Did he touch the ball?
Okazaki: 5 - Occasionally seen chasing lost causes manfully.
I think it's fair to say that we didn't play badly today, it was just that Everton were better. I get the impression from their results that Everton are inconsistent; this felt very much like an "on" day. As soon as Morgan got a red, the tactics we were having success with in the second half went out the window. The high press stopped, we sat back and Sigurdsson had a couple of sighters before hitting a cracker. You can't let someone of his quality and reputation hit so many shots from range and expect not to get punished.
Until the red card, it was an entertaining, hard fought and pretty even game. Everton were the better team in the first half, we were on top in the second, then Morgan kicked an opponent one too many times and Marriner decided he'd had enough. It'll be interesting to see whether this is the end of Morgan as a starter, but given this is the second time this has happened this season, I would hope that Puel is now assessing the situation for someone who is ultimately not vital to the team.
Player ratings vs. Everton
posted on 7/10/18
The fact we have signed 3 centre backs and none of them can dislodge Morgan from the team is worrying. I will not be surprised to see him come back in aftet his 2 game ban
Saving grace is at least he's banned for Arsenal.
posted on 7/10/18
I would rather the manager stood up for his player than blame him for the team’s loss, even if (in this case), he largely was. Deal with the situation behind the scenes but don’t go all Mourinho on him.
posted on 7/10/18
Not saying he should Dunge, especially as I blame Puel far more than Morgan anyway but I find it strange that Puel is arguing both sendings off were wrong and I think this shows Morgan is far from finished under Puel.
I’m sure it will soon be claimed that Morgan only plays so that the players don’t revolt against Puel again.
posted on 7/10/18
At least Mahrez has brightened today.
posted on 7/10/18
I was listening to the Liverpool v Man City game and thinking penalty, a chance for Liverpool's first loss in the league. Then WTF, Mahrez to take it, what are they playing at? Not surprised when he ballooned it over the bar, never the most convincing penalty taker for us.
posted on 7/10/18
Mahrez Thanks for the £60m
posted on 7/10/18
When will Mahrez learn he can’t take penalties?
posted on 7/10/18
Always wants to be the hero
Back to the bench till Christmas ?
posted on 7/10/18
Surprised he started today, even more surprised hr was taking the pen with David Silva and Sane to name a few still on the field. He's a dreadful penalty taker.
posted on 8/10/18
Not a totally dreadful human being though...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-asia-45770519/indonesia-man-city-footballer-riyad-mahrez-s-message-to-survivor