Most of us still have ptsd as blues meaning nothing is taken for granted, and nothing is a given, I have however got a good mate who supports Arsenal and speaking before the game I did say it could be a bad time to play us after the shambles in the derby a week ago. And in the end it was the kind of first half Guardiola demands, to bounce back after such a lacklustre performance.
A couple of things worth noting though - I like many have been saying for weeks how we’ve missed Fernandinho in DM so badly, he drives us on and really gets us going from deep. Seeing him do so for the first goal was an argument for him remaining in his natural position, and using a combination of Stones and Otamendi at CB imo (albeit Stones, a subject for another conversation another day is in and out of injury at the moment)
Gabriel Jesus, jury still out on this one for me if I’m being honest. I actually thought he looked more natural taking it wider and picking out a ball across the box yesterday than he does going down the middle and trying to hit the net. Given Aguero may not even play this month, and when he does return it usually takes him a few games to get up to speed I’m hoping to have a better idea of where I stand on Jesus in that time, although I’m not actually sure I will - bit of a funny player for us so far!
Some deserved silverware for Silva in his final season is still a possibility, especially if Kevin De Bruyne stays fit. A big ask given the problems he’s had since joining us, but when he’s on it like he was yesterday he’s on another planet. Key players will be returning for the latter stages of the FA Cup and of course our last 16 matches against Real Madrid (was their any point winning that group as Atalanta draw Valencia 😂) Timing wise it could work out perfectly in the new year to turn what has been an admittedly underwhelming season so far into something more special, giving David Silva the send off he deserves - still plenty of football left to play ✌️
Musings
posted on 16/12/19
Arsenal were clueless, I was more impressed with the way we dealt with Dinamo as it was a must win game for them.
KdB is an animal when he’s on his game like yesterday
posted on 16/12/19
Agree about Fernandinho, his positioning is what you are lacking in midfield hence why teams find it easier to find pockets of space when they hit you on the break.
Rodri is still learning this and Gundagon has never been that good in that position. It actually shows how impressive that 14 game winning run at the end of last season was considering most of it was with Gundagon in midfield in place of Fernandinho.
The team is essentially in transition and even players like KDB still need to get better. Your best player under Pep has been David Silva and it’s his absence or lack of form that has you struggling. Not the absence of Kompany or Laporte.
The team may need to find another way to play and having KDB closer to the opposition goal is a nice way to start. Your fullbacks improving is another thing but Walker has been impressive this season, just Mendy who needs to get his game sorted. So clumsy in possession but his physical attributes are useful for a defence short in stature.
You mention Sergio but I also think he is another that you have to start preparing for life after. Jesus is still a good player at his age. Just needs to learn the role. He will be deadly in 2 years time.
Please spank Leicester as we have had enough of this Rodgers and Vardy love in