PBP: EPL - Manchester City FC vs Manchester United FC - Apr 27, 2017 [R]

What did you expect him to do in such a system today? Not enough support from 3 midfielders and a lot of long balls from from the deep.

 

I expect him to not be awful every match.

 

He also lost the ball in possession EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. He couldn't carry the ball for shit.

 

No question about it.

Jose had no choice but to settle for a point and a point in this situation is actually a good result for us. We definitely need a proven striker. We'll talk about who later but young Marcus just won't be ready to carry the load on his back next season.

 

Not every single time, but I'm not going to defend him. Personally, I want to see him win EL and move on to a team that plays to his style. Nothing against you guys, of course.

 

********

 

We should be talking about upgrading this position, by either a rw or dynamic 10

 

Get James maybe, he is still young. Maybe Willian too. And a forward. Say about 150 mil total.

 

Jose saying in his post game interview he's going to check on Aguero after Fellaini's vicious headbutt....

 

Yes to either, but only if the options ahead of them are not available. Neither are nowhere near the top of the wish list, as either is far from ideal for the right sided spot in a front 3. The chances for Sanchez are minimal, but he'd be first choice. Carrasco from Atleti would be my second. Barring those 2, Costa would be a player we must go after. Reus would be 1 or 1a, if it weren't for his ankles.

 

Still can't believe we let Schneiderlin go but kept Fellaini. Im going to puke

 

Mentality, brother.

 

Neither

 

City dominated that game. We were very fortunate to escape with a point. IT's too bad about TFM we are now truly ********ed.

 

Willock, being a CM is the obvious choice, but it's not like it matters anyway if Jose is hardly going to play them. He could also play Tuanzebe in a holding role, if needed.
Let's hope he does starting this Sunday vs Swansea. If he doesn't there, hard to think he'll do it in the EL or in upcoming league games vs Spurs or Arsenal...

 

Fortunate perhaps, but we planned on getting a point and no more.

I don't know if losing Fosu-Mensah we are "now" truly effed, but we really can't afford any more injuries and suspensions.

The loss of Fellaini "in disgrace" as The Sun sensationally put it, is much more significant. He's out for three games without a doubt and possibly more for failing to leave the pitch properly. I've never been a fan of Fellaini but when he keeps his elbows and head in check he's done a job for us and losing for the next 3, possibly 4, league matches is going to be a problem.

But let's not lose focus: the matches we really need to win are in the Europa League. And Fellaini, love him or hate him, will be eligible to play in those games. Win the next three and only three in EL play and we're in the CL next season.

Win the next three in the EPL and it's still have to win the remaining two league games to have a shot at fourth place -- although beating Arsenal and Spurs in two of those three leagues would be a massive lift.

 

Had called for the above from Blind and even though he got burned a couple of times, he delivered and ended up with a surprisingly solid performance. Have to give him his due, when he was a potential worry going into the game.

 

C'mon now. Fellaini should know better.

Your bad.

It would be nice if it was Gribbin time.

 

He's an attacking/box to box type CM, who has got potential. He's been a regular with the U23 this season and he's scored some goals. If push came to shove, he probably could play vs Swansea, but until you see them at that level, who knows? He could definitely step in for Pogs on some level. If it was me, I'd try him for that game, start him and see how he handles it.

 

Gribbin is an attacking mid/Winger. He won't play. Was just hoping

 

Angel Gomes vs Swansea Highlight video - needed

 

Jose set-up for a draw, he got a draw.

It is not as bad a result as some of you lot are making it out to be.

How the Manchester derby will affect the top-4 race. Might be tough, but Liverpool fans should root against United. (via @FiveThirtyEight) pic.twitter.com/TZZwpaz5Yb

— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) April 27, 2017

Essentially, our chances of finishing in the top 4 remained unchanged with a draw.

What Jose is trying to do is to keep us in the race for top 4 going into the game at Spurs.

All the models expect us to drop points at Spurs which is fair. That said, there is a very decent chance that Spurs are out of the title race by the time we play them and go on vacation mode like they did last season.

The point today is vital to be able to go to Spurs with still a clear path to finishing in the top 4.