Ike O'Noclassed
Well-Known Member
I've been trying to get my head around the game, around what I saw. I mean, I thought I had few expectations (or at least lessened them) because of the layoff. I've not watched any of the other post ...So, in short, last night baffles the f*** out of me. European place on the table, points to be won/lost but seemingly no concern for any of that. Does match practice really make that much difference? Is it lost quickly? Does a crowd really gee up the players that much. What I saw resembled more a training ground exercise than a competitive game.
In general don't think anyone much wanted to come back to finish the season. I still think that there are players who just can't perform in a competitive game without a crowd. No excuse for players who switched off back in March being unable or unwilling to switch back on in June. Of the few players who have caught the eye so far, young players seeking to make their mark with speed to burn (Sarr for Watford, Lamptey last night) seem a better bet - something you'd have thought City have plenty of.
In the dark days of Shakey and Puel, we seemed especially short of on-field leaders (outfield ones at least). Not sure who's during the geeing up and shouting at the moment, certainly not apparent listening in to the silent stadium last night.
But we have two more points, conceded one fairly flukey goal in 180 minutes, against two teams who, for anyone who thought would be pushovers, are in the same place City were five short years ago. Up to the manager then to sort out the motivation and work out who should be playing and who, including the untouchables, really shouldn't.