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Yeah, it was probably one of his best games for us. Hopefully we see more of this.
He is, but even Zidane fumbled sometimes. The main error in that situation was his indecision, which then led to the biproduct, the fumbling (which is normal and happens all the time with forwards/midfielders etc - it just isn't as risky when they do it). He should've passed it/booted it earlier as last defender under pressure. But not even CBs in the EPL are perfect, I guess.
This. Made one major error which lucky AWB bailed him out. Other than that, he was solid!
To be fair I wouldn't really worry about him in games like this... Its against the physical sides that his defiance become more of an issue.
he owes AWB a drink.Look how well he's read that. Shows how much attention defenders need. Too often we switch off. That was top class
In second half it looked like a strategy from City to put pressure and push the ball to AWB who often lost possession. In first half they were much better, and they played their way out of the the pressure easily. Lindelof was moving some steps forward with the ball, passing to McT who passes on to the attacker. It was not advanced and looked very easy. Probably they shut down McT in second half.
This. He and Maguire are both very good on the ball and try to pass it rather than go for long ball but problem is that we lack player like Brozovic or Busquets on dmc position. Player who will come for that ball and quickly pass it to another player. McT and Fred are not that kind of players plus we are playing with no10 which means that we are one player short when we start attack from behind. Pogba on free role is solution for that. He can be no10 on paper but he will come for the ball and give one more option to our central defenders.
Yes, part of City’s problems in the first half, began with Lindelöf/Maguire very quickly playing up Fred, McTominay or James, who in turn very very quick in transitioning to find Martial or Rashford (who in turn were often brilliant from there on). After City applied more pressure on those four/five, we struggled getting the ball out of defence quick enough, which led to some ball losses in dangerous areas. Not too many, though, compared to what you’ll often get from a high pressing City team.
That’s the way I saw it as well. A bold move by City to apply even more pressure but I guess they needed to take a chance. Lindelof had one, AWB maybe 2 and the midfielders a few lost possession, but overall they stood up very well. In first half I was very impressed with the way they played through the pressing. It looked like Lindelof, AWB and McT have had some special training in this, because they played their way out in the exact way several times.
Yes, and particularly a few examples of one touch play out of defence on that side
According to WhoScored he is the only player out 68 defenders with 10 or more matches that have not yet been dribbled past. This according to their definition: "Being dribbled past by an opponent without winning a tackle." which is a bit fuzzy imo. However I can't remember him being dribbled this season.
Outstanding block, and I just love his reaction. It's as though he's scored the winner.
Why? Thought he was good in defense and had some superb passes in the first half that resulted in chances.
