We started brightly for the first 15 or 20 minutes, getting in behind them a couple of times without any end product. However we did struggle to cope with their high press, especially Jones, and also De Gea, who had few options. As such we kept giving City the ball back and they eventually dominated the first half for the last 30 minutes. I couldn't understand why we were allowing their midfielders to have so much space and eventually Bernardo was left with bags of time to score with a shot, as if it were in the pre-match warm up and not the game proper. A lack of tracking of midfield runners was very apparent and more horrendous errors ensued. Before you knew it we were 3-0 down and it could have been worse.
After a booing off from some fans at half time, the switch to Matic, with his physical presence, game intelligence and composure changed it for us and we competed much better second half. His lack of pace didn't seem to matter so much in this game.
Issues for me were:
-The forwards who all seemed to want to play through the middle. There was a stark contrast with City. For example Stirling was prepared to go well out wide and therefore stretch our defenders to open up the gaps.
-Little movement in the team, especially from the front three. We failed to stretch their defence.
-No leaders on the pitch; and a lack of midfield protection for our defenders
-No tracking midfield runners and letting them get shots off too easily
-Some poor decision making. The fans had better ideas in some cases
-Jones and his frequent 'heart in the mouth' moments. He seems to lack motor coordination, coming out of "challenges" not knowing where the ball is etc.
Positives:
-Brandon Williams supported a lot of our attacking play and defended well
-Lindeloff looked very composed and put in some good blocks and tackles
-Despite the scoreline, the fans outclassed the City corner. If they were a three goals down you wouldn't have heard a peep