Sporting Lisbon 1 – 0 MAN CITY – MY THOUGHTS
9 Mar
A performance lacking in intent, desire and passion made this a thoroughly deflating evening in Portugal. A defeat is never easy to take, but when it comes about following such an insipid display, it makes it all the more disappointing. Not that we should, however, be feeling overly negative. A one goal deficit away from home in a European tie is not the worst result and knowing by how much we can improve should fill us with confidence for the return leg.
That said, there is no avoiding the fact this was one of our poorest showings all season. Throughout the game, the tempo was laboured, the passing lacked incisiveness and we seemed totally bereft of ideas in attack. Sporting, to give them credit, played as well as they have done this year, working hard to deny us space and proving more than capable on the ball.
In midfield, without the imposing presence of Yaya Touré, we struggled to both win the ball and then keep hold of it. Nigel De Jong and Gareth Barry are both excellent at what they do, but when partnered together, are too one-dimensional to cause problems. David Pizarro, with his superb retention of possession and his extra creativity, could have been an option but until the late introduction of Mario Balotelli, we were predictable, lethargic and lacking in drive.
The Italian changed all that. As if so often the case, he made an immediate impression from the bench, showing desire to get into the box and nearly providing David Silva with an opportunity. Balotelli was comfortable with the ball at his feet, powerful in his breaks forward and came so close to scoring an equaliser with a header that struck the crossbar. His presence added a much-needed impetus to our play but it was too late and we head to the Etihad Stadium next Thursday needing to win to have any chance of progressing.
That is still very much a possibility, such is our tremendous home form and ability to score goals, so optisim should still remain. Sporting will surely come to Manchester content to hold onto their lead, sit back and hope to soak up plenty of Blue pressure. We have more than enough quality to break them down and few would bet against us advancing.
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