Liverpool 2 – 2 MAN CITY – MY THOUGHTS
27 Aug
Considering the performance, a largely laboured, lethargic and insipid display, this was an excellent point. It was a match where we were outplayed for lengthy periods and went behind twice but we showed enough character and togetherness to fight back. It was a point that typified the spirit of Champions.
The Blues may have been undeserving of taking a share of the spoils as this was a worryingly listless effort but whereas many sides, and indeed City of a couple of years back, would have been beaten, we managed to escape with a point. That was largely due to a pair of comical errors from Liverpool’s goalkeeper and defence but not every match can see us at our free-flowing, majestic best. There will be occasions where we are below-par and are forced to slug it out to avoid defeat: something we did, just about, yesterday.
Roberto Mancini opted to deploy a 3-4-1-2 formation, trialled successfully in pre-season, but unfortunately we didn’t benefit from the change in system. In an attacking sense, the idea is to release Aleks Kolarov and James Milner, arguably our two best crossers, into dangerous wide positions whilst having men in the box to hopefully turn the ball home. However, seeing as we struggled to control the midfield battle and even when we did, Yaya Touré and Nigel de Jong were so slow in moving the ball on, we couldn’t feed our two wide men with any regularity.
That meant, with both Kolarov and Milner pushed high up the pitch, we were vulnerable to the counter-attack and that wasn’t helped by the surprising inclusion of Kolo Touré. I presume he was selected ahead of Joleon Lescott for his extra pace and mobility but that was countered by the fact his defending was hesistant and indecisive. He struggled to cope with the movement of Liverpool’s attackers and seemed unsure in possession. It was an odd move to bring him into the side and not one I can see being repeated in the near future.
What I think yesterday told us was that if Mancini opts to use the 3-4-1-2 formation again, it may be best served against sides who sit deep against us, hoping to deny the likes of Silva and Nasri time or space in midfield. In that scenario, by stretching the play with two wide men, it not only allows us to penetrate from the wings but also drags opposition defenders away from the middle, thus creating more opportunities for the afore-mentioned attacking midfielders to weave their magic. Against sides who press high and attempt to attack us, we look susceptible at the back, especially without the protective shield of Gareth Barry, whose absence has been sorely felt so far this season.
Opposition View: Liverpool will feel aggrieved they were unable to secure all three points but they can take plenty of positives from this encounter. Their passing was, for the most part, excellent although it did lack penetration on occasions and Joe Hart wasn’t forced into making too many saves. Raheem Sterling, making his Premier League debut, looked livelyt and his ability to run with the ball at pace gave them an option we lacked, whilst Joe Allen kept play ticking over nicely and managed to control the tempo of the match, an achievement not to be overlooked when facing Yaya Touré. Another striker is perhaps needed if they are to score enough goals to challenge for a Champions League place but the foundation is there and under Rodgers, I’d expect them to continue to improve.
As for City, the next few days before the transfer window closes promise to be exciting as Mancini looks to strengthen the squad, whilst the Champions League draw takes place this week. And then it’s a home match with QPR and all the unforgettable memories that brings!
View From A Blue is delighted to offer an exclusive promotion for readers! Banc De Binary, the global leader in binary options trading, is offering a 100% sign-up bonus for us Blues. No fees, no commissions, and up to 500% profit in 1 trade. Start trading today or try a free $50,000 demo account. Claim your 100% sign-up bonus here!
Always interesting to read an unbiased view from an opposition fan. I thought Liverpool controlled large parts of the game and on the balance of play we should have won the game. However, we have played out that same game against Man United so many times down the years and now City are doing it, getting results when not at your best. I think you have enough to retain the title and I’m sure Mancini will be adding to the squad before Fridays deadline.
A very balanced and intelligent insight into the game.
mind you, I probably only think that because I agreed with everything your wrote
Alph
Damn! I really must remember to proof read
Alph
nice to see you have an unbiased opinion
man city WILL retain the title
it was an excellent game
from a lfc fan
Fort it made no sense starting mario and carlos if we wanted to put crosses into the box dzeko surely wud of been the smarter option due to his aeriel prowess although kolo wasn’t great I fear to think of wot the scoreline wud of been if someone as clumsy or slow as lescott was marking sterling shudnt have sent boyata out on loan as I think he wud have been a much better option especially in this formation yaya is so so ineffective 90% of the time and the only time he does anything is when he’s pushed up think we need at least 2 new players before friday maybe sinclair and one of either martinez or a shock bid for mvila
Hold your horses its early days, none of the top four will get a win at Anfield this season, so it was a good point. We were overrun for sure but at times we played convincingly. Liverpool were certainly the better side but i think people have been to quick to point the finger at Bolatelli, but i think this was one of his more measured performances. And yes we should have played Dzecko from the start if we are going to be giving crosses into the box.
great article unbiased i must say , i do think though for fans to say , mancini should of played this player instead of another is just hypothetical to me , man city have enough depth to field two teams that could push for a high league position and given this , i applaud liverpool for the way they took it man city , specially considering they are under a new manager and a new style of football , plus the fact they have a few new faces and are learning to play together , wheres is man city have played together ,it was a great game and i do think we got lucky and liverpool by the smallest of margins should of got the result for their efforts
Definitely one of the better articles I’ve read in a long time!
Why more articles are not biased I do not know!
On Man City:
They have a fantastic squad and really there will be times that fans will not understand why Mancini will choose certain players! I will say that they see each other on the training ground day in day out and see and feel what each player possess more than us!
On Liverpool:
I am very happy to see us playing football! It was great to see that we have the ability to make a team like Man City with the progress they have made been pushed back! I thought we were fantastic in many areas! Disappointed at the loss, but definitely happy and impressed with what I saw BR is doing!
Man City will win the title with a push from usual suspects Man U and also Chelsea!
For us… We just need to play good football and fight for 4-5 spot this year!
YNWA
Nice read.
YNWA.
1- The absence of a fit Barry with his neat passing and tidying up in the back was evident more than ever.
2- Every time Yaya toure has has been pushed to advanced position, we have had goals coming. I do not understand why Mancini starts him as DM. I would rather to have Rodwell started in that position instead of Yaya. Time and again, he seems not up to the DM position.
3- All teams would go through periods of down time. A top team manages to get results when they are not supposed to and that is what City did.
4-Kolo Toure is awful, we truly have issues at the back. Rayn Shawcross seems like a good option to me.
5- It was when Carlos did some neat wing play we started to create good chances and the lack of a “quality” winger is more evident than ever. And I am afraid to say a player of “Scott Sinclair” caliber, with all due respect to him, would not cut it.
6- Let’s hope we get that extra edge by this friday.