It's depressing we lost by such a margin. I saw some very worrying things, but I also saw many positives.
First of all, we didn't deserve to be 3-0 down by the time Lambert came on. We were the much better team in the first half. We looked sharper, our passing was slicker and we had superior posession. That is very impressive against the best team in the league dominated by top class players. I can't see any other team in the league who can do that at the Etihad. There are of course arguments about what is needed to win, and Mourinho's tactics are effective without posession, but I was impressed in the first half.
Lovren is a beast, Sterling rang rings around them and Sturridge looks very sharp. Moreno also looks like he can give us something we have truly missed since Riise left, proper pace, attacking and getting balls in from left back. Whoever said Hendo went missing was watching a different game.
Now come the worrying part. We've been undone by an individual error again. Every team has those days but we seem to have too many of them. Not sure if it's lack of concentration or organisation, but we are prone to basic mistakes too often.
Also, once we conceded, we looked like we could concede again very easily. This happened against palace last season and we fell apart. We have to learn to keep our concentration during set backs. When we go behind, we will naturally try to get back in the game but it leaves us vulnerable to counter attacks, so we have to learn to keep the ball better and be more patient when we're down.
Secondly, Sturridge looked really isolated up front. He did well last season when Suarez was banned, but we seemed to be just getting through games. I want to see more options up front.
I think Lovren's signing is inspired in many ways. He looked like he was giving out to people around him and having a go at his players. We've missed someone like that at the back who can kick people up the backside, and hopefully it will cut down on individual mistakes. Stevie's a great captain but more an arms round the shoulder guy. Lovren's vocal and we need it.
Balo also has to start (so long as he's behaving) and give Sturridge a partner. We looked more threatening with two up front against S'ton and City when Lambert came on and that's what I'd like to see.
We also need to get Can up to speed with prem quickly. Allen was great but against phjysical teams, he gets bullied. Can is a bit rough but we'll need his physical presence. Johnson needs to fo. Can't wait till Flanno is fit again.
Overall, I was disappointed with the manner of the loss because I think we're so much better a team than that. But I do not think it's as bad as the scoreline or some people suggest here. A few tweaks and a little more time for the new comers (by the end, we had 4 newcomers on the pitch) to work together, we will see a different side in my opinion. Glad we got it out the way and I'm genuinely positive about the rest of the season.
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