Read on Twitter
Manchester City. A thread.
Manchester City seem to be struggling at the moment and it's time to see where they're failing.
City are definitely not failing in defense. They've conceded only 12goals this season and there's only one team with a better record and that's a Mourinho team so it's a given.
City are definitely lacking in midfield. Rodri is not Fernandinho. Fernandinho passes with a lot more risk while Rodri tends to take care of the ball. Rodri also isn't as fast and does not possess Fernandinho's passion for tactical fouling.
Rodri leaves City a slight bit more vulnerable in defense but that's not his problem. The role he plays in the midfield is one very important role which he plays well. The most effective way to counter this is to improve City's full back quality which City have already done.
Rodri has tended to make mistakes at times but it's clear that when he's settled in and he's not asked to do things that are not part of his game he'll be okay. What I'm saying is contrary to most City fans' thoughts Rodri is not the problem.
The biggest problem with City's midfield is the absence of David Silva. David Silva tended to have an ability of taking care of the ball. He was also a sure passer.Rather than take very big risks he would pass when there's a high completion rate.Essentially he would dictate play.
Gundogan can play that role but he tends to play deeper which leaves De Bruyne isolated. Turns City's front 5 into a front 4 and creates a double pivot. Those of you who have read my various threads know the weaknesses of a double pivot (in my opinion).
Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden and even Tommy Doyle can play this role but Pep doesn't seem to trust them coupled with the fact that Foden and Silva don't dictate play as much. They could sign Houssem Aouar but that's unlikely considering the competition.
City also lack clinicality. Aguero hasn't been fit. There's been multiple times where they've had an excess of 20shots without scoring and they have more than a dozen goals fewer at this stage of the season compared to last.David's absence means they create lower quality chances.
Aguero's absence means they don't have someone to turn those chances into goals. Coupled with the poor goalscoring form of their attackers.
But in my opinion City's biggest problem is that Pep Guardiola is in poor form.
Multiple times this season where City needed a certain lineup that Pep would pick 9 times out of ten then he doesn't pick it. Not making substitutions at all and making the wrongs ones as if he's Ole.
Multiple times this season where City needed a certain lineup that Pep would pick 9 times out of ten then he doesn't pick it. Not making substitutions at all and making the wrongs ones as if he's Ole.
Playing proper wingers then getting width from the full backs for no reason. Wanting width from the full backs and then playing Cancelo on the left and Walker on the right when Cancelo attacks better on the right and Mendy,Zinchenko and Ake are all fit.
There's obvious solutions Pep isn't taking. Training Bernardo Silva,Foden and even Bernabe and Doyle to play the David Silva role. Taking the chance on Delap and Braaf and even Palmer. Once Pep gets his mojo back City will get back to their level. It's more than just players.
As always if you liked the thread please like, retweet and drop a follow for more.
