mancityblues.com

In the first game of the season against Spurs, and with the exception of Kolarov (who at least managed to catch Lennon once or twice), we were no better than we were in the last match of last season. We gave Bale far too much room (down to the defensive midfield, that one!). The difference between the two games in fact was Joe Hart. He was given a chance and, quite literally, grabbed it with both hands.

I think the Liverpool game was a step in the right direction. Our defensive midfield redeemed themselves against Liverpool. We are more balanced with Milner on the left and an effective Adam Johnson on the right in place of SWP who was poor at Spurs, it must be said.
Our possession in the first two thirds of the pitch was a highlight of the performance in my opinion. I dont believe Mancini has got it right yet in the final third.

Initially I thought it was the system Mancini employed that was the problem. It is very similar to the one Roma used under Spalletti; very attacking and producing game after game a lot more than than the three efforts on goal that we produced on Monday. The Roma formation was 4231 - the "three" behind the striker in Italy are known as "trequasta" and play behind the sole striker. To make the system work in an attacking sense you need to commit the trequastas to get beyond the lone striker. Perhaps we'll see that improve as the season progresses.

One more thing, if that was our second string against Timisoara, I'd say we have a lot to look forward to this season. I hope Shay hangs in there - we'll need him when the domestic cups kick in. Plus, we'll need everyone we've got to carry the silverware!
~Mankyblue~