Hey, folks, I hope you enjoyed our first win of season!
As I expected the game was not easy and was decided only closer to the end of the second half. The whole game looked like a continuation of the previous season with a little more energy in the tank, including the performance of individual players. The front five were constantly pushing forward and consequently Havertz and Saka (as the most active ones) were rewarded with their name on the scoresheet. The other one who also deserved the attacking glory was Declan Rice – his movement in the box is quite exciting when he doesn’t have to cover the pitch defensible that much.
But in the end – result is very good for starting (or keeping) the winning momentum.
My other observations:
- Saliba looked very much out of concentration whole game and as a culmination provided Cunha with a superb assist on the 67th minute. In general, I understand that players can’t be concentrated every minute of the pitch, but I believe that to achieve greatness all the players should be able to press a bit on the break pedal after we are two goals up. There were a couple of games last season where the random goals costed us so valuable points.
- In contrast, Raya was on his toes the whole time and frankly was the reason we kept staying in front.
- I liked the fact that Martinelli was kept together with Trossard, he needs to find his confidence and it’s a good progression step towards having more rotation in the squad and sparing crucial players. The only thing that I don’t understand is why one 3 subs were used – Calafiori and Nwaneri could surely get a run for 5-10 minutes to get a feel of a PL game.
- I also didn’t enjoy that in the second half being only 1 up at home the team backed up to their own goal. I don’t like Man City as a club, but this team terrorises the opponent’s defence until they are three goals up and the game is over and I’d like to have this ruthlessness in our team as well, especially at home. It would help save the mental energy of players and not be exhausted especially when playing 3 times a week.
- Trossard came out not very happy, as he probably expected to start. On the other hand, Jesus appeared to prove he deserves the spot in starting line-up.
Now let’s concentrate on our pay back for last year in Birmingham!