“We need to smarten up”.
The post-match summary from Cameron Jerome who, prior that line, had eloquently described how City have managed to get themselves ‘in’ every game this season without getting their due rewards.
And that, in a nutshell, is it.
Yet, while many of us – with good reason – were fearing the worst from our latest trip to the diamond-encrusted Etihad, Alex Neil again proved what a quick learner he is. His plan to go three at the back and deploy Martin Olsson and Robbie Brady as wing-backs took us within a whisker of an unexpected point and served as a timely reminder that we are not far from being a capable Premier League outfit.
Alas, the continuation of our defensive woes was sufficient to ensure we suffered our fourth defeat on the bounce and we are now hovering ever closer to the dreaded danger zone. There is no denying it is starting to get just a little bit uncomfortable.
For all the positives – and there have been many in the last two performances – the negatives continue hinder any hope of progression. And yesterday was a classic example, with 95 minutes of good being ruined by just two minutes of bad.
The ‘villains’ on this occasion were Ryan Bennett and John Ruddy but the errors occur so regularly the problem is a wider one; the prospect of a clean sheet little more than a pipe dream right now.
It was tough on Bennett though, given that his arrival has had a positive influence on the centre of defence, but to permit Nicolas Otamendi the freedom to powerfully head home unopposed was certainly not what Dr Neil had ordered. Yes, the delivery from Kevin De Bruyne was magnificent and, yes , it was an equally brilliant header but to give him a complete freebie minus even a nudge was asking for trouble.
And the Ruddy rick was even uglier – a calamity from start to finish. Again it was a shame because the big man had enjoyed a good afternoon until that moment and had looked back to his assured self but cock-ups of that order only end one way in the Premier League.
That Russ Martin subsequently saw red and Yaya Toure scored the pen to win the game for Man City made it a triple-whammy. All the good work undone in a flash.
Neil felt sorry for his players who had, for the most part, implemented the game-plan to perfection but, in truth, it was the manager who had my sympathy.
The fields of Colney last week were clearly abuzz with talk of a 3-4-3 and 3-6-1 and it almost proved a master-stroke. Even the oddity of seeing Brady – a more left-footed player you are unlikely to see – taking up the berth of right-sided wing-back worked.
Clearly the emphasis was on crowding out the Man City midfield and not allowing gaps to appear between our own back three but the trick was to still have a positive mind-set and spring on the break when the time was right. And it worked, with Matt Jarvis being desperately unlucky not to put the Canaries ahead in the first half; his rising shot being superbly saved by Joe Hart.
It was Hughtonism but with a positive twist. And, but for said errors, it would have been a master-class in game management, which is why it is hard not to feel for Team Neil. The best tactical plan in the world only works if the players implement it to the letter and avoid the catastrophes. They didn’t.
Yet there is no denying there has been plenty of good to emerge from City’s mini-tour of the north-west and it is also worth recalling what occurred two seasons ago when they embarked on a similar tour. Then a 4-0 League Cup defeat at Old Trafford was followed by that 7-0 humiliation at the Etihad.
So, in the spirit of straw-clutching, that is progress isn’t it?
And crucially we finally have a fit – or at least nearly fit – Youssouf Mulumbu at our disposal, which has already proved to be a massive plus. Also, despite suffering a wobble against West Brom last Saturday, there appears to be no lack of belief and desire in the players. Another critical plus factor.
Two years ago the white flags were out as Silva, Aguero and co ran riot but there were no white flags yesterday. All I saw was puffed out-chests and a pride in wearing the shirt. And it is those qualities, more than any others, that will set this season apart from our last ill-fated foray in this league.
City’s current inability to defend is such it is impossible emphatically predict we *will* be safe, and it is clear that 17th place will be a triumph, but what did emphatically emerge from the wreckage of the Etihad is that we will be giving it a right good go – and just now that’s good enough for me.
A great assessment of yesterday. I’ve been saying for a while that I have a feeling the return of Mulumbu could be key – I think he really strengthens the core of the side and that (prior to some shopping in January) this could make a big difference to our defensive problems.
As for the back 4/5 and Ruddy, I think confidence is key. At the run they are on at the moment, confidence levels are low and then the mistakes come (both individually and as a collective unit not confident in one another). If they could manage a clean sheet and good performance against Swansea, that would be a very good start.
An excellent post Gary.
On this occasion, rather than being with the yellow hordes, I was a guest high up with the home fans. Every save applauded, whilst those around me applauded the shot, and every rendition of “come on city” proudly joined in. But from a serious angle, it was interesting to hear the thoughts of the Man City fans, who whilst frustrated with their own team, particularly Bony, also had a degree of, begrudging, respect, for the way Norwich had set themselves up. Tactically Neil got it spot on, but as you say, he cannot count for mistakes.
I felt so sorry for the players, all of whom worked their socks off. Ruddy made the mistake, but he had also had a great game until that moment.
It was a defeat, but a proud one.
Excellent piece Gary. I’m sure most would like to see Rudd getting the nod for next week and Bennett despite his error.
A lot of battling positives to take from the game. Each defeat shapes character of players who have to learn the lessons and move on. Let’s not forget how bleak it looked for Leicester at the same stage of last season.
As fans we just have to move on. It’s not our job to pick the team and buy the players. It’s our job to support our club through thick and thin. It will get thick again soon.
The saving grace is that the team have actually been playing well for long periods of games – so much of what is being done is excellent. The problem is we are just that little bit short attacking wise, just not sharp enough perhaps not able to turn our periods of dominance into goals, at the back the team are afflicted with ‘pathological set piece fuckwittery’
I hope we can find a way to churn out a few wins, things can turn very quickly. At it stands we are looking shakey but I think it won’t take a massive leap to start winning a few. That and a few new players obviously!
Well I hope we do have good support next week. It’s true, up to a point, that the players have to give the fans something to shout about, but Carrow Road was very quiet vs. West Brom. Even worse was the ridicule of our defenders from the Lower Barclay – “How **** must you be, you’ve only scored one”. How does that help anyone? Only months ago these players were our Wembley heroes. Get a grip.
I wouldn’t be surprised this week if AN calls for the fans to get behind the team more. We can take a lot of positives from Saturday. Mistakes will happen, and there will exaggerated consequences for lesser teams, but we have to accept them and stick together. We can’t afford to have too many ‘fair-weather’ fans.
Interesting that we are all bemoaning mistakes that cost us a point when, before the game, most would have taken ‘non – humiliation’ as a positive outcome!
PLP (6), have you never heard of gallows humour? It’s one of the things that makes going to watch matches enjoyable. Just be glad the fans in the lower Barclay are singing. Everywhere else is depressingly quiet.
Ben K – ‘gallows humour’ is fine if we’re 3 or 4 down to a top six side but surely not 1-0 to the likes of a West Brom?! No noise is better than booing or concerted sarky comments.
Point taken Ben K, the game wasn’t much fun, sometimes you have to make your own entertainment. But if it’s a choice between silence or further denting the already fragile confidence of our players I know which one I prefer.
I hope we can be more positive this Saturday, and I’d like us to get behind big JR especially. He’s been a great servant of this club. Let’s show him the loyalty he deserves.