So it’s not been another day of Wembley glory.
City were the better team overall, and we just lacked the capacity to handle their intensity in the second half.
On Sky Sports, Martin Tyler said that “we never got going”, and it was true.
We just were not able to raise our game properly, and looked tepid in attack.
The first half was pretty even, although my view is naturally biased. City and us didn’t have many clear opportunities, and both teams looked to put their foot in.
However, bad defending (no surprise…..) cost us, leading to Mustafi backing off Aguero. Mustafi complained of a foul, but this didn’t really materialise, and Kun chipped over Ospina.
We had some chances, with Ozil, Wilshere, and PEA having shots, but nothing more than that.
The second half overall was different, with City doing as the lilywhite scummers at the very same ground. They turned up the intensity, and were able to have numerous chances, two of which they converted.
Kompany poked in from close range, and Silva got in a low drive past Ospina.
City were not at their best, that’s for sure.
But for us, we were not good, and really didn’t turn up.
Impressions/player ratings
Today was just an example of the issues we’re exhibited for many years now.
We had the formation right. We switched to a back three, and Monreal went off due to an injury as left-wing back.
However, as always, our attitude was limp, lethargic, and tepid.
The first goal was down to bad positioning. Mustafi allowed Kun Aguero too much space, and we were punished for it.
We were bossed around, and just were not as strong mentally or physically.
It was a disappointing performance, and is another instance of how we seriously need to ramp up our mentality. As I believe this was the key here. City were not at their best, but that was more than enough to beat us.
I see us like how Liverpool was towards the end of Benitez, for large parts under Dalglish and Rodgers. We have some very good players, just as they did at that time, but were not well-coached.
We just need to accept that we’re not a force anymore.
Yes, we have a lot of plusses. A big and still well-equipped stadium, a global brand and fanbase, the sixth-highest turnover in the world, world-class training facilities, and top players.
But despite the “catalyst for change” and the appointments of Mislintat and Sanhelli, we’re lacking fight, drive, and the proper coaching and defensive structure. Our overall structure is very poor.
We can get “vengeance” at home to them in the league, but then we’re in a state on the pitch, and don’t warrant being considered on City’s level.
The positives are that there is the Europa League to focus on, but then we need to up it very greatly if we’re to win that.
We were second best today, but then we have a lot of introspection to do as a football club.
Man of the match
For the game overall, I’d say Kompany.
But for us, Ospina was the best of a bad bunch. Gary Neville said that he would have “made him nervous”. However, I didn’t think he did that badly, and none of the goals were his fault.
