Seems quite basic but… surely Nunes as an auxiliary full back cannot go on.

Totally agree on last season point. I think Nunes is a real problem at playing into trouble but we already know that. Not sure Nico G did much to dispel his doubters there, sometimes strange for a big lad that’s he’s not particularly physical. Same for Savinho.

Also, all looking leggy.

Nunes is doing Nunes things constantly.

Huge 70 mins for Nico G

Haaland seems incredibly frustrated with this result (see comments on penalty and man of the match award pic) The goal scoring burden now seems entirely on him. Do you think he is struggling somewhat with the lack of “mentality monsters” (could be linked to his obvious championing of Donnarumma?)

He wasn’t perfect and still issues, but certainly can see the potential Nico has. Thought in general he was v good today.

Oh and obviously Foden class.

Lots of positives. Khusanov is really good but walking yellow again. Attacking patterns more apparent. Still sloppy in possession, Reijnders please become Wolves version. Donnarumma proper keeper.

Think the group is well off being able to play any style cohesively. Look at how creative the line up was vs Spurs. There appears to be no patterns of play optimised towards chance creation, part of the problem is when chances are created, the CF who does nothing else is no longer a guarantee

The pace is so much higher. No chance city can play like that currently

and ultimately a lot of the recruitment is quite bizarre. Loads of really fun players who do nothing really to solve the huge defensive issues - compounded with none of the cbs really having the skill set to play Lijdners style ultra high line.

Systemic problems it seems. Lose duels constantly, and none of the new lot seem technically sound enough. Physically and technically the level drop is huge. Coupled with Haaland continuing to actually be quite a poor finisher. It’s tedious to watch and looks outdated and off the pace.

Big, big issues.

Haaland looked slow at times. Marmoush constantly trying to over complicate. Thought Rodri looked great. Khusanov so interesting.

Thought that was actually quite worrying.

Another one…

Think he is good in general but needs to toughen up. Realistically both his chance and Haalands header should be going in, cannot afford another season of continually wasting chances. Cherki defo gone searching for the ball, needs to be more disciplined/patient.

Nico G showing his limitations. Marmoush so lightweight. Dias shakey. Simple passes being misplaced all across the team. Cherki bit lost deeper. Haaland still can’t head a ball.

Absolutely, the mistakes are well outweighed by the hits. But transition across the football as well as exec side can always be tricky. And the misses are weighted to recency I guess. Just all feels a bit off compared to the slickest points of the last few years.

Not relevant to creative point, but as a general transfer approach point, look at how Liverpool have already seemingly replaced both full backs, targets clear and in early. Obviously wirtz at other end of the market but approach to the market seems way off best operators now

Interested in your general thoughts on Haaland in this side?

Not reactionary question, more based on a general trend and the 7 finals 0 goals stat etc, general decline in quality of play, underperformance vs xG etc - is Haaland a bit of an issue?

Add Doku to my previous list as well. Assist yes - but worrying when attacker who has so much of the ball creates so little consistently

Second half he had to go off, started doing a Kovacic. Some very ropey performances in that, Nunes Gundo and Marmoush particularly

Unfortunately solidity minus creation means that odd moments like that can really hurt. And his days as a top level shot stopper (in the literal sense of that term) are well done. Distribution level no longer enough to compensate.

Think that 90 minutes defines what way

When do you think the convo about Foden is going to be had…

Feel like he could probably operate well in a system like Amorim’s with 2 10s

Do you think Lewis physicality means he won’t quite make it at City?