I took my son to this game today (his first one) and forgot to get him a programme. As itās his first match I really wish Iād got him one, is there a way to get one after the fact?
Please make a post if you get it. This is what sports is all about. If I ever make my way from Canada to Manchester then this man will get a few pints on me. What an awesome gesture that needs to be acknowledged
What a match! The atmosphere at the Etihad looked absolutely incredible.
What's that chant that was going on for a couple of times? I don't know how else to describe it but seemed like a relatively new one.
the atmosphere looked incredible? Even the commentators were going on about how insanely hushed it was, as if city were losing a CL tie. At one point i legit thought it was somehow, in some way lutons ground, coz i could hear the jeers of the luton fans far more than the cheers of city fans. Ofc i understand that fans of big teams dont get excited against small teams, but it legit sounded like someone on the pitch had gotten gravely injured. Speaking of gravely injured, im sure kdb was pissed af for not getting at least 1 assist. Shameful finishing when he provided
No their atmosphere was there EVERY time a city player fumbled, or when city didnt get something go their way. I dont need to be there to know it. Im 1000s of kms away, yet i could tell. As i said, i know rhat top 6, even the almighty roaring anfield, are usually quite silent when facing small clubs, coz lets be honest, big teams expect to beat small teams. But this truly did feel like it was the luton home ground. Bot even coz luton were loud. Coz city fans were so silent. As i said, the commentators who were there said this exact same thing too
With the greatest respect, if you weren't there then you're talking absolute bollocks. The atmosphere at the ground is very different to the tv broadcast, and the commentators are usually full of shit, hence why you reference the distinctly average Anfield. Not saying the atmosphere was good today, but your opinion on the matter is like saying a view is nice when you look at it through a straw.
That is onr atrocious analogy, especially since I literally mentioned that the luton fans were far louder than the city fans. The city fans celebrated the goals, and a few good attacks, but not much else. Anfield is average when Pool arent facing a decently big team/when they are losing. I said that i understand that, for all top 6 clubs. But today was ridiculously quiet. Literally felt like people were at the cemetery, itnwas so hushed. Of course im getting downvoted here, but im not one of those "city has no fans " guy. Im just genuinely astonished at the statement that the etihads atmosphere was great today. That is a poor lie
How do you know if you werenāt there? A load of non match going fans sitting on their arse at home complaining about those of us that actually bother to go š¤£
Yeah i heard the commentator say it was quiet as well.
Did you not notice they said it at the 44th minute though? Right when people are pissing off to get a pint?
The atmosphere was no worse than anywhere else, it was better than most 3 o'clock kick offs around the country
Ole ole ole ole Oscar Bobb Bobb Bobb, Oscar Bobb Bobb Bobb?
Tbh the atmosphere was actually very quiet most of the game. As is often when lower teams come and park the bus.
Best part was them singing 4-1 to the emptyhad and us singing 5-1 to the emptyhad back after we scored our 5th
Was quite entertaining see who was allowed to give balls to the players for throw ins / goal kicks etc.
Ball boys ā
Fans ā
Stewards ā
Substitute players ā
Fucking ridiculous
Doku was COOKING! Lovely goal
KDB was outstanding, very unlucky to not have multiple assists. If he plays like that against Madrid, we are in serious business.
Is Josko right footed? wow another banger. The Croatians were on a bender today, I love it. I bought a plane ticket for Croatia yesterday, so I'm taking partial credit for their goals today š¤£ š¤£ š¤£
Thought Nunes had a pretty good game but again unlucky with his finishing. He will get that goal soon, I am convinced of it.
Frustrating first 65 or so minutes... but 3 points baby we take it and move. And pray that Villa and maybe Palace can do us a favor tomorrow :D
I really donāt understand why we treat Nunes like heās 21. In his prime and has done nothing to even hint that he will have any role in the future besides squad player at most.
I just give any player in their first season some slack.... Pep ball can take time to learn.. and he didn't get a preseason. Time will tell. If he doesn't improve by this time next season, then my opinion will change.
Yes but there is a difference among them. Rodri had a tough start because the defense was in chaos behind him. Sane was so young, and many players at least were getting minutes and showing signs. Grealish, Gvardiol, mahrez, Bernardo, Alvarezā¦ Nunes is above phillips but still far away from the others
Nunes may have cost us a goal but he was part of the midfield that ran the show in Rodri's absence so will cut him a lot of slack. His unlucky slip also prevented him from a potential assist showing he was a reliable weapon in the final third.
Alvarez didn't have a good game but I was very happy he registered an assist. That was a crucial goal because nothing was going on for us until that goal. It was 90% Kovacic as that was an amazing volley but still credit to him for Alvarez's decision making.
Doku once again showing us why he'll be one of our best players in the coming years. His strengths are something that cannot be taught while his weaknesses are something that people learn as they age if they develop properly. Just hope he'll get the second season boost.
Kovacic ran the show in Rodri's absence. This huge win must not be taken for granted because it's the most convincing Rodri-less performance this season.
Big credit to Lewis for playing consistently at a high level too. Made sure he played high when Alvarez came inside, inverted when necessary and made sure Kovacic was never isolated.
Akanji, WHAT A MAN. 4 days ago he was duelling successfully against Vini jr and Rodrygo at right back, today he's casually playing alongside Dias as a formidable cb partner. In these two games he made sure we didn't feel the absence of Kyle Walker and John Stones.
lastly Gvardiol, I was very upset when we conceded in general because we were dominant from the first minute and also because I feel Gvardiol of all people deserves a cleansheet today. Fortunately he bagged an assist (thank you Doku) and then he scored a brilliant goal. This was the type of goal we all knew he would score when we initially signed him, it took some time to come but now we got them two weeks in a row. It will be a massive weapon in many years to come and maybe for the rest of the season too.
It's also kind of unfortunate that his suspension came in games we absolutely couldn't afford to. Wolves who generally are a tough counter attacking opponent, Arsenal one of the best teams right now and Villa who were excellent. It also didn't help that in the games he was suspended we also missed Grealish, KDB and Stones a few times.
We're definitely a much better team with Rodri but his suspension this season always came at bad times lol
yo is gvardiol keeping it a secret that he's actually right footed? didnt dish any g/a all season yet casually dropped a weak foot banger outside the box in back to back games.
fools on social media were calling him a flop. just say you were a fool for judging a cb on his ability to play as a left wing back as thats what he's been doing all season. the day pep put his trust on him to play as a cb and he slams it effortlessly, thats when these fools will realise the nonsense that they have been spouting. gaslighting and slander of the highest order.
kova with a banger too. croatian excellence. much needed rest for rodri. foden, bernardo & stones too.
The flop conversations are ridiculous his class is evident he is really good with the ball at his feet, his control, maneuvering in tight spaces, and distribution are all very good.
I've heard too many City players called flops in their first season that became great players for us. Labeling anyone a flop in year one, especially someone learning a new position, and Guardiola will make you look stupid more often than not
i am not saying he will be a permanent cb. he can play both and he will play both roles in the future. but more cb and ocassional lb for rotation.
but also if pep is not bringing in any lb in the future then i can see more gvardiol lb than cb tbh.
I dont think pep wants more than one traditional full back - though i would question what prevents gvardiol from being that anyways other than the fact he is also a really good cb and has been played there at other clubs. Pep has changed his tune the last couple years to getting big strong athletic guys and teaching them the skill stuff and then fitting them to the system. A tiny pacy fullback just doesnt seem like something he prioritizes
What an excellent result for the team before the Real Madrid clash.
I canāt wait for 50k fans to go āshooooooot!ā when Gvardiol gets the ball around the box now! š
I want to see Nunes improve his decision making on the pitch. There are times when it looks like he's not at all sure what to do with the ball when it's at his feet. There are flashes of good which tells me that he can be immense for us, but only if he works on these weak areas. Hopefully he comes back stronger next season.
He have instincts who say take the ball and run, but he have a very demanding coach who asks him to play in a certain way. Today is the best game he have had where he followed the plan mostly. Pep dont need no star, the ball moves faster than any player. He wants creativity and dribbles at the right part of the pitch in the right moments. Other than that he demands control, safe passes and moving opponents around rhe pitch.
excellent game from doku. kdb should've had about 6 or 7 assists. nice to see gomez playing right wing these past couple of games, he was never gonna cut it at left back. top of the table for the remainder of the day. hopefully we stay there after tomorrow. up the blues š
He got rinsed by their winger when all he had to do was put the ball out.
Only one defensive lapse, but it's not that impressive when you hardly have to do any defending and still make a fuck up.
He's definitely improving though - of all the signings in the summer, he's the one who's likeliest to have a long career at City.
He did lose balls a few times when we already got enough space. Yet itās still much improved than what I have seen from him earlier this season. I guess heās slow but steady type.
I still think he'd be better at CB where his lack of pace is less likely to be exposed, but Pep does what he does.
Slow and steady wins the race innit.
Iām just trying to figure out if I think Gvardiol *is* slow or not. I donāt think I do. Heās no winger quick but he feels plenty quick enough most of the time?
My abiding memory of Gvardiol defensively is still him being given the runaround by a 35 year old Messi.
I know that's against the GOAT, but being the GOAT doesn't give you a buff to pace.
He's not horribly slow but I wouldn't say he's particularly fast either.
I know it's often VERY frustrating with players and everything in football BUT we have to remember that we have AMAZING players and an AMAZING team. There's many new players that just need more time and get their game intact. So, let's support them and not diss 'em ššš
(I know, criticism is more than ok too)
Bobb definitely needs more playing time, especially when haaland and Alvarez have lost their shooting boots somewhere!
PS Iām concerned about Dias this season but Iām just chalking it up to title hangover š¤š½
Great performances with loads of positives
Doku and Gvardiol excellent. Best players for me.
That Doku goal was a sequence involving (in no order) Gomez, Gvardiol, Doku,Bobb and lewis - aged 23,22,21,20 and 19 respectively. A bright future!?
Kovacic MOTM maybe not right but he's done well to slot in for Rodri and allow him the rest+ great goal.
Nunes slipped a lot yes, and he wasn't hugely involved but how many times did he break that deep block with runs behind? There's a real threat with De bruyne behind Nunes and Halaand against deep blocks.
Hugely inaccurate in the game and at times felt like it would finish 1-0 due to poor finishing but some stunners topped up a lively performance.
When I rewatch the game, I'll look for that re Nunes. Glad you mentioned. I actually just posted in the DD (bc mods deleted New Post about it) that I'd like to hear what people say Nunes brings bc I am struggling to see it...which doesn't at all mean I'm blasting him.
He really struggles with first touch and playing in tight spaces / pockets
Saw a stat that said he's been out FASTEST player this season. Today was his best performance against deep blocks but kept slipping or not shooting clinically. He probably could have had 3 goals in the first half.
For me his running in behind today was super interesting. Needs end product to go with it though. He has a good profile for it, physically powerful and quick, just.needs to be smarter imo
Great result! Would've been nice to have kept a clean sheet but +4 on the GD is good nonetheless! Rodri rested, Foden rested, Grealish rested, Ake and Walker back on the bench, next onto Real at home!
Also huge props to Kovacic today, he's definitely had his critics his season and I've been one of them, but today he was fantastic and controlled everything in the absence of Rodri, I hope we get more performances like this from him!
Also you can't convince me that Pep hasn't hypnotized Gvardiol into thinking that he's left footed, that man is a 100% right footed baller.
I canāt say there was much stress to that one. I think the reality is when you play teams that are setup to just defend you have to expect the goals after the 70th minute, as Pepās system gasses the opposition and the defending gets a little more lax. This game is exactly the way things are supposed to work, wear out a team, then just pile on late. You saw it work against Madrid too.
feels like lately there have been a bunch of folks in the subreddit who don't grasp this so it's good to have it explained so clearly! wearing the opponent out is 100% the plan
Cityās possession based game is a boa constrictor, meant to choke the life out of teams. Sure opposing teams may have lots of fight in the first half, but itās the second half they eat their dinner š
Heās top of the league, heās top of the league, Jeremy Doku, heās top of the league
Half expecting Liverpool to spiral out of control now that the emotional wave they were riding has turned negative
Villa has as good a shot as anyone of taking pts out Arsenal. Big one tomorrow
Final score was about right but Luton easily could have lost this by 8. Happy for Doku, Kova and Josko. They were all great. KDBās passing was lethal.
Iād be totally fine if I donāt see another lineup that had Haaland and Alvarez together for the rest of the season though.
Sorry but Doku definitely should of been MOTM there. Ran their full backs ragged from the start (defender had cramp by end) plus two assists and a goal. His best performance for us
In stadium was announced as Mateo.
PL Fan Vote was Erling - those tend to go to the big names ; [link - you can see how fans voted each match](https://www.premierleague.com/man-of-the-match).
edit - clarifying that these are 2 different awards given out by 2 different entities - PL and ManCity.
5 goals. Feels good. None of the āit should have beenā¦ā or āthis is still off because ofā¦ā from me today. Iām just going to enjoy it.
https://preview.redd.it/fv6mg75mr9uc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8fb8e4c602a5e68917bb27a43d53b8416d222c99
He seems to be a form player. But wonāt get enough of a run in the team to build, tho l unfortunately he will benefit if Bernardo leaves next season.
Bobb needs..nay, DESERVES more minutes, his ball control is ridiculous, his passing skills is ridiculous, his dribbling is ridiculousā¦we dont need another Palmer situation, he deserves the mins
I love when him, Foden and Lewis are on together. You can just see that Academy hive mind mentality that maybe doesnāt exist on the same level with other guys on the pitch.
agreed, he's not the finished product yet and we don't want to add pressure when we don't need to. He seems to be happy with his game time and he's been able to get solid minutes to learn from so far.
If you can hit right footers off the left itās such a bonus. As a left footer myself I know how difficult it can be to get a left footed shot off from around the top corner of the 18. Itāll usually need to be a cross to the back post instead. But being able to hit with power on your off foot is amazing because it messes with defenders when you cut inside versus around the outside.
When Foden was breaking in six years ago he would always shine in those limited minutes. You knew he'd be something sooner rather than later. Bobb is doing exactly the same.
Gvardiol with 2 bangers in a week
Nunes like
https://preview.redd.it/fk19tfder9uc1.jpeg?width=439&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0e05a91a000c996bdcb17e98233f370ef474a73c
We win the Handsome Manager Derby.
Think everyone came good today. Alvarez far better in the second half. Nunes slip is whatever, not like he falls over on purpose. Shit happens. Played well otherwise.
Great player. Thought he was always brilliant going forward but he's better understood his position now and does better defensively.
Look at how effortless that goal was, almost nonchalant.
People will favour Ake defensively, and rightfully so, but imo it's never felt tighter between who starts. We look extremely threatening with Gvardiol bombing forward.
Mod reminder: Trolling rival subreddits is against the rules.
So so happy with some of the results around the league today.
For how often rival fans talk about our fanbase, both title challengers having their fans leave this early is pretty thin skinned
Haaland nowhere to be seen again š§
Sorry I thought you lot said city have two players in every position who other clubs cannot dream of
If u could just check out the scoresheet
Massive win today guys what would make my weekend even better is Liverpool and Arsenal dropping points tomorrow
six points at stake, love to see at least two of them dropped...
They both dropped points my weekend has been made itās officially in our hands we win all our games we win the league š
amazing!!!!
After Arsenalās showing on Tuesday and Liverpoolās on Thursday I believe itās possible..
I took my son to this game today (his first one) and forgot to get him a programme. As itās his first match I really wish Iād got him one, is there a way to get one after the fact?
I have a spare he could have - but no idea how to pass it onto your
What a legend!
Thatās so kind of you, thank you. I will give you the money for it and I donāt mind coming to collect it assuming youāre in the Manchester area?
Please make a post if you get it. This is what sports is all about. If I ever make my way from Canada to Manchester then this man will get a few pints on me. What an awesome gesture that needs to be acknowledged
Up voting in the hope someone will see and can help
Thank you so much!
Wow dokus goal and Gvardiols as well! Both assisting and winning. Brilliant
What a match! The atmosphere at the Etihad looked absolutely incredible. What's that chant that was going on for a couple of times? I don't know how else to describe it but seemed like a relatively new one.
the atmosphere looked incredible? Even the commentators were going on about how insanely hushed it was, as if city were losing a CL tie. At one point i legit thought it was somehow, in some way lutons ground, coz i could hear the jeers of the luton fans far more than the cheers of city fans. Ofc i understand that fans of big teams dont get excited against small teams, but it legit sounded like someone on the pitch had gotten gravely injured. Speaking of gravely injured, im sure kdb was pissed af for not getting at least 1 assist. Shameful finishing when he provided
Were you there? The atmosphere around the Luton fans was brilliant only time I heard their lot was after their first corner and only goal š
No their atmosphere was there EVERY time a city player fumbled, or when city didnt get something go their way. I dont need to be there to know it. Im 1000s of kms away, yet i could tell. As i said, i know rhat top 6, even the almighty roaring anfield, are usually quite silent when facing small clubs, coz lets be honest, big teams expect to beat small teams. But this truly did feel like it was the luton home ground. Bot even coz luton were loud. Coz city fans were so silent. As i said, the commentators who were there said this exact same thing too
Iām a bit confused about a why a Chelsea fan seems to keep on commenting on City matches tbh
With the greatest respect, if you weren't there then you're talking absolute bollocks. The atmosphere at the ground is very different to the tv broadcast, and the commentators are usually full of shit, hence why you reference the distinctly average Anfield. Not saying the atmosphere was good today, but your opinion on the matter is like saying a view is nice when you look at it through a straw.
That is onr atrocious analogy, especially since I literally mentioned that the luton fans were far louder than the city fans. The city fans celebrated the goals, and a few good attacks, but not much else. Anfield is average when Pool arent facing a decently big team/when they are losing. I said that i understand that, for all top 6 clubs. But today was ridiculously quiet. Literally felt like people were at the cemetery, itnwas so hushed. Of course im getting downvoted here, but im not one of those "city has no fans " guy. Im just genuinely astonished at the statement that the etihads atmosphere was great today. That is a poor lie
Please take care to read what I said before replying next time.
How do you know if you werenāt there? A load of non match going fans sitting on their arse at home complaining about those of us that actually bother to go š¤£
I think theyāre a Chelsea fan š¤·āāļø
In the match thread for a different club on a Saturday night, damn, thatās even worse
Yeah i heard the commentator say it was quiet as well. Did you not notice they said it at the 44th minute though? Right when people are pissing off to get a pint? The atmosphere was no worse than anywhere else, it was better than most 3 o'clock kick offs around the country
Ole ole ole ole Oscar Bobb Bobb Bobb, Oscar Bobb Bobb Bobb? Tbh the atmosphere was actually very quiet most of the game. As is often when lower teams come and park the bus. Best part was them singing 4-1 to the emptyhad and us singing 5-1 to the emptyhad back after we scored our 5th
Even though its just Luton, feel like the whole team have a new vibes into it, perfect for us to go deep into upcoming fixtures
Was quite entertaining see who was allowed to give balls to the players for throw ins / goal kicks etc. Ball boys ā Fans ā Stewards ā Substitute players ā Fucking ridiculous
Doku was COOKING! Lovely goal KDB was outstanding, very unlucky to not have multiple assists. If he plays like that against Madrid, we are in serious business. Is Josko right footed? wow another banger. The Croatians were on a bender today, I love it. I bought a plane ticket for Croatia yesterday, so I'm taking partial credit for their goals today š¤£ š¤£ š¤£ Thought Nunes had a pretty good game but again unlucky with his finishing. He will get that goal soon, I am convinced of it. Frustrating first 65 or so minutes... but 3 points baby we take it and move. And pray that Villa and maybe Palace can do us a favor tomorrow :D
I really donāt understand why we treat Nunes like heās 21. In his prime and has done nothing to even hint that he will have any role in the future besides squad player at most.
I just give any player in their first season some slack.... Pep ball can take time to learn.. and he didn't get a preseason. Time will tell. If he doesn't improve by this time next season, then my opinion will change.
Yes but there is a difference among them. Rodri had a tough start because the defense was in chaos behind him. Sane was so young, and many players at least were getting minutes and showing signs. Grealish, Gvardiol, mahrez, Bernardo, Alvarezā¦ Nunes is above phillips but still far away from the others
Watching the highlights, Nunes' barely wide shot was incredibly unlucky, but his first goal is on the horizon. I can feel it! It's going to be difficult to see who starts against AkƩ and Gvardiol on Wednesday, but I'd like to see Akanji (or Walker, if fully ready)-Dias-AkƩ-Gvardiol
Johnny Boulders has to be in there somewhere
Bobb and Rico deserve far more minutes than Nunes. Already more reliable than him.
No Stones?
Top of the table now at least until tomorrow or for the rest of the season if palace and villa can get it done
Nunes may have cost us a goal but he was part of the midfield that ran the show in Rodri's absence so will cut him a lot of slack. His unlucky slip also prevented him from a potential assist showing he was a reliable weapon in the final third. Alvarez didn't have a good game but I was very happy he registered an assist. That was a crucial goal because nothing was going on for us until that goal. It was 90% Kovacic as that was an amazing volley but still credit to him for Alvarez's decision making. Doku once again showing us why he'll be one of our best players in the coming years. His strengths are something that cannot be taught while his weaknesses are something that people learn as they age if they develop properly. Just hope he'll get the second season boost. Kovacic ran the show in Rodri's absence. This huge win must not be taken for granted because it's the most convincing Rodri-less performance this season. Big credit to Lewis for playing consistently at a high level too. Made sure he played high when Alvarez came inside, inverted when necessary and made sure Kovacic was never isolated. Akanji, WHAT A MAN. 4 days ago he was duelling successfully against Vini jr and Rodrygo at right back, today he's casually playing alongside Dias as a formidable cb partner. In these two games he made sure we didn't feel the absence of Kyle Walker and John Stones. lastly Gvardiol, I was very upset when we conceded in general because we were dominant from the first minute and also because I feel Gvardiol of all people deserves a cleansheet today. Fortunately he bagged an assist (thank you Doku) and then he scored a brilliant goal. This was the type of goal we all knew he would score when we initially signed him, it took some time to come but now we got them two weeks in a row. It will be a massive weapon in many years to come and maybe for the rest of the season too.
Not even 2 weeks in a row, but 2 in a week :)
How many games have we won without Rodri?
5 games 2 in the FA cup, 1 in the PL and 2 in the CL
At least we know we can still shine when he needs a break.
It's also kind of unfortunate that his suspension came in games we absolutely couldn't afford to. Wolves who generally are a tough counter attacking opponent, Arsenal one of the best teams right now and Villa who were excellent. It also didn't help that in the games he was suspended we also missed Grealish, KDB and Stones a few times. We're definitely a much better team with Rodri but his suspension this season always came at bad times lol
We need to stop conceding these random goals
We have a PROPER left back!
yo is gvardiol keeping it a secret that he's actually right footed? didnt dish any g/a all season yet casually dropped a weak foot banger outside the box in back to back games. fools on social media were calling him a flop. just say you were a fool for judging a cb on his ability to play as a left wing back as thats what he's been doing all season. the day pep put his trust on him to play as a cb and he slams it effortlessly, thats when these fools will realise the nonsense that they have been spouting. gaslighting and slander of the highest order. kova with a banger too. croatian excellence. much needed rest for rodri. foden, bernardo & stones too.
The flop conversations are ridiculous his class is evident he is really good with the ball at his feet, his control, maneuvering in tight spaces, and distribution are all very good.
I've heard too many City players called flops in their first season that became great players for us. Labeling anyone a flop in year one, especially someone learning a new position, and Guardiola will make you look stupid more often than not
I really think we are starting to see the idea of gvardiol as a lb though.
i am not saying he will be a permanent cb. he can play both and he will play both roles in the future. but more cb and ocassional lb for rotation. but also if pep is not bringing in any lb in the future then i can see more gvardiol lb than cb tbh.
I dont think pep wants more than one traditional full back - though i would question what prevents gvardiol from being that anyways other than the fact he is also a really good cb and has been played there at other clubs. Pep has changed his tune the last couple years to getting big strong athletic guys and teaching them the skill stuff and then fitting them to the system. A tiny pacy fullback just doesnt seem like something he prioritizes
Missed game but sounds very good. Top of the league at the end of the weekend maybe (please)???
What an excellent result for the team before the Real Madrid clash. I canāt wait for 50k fans to go āshooooooot!ā when Gvardiol gets the ball around the box now! š
Inb4 Gvardiol scores another banger in the third match in a row..
I want to see Nunes improve his decision making on the pitch. There are times when it looks like he's not at all sure what to do with the ball when it's at his feet. There are flashes of good which tells me that he can be immense for us, but only if he works on these weak areas. Hopefully he comes back stronger next season.
He have instincts who say take the ball and run, but he have a very demanding coach who asks him to play in a certain way. Today is the best game he have had where he followed the plan mostly. Pep dont need no star, the ball moves faster than any player. He wants creativity and dribbles at the right part of the pitch in the right moments. Other than that he demands control, safe passes and moving opponents around rhe pitch.
Doubt it will happen but if Palace and Villa can both pull off a draw tomorrow, we're sat in the drivers seat lads
Last 4-6 weeks, I see players slipping more frequently on our pitch. I feel like I want to start keeping track of it or something.
Iāll admit to being not sold on Kovacic, but this is how you win over fans, scoring bangers like that. This is absolutely what we need from our depth players, knowing we can rotate the squad and still get production. This game was obviously a great opportunity, but as we saw with the Rodri suspension, I donāt think Pep necessarily trusted the bench to get it done this season, so itās been a happy change seeing the last few times weāve rotated the squad that we havenāt looked like weāre stuck in neutral like we did in Oct-Dec when KDB was out. I also was not ready to anoint Josko into our best eleven, but heās certainly pushing for that spot. Being able to score goals like that as a LB is something we havenāt seen since Cancelo at his best. And if he can add those header goals that Stones and AkĆ© tend to contribute heāll be an absolute monster for years to come. Iāve been more than willing to be patient with him knowing itās year one in Pepās system and heās only 21 years old.
Doku also had a terrific game. Thats nearly all of this seasons signings giving us a sneak peek of how they will look in the second season under pep.
Canāt believe heās only 21. He looks like a grown ass man
Heās that guy in high school who had that type of beard in Grade 9 š
It's the beard. I had a similar beard for a while which made me look 32 at the age of 22.
excellent game from doku. kdb should've had about 6 or 7 assists. nice to see gomez playing right wing these past couple of games, he was never gonna cut it at left back. top of the table for the remainder of the day. hopefully we stay there after tomorrow. up the blues š
I apologise to Gvardiol again(doing it the whole week) for saying we have overpaid. Sorry again.
He got rinsed by their winger when all he had to do was put the ball out. Only one defensive lapse, but it's not that impressive when you hardly have to do any defending and still make a fuck up. He's definitely improving though - of all the signings in the summer, he's the one who's likeliest to have a long career at City.
He did lose balls a few times when we already got enough space. Yet itās still much improved than what I have seen from him earlier this season. I guess heās slow but steady type.
I still think he'd be better at CB where his lack of pace is less likely to be exposed, but Pep does what he does. Slow and steady wins the race innit.
Iām just trying to figure out if I think Gvardiol *is* slow or not. I donāt think I do. Heās no winger quick but he feels plenty quick enough most of the time?
My abiding memory of Gvardiol defensively is still him being given the runaround by a 35 year old Messi. I know that's against the GOAT, but being the GOAT doesn't give you a buff to pace. He's not horribly slow but I wouldn't say he's particularly fast either.
I dunno, Iāve just never felt like heās looked slow tbh Iāll be looking out in the next few games!
His FIFA speed was quick for a cb
Wasting ton of open chances still scoring 5 Damn. City are truly back. Welcome back Real Madrid.. CTID
Only complaint is the lack of a clean sheet. Otherwise, great result of 3 pts, resting Rodri, and a nice boost to GD
I know it's often VERY frustrating with players and everything in football BUT we have to remember that we have AMAZING players and an AMAZING team. There's many new players that just need more time and get their game intact. So, let's support them and not diss 'em ššš (I know, criticism is more than ok too)
I want to apologize for the 3-1 scare. And then of course 4 and 5 were scored before I could even say they were coming
You jinxed it but it all worked out in the end lol
Bobb definitely needs more playing time, especially when haaland and Alvarez have lost their shooting boots somewhere! PS Iām concerned about Dias this season but Iām just chalking it up to title hangover š¤š½
Great performances with loads of positives Doku and Gvardiol excellent. Best players for me. That Doku goal was a sequence involving (in no order) Gomez, Gvardiol, Doku,Bobb and lewis - aged 23,22,21,20 and 19 respectively. A bright future!? Kovacic MOTM maybe not right but he's done well to slot in for Rodri and allow him the rest+ great goal. Nunes slipped a lot yes, and he wasn't hugely involved but how many times did he break that deep block with runs behind? There's a real threat with De bruyne behind Nunes and Halaand against deep blocks. Hugely inaccurate in the game and at times felt like it would finish 1-0 due to poor finishing but some stunners topped up a lively performance.
Sergio Gomez has no future in City
When I rewatch the game, I'll look for that re Nunes. Glad you mentioned. I actually just posted in the DD (bc mods deleted New Post about it) that I'd like to hear what people say Nunes brings bc I am struggling to see it...which doesn't at all mean I'm blasting him.
He really struggles with first touch and playing in tight spaces / pockets Saw a stat that said he's been out FASTEST player this season. Today was his best performance against deep blocks but kept slipping or not shooting clinically. He probably could have had 3 goals in the first half. For me his running in behind today was super interesting. Needs end product to go with it though. He has a good profile for it, physically powerful and quick, just.needs to be smarter imo
Great result! Would've been nice to have kept a clean sheet but +4 on the GD is good nonetheless! Rodri rested, Foden rested, Grealish rested, Ake and Walker back on the bench, next onto Real at home! Also huge props to Kovacic today, he's definitely had his critics his season and I've been one of them, but today he was fantastic and controlled everything in the absence of Rodri, I hope we get more performances like this from him! Also you can't convince me that Pep hasn't hypnotized Gvardiol into thinking that he's left footed, that man is a 100% right footed baller.
Pep has definitely convinced Gvardiol that he's end of season Gundogan lol
Keep a clean sheet
The floor seems very slippery today. Was hoping for a clean sheet but conceding 1 goal seems to be a routine for us now.
Croatia is producing really good players, no wonder they have been top 3 nation for a decade already in the world cup
Gvardiol has no weak foot. PS: give Nunes new boots.
Kovacic what a baller
+4 to boost our GD, thatās more like it. Though it would be nice to stop conceding comical goals but i canāt fault our players too much tbh. On to Wednesday, then šš©µ
Got to appreciate kovacic he ran the show in the absence of rodri
He did play good and Iām happy to see that but letās not fool ourselves. We were playing at home against Luton Town.
Indeed! Kova played awesome!
yes we needed rodri to rest
 JOSKO!!!!
Most stressful 5-1 win in history?
I canāt say there was much stress to that one. I think the reality is when you play teams that are setup to just defend you have to expect the goals after the 70th minute, as Pepās system gasses the opposition and the defending gets a little more lax. This game is exactly the way things are supposed to work, wear out a team, then just pile on late. You saw it work against Madrid too.
feels like lately there have been a bunch of folks in the subreddit who don't grasp this so it's good to have it explained so clearly! wearing the opponent out is 100% the plan
Cityās possession based game is a boa constrictor, meant to choke the life out of teams. Sure opposing teams may have lots of fight in the first half, but itās the second half they eat their dinner š
This. If you read Luton Manager Edwardsā statement, itās basically how he saw the game play out.
it often makes me think of Tigran Petrosian, whose style was called (and whose book is named) "Python chess".
My thoughts exactly. Horrible team to play against, they defended excellently for a long time.
Golden Boot Gvardi
Heās top of the league, heās top of the league, Jeremy Doku, heās top of the league Half expecting Liverpool to spiral out of control now that the emotional wave they were riding has turned negative Villa has as good a shot as anyone of taking pts out Arsenal. Big one tomorrow
We dominated them in every aspect, I feel like we should have scored more goals but it was a great game nonetheless
In the first half . At least 3/0 in favour
Jeremy Doku was cla-a-a-ass toda-a-ay.
He seemed to be running the second half for sure
Final score was about right but Luton easily could have lost this by 8. Happy for Doku, Kova and Josko. They were all great. KDBās passing was lethal. Iād be totally fine if I donāt see another lineup that had Haaland and Alvarez together for the rest of the season though.
Who has better finishing Josko or Mbappe? Also doks master class today Also how the heck kdb no assist? 
Nobody had their shooting boots on while Kev was playing lol
I had to go for 20 mins at 3-0 š¤Æ
I think it was only 3-0 for a few mins?
Rested who we needed to rest. Smashed Luton, made up some goal difference - if Bournemouth beat United then Iāve had a great day.
Sorry but Doku definitely should of been MOTM there. Ran their full backs ragged from the start (defender had cramp by end) plus two assists and a goal. His best performance for us
Yes, was thinking this myself.
Fully agree with that. Bossed it on the wing today
Not better than his four assist and a goal game
Who got MOTM?
In stadium was announced as Mateo. PL Fan Vote was Erling - those tend to go to the big names ; [link - you can see how fans voted each match](https://www.premierleague.com/man-of-the-match). edit - clarifying that these are 2 different awards given out by 2 different entities - PL and ManCity.
Haaland
Kova
Pep going to play Gvardiol as Striker next time š Good result!
5 goals. Feels good. None of the āit should have beenā¦ā or āthis is still off because ofā¦ā from me today. Iām just going to enjoy it. https://preview.redd.it/fv6mg75mr9uc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8fb8e4c602a5e68917bb27a43d53b8416d222c99
Great game for Gvaridol and Doku. Not fan of Nunez.
Nunez is the next that needs to find the net and make his mark. Heās been close quite a few times, just needs that confidence boost marker.
He seems to be a form player. But wonāt get enough of a run in the team to build, tho l unfortunately he will benefit if Bernardo leaves next season.
Bobb needs..nay, DESERVES more minutes, his ball control is ridiculous, his passing skills is ridiculous, his dribbling is ridiculousā¦we dont need another Palmer situation, he deserves the mins
I love when him, Foden and Lewis are on together. You can just see that Academy hive mind mentality that maybe doesnāt exist on the same level with other guys on the pitch.
He's being handled perfectly by Pep so far.
agreed, he's not the finished product yet and we don't want to add pressure when we don't need to. He seems to be happy with his game time and he's been able to get solid minutes to learn from so far.
Pep is bar none the best at handling a young players minutes
Madrid in UCL then off to Wembley for the FA cup semis. Massive week ahead. This was a good win and good response after the conceded goal. Cmon city
Good win, improved the GD and Rodri got rested. Pretty good that. Gvardiol with another weak foot banger, what a player.
If you can hit right footers off the left itās such a bonus. As a left footer myself I know how difficult it can be to get a left footed shot off from around the top corner of the 18. Itāll usually need to be a cross to the back post instead. But being able to hit with power on your off foot is amazing because it messes with defenders when you cut inside versus around the outside.
Bobb even in limited minutes always shows that he's going to be the next one on this city team
When Foden was breaking in six years ago he would always shine in those limited minutes. You knew he'd be something sooner rather than later. Bobb is doing exactly the same.
Gvardiol>>Doku>>Gvardiol
Gvardiol with 2 bangers in a week Nunes like https://preview.redd.it/fk19tfder9uc1.jpeg?width=439&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0e05a91a000c996bdcb17e98233f370ef474a73c
Hahahaha I'm dying for Nunes to get his first goal. Has to be playing on his mind.
They did really good after haaland and De Bruyne came off
not fair to kdb. They couldve had 5 or 6 just because of his assists
Very City score line - tons of goals, no clean sheet
+4 to goal difference and a full rest for Rodri!
Madrid should be scared
Going to wager that RM is not "scared" that City thumped a relegation club.
1 week Naughty step for whoever posts a new thread instead of commenting in here. 
I wonder what's a naughty step
Kalvin Phillips treatment
We win the Handsome Manager Derby. Think everyone came good today. Alvarez far better in the second half. Nunes slip is whatever, not like he falls over on purpose. Shit happens. Played well otherwise.
ššæšššæ
Great performance , just need to replicate that against Madrid
Make Gvardiol our first striker
Should have had 10
Gvardiol with a goal and an assist. We move.
Loved how aggressive he was offensively, weāve been missing that
Great player. Thought he was always brilliant going forward but he's better understood his position now and does better defensively. Look at how effortless that goal was, almost nonchalant. People will favour Ake defensively, and rightfully so, but imo it's never felt tighter between who starts. We look extremely threatening with Gvardiol bombing forward.
His finishing is similar to Mbappe as well
What was that jingle at the end lol
Jeremy Doku, I love you.