MrExcalibur100

Ake would have played more games if he actually cost the club some decent money, that's my point. When you have two of your holding midfielders injured and the natural option is a young, talented and mature Nathan Ake who has played well every time he's played, he has to start. Zouma has played a lot of games but he's not a DM, he's also about the same age as Ake. That can't be good for Ake's confidence at all.

Anytime Ake has played as a DM, he's played very well, both in the Premier League and in the Champions League. Bentaleb who was Tottenham's best player didn't just fall from the sky, he was given an opportunity by a manager who believed in his talent. All that other stuff you're typing is just gas. With all due respect, of course.

If Zouma was the exact same player from our youth team, he won't have played that game. On the other hand, if Ake was the 10 mil pound kid from some middling French club, he would have played. I honestly believe that. Anyway, based off the evidence of Zouma's performance, I can't see how the decision was justified. Ake on the other hand has looked brilliant when he's played there, both in the league and in the CL.

So now is it formation (4-4-2) or mentality? Because Mancini played a different formation and had a far more conservative approach than Pellegrini, but still got outclassed in Europe.

You tell me, Jason. I seriously have no idea why he didn't play.

Over the two legs they got outclassed. Barcelona were dominating the game prior to the red card. City were extremely poor in that 1st leg but were slightly better in Barcelona, I remember that clearly. That was all 4-2-3-1 not 4-4-2, but nobody in the media was moaning about the shape back then. I just find it a very surface level analysis and even a cop out for some of City's big name players. It was the same under Mancini, but no one was moaning about the formation back then cos he never played 4-4-2 and they still got out-classed. i.e http://www.whoscored.com/Matches/667761/Live/Europe-UEFA-Champions-League-2012-2013-Ajax-Manchester-City

One of the reasons is probably that he's had to do with a lot of new players settling into the side at the early stages of the season. He's turned things around brilliantly. I rate Brendan extremely highly as a manager.

Why didn't he start vs Spurs?

If City changed their formation from 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, it won't make a lick of a difference whether domestically or in Europe, case in point, vs Barcelona last season. They still got outclassed and overrun in midfield. This same core of players also failed in Europe under Mancini and he never played a 4-4-2. What was the excuse back then? It's just funny to me how much weight is being given to a mere formation by some of these terrible pundits. And I never said Aguero was a one trick pony. It's a well known fact he's a better player with a partner.

I think you're agreeing with me there . It's the most important because it's latest one we play.

A midfield of Toure, Silva and Nasri with Aguero and Dzeko ahead of them is not exactly the most hardworking team in the world, true. I understand the thinking behind it though. It's not easy for a player like Aguero to play up front on his own because of his size. He's a better player with a partner. But in the 2nd half, it has to be said, Pellegrini brought on Milner for Dzeko and they looked far worse. Against Barcelona last season, they played a 4-2-3-1 in both legs and still got outclassed twice. They've also beaten many strong teams with a 4-4-2 before. The point is, it's not about the formation but about the personnel and a lack of a more conservative approach from Pellegrini sometimes, not 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or whatever.

I didn't watch the match live because I had other important commitments, but now that I've watched it, I can see how some people will feel a certain way about the performance. The fresher team, with the better players won, there was nothing tactically brilliant about it. Zouma for instance looked hopelessly lost in midfield and I thought the football was appalling, not for the first or last time this season. So despite the trophy, (which is a trophy we should EXPECT to win given our current squad), I can understand the bittersweet feeling some people might have. The style of football is not sustainable in the long run. It's as simple as that.

With all due respect, that's just completely false.

Atletico Madrid play 4-4-2 all the time and are the most solid team in Europe. I'm not sure why so much credence is given to simply the formation.

This is our most important game of the season as far as the Premier League goes. We have to win this game. We have to start accepting the gifts from now on. Whatever happened in West Ham's last game vs Palace has no relation to this game whatsoever.

I think that says a lot about Ramires as a player. Literally one of the worst players in our squad. Ake should also have been given more of a chance as he's gotten so far. He's arguably our most experienced player from the youth team and has always played very well there. If he can't get games then who can?

He will be a great replacement for JT

I think you already know the answer to your question.

^^^^^^^^^ Maybe he should just focus solely on preparing the team for the game.

Nice!

And what now is our excuse for that 2nd half display vs Man City at Stamford Bridge?

He needs to sort it out on Sunday. There's no Matic there, so it's even more responsibility for him.

Too bad Mikel isn't fit. I'm seriously dreading Ramires in midfield. The guy is terrible in providing adequate defensive cover. He gets dribbled past so easily. I also hope to see Filipe Luis start this game. He more than deserves to start after his last performance.

It's the same for me. The notification bar/bell is not clearing. Also, when I post a comment, I have to edit it in the full editor mode to be able to space my paragraphs.

I posted this elsewhere, but am I the only person having difficulties using this site lately?