Pizy

Not to jinx it or speak too soon, but I expected much better from Atleti. Top of La Liga and all. We were the much better side and their only real dangers came from our silly giveaways. Slightly more quality with the final ball and we would’ve tested them much more.

Just about every time Azpi or Kova play that last, critical ball in the final third it’s too strong or wayward. We aren’t going anywhere as a team unless we have better players in the situations.

Atleti players throwing themselves to the ground like fairy’s and the ref rewarding them literally every time so far.

By bullied I don’t necessarily mean outmuscled, I just mean that they’ll harass and swarm the likes of Jorginho and not allow us to play.

Think this has the potential to be brutal. Maybe not necessarily with the score line because Atleti aren’t prime Barca or Bayern, but in terms of the pattern of play. Can see them bullying us and with such a lightweight midfield we won’t be effective at getting any supply up to our forwards. Hoping we keep this respectable. Don’t get embarrassed like Bayern last year.

Both Azpi and Kante give the ball away so many cheap times. Not even under pressure and they give it away. Come on...

I’ve said repeatedly that I don’t like Azpi or Tammy playing. But they aren’t the primary cause of our issues today for me. Well, Tammy is in part. Our issue is being clueless when we get near the opposing box.

I’d replace Mount with Ziyech at the half. Kante has been winning the ball back like a machine and Kova at least keeps things ticking over. Mason has offered nothing at all here yet.

Southampton have been wide open and totally unable to defend for ages. And yet we can’t exploit that at all because none of our midfielders can play creative, piercing passes. Not Kante, not Mount, not Kova. We’re playing right into their hands.

Six PL losses losses in a row for Southampton. 6! And now suddenly (and as usual) Chelsea comes in and provide relief.

We have 3 CB’s and still a simple through ball kills us. Unreal.

Think we should reserve judgement on the Alonso “resurgence” until after we play a couple of quality opponents who can exploit his weaknesses. He’s had a pretty stress free run of games so far.

With Timo looking sharper lately what better player is there to have playing those signature diagonal balls for him to run onto than Ziyech? Especially against a Southampton team that will leave space behind since they like to press.

Ugh. I haven’t liked the look of a single XI that TT has put out so far. But we keep winning. Man, I feel terrible for Ziyech and Chilwell. Ziyech has shown sign after sign that he is extremely dangerous and with a consistent run of games could be such a key danger man for us the rest of the season. But can’t get a sniff now. Can’t understand it. And Chilly was one of our best players under Frank and now can’t get a game either.

Like Tuchel’s personality and energy but hate his team selections already. Going back to all these average players who were past it a couple of years ago is just cringey.

City missing their best player and only true striker and are still pissing the league and carving through everyone effortlessly. Imagine if they sign Messi this summer. Or if that doesn’t happen Haaland. 😬

Giving the ball to Azpi in defense is basically an auto turnover.

Having so many players from front to back who are useless playing progressive football really sucks.

Getting physically manhandled and bossed by a team in the relegation zone...

Can certainly see Kante being sold this summer. Not getting any younger and doesn’t really suit the quick, one touch, vertical style TT wants to play. Ziyech not getting into the XI after I thought he was great against Wolves in Tuchel’s first game is strange.

The people who knew TT were right saying to expect changed lineups every match. Wow. Ive gone into each of his first 3 (now 4) matches nervous since I have no idea what to expect. Sad not to see Ziyech, CP, or Havertz in there. I know the latter 2 are out altogether. Wonder how Zouma feels. Mainstay who was playing every minute and scoring goals, now can’t get a sniff.

Kind of ridiculous how Gündogan is always there exactly where he needs to be to tap in whereas our two Germans never are. You’d think both would be able to get a few “accidental” goals just by standing in the box.

Much as I’ve enjoyed these last couple of matches, I hope TT brings Pulisic and Ziyech back in. We need our most dangerous attackers on the pitch since we know we’ll have so much of the ball.

Even if City eclipse our PL title count and have been more successful in recent years they’re still nowhere near as “big” as Chelsea. They don’t have that huge global fan base and nobody cares much about them outside of Manchester.

West Brom are embarrassing. Spuds look like they could score every time they attack. They’re totally wide open and basically inviting them through their defense.