***city v spurs official match thread***

[Im_Spartacus]

That's for the half, that's why I was surprised at your earlier comment, we've had no control of the ball at all

We've not needed to though, they aren't doing that much with it. Some sloppy passing from us has stopped us from a couple break aways that probably would have been great goal chances.

Neither team covering themselves in glory here with quality play, but spurs have played the ball out from the back on their terms but done nothing up front. We have typically been rushed at the back, scrambled a few passes in midfield then lost it under pressure.

Good tactical game, enjoyable if scrappy but the formations/tactics are cancelling each other out here.

Will be interesting to see who blinks first. I can't help think that although toure is doing OK, he is being handled effectively so should be the one to make way after 60 or so

[Blue Since 76]

Swap Silva and Sterling so they're both on their natural side and see if either can improve

[Tony P]

At least the defence is looking a bit better.

[aaron bond]

I thought we did OK in the first half. Look more interested than we did last week at least.

Yaya has done some good runs but he's barely faster than walking pace most of the time. Sterling is getting into some good positions and looks our most promising attacking player.

Defence looks sturdier today which is good to see.

We can def win this. Think we need to see Iheanacho soon though.

[Beefymcfc]

Intriguing game. Our tactics are clearly not to stretch ourselves like we did against Leicester and we're very compact at the back when they get the ball, allowing them space until the final 3rd. This helps our defensive shape but gives us lack of opportunities when we get a break.

Not quite the game I was expecting but more than happy with how it's gone so far. Would like to see Sterling actually run at their defence rather than pulling it back and would also like us to push one of our mid's up a little further when they've got the ball, allowing support when we do get a break.

[Cocacolajojo1]

Neither team covering themselves in glory here with quality play, but spurs have played the ball out from the back on their terms but done nothing up front. We have typically been rushed at the back, scrambled a few passes in midfield then lost it under pressure.

Good tactical game, enjoyable if scrappy but the formations/tactics are cancelling each other out here.

Will be interesting to see who blinks first. I can't help think that although toure is doing OK, he is being handled effectively so should be the one to make way after 60 or so

I can agree with that. With the energy that Tottenham has though this strategy is probably our best bet, with Yaya taken of att 60-75 minutes for Nacho or one of the youngsters.

[30yeargloryhunter]

Looking forward to when we have more energy in the middle
I genuinely don't think there is an excuse for Toure walking 80% of the time.

[phips]

wonder if Manuel is happy settling for a draw due to lack of healthy players, like he did vs. United.

[PrezIke]

Silva had a really poor half
Can't have both him and Toure so uninvolved
Thought Sterling looked lot sharper and fighting for the ball
Think that's our best defence although Zabba seems to have lost ability to go up and down

Agree. Sterling created some chances and his crossing appears to have improved perhaps. He even took a good corner. He made a key play in defence. Silva is clearly carrying that knock to his ankle as it's affecting his game quite severely.

Our defence made some good takles and Vinnie's presence making a difference.

[iwasthere2012]

Neither team covering themselves in glory here with quality play, but spurs have played the ball out from the back on their terms but done nothing up front. We have typically been rushed at the back, scrambled a few passes in midfield then lost it under pressure.

Good tactical game, enjoyable if scrappy but the formations/tactics are cancelling each other out here.

Will be interesting to see who blinks first. I can't help think that although toure is doing OK, he is being handled effectively so should be the one to make way after 60 or so

I can agree with that. With the energy that Tottenham has though this strategy is probably our best bet, with Yaya taken of att 60-75 minutes for Nacho or one of the youngsters.

Good analysis.
Our problem is no pace to break, but happy enough that we are being cagier.
Our passing is so sloppy this season. That doesn't help.
We can win this though.

[Cocacolajojo1]

Do you remember when West HAm tore us apart at the beginning of the season? No, me neither.

[Spurge]

Swap Silva and Sterling so they're both on their natural side and see if either can improve

sounds like that's whats happened at the start of the second half

[Dameerto]

wonder if Manuel is happy settling for a draw due to lack of healthy players, like he did vs. United.

I think we'll see a sub or two at 60-65 mins and an injection of effort. He can't go all out for a win from kickoff when we have so many injuries.

[phips]

come on Sergio!

[ruralblue]

Come on City now. Play with the pace we have first half and we can do this!

[Dameerto]

it would be really helpful if we could retain possession.

[Pretty Boy Lee]

Ducking awful decision

[ruralblue]

Oh for fuck sake no way.

A loaf of bollocks

[everyonehatesus]

Fucking cheating cunt of a ref

[phips]

having not threatened at all so far it could be hard to get back in this