Central Defence

[mcfc1632]

I know that Lescott is getting a lot of stick - I do not believe he has been as bad as some make it out.

I also know that Bridge gets a lot of stick

For me both have to improve but I still find then quite solid

I have a slightly different take on things - this time last year and up to xmas we were so exposed down our left defensively and even so Bridge was not perfect he did improve things - since (and particularly this year) we are most exposed down our right and the wealness of Micah is clearly exposed.

If you look at the goals conceded:

Wigan - down the right
Villa - corner from the left that the CBs should have cut out
West Ham - break down the right (I think)
Scum - all 4 down the right
Arsenal - 1st central and 2nd down the right (central(ish)


Just think that the RB is a priority and that there is a real strength having 3 natural left footers on our left in Bridge, Lescott and Barry

[Colin the King]

I think possession and our ability to press the opposition all over the pitch is a factor.

Barcelona, who are arguably the best footballing side in the world, don't have a brilliant defence. Sounds absurd but it's true. Abidal and in particular Alves are outstanding going forward but as defenders have a lot of frailties. Puyol is prone to the odd howler and Pique, despite having great ability, is still learning the game.

But because they completely and utterly dominate possession of the ball home and away, and press viciously when they're without it, the defence is never thoroughly tested. When the defenders have the ball they calmly push it towards Xavi or one of the midfielders who has come deep to collect, and the move begins from there.

What we're doing too often for my liking is kicking the ball over the midfield and trying to launch quick attacks. We're also focusing an awful lot on counter-attacking, which can be effective...but not all the time. We have the players at City to be dominant on the ball and dictate the pace of a game- I think making the most out of that would make our defence look a lot stronger simply because they wouldn't be under pressure every five minutes.

[Beeks]

What we're doing too often for my liking is kicking the ball over the midfield and trying to launch quick attacks.

I've noticed this too Col...long balls into the channels bypassing midfield...not sure if that is the way to go forward...personally I think we play best when it is on the ground

[Original Dub]

I think possession and our ability to press the opposition all over the pitch is a factor.

Barcelona, who are arguably the best footballing side in the world, don't have a brilliant defence. Sounds absurd but it's true. Abidal and in particular Alves are outstanding going forward but as defenders have a lot of frailties. Puyol is prone to the odd howler and Pique, despite having great ability, is still learning the game.

But because they completely and utterly dominate possession of the ball home and away, and press viciously when they're without it, the defence is never thoroughly tested. When the defenders have the ball they calmly push it towards Xavi or one of the midfielders who has come deep to collect, and the move begins from there.

What we're doing too often for my liking is kicking the ball over the midfield and trying to launch quick attacks. We're also focusing an awful lot on counter-attacking, which can be effective...but not all the time. We have the players at City to be dominant on the ball and dictate the pace of a game- I think making the most out of that would make our defence look a lot stronger simply because they wouldn't be under pressure every five minutes.

I agree with most of that. I love players that press the opposition at every opportunity. Tevez is probably the best attacker I've seen that defends from the front and harrasses keepers and defenders alike - the Barry goal at the swamp being the prime example. Most of the time what pisses me off the most when watching city is when players allow space and time. Equally so, we struggle against sides that don't give us a moment.

You are right about Barca. United and Chelsea also press the hell out of teams when they are not in possession and it makes ALL the difference.

Petrov had a reasonably good game and took his goal well, but he will never press the opposition like Bellamy and I think we missed him more than anyone. When you have Bellamy and Tevez pressing, along with Barry, SWP/Ireland, when we're not in possession, we will win a hell of a lot more than merely playing counter attack.

The funny thing is, Blackburn were fantastic at pressing so I really hope Hughes is hammering this home.

[Slim]

Was the 5m for Dunne really that needed?


No, but he did not want to stay and sit on the bench hence the move to Villa.

I think he was willing to fight for his place, but behind closed doors it must have been made pretty clear to him that he wouldn't be given the opportunity.

[Original Dub]

Was the 5m for Dunne really that needed?


No, but he did not want to stay and sit on the bench hence the move to Villa.

I think he was willing to fight for his place, but behind closed doors it must have been made pretty clear to him that he wouldn't be given the opportunity.

I'd certainly suspect the same. Dunne doesn't strike me as the type of player that wouldn't fight for his place.

I'd bet my house on it.

[Blueboylewis]

Toure and Lescott will be the main pairing, There are no doubts about that but also i reckon Kompany might be tried at Full back or something this season or maybe even centre back if either Toure or lescott are slipping up. But even If Kolo is making mistakes. Hughes cant take of the capain can he?

[Hazy]

Was the 5m for Dunne really that needed?


No, but he did not want to stay and sit on the bench hence the move to Villa.

I think he was willing to fight for his place, but behind closed doors it must have been made pretty clear to him that he wouldn't be given the opportunity.

I'd certainly suspect the same. Dunne doesn't strike me as the type of player that wouldn't fight for his place.

I'd bet my house on it.

I can see one set of fans happy to have dunney after last week, he is playing great which was always gonna be the case.