Nasri's goal was against the early opening run of play, but we have to be honest in admitting that it was not the best of defending (however you wish to look at it). From that point onwards many surrounding fans were talking about how the midfield was swamped in the middle and we had no one on the right or left and with Bale in the middle we had no choices.
Interestingly enough most people seemed to agree, but it worked to our advantage. City did have a few shots mostly tame other than a Nasri run that he toe poked wide (thankfully too much pressure on the midfielder from Jan and Hugo). Other than these (unlike what Mancini believes), I feel that we were well in the game and given the right counter attack we were right back in it. It was very difficult to weave any chances in midfield for either side.
There were certainly some questionable official decisions, but overall they did not have an impact on the game dramatically. Nasri in my opinion should have walked (same tackle as Sidwell), Benni could have walked (similar tackle again), a blatant handball in the box (by City) and some further smaller incidents in questionable free kicks given against us.
Most of these should be looked at by an independent panel as should we have lost I feel that the impact on the game would have been much greater.
Another notable issue was that many fans have now thrown in the towel with Ade. He had a few good games and then dropped off again. In all fairness I don't think he showed well for the ball at all, but he certainly wasn't lazy. All in all again Spurs fans why rock the boat!? If anything Siggy was just as bad and moaning for the sake of moaning is helping no one (not even you).
Forget this though as Siggy and Ade will perform better in another game.
In fact another thing that some fans had moaned about was the formation and we were not setup right to deal with Man City from the start. Well you certainly can't argue that AVB didn't make the right choice in his substitutions. Changing to a 4-3-3 was genius! Huddlestone assisted in a goal, Holtby moved into the holding position (which allowed Dembele to become more involved in the important areas up field) and Defoe scored. I truly believe that there was a big ploy and exceptional mind games behind the lead up. Bale's fitness was announced and City catered for this, however when they realised that he was moving gingerly or not getting involved in general they were happy to loosen their grip on him. So whether you want to listen or want to believe it no one can argue that AVB has been the mastermind behind beating the top 2 teams (and reigning EPL Champs) and made a seemless transitions between managers.
Dempsey was certainly a surprise on the score sheet for me, but should it have been? The War Horse although not on song for the entire game, gets into the right positions and can create huge issues for the defending team (especially in the air). 11 goals in 37 games (for a midfielder, which is generally his position), is a great return in my opinion (so correct if I am wrong there people)?
There were several good points that need to be raised from yesterday, AVB's tactical genius, Holtby showing he can be used as the holding midfielder, Walker looking lively, Dawson gleaming with confidence, Lloris showing he can be called upon whenever needed (saving Tevez's out of the blue near post header), Huddlestone getting right back into the swing of the game and Vertonghen was looking strong again. I was happy with pretty much the whole of the team's performance.
For me all this and the 3-1 win was a monstrous day for us and it’s not a game that I will be forgetting easily.
Only thing I was disappointed about yesterday (when it comes down to it), was that Chelsea hung onto a draw. Oh actually also my thoughts on not buying Sturridge was a mistake were also highlighted yesterday.
Football is a funny old game and we have to remember this. Several times our position (and others) have gone down to the last game in the league and even had goal difference used for the position decider. I cannot say our lads motivation has gone (had yes) and certainly that they have not given up. If anything their confidence and motivation will now be exceptionally high.
To all those fans out there that still have something to moan about, come on just look at what we now have to be happy about! A game in hand against Arsenal (that game being Chelsea) and when we win it we'll turn the 3rd, 4th and 5th positions right on their heads!
I still believed that we could get 3rd and that has not changed, it will be difficult, but the lads have wait it takes.
COYS!!!!!
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