I was very pleased with Poch's contribution today. Our players were clearly tense, nervous and panicky. They were trying hard but perhaps a bit too hard. Wrong decisions were the result. Too many were dithering on the ball, dribbling too much and passing backwards without swivelling and turning into space, Dubai might have a point the bigger dimensions of the pitch might be a factor, even Dembele was not finding the space but then they did have 4 players closing his options. It is these minor details players need to work on e.g get Dembele to play more 0ne-two touch passes, look forward etc.
However, Poch didn't leave the changes too late, he switched formations to protect Dier and the CBs by going to 4-2-3-1. He also reacted to the 2 early yellows which Wimmer and Dier picked up, in the past the refs have been quick to send our players off, so credit to our players for not losing the plot, aside of Walker's sleight of hand, we backed off, I think this helped City get possession, as we don't usually lose so many 50-50s.
I expect more teams will press us now, esp Pool, as Monaco and Leverkusen did. Our tactical flexibility now means we have a better chance of coping. On these occasions, we could do with moving the ball quicker, push and run, and particularly someone who can switch the ball effectively. A Hoddle would be gold dust, Eriksen was off today, but someone else with that awareness would be very useful.
Although, not quite the skill set we need, Carroll's use of the ball today was an example, for Swansea.
I am not sure who can provide that quality, Winks plays short very well, but a pressing swarm can't move to the other side of the pitch quickly to a switched ball, enabling us to utilise our pace on the flanks, especially, if that player can beat a man.
