Man City v Barcelona 18th Feb

rbm · February 19, 2014

I know they won even if it was against 10 men and I know they are and were great but is it just me or does everyone else see that Xavi is now a very pedestrian player? I realise he is ageing but its true isn't it? He is nowhere near his reputation now.

Rook · February 19, 2014

rascal said:
On reflection I don't think Demichellis was at fault

Its more Kompany but DeMichellis's fault too. Once Messi gets into the box you gotta let him go and hope the keeper comes through. If its 1-0 there then city could have tied/won that match the way they played in the 2nd half.

Kompany is massively overrated. I think the Guardian had him at No16 of best players in the world (maybe that was last year but still). If that is the case then there is no way Jags is lower than 25. For all the possession they have they shouldn't have given up the amount of goals they have.

City played well and did show heart. Nice of the fans ~~to stay the whole match to give them support~~ to jet right out of there after the 2nd goal.

Fuleco · February 19, 2014

bicycleheader said:
Totally agree. He makes the game look simple. Always has time on the ball. Actually not been at his best for a couple of months but is still fantastic.

I've got no problem in saying that Busquets is Barcelona's second most important player.

Fuleco · February 19, 2014

Criticism of Kompany on here seems a tad harsh, probably his fault for the red card but he had a solid game and is still the best centre back in the Premier League. He defended impressively when City went down to 10, it really could have been a lot worse than 2-0.

Dani Alves still offers a lot to Barcelona when they are attacking, much like us and Seamus Coleman! Remember this assist last season?

Gerrard did something similar last week and they had to close twitter for the night.

Mikey_Fitzgerald · February 19, 2014

Not seen the match, just the penno tackle

Looks like the foul happened outside the box to be honest

bicycleheader · February 19, 2014

rbm said:
I know they won even if it was against 10 men and I know they are and were great but is it just me or does everyone else see that Xavi is now a very pedestrian player? I realise he is ageing but its true isn't it? He is nowhere near his reputation now.

Its a big part of the reason Barça have dropped a level really. Its not the changing of managers, players are not at the same level for the last two years.

Xavi shouldve been rested a lot more this season really. Theres no way he has completely lost the ability to pass quickly between the lines or play defence splitting passes..yet that kind of thing isn't seen anymore from him.

Ive big hopes for Sergi Roberto in the centre but, like Xavi and Iniestas careers, we might not see the best of him until he's had a few seasons under his belt.

bicycleheader · February 19, 2014

Mikey_Fitzgerald said:
Not seen the match, just the penno tackle

Looks like the foul happened outside the box to be honest

Still havent seen a replay that confirms either way.

Some people are saying the slide tackle starts just outside but the knock on the ankle is on the line or just inside the box.

Terrible decision making by Kompany and then Demichelis.

Mikey_Fitzgerald · February 19, 2014

bicycleheader said:
Still havent seen a replay that confirms either way.

Some people are saying the slide tackle starts just outside but the knock on the ankle is on the line or just inside the box.

Terrible decision making by Kompany and then Demichelis.

Yeah, was defo a foul and he was the last man, so I can't argue with the red card

Not sure it was a pen though

rascal · February 19, 2014

Fuleco said:
Criticism of Kompany on here seems a tad harsh, probably his fault for the red card but he had a solid game and is still the best centre back in the Premier League.

Which says it all about the quality of Premier League CBs.

Fuleco · February 19, 2014

Demichelis had a good game until he cost his team the tie with one lunge.

Much better CB than he is holding mid.

Christiffa25 · February 19, 2014

Looking at barca's set up last night wonder if bobby will edge more towards that in the future.

How would you have it currently?

...................Howard..................
............Jags...........Barry...........
..Coleman.......................Baines..
...................Gibson...................
............McCarthy.......................
...........................Barkley..........
..Delefuoe......Mirallas.....Pienaar..

Think both Barry dropping to CB and mirallas playing as a false 9 could work for both players.

God knows if it would work but would be interesting to see how it worked.