CaptainXabi

I know our play isn't the referee's fault. But his performance has been dismal.

Just not meant to be this season. We could have had 8 CBs and we'd still have ended up with all of them injured and having to play Shaqiri and Keita at the back.

We need to change shape here. We've lost so many of the players that make this system work -- what's the point?

If/when we get Hendo and Fabinho back, just put them both in midfield. Enough is enough.

Take him off, there's no point risking this

Oh FFS, Hendo is hurt.

We should just put every corner on goal and see how Pickford deals with it in this wind.

Definitely needs to hit that first time on his left. Good effort Hendo

FFS

Trent’s passing has been really good

Come on Sadio

It's going to be fine once we re-calibrate our target from the title to top 4 (and obviously a CL run never hurts). I think things start to get better from here.

When he’s fit again we should play Fabinho in midfield and Henderson at the back. To me it’s the least disruptive way to mitigate the impact of the various long-term injuries.

I’m actually more confident he’ll make it now than ever before. The patience and maturity he has shown lately has been impressive, especially since we know that is not his natural instinct. He’s not being hesitant, he’s rather being careful because he knows the midfield has no margin for error and there is no safety net. We can’t afford to be caught in transition, and we can’t afford to put pressure on the makeshift back line. He has been plugging holes out of possession and his off-ball movement when in possession has been giving the opposition something to think about. I don’t think it’s coincidental that our midfield dynamic has been so much better with him on the pitch than off it over the last 3 matches.

I am surprised at the criticism of Curtis Jones re: slowing the match down. If anything, he's showing the most maturity/understanding of our midfielders. It's clear that open matches don't suit us right now, especially when Thiago is playing -- being slow and careful is the least bad option. Not to mention that his mobility and size are an asset when Henderson and Fabinho aren't in midfield.

I thought the Jones sub was strange (as were the complaints earlier). He was making so many important little interceptions. Yes he was slowing down the ball, but clearly we aren’t in the position to have back and forth match with City.

Because you expect him to send it long for the rest of the match after the first error?

Unbelievable

really poor

Might as well give Kabak a shot.

I thought he was good too. Has really been the legs of the midfield.

Mane, lad

Why does Thiago keep doing this

Really important not to let City score early (which actually may be driving the Kabak decision). We need to be on it right away.

Wish Kabak was starting. That said, I can see the idea of starting players who are familiar with each other given City’s front 3. I hope Jones is given license to attack.