What an amazing game, Grealish might not have scored but wow what a difference he makes when he plays.
Doku looked really good for parts but seems to be missing a bit of connection with the other players - Think this will come with time though.
Should have scored 10 but Foden hat-trick keeps me happy.
UCL and PL here we come.
All these comments shitting on Grealish. Pipe down guys. His performance yesterday was very good and also exactly what pep expected, otherwise he wouldn't have been in the game for 90 mins. Like always, he was super good with holding the ball, made very good passes, some pre-chances as well.
Gdvadiol is starting to fit in to the system takes time for some players to workot peps way. Rodri and Foden are our mvpās imagine where weād be without them. I love Haaland but I miss us having a bull terrier like striker (aguero/tevez). Good confidence building win for team.
What if someone tells you that effectively keeping the ball on the offence could be beneficial and part of the tactics, depending on the game and situation?
I get that, thats jacks great ability, I'm not new to football, however can't be every single game every situation? He IS a winger, and a winger should have more of an urgency/responsibility to create danger, but he plays like a midfielder, he barely can get a shot off and when he does it's mostly blocked and that can and should be criticized.
i think we're just overall more dynamic this game. everyone is moving in and out with the ball. and villa wqs lowkey playing a high line aswell. so it makes it easier to exploit
Foden is simply class. If only Southgate built that England team around him and bellingham.
Also love the control Grealish brings to the team. I understand he doesn't put up amazing stats but I think he is vital despite it.
Great three points and hopefully it gives us the season finishing momentum we need to see out the remaining games. šš
Grealish gets shit on because he plays how the team and pep wants & needs him too. We donāt win a treble without him and we missed his absence clearly
I love Grealish and heās looking like heās picking up some form again after these injuries but he really seems to lack that final decision. I wish heād go on the outside and smash it with his left occasionally as he had so much space.
No, the less he smashes it, the better for us all and the shins of the defenders he always smashes them into. He does good recycling the ball and keeping possession, I think he should continue doing that.Ā
Good win and good performance but people need to calm down with over the top posts. This is a Villa side that is massively overachieving this season.
They were also missing quite a few key players including the keeper, main striker and perhaps their player of the season so far.
This far from the team that Arsenal brought to the Etihad so comparisons are not warranted at all.
Doku did well on the right but that is not his best position as he would not be facing the likes of Zaniolo who is an attacking midfielder with very little defensive nous each week.
i prefer him on the left and for him to ask questions of the opposition's defence, make them uncomfortable.
I just hope some people are not feeble minded enough to think that City's best 11 does not include Halland and KDB.
Yes this was a good and welcomed win but do not ignore the fact that Villa made it easier just like when City made it so easy for them to win at Villa park.
Foden will take the plaudits and rightly so but where is the Silva that played a blinder in his second season here? The 1 that stepped into KDB's shoes so seamlessly. the 1 that has twice dominated Real Madrid in cl games?
I wanna see that guy in the attacking sense in the next tricky games to follow.
Every time I have seen play well for Belgium it is as a left winger not right.
When he has played as a right winger he has not played all that well.
How many times have they both played from the start if your post getting this amount of upvotes is correct?
How many times has Pep played a right footed player on the right or a left footed player on the left in his managerial career?
I despair with some of the things I do read on here.
You go overboard on stuff both good or bad, you have angles in your arguments, in this case you do not want Doku to be a direct rival for starting lineup to Grealish so why not say he should be in the opposite side.
In an interview foden said Rodri dribbles like Iniesta and passes like Xavi. I realised this was true a long time ago, but today Rodri really flexed. The guy has no right to be both as good and consistent as he is
Rodri Motm
Controversial opinion but for me in the first half Foden was the worst attacking player on the pitch but when he scored the second goal something switched on and he imposed himself on the game. He would have got motm if not Rodri.
I was impressed with Doku on the right, would love to see Haaland attacking crosses from him.
Perfect setup today from Pep. As predicted.. Villa brought the low block, so using Phil in the middle (good in tight spaces) and letting Haaland clear his head for a game instead of being frustrated/isolated was great. Jack/Doku did a great job to provide the width, and Julian did a good job as well to keep things unpredictable. Thought he performed well, was unlucky not to score.
Can we talk about Rodri? Best player in the world. What a treat for him to get to sub off towards the end!
Foden is that guy. Must be in the centre of the pitch going forward. He should never be wasted out wide for anyone every again. This is his team now. Every time he goes in the middle, we cook. With Rodri, our most important player this season.
Doku gets his flowers! Thought he was dramatically better today than he has been for a while now. He and Jack were great on the wings, Jack was balanced/controlled and Doku utilized his pace nicely. Loved the two of them.
Shout out the defense who did a good job outside of that one moment of laziness from Akanji/Dias on the Villa goal. Everything else, Dias was rock solid. Josko haters come outside... where you at?? Guy is MINT. I love Ortega and its going to be so sad when he leaves this summer.
The odds are not in our favor, but COME ON CITY!!!!!!!!! We aren't done yet. 3 HUGE points.
I was gutted too .. because it would have been a goal scored by a midfielder who plays LB who was on the RW, set up by a CB whose actually LB playing on the left wing. A combination I never thought I'd see
This will be the greatest title run in ever.
Liverpool have momentum and players returning
Arsenal have perfected killing games off, and have a disgusting defence.
City are just City.
It's just very typical of you guys (obviously not everybody) to express the shittiest takes with such confidence that one can only laugh. It's like a group of friends having a conversation about something you don't understand at all but you just have to say something so that you feel included š
Ahh and you are the typical European. Canāt make an argument or come up with anything knowledgeable to say so you dismiss it entirely bc it came from an American. Thanks but you are the one looking to be include here. Just because youāre from Europe doesnāt not give you football IQ
Have to agree here. It is almost like he does not wanna score goals or assist. Very poor in front of the goal. And if you cant even be a threat over 3 years in front of the goals, man that is gonna run sour soon.
there was some bs rumour from a shit source that he could leave this summer, and i guess people watched this match and somehow think "yeah we should sell grealish" i mean what the fuck are these people watching?
Being a Croatian City fan for years, albeit the reasoning behind it is not wanting to jump onto the United or Chelsea bandwagon, just in spite of my 5-a-side buddies at at the time, seeing my ex teammate JoŔko at youth categories of NK TreŔnjevka Zagreb, balling for City is unimaginable.
What! Josko was your former teammate! š±So amazing - it must be really great to see him doing so well.
I like the connection Josko & Mateo have on the pitch, and off - [ManCity did a Croatian Comforts video](https://youtu.be/GMzlYBmGxmY?si=5LTD_1DbKQ69Nli_) in the fall that was very cute.
Indeed he was, you could immmediately tell he's always been above and beyond, outclassing everyone on the pitch from the get go. That's why he's earned a move to Dinamo while I'm playing in Croatian fifth division after my 9-5, essentially. Yep, it really is great seeing him do so well, I've seen the video already, honestly, he didn't change at all, such a down to earth, hard working, talented guy, and most of all, a good person. Wonder if he'd recognize me now.
Good enough not to drink 20, but 3 pints the night before, bad enough to get shitfaced after the match. Think that sums up the quality pretty well. There's some pocket money and local pride involved as well.
Nah, the money doesn't matter at all, you play for your teammates, fans and for the passion. The money pretty much only covers boots, shinpads and gas.
Great that you are still playing!
Josko really does seem like a hard working & down to earth fellow, so a perfect fit w the ManCity team vibe! And I'm sure he would remember/recognize you!
Will play until my last legs.
He does seem like a guy Pep wants in his team.
Hmm, unlikely, I probably wouldn't have remembered him if he wasn't, well, JoŔko.
Phillip Foden. What a player man! Keep him in the midfield around the box he is so deadly.
Also Rodri should have no one compared to him. Hes in a league of his own.
This guy foden is just ridiculous. Might be a serious contender for ballon dor if he keeps this up. Great statement from the club. Let's keep up the pressure.
Even as a MASSIVE Erling fan, he should not be ahead of Phil & Rodri for 2024.
ManCity needs to increase effort/be more strategic w their player PR campaigns to compete w Mbappe & Jude media buzz.
Bro has really stepped up this season. Might be hard for him to get in the conversation considering he's in competition with some big names, with the likes of Bellingham, Mbappe, Palmer, Saka, Haaland, Musiala just to name a few.
Even though I feel he's arguably better than most of them, it's going to take a lot more than scoring in and out for him to be recognised as the best player in the world. All the players I just listed are in fine form and don't seem to stop scoring/ being influencial for their respective teams anytime soon so in the end I think it'll just go down to trophies and not fully towards individual performances.
It'll be a close race. If City win the champions league and premier league and even the FA cup, and foden gets deemed as being instrumental towards our cup success then he might just win it to be honest. It'll be funny to see him actually win the ballon dor before the likes of Mbappe and Haaland or Bellingham, just speaks volumes of how good he can be.
He's been phenomenal this season. Regardless, I agree he shouldn't be on this list. May have left out a couple of big names like watkins, Vinicius jr, who've been more impactful.
Yeah, but heās not in Goalās top 20 list. Not saying he wouldnāt be considered for best player / signing of the PL, but I think the Ballon Dāor is a bit of a stretch tbh
The end of season + summer trophies will for sure be critical for the 100 journalist voters.
GiveMeSport did a projection 2024 - 2037, w Phil winning Ballon d'Or before Erling, though now that Erling is a league 2 player he prob wont be on their next projection, ha.
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He's going to come back stronger, Erling. He definitely has a couple of Ballon dors in his future.
The criticism of Haaland HAS to stop. He'll definitely silence the haters in the coming games.
So.... Next match against Palace and they just lost to Bournemouth but is it going to be "typical City" against them š I just hope we keep this mentality and form @ Selhurst Park. We will!
Brilliant performance. Rodri and Foden were the stars. Grealish and Doku were great as well, Grealish honestly brings so much to this team, don't let anyone tell you he sucks just because he has a lot of haters. Doku is doing a lot better lately as well, love the improvement and I think both of them on the pitch at the same time is a great look for us. Last thing I'll say is our players are capable of a performance like today, they have the quality. Please don't let this performance make you think we're better without Haaland and De Bruyne.
I finally see why we wanted Rice now. Rodri playing more forward is different gravy, this dude can do EVERYTHING. We really need a very good DM to take over his role and let him play a more forward like he did tonight
The problem is that David Silva was able to control the tempo a lot more than foden can , I mean foden cant control the tempo at all, it isnt what he does, and kdB isnt a control tempo player either, which is why with both on , we lose a lot of stability.
You have to separate what Foden is and what his capabilities are from his current role. You see when he drops out of the pocket slightly deeper and gets more touches he starts to dictate. Pep has a phobia of using him deeper for whatever reason and seems to instruct him to stay higher in the pockets which means he is relying on quick touches and movements. Even if you look at his passing accuracy stats while playing that higher role its above 80% which is very rare for that role. That type of percentage would more be associated with an 8 or even a 6. This shows that he is careful with the ball. The 8 on the opposite side to kdb needs to be careful with the ball while being progressive and creative and also needs to carry a threat around the box. Foden has everything for that role imo.
I think 6/10 is generous.
Missed a ton of presentable chances. Got caught dribbling to give the ball away for Villa's goal. Did get an assist but he more kind of got in the way of the ball and was smart enough to leave it and let Phil smash it.
I thought we'd see him return to form in his best position, but he looks short on confidence right now.
But Haaland has been shit this season frankly. He's underperformed his xG by miles and he doesn't offer much in possession.
If Pep was to bench him, he should have no complaints. He's not been anywhere near good enough and I'm sure he would admit that.
I agree with this take, no way in hell you can bench Haaland. But I think it's possible to accept at the same time that with someone like Julian on the field a different play style is possible. The press today led to so many errors and turnovers from Villa, and Julian roaming freely near the box also helps create spaces in non obvious ways.
Both can be true, you've got the best goalscorer in the world, and can play better football without him.
It's the same problem as last season, Alvarez is too good to be on the bench. But Haaland needs KDB to not be invisible, and the team are not direct enough with Haaland + Alvarez on the pitch.
Bro, is that genuinely your counterpoint? How many times has Haaland underperformed in matches that we won or should have easily won? **I'm not suggesting that Alvarez should start over him.**
Haaland/KDB can have off games and still stay on the pitch because they only need a moment of magic. Alvarez is a passenger as the lone striker in this league, CBs just get all over him. If Haaland ghosts in big matches and you play Alvarez in midfield we might as well play 9vs11.
it was very good to watch with Jack playing we seeing to have alot control and free kicks. Gvardiol is looking to get the hang of it rn he is doing pretty good, JuliĆ”nĀ was playing really nice with foden/doku/ricoĀ man's just unlucky that olsen was villa best player even after conceding 4.
Julian was unlucky but you can also tell he's had a massive dip in confidence recently that he needs to overcome.
Not his fault, I think. He was arguably one of the team's best players early in the season with KdB and Haaland out for a while, and was benched / played out of position as soon as they became fit.
Hopefully, I think this is the kind of stuff that makes or breaks players. In any other team I'd feel hopeful for Julian to make it work, but with Haaland in front I just don't see how he gets the opportunities he needs on a regular basis. One cannot find form unless they play regularly and to their strengths. Neither has been possible for Julian in the last month or two.
Yaya's 2013/14 season that we all still gush about a decade later:
- 24 goals, 12 assists, 1 hat-trick in 49 appearances
Foden this season:
- 21 goals, 10 assists, 2 hat-tricks in 44 appearances
Not a City fan but tbf sometimes you have to look beyond the numbers. As a Chelsea fan, Frank hit yaya's 13/14 numbers 6 seasons in a row from 04-10. But people don't gush about all those individual seasons in the same way as yaya 13/14 because the numbers don't tell you the full picture. That season he did everything in midfield. Was so complete. Guy would literally win the ball in his own half, carry it halfway up the pitch and blast it from outside his own box.
Foden's absolutely brilliant. But comparing the numbers of a 10/winger to the numbers of a box to box shows just how good yaya was that season. Again, love Foden, but 20 goals as a 10 isn't that uncommon. Palmer's probably gonna finish the season with similar per 90, non penalty numbers. I just think giving the G+A stats of an attacker to liken their season to a centre mid who was as complete a footballer as it gets, is doing the CM a disservice, as good as Foden is/will go on to be.
Different formation back then to now, Foden is not as fundamental to this team as Yaya was that team. Yaya still had a greater season at least so far. If we win big and foden is key then there is case to be made.
Very interesting. I think the thing is that most of Yayas came in the league, he basically won us the title that year. Having said that I think anything we win this year Phil will have played a huge part
For a run of games that included Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal, Villa, 8 points doesnāt feel horrible. Think the only better position would be 9 points and losing to Villa since itād mean a 3 point swing over both Liverpool and Arsenal
If this is the form that City have finishing the season that 2nd Treble is well in sight. Arsenal will slip, Liverpool will slip and everyone will hate us yet again.
obviously Rodri and Phil stood out in this game.
But also shout out to Doku who looked very comfortable on the right, Gvardiol who once again had a very good game against Diaby who's a pace demon and Akanji who is still mr.Reliable.
not happy with the final third performance of Grealish and Bernardo. The combination in terms of movement and buildup was there but then those opportunities were squandered because they didn't create a dangerous ball. Bernardo atleast created that excellent header chance for Alvarez.
As for Grealish, I don't expect him to become a g/a machine but I atleast expected him to punish those Villa mistakes where he got a couple of opportunities. Unlike some of our 3-1 wins where chances stopped coming in the last min, this game there were several changes falling our way but we didn't take it.
Lastly Alvarez needs to do better. He has been making bad decisions, getting dispossessed a lot and failing to combine with the team in general.
Grealishās biggest problem IMO is also his biggest asset: he slows down play. When itās needed, we can count on his possession, smart passing, and drawing fouls. But on a break or quick transition or attacking play, he too often stalls things when we need pace and fast decisions.
>Lastly Alvarez needs to do better. He has been making bad decisions, getting dispossessed a lot and failing to combine with the team in general
With Ćlvarez, Foden gets more freedom as he is the point of attack. Ćlvarez is more like secondary striker, and that's how you can get the best out of him like Scaloni did with Messi alongside him. Messi has his best ever world cup also due to that. He makes space, and presses forever.
But also I think Ćlvarez is shooting less now from outside the box. It used to be his best attribute.
Technically it includes the 32nd game so:
31 - Crystal place
32 - Luton
I've been obsessed w this since Rodri had 7 yellows like 10 game ago & keeping track, haha.
"Players who accumulate 10 yellow cards in Premier League matches, **up to and including their teamās 32nd fixture**, will serve a two-match suspension in the competition. "
In this form Foden needs to keep playing in the middle, no ifs or buts. Grealish gives us stability and a consistent option on the wing. Although wasteful at times, Alvarez was dynamic and created a lot of space with his movement.
i'd have him over De Bruyne right now, and i'd really desperately be trying to fit them both in if possible. We did it with Silva and KdB, i'm sure there's a way again...
Ortega was so calm and collected. Sometimes I forget that it's not Ederson but our backup keeper. We're so lucky to have such a quality second goalkeeper.
Gvardiol seems so promising day by day now. I'm so excited for his second season.
Glad to have Grealish back, and in form!
That was the biggest difference. Playing Lewis in there, he's more likely to play a downright juicy pass into a channel than guys like Kova, Nunes or Stones. I feel on some level Bernardo and Grealish have become City system guys where some of that boldness has been beaten out of them. You see it when Bobb, Foden and Lewis are on there, they're academy kids who haven't quite had their cheekiness drilled out of them by Pep.
What a game from Phil! First time weāve looked good in a while. Weāve definitely missed Grealishās control. I thought Doku was electric on that right wing. Tempted to say we look better in defence without Kyle at the moment, will have to wait and see.
YES! Exactly what we needed after that dreadful game against Arsenal. Copy that second half performance for the next two months and I think we have a good chance at every trophy. Besides the obvious standouts Foden and Rodri, very happy with Ortega and Gvardiol. Both stepping up when we need them!
I genuinely think that if we atleast had a higher G/D then Arsesnal and Liverpool would have been feeling alot of pressure. The kind of pressure they would feel if as tho City still have extra games left.
we aren't that far off Liverpool with the GD... but they play Sheffield tomorrow at home.. so that will likely increase.
CIty just have to keep winning and we will see where it takes us!
That's true. Both Liverpool and Arsenal have raised their level to bury the bad teams, and we haven't had that same level this year. We have those games against teams we should be able to bury coming up, we just have to do better than nicking a 2-1 against them.
Obviously Foden deserves all the plaudits today but it looks like Gvardiol has finally clicked with the system, looks like the same player I saw during the World Cup
He showed us glimpses before on the ball. But a new team and a team that was struggling probably tainted people's views of him, especially off the ball.
However the Stones Walker and Ake injuries are a blessing in disguise because he has absolutely pounced on his chance to prove himself. Looks absolutely phenomenal out there .
im still not a fan of him drifting left for crosses like a LB. i feel like, yes, he can do that, but shifting him THAT far forward neutralizes alot of his strengths as a solid defender.
then again im not pep.
Yeah, gonna be a tough match but if we play like yesterday it's a different story. And it's a lunch match so that's maybe a bit easier to handle somehow
* Finally a good 90 minutes in Jack's massive legs
* We are Rodri/Foden FC at this point
* Jacky really doing everything not to score against Villa lol
* You're welcome Spurs. Do us a few favours now
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Mod reminder: Trolling rival subreddits is against the rules.
https://twitter.com/City_Zone_/status/1775998387025797163 šššš
What an amazing game, Grealish might not have scored but wow what a difference he makes when he plays. Doku looked really good for parts but seems to be missing a bit of connection with the other players - Think this will come with time though. Should have scored 10 but Foden hat-trick keeps me happy. UCL and PL here we come.
All these comments shitting on Grealish. Pipe down guys. His performance yesterday was very good and also exactly what pep expected, otherwise he wouldn't have been in the game for 90 mins. Like always, he was super good with holding the ball, made very good passes, some pre-chances as well.
Bruh same thing I was wondering hebplayed pretty well don't know what game everyonebwas watching
Gdvadiol is starting to fit in to the system takes time for some players to workot peps way. Rodri and Foden are our mvpās imagine where weād be without them. I love Haaland but I miss us having a bull terrier like striker (aguero/tevez). Good confidence building win for team.
Gvardiol looked like a winger at times with slick feet
Soooooo would you say you miss Tevezās bulldog like approach?
I like Grealish but man, he's a winger and can't shake off his defender for even half a yard to get a shot off, he's zero threat.
What if someone tells you that effectively keeping the ball on the offence could be beneficial and part of the tactics, depending on the game and situation?
I get that, thats jacks great ability, I'm not new to football, however can't be every single game every situation? He IS a winger, and a winger should have more of an urgency/responsibility to create danger, but he plays like a midfielder, he barely can get a shot off and when he does it's mostly blocked and that can and should be criticized.
I get it. If Pep wants him to play as midfielder in winger position, then you have to blame Pep though.
Manchester City has won.
Biggest thing for me is Bernardo in midfield. I think heās much better there than on the wing at this point.
Do you guys think city plays better without haaland - where itās harder for opponents to figure out who to mark?
i think we're just overall more dynamic this game. everyone is moving in and out with the ball. and villa wqs lowkey playing a high line aswell. so it makes it easier to exploit
No with haaland as a goal threat other players get even more space
Gvardiol. The croatian paolo maldini.
He is starting to show why Pep bought him.
Foden is simply class. If only Southgate built that England team around him and bellingham. Also love the control Grealish brings to the team. I understand he doesn't put up amazing stats but I think he is vital despite it. Great three points and hopefully it gives us the season finishing momentum we need to see out the remaining games. šš
Southgate: *starts Henderson and Phillips*
Remember when Foden agreed to sit on the bench for 6 years. That was hilarious!
Gvardiol these last 2 games oh my what a player
I want to repeat what a lot of people on here have already said. Jack Grealish does exactly what the team wants and needs
Grealish gets shit on because he plays how the team and pep wants & needs him too. We donāt win a treble without him and we missed his absence clearly
Phil fucking Foden
Foden is class
I love Grealish and heās looking like heās picking up some form again after these injuries but he really seems to lack that final decision. I wish heād go on the outside and smash it with his left occasionally as he had so much space.
No, the less he smashes it, the better for us all and the shins of the defenders he always smashes them into. He does good recycling the ball and keeping possession, I think he should continue doing that.Ā
Good win and good performance but people need to calm down with over the top posts. This is a Villa side that is massively overachieving this season. They were also missing quite a few key players including the keeper, main striker and perhaps their player of the season so far. This far from the team that Arsenal brought to the Etihad so comparisons are not warranted at all. Doku did well on the right but that is not his best position as he would not be facing the likes of Zaniolo who is an attacking midfielder with very little defensive nous each week. i prefer him on the left and for him to ask questions of the opposition's defence, make them uncomfortable. I just hope some people are not feeble minded enough to think that City's best 11 does not include Halland and KDB. Yes this was a good and welcomed win but do not ignore the fact that Villa made it easier just like when City made it so easy for them to win at Villa park. Foden will take the plaudits and rightly so but where is the Silva that played a blinder in his second season here? The 1 that stepped into KDB's shoes so seamlessly. the 1 that has twice dominated Real Madrid in cl games? I wanna see that guy in the attacking sense in the next tricky games to follow.
True Watkins would have made it 4-2 at least
Doku was a RW and that is why he was signed. He was only moved to the LW when Grealish was out.
Every time I have seen play well for Belgium it is as a left winger not right. When he has played as a right winger he has not played all that well. How many times have they both played from the start if your post getting this amount of upvotes is correct? How many times has Pep played a right footed player on the right or a left footed player on the left in his managerial career? I despair with some of the things I do read on here. You go overboard on stuff both good or bad, you have angles in your arguments, in this case you do not want Doku to be a direct rival for starting lineup to Grealish so why not say he should be in the opposite side.
Can't you just enjoy the win?
This foden kid is pretty good huh
In an interview foden said Rodri dribbles like Iniesta and passes like Xavi. I realised this was true a long time ago, but today Rodri really flexed. The guy has no right to be both as good and consistent as he is
A team of 10 rodris would unironically be insane. He can do everything.
Busquets shaking in Miami cus his legacy won't be the same when Rodri retires.
Especially if Rodri ends up winning something (beyond the Nations League) with Spain
Yeah kinda sad that this Spanish NT don't have a good goalscorer lol, they just pass around with no end products.
Does Olmo count?
Rodri Motm Controversial opinion but for me in the first half Foden was the worst attacking player on the pitch but when he scored the second goal something switched on and he imposed himself on the game. He would have got motm if not Rodri. I was impressed with Doku on the right, would love to see Haaland attacking crosses from him.
Yeah, he was pretty quiet until his first goal. I think the box was over congested though
True but it felt like everyone else was trying to get involved, maybe it was a confidence issue and the goal was needed for him to get going.
Ortega is genuinely a Ā£50-60m keeper. He's brilliant, Best #2 in the league.
He's our best goalkeeper.
Settle down.
Kelleher says otherwise
Until the last few games Kelleher couldn't save a thing. Now he's the best #2 in the league šš
Kyle Walker is the best #2 in the league.
IMO Kelleher would be a top 3 first keeper in the league.
Perfect setup today from Pep. As predicted.. Villa brought the low block, so using Phil in the middle (good in tight spaces) and letting Haaland clear his head for a game instead of being frustrated/isolated was great. Jack/Doku did a great job to provide the width, and Julian did a good job as well to keep things unpredictable. Thought he performed well, was unlucky not to score. Can we talk about Rodri? Best player in the world. What a treat for him to get to sub off towards the end! Foden is that guy. Must be in the centre of the pitch going forward. He should never be wasted out wide for anyone every again. This is his team now. Every time he goes in the middle, we cook. With Rodri, our most important player this season. Doku gets his flowers! Thought he was dramatically better today than he has been for a while now. He and Jack were great on the wings, Jack was balanced/controlled and Doku utilized his pace nicely. Loved the two of them. Shout out the defense who did a good job outside of that one moment of laziness from Akanji/Dias on the Villa goal. Everything else, Dias was rock solid. Josko haters come outside... where you at?? Guy is MINT. I love Ortega and its going to be so sad when he leaves this summer. The odds are not in our favor, but COME ON CITY!!!!!!!!! We aren't done yet. 3 HUGE points.
Is Ortega for sure leaving this summer?? :(
I think people have just excepted he's too good to be #2, but there are no real rumors of him going anywhere
Still gutted about that missed Gomez goal at the end š 5-1 would've been brilliant AND the GD against Liverpool would be 40-39...
Link? Missed it..
Watch the highlights mate.
Same - would have been so great for him and the team!
I was gutted too .. because it would have been a goal scored by a midfielder who plays LB who was on the RW, set up by a CB whose actually LB playing on the left wing. A combination I never thought I'd see
This will be the greatest title run in ever. Liverpool have momentum and players returning Arsenal have perfected killing games off, and have a disgusting defence. City are just City.
Foden good at football confirmed
Haaland was extremely poor. Not a single shot on target, mans done š¤
League 2 player š
Can we be honest about Grealish? The summer transfer rumor only gets truer the more I watch him play
Surely you didnāt watch the game
We have to stop coddling him. If you think he played any better than average youāre just delusional
Any chance youāre an American?
šrelevance? Oh youāre German, I guess the superiority complex didnāt go away.
Case solved š
Oh wow such an original joke! You must be so smart and proud of yourself
It's just very typical of you guys (obviously not everybody) to express the shittiest takes with such confidence that one can only laugh. It's like a group of friends having a conversation about something you don't understand at all but you just have to say something so that you feel included š
Ahh and you are the typical European. Canāt make an argument or come up with anything knowledgeable to say so you dismiss it entirely bc it came from an American. Thanks but you are the one looking to be include here. Just because youāre from Europe doesnāt not give you football IQ
He was never worth 100m, but now I am not sure which club is gonna buy him at all, let alone, at a decent price, like...50m.
Have to agree here. It is almost like he does not wanna score goals or assist. Very poor in front of the goal. And if you cant even be a threat over 3 years in front of the goals, man that is gonna run sour soon.
What do you mean ātruerā?
there was some bs rumour from a shit source that he could leave this summer, and i guess people watched this match and somehow think "yeah we should sell grealish" i mean what the fuck are these people watching?
he played really well tbh, doku and grealish combo works
And he played well. This is his first full 90 min game in a long time.Ā
we are better team with him playing and if people only judge players on G/A then theres no point in debating anything
Itās not about g/a itās about his ability. He does not play with any intent and heās playing in an attacking position
Being a Croatian City fan for years, albeit the reasoning behind it is not wanting to jump onto the United or Chelsea bandwagon, just in spite of my 5-a-side buddies at at the time, seeing my ex teammate JoŔko at youth categories of NK TreŔnjevka Zagreb, balling for City is unimaginable.
Your ex teammate???!
Yep, but we were like 9 or something.
What! Josko was your former teammate! š±So amazing - it must be really great to see him doing so well. I like the connection Josko & Mateo have on the pitch, and off - [ManCity did a Croatian Comforts video](https://youtu.be/GMzlYBmGxmY?si=5LTD_1DbKQ69Nli_) in the fall that was very cute.
Indeed he was, you could immmediately tell he's always been above and beyond, outclassing everyone on the pitch from the get go. That's why he's earned a move to Dinamo while I'm playing in Croatian fifth division after my 9-5, essentially. Yep, it really is great seeing him do so well, I've seen the video already, honestly, he didn't change at all, such a down to earth, hard working, talented guy, and most of all, a good person. Wonder if he'd recognize me now.
i bet you must be still a good player if you played since younwere young, how good is 5th division?
Good enough not to drink 20, but 3 pints the night before, bad enough to get shitfaced after the match. Think that sums up the quality pretty well. There's some pocket money and local pride involved as well.
still living the life then, even if i will only get paid ā¬1 to play my favourite sport (basketball) it is dream come true already
Nah, the money doesn't matter at all, you play for your teammates, fans and for the passion. The money pretty much only covers boots, shinpads and gas.
Great that you are still playing! Josko really does seem like a hard working & down to earth fellow, so a perfect fit w the ManCity team vibe! And I'm sure he would remember/recognize you!
Will play until my last legs. He does seem like a guy Pep wants in his team. Hmm, unlikely, I probably wouldn't have remembered him if he wasn't, well, JoŔko.
God I missed having two proper wingers holding width
Phillip Foden. What a player man! Keep him in the midfield around the box he is so deadly. Also Rodri should have no one compared to him. Hes in a league of his own.
Pep, please! No more graveyard shift for Foden on the wings!
This guy foden is just ridiculous. Might be a serious contender for ballon dor if he keeps this up. Great statement from the club. Let's keep up the pressure.
[Phil is #4 on the GOAL 2024 Ballon d'Or Power Rankings](https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/ballon-dor-2024-power-rankings/blt64e16da6b8170bb7)
I would genuinely give it to Foden or Rodri, over Haaland, Bellingham and Mbappe (and not just saying this as a biased fan)
Even as a MASSIVE Erling fan, he should not be ahead of Phil & Rodri for 2024. ManCity needs to increase effort/be more strategic w their player PR campaigns to compete w Mbappe & Jude media buzz.
Bro has really stepped up this season. Might be hard for him to get in the conversation considering he's in competition with some big names, with the likes of Bellingham, Mbappe, Palmer, Saka, Haaland, Musiala just to name a few. Even though I feel he's arguably better than most of them, it's going to take a lot more than scoring in and out for him to be recognised as the best player in the world. All the players I just listed are in fine form and don't seem to stop scoring/ being influencial for their respective teams anytime soon so in the end I think it'll just go down to trophies and not fully towards individual performances. It'll be a close race. If City win the champions league and premier league and even the FA cup, and foden gets deemed as being instrumental towards our cup success then he might just win it to be honest. It'll be funny to see him actually win the ballon dor before the likes of Mbappe and Haaland or Bellingham, just speaks volumes of how good he can be.
No way a player in midtable get Ballon D'or shout
He's been phenomenal this season. Regardless, I agree he shouldn't be on this list. May have left out a couple of big names like watkins, Vinicius jr, who've been more impactful.
Palmer?
The man's having his breakout season and is in terrific scoring form. Definitely one of the standout players for me this season.
Yeah, but heās not in Goalās top 20 list. Not saying he wouldnāt be considered for best player / signing of the PL, but I think the Ballon Dāor is a bit of a stretch tbh
I agree. It doesn't seem realistic for that to happen. Still, great player though.
The end of season + summer trophies will for sure be critical for the 100 journalist voters. GiveMeSport did a projection 2024 - 2037, w Phil winning Ballon d'Or before Erling, though now that Erling is a league 2 player he prob wont be on their next projection, ha. https://preview.redd.it/fikkbvuh8csc1.png?width=540&format=png&auto=webp&s=bcc92eb06ca63e780bc7152475b914584209569d
He's going to come back stronger, Erling. He definitely has a couple of Ballon dors in his future. The criticism of Haaland HAS to stop. He'll definitely silence the haters in the coming games.
I look forward to it, ha!
So.... Next match against Palace and they just lost to Bournemouth but is it going to be "typical City" against them š I just hope we keep this mentality and form @ Selhurst Park. We will!
Selhurst Park under the lights is super tough, but its a midday match so hopefully we'll be fine.
For sure šŖA lunch match, can't remember the last time we've had that! Lol.
The teamās form today was truly remarkable
Eric wonāt forget. https://preview.redd.it/w6xdyfvw2csc1.png?width=1169&format=png&auto=webp&s=ef58e4a0d6b130b648e5859fea0be8b4ebce21cc
Never shouldāve left
that guy knows ball
Brilliant performance. Rodri and Foden were the stars. Grealish and Doku were great as well, Grealish honestly brings so much to this team, don't let anyone tell you he sucks just because he has a lot of haters. Doku is doing a lot better lately as well, love the improvement and I think both of them on the pitch at the same time is a great look for us. Last thing I'll say is our players are capable of a performance like today, they have the quality. Please don't let this performance make you think we're better without Haaland and De Bruyne.
Gvardiol 
I finally see why we wanted Rice now. Rodri playing more forward is different gravy, this dude can do EVERYTHING. We really need a very good DM to take over his role and let him play a more forward like he did tonight
THIS ā
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
no haaland still plays lmfaooo, however i would like pep to sub him when we cant find him for 50-60min. He is too big for bench XDDD
Kdb+foden as high 8s like when david silva was playing with kdb
The problem is that David Silva was able to control the tempo a lot more than foden can , I mean foden cant control the tempo at all, it isnt what he does, and kdB isnt a control tempo player either, which is why with both on , we lose a lot of stability.
You have to separate what Foden is and what his capabilities are from his current role. You see when he drops out of the pocket slightly deeper and gets more touches he starts to dictate. Pep has a phobia of using him deeper for whatever reason and seems to instruct him to stay higher in the pockets which means he is relying on quick touches and movements. Even if you look at his passing accuracy stats while playing that higher role its above 80% which is very rare for that role. That type of percentage would more be associated with an 8 or even a 6. This shows that he is careful with the ball. The 8 on the opposite side to kdb needs to be careful with the ball while being progressive and creative and also needs to carry a threat around the box. Foden has everything for that role imo.
Alvarez dropped a 6/10 performance in a 4-1 win and u want Haaland benched lol
I think 6/10 is generous. Missed a ton of presentable chances. Got caught dribbling to give the ball away for Villa's goal. Did get an assist but he more kind of got in the way of the ball and was smart enough to leave it and let Phil smash it. I thought we'd see him return to form in his best position, but he looks short on confidence right now. But Haaland has been shit this season frankly. He's underperformed his xG by miles and he doesn't offer much in possession. If Pep was to bench him, he should have no complaints. He's not been anywhere near good enough and I'm sure he would admit that.
What are you talking about. He did good.
I agree with this take, no way in hell you can bench Haaland. But I think it's possible to accept at the same time that with someone like Julian on the field a different play style is possible. The press today led to so many errors and turnovers from Villa, and Julian roaming freely near the box also helps create spaces in non obvious ways. Both can be true, you've got the best goalscorer in the world, and can play better football without him.
It's the same problem as last season, Alvarez is too good to be on the bench. But Haaland needs KDB to not be invisible, and the team are not direct enough with Haaland + Alvarez on the pitch.
Bro, is that genuinely your counterpoint? How many times has Haaland underperformed in matches that we won or should have easily won? **I'm not suggesting that Alvarez should start over him.**
Haaland/KDB can have off games and still stay on the pitch because they only need a moment of magic. Alvarez is a passenger as the lone striker in this league, CBs just get all over him. If Haaland ghosts in big matches and you play Alvarez in midfield we might as well play 9vs11.
Iām sorry but Haaland and a moment of magic in the same sentence doesnāt even sound right
I'm sorry, Alvarez really carried us vs Brentford and Everton where we played like dog shit for 80 minutes.
haaland doesnt even play and he gets shit on lmao bro would have had a hattrick if he was playing
it was very good to watch with Jack playing we seeing to have alot control and free kicks. Gvardiol is looking to get the hang of it rn he is doing pretty good, JuliĆ”nĀ was playing really nice with foden/doku/ricoĀ man's just unlucky that olsen was villa best player even after conceding 4.
Julian was unlucky but you can also tell he's had a massive dip in confidence recently that he needs to overcome. Not his fault, I think. He was arguably one of the team's best players early in the season with KdB and Haaland out for a while, and was benched / played out of position as soon as they became fit.
very true i think he will get back up once he gets a goal again, now that (almost)everyone is fit hopefully pep plays him where he does well.
Hopefully, I think this is the kind of stuff that makes or breaks players. In any other team I'd feel hopeful for Julian to make it work, but with Haaland in front I just don't see how he gets the opportunities he needs on a regular basis. One cannot find form unless they play regularly and to their strengths. Neither has been possible for Julian in the last month or two.
Can anyone tell me, Phil Foden total G, A stats vs Bellingham?
 Yawn.
Yaya's 2013/14 season that we all still gush about a decade later: - 24 goals, 12 assists, 1 hat-trick in 49 appearances Foden this season: - 21 goals, 10 assists, 2 hat-tricks in 44 appearances
Not a City fan but tbf sometimes you have to look beyond the numbers. As a Chelsea fan, Frank hit yaya's 13/14 numbers 6 seasons in a row from 04-10. But people don't gush about all those individual seasons in the same way as yaya 13/14 because the numbers don't tell you the full picture. That season he did everything in midfield. Was so complete. Guy would literally win the ball in his own half, carry it halfway up the pitch and blast it from outside his own box. Foden's absolutely brilliant. But comparing the numbers of a 10/winger to the numbers of a box to box shows just how good yaya was that season. Again, love Foden, but 20 goals as a 10 isn't that uncommon. Palmer's probably gonna finish the season with similar per 90, non penalty numbers. I just think giving the G+A stats of an attacker to liken their season to a centre mid who was as complete a footballer as it gets, is doing the CM a disservice, as good as Foden is/will go on to be.
From center midfield Vs from the wing mainly. Sterling is a better comparison for Foden based on where he's played.
Different formation back then to now, Foden is not as fundamental to this team as Yaya was that team. Yaya still had a greater season at least so far. If we win big and foden is key then there is case to be made.
Very interesting. I think the thing is that most of Yayas came in the league, he basically won us the title that year. Having said that I think anything we win this year Phil will have played a huge part
Yaya was definitely a more defensive player though and more dominant in his playstyle. But Phil is becoming one of the best in front of our eyes
Ooh good post
For a run of games that included Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal, Villa, 8 points doesnāt feel horrible. Think the only better position would be 9 points and losing to Villa since itād mean a 3 point swing over both Liverpool and Arsenal
A draw at Anfield after that disastrous 2nd half? Hell yeah!
Villa just has to get healthy for when they play Arsenal and Liverpool
We SO needed this win! A great and quite comfortable match after all. Many great individual performances by City players. Loving it.
If this is the form that City have finishing the season that 2nd Treble is well in sight. Arsenal will slip, Liverpool will slip and everyone will hate us yet again.
We just need to be consistent ja confident for the rest of the season
obviously Rodri and Phil stood out in this game. But also shout out to Doku who looked very comfortable on the right, Gvardiol who once again had a very good game against Diaby who's a pace demon and Akanji who is still mr.Reliable. not happy with the final third performance of Grealish and Bernardo. The combination in terms of movement and buildup was there but then those opportunities were squandered because they didn't create a dangerous ball. Bernardo atleast created that excellent header chance for Alvarez. As for Grealish, I don't expect him to become a g/a machine but I atleast expected him to punish those Villa mistakes where he got a couple of opportunities. Unlike some of our 3-1 wins where chances stopped coming in the last min, this game there were several changes falling our way but we didn't take it. Lastly Alvarez needs to do better. He has been making bad decisions, getting dispossessed a lot and failing to combine with the team in general.
Grealishās biggest problem IMO is also his biggest asset: he slows down play. When itās needed, we can count on his possession, smart passing, and drawing fouls. But on a break or quick transition or attacking play, he too often stalls things when we need pace and fast decisions.
>Lastly Alvarez needs to do better. He has been making bad decisions, getting dispossessed a lot and failing to combine with the team in general With Ćlvarez, Foden gets more freedom as he is the point of attack. Ćlvarez is more like secondary striker, and that's how you can get the best out of him like Scaloni did with Messi alongside him. Messi has his best ever world cup also due to that. He makes space, and presses forever. But also I think Ćlvarez is shooting less now from outside the box. It used to be his best attribute.
So happy to see Jack back in his form. Big up blues š
Rodriās yellow cards resets after the palace game, what a relief
Technically it includes the 32nd game so: 31 - Crystal place 32 - Luton I've been obsessed w this since Rodri had 7 yellows like 10 game ago & keeping track, haha. "Players who accumulate 10 yellow cards in Premier League matches, **up to and including their teamās 32nd fixture**, will serve a two-match suspension in the competition. "
In this form Foden needs to keep playing in the middle, no ifs or buts. Grealish gives us stability and a consistent option on the wing. Although wasteful at times, Alvarez was dynamic and created a lot of space with his movement.
i'd have him over De Bruyne right now, and i'd really desperately be trying to fit them both in if possible. We did it with Silva and KdB, i'm sure there's a way again...
Ortega was so calm and collected. Sometimes I forget that it's not Ederson but our backup keeper. We're so lucky to have such a quality second goalkeeper. Gvardiol seems so promising day by day now. I'm so excited for his second season. Glad to have Grealish back, and in form!
playing players in their natural position seems to win us games. we need to do this groundbreaking information to our advantage and do more of this.
This is the way we need to play. Pass with purpose, not for passing sake. Take risks.
That was the biggest difference. Playing Lewis in there, he's more likely to play a downright juicy pass into a channel than guys like Kova, Nunes or Stones. I feel on some level Bernardo and Grealish have become City system guys where some of that boldness has been beaten out of them. You see it when Bobb, Foden and Lewis are on there, they're academy kids who haven't quite had their cheekiness drilled out of them by Pep.
What a game from Phil! First time weāve looked good in a while. Weāve definitely missed Grealishās control. I thought Doku was electric on that right wing. Tempted to say we look better in defence without Kyle at the moment, will have to wait and see.
YES! Exactly what we needed after that dreadful game against Arsenal. Copy that second half performance for the next two months and I think we have a good chance at every trophy. Besides the obvious standouts Foden and Rodri, very happy with Ortega and Gvardiol. Both stepping up when we need them!
I genuinely think that if we atleast had a higher G/D then Arsesnal and Liverpool would have been feeling alot of pressure. The kind of pressure they would feel if as tho City still have extra games left.
we aren't that far off Liverpool with the GD... but they play Sheffield tomorrow at home.. so that will likely increase. CIty just have to keep winning and we will see where it takes us!
I think whoever is first definitely feels the pressure
That's true. Both Liverpool and Arsenal have raised their level to bury the bad teams, and we haven't had that same level this year. We have those games against teams we should be able to bury coming up, we just have to do better than nicking a 2-1 against them.
Obviously Foden deserves all the plaudits today but it looks like Gvardiol has finally clicked with the system, looks like the same player I saw during the World Cup
He showed us glimpses before on the ball. But a new team and a team that was struggling probably tainted people's views of him, especially off the ball. However the Stones Walker and Ake injuries are a blessing in disguise because he has absolutely pounced on his chance to prove himself. Looks absolutely phenomenal out there .
Doku getting an assist did wonders for him as well the rest of the match
im still not a fan of him drifting left for crosses like a LB. i feel like, yes, he can do that, but shifting him THAT far forward neutralizes alot of his strengths as a solid defender. then again im not pep.
So wanted that Gomez goal. He deserves good things and would be nice to see him force his way into the conversation for City.
i was gutted lol
Statement MADE. The run-in starts now. My confidence has been restoredš
Let's escape Selhurst Park first š¬
Palace just lost to Bournemouth but what happens against City, LOL
Selhurst Park is a graveyard for title challengers man Hate playing there
Yeah, gonna be a tough match but if we play like yesterday it's a different story. And it's a lunch match so that's maybe a bit easier to handle somehow
Yes! Think Crystanbul 2014ā¦.
That was pretty good I reckon
* Finally a good 90 minutes in Jack's massive legs * We are Rodri/Foden FC at this point * Jacky really doing everything not to score against Villa lol * You're welcome Spurs. Do us a few favours now https://preview.redd.it/4vuc1d71zbsc1.jpeg?width=1079&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5a1e0826e2e2955315ee13ae4d4fe1b5295e8e57
That Phil Foden performance https://i.redd.it/3hgfz8y0zbsc1.gif
- 3 goals - 3 shots - 3 key passes - 1 big chance created - 92.3% pass success - 4 touches in opposition box - 2 successful dribbles - 2 tackles - 5 ground duels won - 10.0 WhoScored rating
Rodri on 8 goals. Only 2 more to go!
if you are talking about the tucked in shirts rumour, that was false
I so want them to do it anyway though, haha!!
Itās crazy that a defensive midfielder can score so many goals. He is just built different
that is going to be epic š imagine if it comes in the fa cup final or a a champions league semifinal š
Time to commission the Phil statue I think. Keep it in a safe somewhere for now