Much has been said about the teams performance following games in Europe. Mainly that we do not play well after a European game. Looking at the calendar there seems to be some truth in this.
So are us fans missing something? Is it that we are showing early stages of fatigue throughout the team? For example Eriksen came in did great and then his performances dropped off. Lamela had not been used and against Sheriff he was everywhere on the pitch.
Against Newcastle in the first 20 minutes we got forward and then nothing, however when Remy broke we could not get near him (and we have some fast players).
Dembele is a prime example for me. Some say he is an OK player other rate him very highly, but for me we are certainly missing his performances from last year. The fact that he hadn't started some games should highlight this to us.
So I ask the question is it that we are taking too much out of the players in training with all of the game congestion caused by the Europa League?
Something is not right and although we play too narrow, too flat and everything through the middle it does not explain why Dembele's performances have dropped.
There is something missing, niggling little injuries and performances dropping off, something is not right.
I am not one for stating outright that it is one persons fault (90% of the time) and I feel it is important to bring all fact to the table. So thinking outside the box I wonder if this is a factor? We have a GREAT squad and a squad other managers would kill for so it can't be tactics, players not commiting, it has to be a mixture of many things.
Hopefully our players will not get too involved in the international break. I know Walker is out and Soldado was not in the squad, it is hopefully an opportune time for a rest and then straight back into it again Man City.
We have to believe in our players and manager, but there will come a point when there will be a big divid in the fans. For me I don't want that to happen and I will do whatever it takes to help in keeping the cheering going in the stands, we can't all be negative!
This article is not aimed at any one or group of people/ fans, I feel it is important to look at what is under our noses, other than who is not performing and not performing.
COYS!!!!
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