(16 Apr 2016, 10:57 pm)mb134 wrote I watched it before I went out, and pretty much everything they did went through him. I'm very much of the opinion that, had he not got injured, City would be up there with Leicester fighting for the league still.
Mitrovic, I guess, offers more later on in the game. He can hold the ball up better, and Benitez may prefer to use him as an impact player. Prior to today, I didn't want to see Sissoko play another game for us, but as I was watching, my opinion of him started to change. He was shouting orders, pointing players to positions at set pieces, and he seemed to be happy, which isn't something he ever usually seems. De Jong I like, and I'd like to see him come in for Gini against Man City. I'd want Sissoko through the middle again, so I'm unsure how it could work (unless we go VERY attacking).
Defensively, we worked as a team. We communicated, Anita and Dummett stuck to their jobs and weren't flying up the pitch at every opportunity. Lascelles and Mbemba are forming a decent partnership, and Darlow is a good 'keeper. Townsend and Sissoko have the pace and stamina to get back and help out, then bomb forward and counter.
Shelvey hasn't done an awful lot since his debut(?) against West Ham, and if you start Tiote and Colback in the centre it gives two defensively minded midfielders to soak up pressure, it worked well today.
Sissoko was decent today but I hope it isn't just a good game he has in like 15 or 20. Would be great to see him a lot more consistent. Lascelles was motm for me today though is a fantastic all round defender, good at set pieces too. Should have been playing over Colo/Taylor all season and is great to see a young English player doing well for us.
Maybe de Jong up front with Mitro can work as he has a decent goal threat too. Feel a bit sorry for de Jong though as he got into a good spell then has had some horrible injuries. Deserves a chance over Wijnaldum (not sure whats happens with him!) at least. I agree Darlow is canny, I think the game he played v WBA I think it was where he was to blame was because he was thrown in a the deep end and maybe didn't have enough experience now turning out to be good.
Hopefully it's not just the same old where we have one good game then back to square one though.