Manchester City (H) - 16/08/25 - Build-Up & Match Thread

[big mean bunny]

Am I mad in thinking James Trafford has looked ropey every time I see him? Bit of the Meslier about him in so far as everyone says he’s a great talent and all I see is him throw it in his own goal every few months!?

I didn't see much of him last season but he was an issue for Burnley in the Prem and I was surprised everyone was so raving of him. Last season what I did see he wasn't impressing me with wow moments like Cooper at Sheff Utd or Johansson at Stoke did at times where they were making saves and stops you couldn't believe. Interesting to see if Trafford is the new Ramsdale that had been hyped up despite weaknesses or if he develops into good enough.

 

[b3h]

Maybe he's started the only somewhat viable CM subs as the 10s to make a point

 

[Alan]

It’s been 15 minutes why aren’t we losing

 

[Jinky]

Wolfe has a bit of the Berra about him. Back off, back off, back off… eventually you need to engage.

 

[t3ch]

Phew

 

[Alan]

João clearly been asked to play more through balls this season. Not quite on it yet, but an encouraging nuance.

 

[jd1981]

We’ve done alright although it looks like eventually one of those City crosses will find its target in a matter of time

 

[Alan]

Yeah this has been quite encouraging, albeit very very early.

Hoever hasn’t looked out of place, even.

 

[t3ch]

Knew it was offside but nice to see we’re not being passive, going better than expected so far

 

[darlowolf64]

Argh, watch the line

 

[Alan]

I fucking love you Marshall but you have to scan the field better ugh

 

[Jack Regan]

Very positive so far, Munetsi channelling peak Inzaghi with his positional awareness unfortunately so far.

 

[jd1981]

City high line is giving us a bit of in behind

 

[Alan]

That one looked onside to me

Ah no I’m blind

 

[jd1981]

That one looked onside to me

No

 

[t3ch]

Munetsi you’re killing me

 

[Alan]

No

Jeez mate let the edit go through

 

[EpsomWolf]

Flag again!
Definitely causing them problems and well in this.

 

[Jinky]

Hoever hasn’t looked out of place, even.

He’s been skinned three times and lost the ball trying to go the other way a similar number of times. He’s way below the level required and should only be a squad option at best.

That said, if Marshall had some positional awareness we could be 2-0 up by now!

Playing well. Midfield two have been very good.

 

[big mean bunny]

People used to moan

Very positive so far, Munetsi channelling peak Inzaghi with positional awareness unfortunately so far.

He did still get over 200 goals though Inzaghi! Always feel his criticism sometimes misses that was key to his style of striker.