Joe Hart and Joleon Lescott both started, and were fairly untroubled all night. Hart was beaten once, by a volley from Milan Jovanović late on, but it thumped into the crossbar as it plunged downwards.
Gareth Barry played alongside Steven Gerrard in central midfield but could not replicate his recent improved form for City. This was the Barry of early 2010: lazy, sluggish, and careless in possession. He must be fairly tired given how he's started with City but this was not too impressive.
The one that stood out was Adam Johnson. With Montenegro lining up with three holding midfielders (sound familiar?), there was never much space for him on the inside but he had real success going outside and down to the by-line. He put in a few decent crosses with his right foot; when he improves this aspect of his game he'll double his threat. He also hit a few free-kicks over.
Shaun Wright-Phillips came on late, which is bizarre given that with no injuries he would not get into an 18 man MCFC match-day squad of my choosing. He tried hard, running quickly with his head down, but didn't really get anywhere.
2 comments:
Re: SWP - I thought the same thing too, except then I remembered that City > England.
If you don't believe me, take the 18 from last night, combine with City's 18 from the last match and pick your best 11 on current form.
Hart; Cole, Kompany, Ferdinand, Lescott (or Boateng); De Jong, Barry, Gerrard, A.J, Silva; Tevez
Harsh re SWP I'd have him in our top 18 at expense of one of holding midfielders anyday.
People forget he struggled with injuries last season and also this season. Even good players need a run in the side and i'd like to see how it works with SWP playing on the right and AJ on the left.
Not saying my first choice, but think SWP is better than people are now making out. And at least he loves the club, which should count for something.
Post a Comment