tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12154887.post3558390069434350304..comments2024-01-02T23:42:42.632+00:00Comments on Bitter and Blue: City 0 United 1Danny Pugsleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14426646073355525430noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12154887.post-10598014064077021252008-12-02T02:50:00.000+00:002008-12-02T02:50:00.000+00:00I'm more encouraged than disappointed with the der...I'm more encouraged than disappointed with the derby result.<BR/><BR/>We were comprehensively outplayed in the first half, but in the second half we were dominant even before ronaldo's michael jordan impression.<BR/><BR/>Moreover, the reason why we were outplayed in the first half was because of Hughes' team selection and tactics rather than being outclassed.<BR/><BR/>The selection of Hamann in the holding role was a huge mistake and that alone was the reason for such a poor performance in the first-half. With so many attacking midfielders, the defensive midfield position is absolutely crucial. Our holding player has to be exceptionally quick to close down the opposition otherwise they get a free run at the defence. <BR/><BR/>Hamann is not quick enough anymore to do that job on his own in the Premiership... especially not after playing 90 mins midweek.<BR/><BR/>As soon as Kompany moved into that position in the second-half, we began to dominate. <BR/><BR/>I feel that had Kompany played there from the start, it might have been a different story.<BR/><BR/>I was also impressed with Elano when he came on and I'd like to see him start instead of Vassell in the next game. I like Vassell, as he is strong, quick, wins a lot of balls and works extremely hard. For that reason, he is a great player to have away from home. But Elano looks like he has a point to prove and I'd like to see him prove it in the next few games.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15347733365918256797noreply@blogger.com