It’s hard to make any real assessment based on one pre-season friendly - particularly of specific players, but there are some interesting things to note.
- We’re going to be talking a lot about box midfields this coming season.
- Anyone expecting us to set up with a CF sitting on the shoulder of the last defender waiting for balls over the top to run on to is going to be disappointed.
- embrace order and reject chaos
- we’re going to be the tippy-tappy bellends we always accused City of being
- get used to shitting yourself as we pass it about the back
I think there are already questions forming in my head about how Darwin will fit in and where Gakpo will be utilised.
I dont think you can conclude with the CF after this friendly as Slot played 2 x 10s because the lack of forward in the team.
Slot football works even better with two pacey wingers and there is a perfect role for Gakpo/Gordon/Kudus/Mbuemo who will recieve the ball high and 1v1 with the full back. You didnt see that yesterday because of Carvalho not being that type of player.
The quick box passing between CBs and CMs created loads of chances to attack the final third but again we lacked players.
The goal was a perfect example of the correct combination. Nyoni forward pass, link up Szobo and Salah.
We’ll create loads of chances going forward and we wont be in trouble as you allude to manily because the team against Ipswich will have the right Slot profiles.
Really encouraging to see how controlled our defence and defending is shaping up to be. Not many shots conceded yesterday and you can see why Slot’s teams have been on top in those stats.
The need for a 6 is very clear. Endo isnt good enough to be a starter given the responsibility to resist press, tackle and pass in tight areas.
A Zubimendi type would be fantastic.
Slot shows that he’s an excellent tactician in this game and that they prepared well for how Betis set up. Bigger test against Arsenal.