Before yesterday's match, we were highly expected to win the clash because the Mancs were lacking in players and had just been beaten in derby one week ago. As a matter of fact, we did dominant the match, creating more chances. However, we lost, in the last minute of the game, by a easy header from a must-marked man. How could we lose? So painful to take the result.
IMO, the main cause of our failure was that we lost our rhythm, playing in the same manner as the Mancs and being trapped in continuous tackling, miss-passing and long-balling. No creativity and discipline at all in our offences---we were overwhelmed by the eagerness to beat the Mancs, and missed our own rhythm which helped us throught out our 12 unbeaten run.
For players' performance, obviously Cisse was our liability. His presence made us 10 men against 12 (includes the Mancs minions). I couldn't remember he dribbled past anyone, shot on the target for just once, out-paced any their defenders or kept the ball in the first touch. I can't imagine how did he manage to become the top scorer in France 3 years ago. I wish we had bought Ronaldinho with that 14m pounds.
Last reason is our beloved Rafa. He's a bit too conservative, especially in the last ten minutes, leting the Mancs running all over us. Maybe it's because that he was completely disappointed with our strikers, or just satisfied with one point away.
I think it's time for Rafa to get rid of Cisse and acquire one striker or a play-maker or a RW/RM. Forget about the 14m we spent, it's a huge mistake which we can't turn over.
Can't believe we lost yesterday. Cisse, please go home.