Manchester City: Lessons from derby day defeat

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 07: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City goes to ground during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on April 7, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

Players Risked:

When the team sheet was released I understood why Walker, Aguero, KDB and Jesus were on the bench. With Liverpool on the horizon, and City to win the League at some point, why take the risk. At half time I would have loved Raheem to have been pulled for either Jesus or Aguero, purely for his wasting of chances.

I am sure the idea was to bring off SIlva and Fernandinho in order to get them some rest for that Tuesday night game. However, the game turned in the second half, and we found ourselves 3-2 down before the first substitution.

Next: Manchester Derby: Player Ratings

This is where my biggest frustration was. There was no change from initial scenario, that we COULD win the title today, but would win it eventually if not. However, there is no such guarantee for Tuesday night.

Bringing on three players you had initially decided to rest in order to try to force a result was not smart. When Aguero got clattered within minutes of coming on, my heart was in my mouth. Hopefully the first choice players for Tuesday night got through today with minimal knocks, but it was not because we were smart about it.