Olé Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 I honestly do try to avoid veering from one extreme to another or engaging in hyperbole but that really was the most convincing and commanding performance under LJ. Every player was better than their opposite number (Kelly frighteningly so), every second or loose ball was pounced on by us, and finally we moved the ball short and quick. Yes Swansea looked casual and behaved like they just needed to turn up, but it owed a lot to City's relentless energy, that left them like we often look - devoid of passing options. But you just can't underplay City's display, a lot of the game was utterly one sided before they got Fer on, their chances non-existent, ours arriving in bursts across 70 minutes. Eliasson was the standout attacking player on the pitch, he was everywhere, this was his Championship arrival, and no surprise he setup a stunning opener within 30 seconds. An early ball put the Swede in behind their static defence on the left and he raced to the byline and slid an inviting ball across the keeper, Weimann reacting fast to bundle in. A capacity away end did not need anymore invitation to roar their approval and from the word go City's tails were up, dominating an ex-Premiership opponent who never settled. Watkins headed just wide after the illusive Eliasson again got to byline and pulled back, in response Swansea wasted a soft free kick - after a high foot on Weimann was ignored. But City won an identical free kick in the left channel on their next attack as Watkins was cut down, and that man Eliasson's swerving dipping shot was desperately beaten away. Despite their dominance against a lethargic Swansea, City had to regroup as Watkins went off afrer the earlier challenge, though arguably with O'Dowda they were stronger. The best move of the half arrived soon after as City fashioned a series of clear chances in a minute - started from a probing move that switched the ball patiently around the box. Having started on the right, the ball made it to Eliasson on the left, he worked defenders before City retreated, returning on the right, Hunt's cross deep to Eliasson to force a save. Almost immediately O'Dowda would slip in Weimann and reminiscent of City's opener, he was close to forcing home, and from the block O'Dowda himself nearly followed in. Before the end of the half City again got in on the flank, crossing from the right to the near post where Eliasson's run forced the keeper to claim untidily under pressure. At the other end a completely shackled and frustrated Swansea's first serious attempt saw a long range shot drift wide of City's right hand post, in front of bouyant away fans. City had one more chance before half time, Taylor chased a deep ball on the right, held it up and layed it back to O'Dowda who raced towards the box before drawing a fine save. In injury time even Maenappa got in on the act, Swansea finally breaking in numbers to find room on their left, but their quick cross was claimed brilliantly by the Finn in a crowd. After a one sided first half, City sat in for the opening exchanges of the second half to see what Swansea would do, but amazingly City would go on to again dominate the chances. From an Eliasson free kick, the Swansea half clearance was slipped to Weimann on the edge of box, he drew defenders and squared to Kalas, who drilled just past the far post. On the midway point of the second half the City move of the game - and their season so far - arrived, only a small miracle denying City from deservedly going further in front. An inch perfect deep crossfield pass found Eliasson on the left touchline, his first time control was good and with quick thinking he sprung the overlapping Kelly to the byline. The speed of the move had Swansea again off guard and Kelly drilled a fast cross to the near post where like City's opener, Weimann eluded everyone and almost swept home. It was a desperate parry from the Swansea keeper, but Weimann recovered the ball to the left of goal and played it into the path of Taylor, who forced a second desperate save. For a second half it was one way traffic and within seconds Eliasson got in behind them again and his cross was hacked away by the rattled home defence. Away end noise rose. Swansea did manage a long range shot wide right on the break, but the game only turned into a contest in the final quarter of an hour after Leroy Fer came on in a playmaker role. Almost immediately a sweeping break from the newly organised home side found room on the left and a dangerous ball into the near post was badly sliced wide by their forward. Next O'Dowda hesitated in possession from a Hunt clearance and Swansea raced down the middle where Fer's shot deflected over. From the corner Weimann cleared off the line. Another Swansea shot from long range was tipped over by Maenappa but in truth was rising all the time, and Johnson reacted by throwing his subs on - Hunt's enforced. City had to defend the final ten minutes and did so comfortably, Swansea putting the last two shots well wide, for City, Brownhill hit a dipping 25 yard shot just wide from a corner. For a match that was routinely one sided, it ended appropriately with City clearing easily - led by Kalas at the first ball - and regularly driving into the corner flag, led by Paterson. In the end a more than deserved 1-0 win for City at Swansea, a score that easily flattered the home side, such was City's desire off the ball and quality, speed and organisation with it. All recent faults were eliminated - we moved the ball quickly and gave each other options, while simultaneously denying the same for Swansea, leaving them hitting long passes. It started at the back, the two centre backs imperious led by the impressive Kalas, but in Kelly we saw THE most outstanding showing from a City academy player I have ever seen. Playing left-back he competely shutdown a costly Premiership opponent, not once, but every time asked - strength, timing and the quality needed to win AND play the ball. It's no exaggeration to say that he did things today that have you wondering when not if he leaves City and plays for England at full international level. He is an absolute gem. And yet possibly not man of the match! As well as contenders in a for once dominant City midfield, Eliasson turned in a relentless attacking showing - a defenders nightmare. So out of nowhere a second consecutive away win but also quite probably the most convincing performance ever under Johnson - because simply every player bossed it. Maenappa 7 Not tested much but his take at the end of the first half was a commanding display of a dangerous moment that we've not seen from a City keeper for years Hunt 6 A bit loose with a few forward balls - at times a Matt Hill throwback - but in the main solid at the back and got forward when needed Kelly 9 Not sure what I'm even dropping a point for here but an astonishing performance for such a young defender, classy and looks like he has been playing professionals for years Kalas 8 Won everything in the air, combined well with Webster, more composed than Baker, the first confident pairing this season Webster 7 Ditto Kalas. His best game in a City shirt. Didn't have to make his trademark marauding but risky runs, as the midfield was far more fluid moving the ball themselves Pack 7 Worked hard to deny Swansea space to pass the ball easily, and was at the heart of all our new found quick passing Brownhill 8 Second straight game that he has shown what he offers in a central role, tireless, box to box, and probably sets the example of the desire needed to get away wins like this - always focused Watkins 6 A nuisance for Swansea with his presence running wide, but didn't last for long Eliasson 9 He was everywhere, and always good value with the ball, beat defenders and put in consistently dangerous crosses, but also worked the ball back when he needed to. A threat at set pieces and got in the box as an option as well. A real asset Taylor 8 As on Tuesday, getting much more suitable for this level when asked to run the channels with the ball in space than asked to handle long aerial punts. His quick thinking in forward positions was a big factor in our long awaited ability to move the ball smartly through fast short passing Weimann 8 Ran down every ball forward, showed quick thinking in the box as per, and involved in all our best chances. The player of the season campaign is well underway O'Dowda 7 Combined well with Taylor and looked stronger, but the whole team looked more convincing with a goal to defend and the crowd behind them Paterson 7 Some great runs with the ball when we needed someone to occupy their resurgent team in advanced areas following the Fer introduction Pisano 6 Didn't have too much to do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cityexile Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 Always love your reports, thank you. I think the second half was actually even, they did force a clearance off the line for instance, as you said, but one of our most solid in defence performances since Brighton for me, and we probably should have had more than one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Fat Controller Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 Just give Kelly a 10. Sounds like he deserves it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bristol Rob Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 Cheers Rob. Your reports far outstrip the official website and local news for telling the story of the game and being objective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Offside Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 Thanks as ever for the detailed match report. Kelly has started this season brilliantly. What an asset he is becoming. I'm also really pleased that Eliasson is featuring more. He seems like a really promising player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sticks 1969 Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 14 minutes ago, Olé said: I honestly do try to avoid veering from one extreme to another or engaging in hyperbole but that really was the most convincing and commanding performance under LJ. Every player was better than their opposite number (Kelly frighteningly so), every second or loose ball was pounced on by us, and finally we moved the ball short and quick. Yes Swansea looked casual and behaved like they just needed to turn up, but it owed a lot to City's relentless energy, that left them like we often look - devoid of passing options. But you just can't underplay City's display, a lot of the game was utterly one sided before they got Fer on, their chances non-existent, ours arriving in bursts across 70 minutes. Eliasson was the standout attacking player on the pitch, he was everywhere, this was his Championship arrival, and no surprise he setup a stunning opener within 30 seconds. An early ball put the Swede in behind their static defence on the left and he raced to the byline and slid an inviting ball across the keeper, Weimann reacting fast to bundle in. A capacity away end did not need anymore invitation to roar their approval and from the word go City's tails were up, dominating an ex-Premiership opponent who never settled. Watkins headed just wide after the illusive Eliasson again got to byline and pulled back, in response Swansea wasted a soft free kick - after a high foot on Weimann was ignored. But City won an identical free kick in the left channel on their next attack as Watkins was cut down, and that man Eliasson's swerving dipping shot was desperately beaten away. Despite their dominance against a lethargic Swansea, City had to regroup as Watkins went off afrer the earlier challenge, though arguably with O'Dowda they were stronger. The best move of the half arrived soon after as City fashioned a series of clear chances in a minute - started from a probing move that switched the ball patiently around the box. Having started on the right, the ball made it to Eliasson on the left, he worked defenders before City retreated, returning on the right, Hunt's cross deep to Eliasson to force a save. Almost immediately O'Dowda would slip in Weimann and reminiscent of City's opener, he was close to forcing home, and from the block O'Dowda himself nearly followed in. Before the end of the half City again got in on the flank, crossing from the right to the near post where Eliasson's run forced the keeper to claim untidily under pressure. At the other end a completely shackled and frustrated Swansea's first serious attempt saw a long range shot drift wide of City's right hand post, in front of bouyant away fans. City had one more chance before half time, Taylor chased a deep ball on the right, held it up and layed it back to O'Dowda who raced towards the box before drawing a fine save. In injury time even Maenappa got in on the act, Swansea finally breaking in numbers to find room on their left, but their quick cross was claimed brilliantly by the Finn in a crowd. After a one sided first half, City sat in for the opening exchanges of the second half to see what Swansea would do, but amazingly City would go on to again dominate the chances. From an Eliasson free kick, the Swansea half clearance was slipped to Weimann on the edge of box, he drew defenders and squared to Kalas, who drilled just past the far post. On the midway point of the second half the City move of the game - and there season so far - arrived, only a small miracle denying City from deservedly going further in front. An inch perfect deep crossfield pass found Eliasson on the left touchline, his first time control was good and with quick thinking he sprung the overlapping Kelly to the byline. The speed of the move had Swansea again off guard and Kelly drilled a fast cross to the near post where like City's opener, Weimann eluded everyone and almost swept home. It was a desperate parry from the Swansea keeper, but Weimann recovered the ball to the left of goal and played it into the path of Taylor, who forced a second desperate save. For a second half it was one way traffic and within seconds Eliasson got in behind them again and his cross was hacked away by the rattled home defence. Away end noise rose. Swansea did manage a long range shot wide right on the break, but the game only turned into a contest in the final quarter of an hour after Leroy Fer came on in a playmaker role. Almost immediately a sweeping break from the newly organised home side found room on the left and a dangerous ball into the near post was badly sliced wide by their forward. Next O'Dowda hesitated in possession from a Hunt clearance and Swansea raced down the middle where Fer's shot deflected over. From the corner Weimann cleared off the line. Another Swansea shot from long range was tipped over by Maenappa but in truth was rising all the time, and Johnson reacted by throwing his subs on - Hunt's enforced. City had to defend the final ten minutes and did so comfortably, Swansea putting the last two shots well wide, for City, Brownhill hit a dipping 25 yard shot just wide from a corner. For a match that was routinely one sided, it ended appropriately with City clearing easily - led by Kalas at the first ball - and regularly driving into the corner flag, led by Paterson. In the end a more than deserved 1-0 win for City at Swansea, a score that easily flattered the home side, such was City's desire off the ball and quality, speed and organisation with it. All recent faults were eliminated - we moved the ball quickly and gave each other options, while simultaneously denying the same for Swansea, leaving them hitting long passes. It started at the back, the two centre backs imperious led by the impressive Kalas, but in Kelly we saw THE most outstanding showing from a City academy player I have ever seen. Playing left-back he competely shutdown a costly Premiership opponent, not once, but every time asked - strength, timing and the quality needed to win AND play the ball. It's no exaggeration to say that he did things today that have you wondering when not if he leaves City and plays for England at full international level. He is an absolute gem. And yet possibly not man of the match! As well as contenders in a for once dominant City midfield, Eliasson turned in a relentless attacking showing - a defenders nightmare. So out of nowhere a second consecutive away win but also quite probably the most convincing performance ever under Johnson - because simply every player bossed it. Maenappa 7 Not tested much but his take at the end of the first half was a commanding display of a dangerous moment that we've not seen from a City keeper for years Hunt 6 A bit loose with a few forward balls - at times a Matt Hill throwback - but in the main solid at the back and got forward when needed Kelly 9 Not sure what I'm even dropping aael for here but an astonishing performance for such a young defender, classy and looks like he has been playing professionals for years Kalas 8 Won everything in the air, combined well with Webster, more composed than Baker, the first confident pairing this season Webster 7 Ditto Kalas. His best game in a City shirt. Didn't have to make his trademark marauding but risky runs, as the midfield was far more fluid moving the ball themselves Pack 7 Worked hard to deny Swansea space to pass the ball easily, and was at the heart of all our new found quick passing Brownhill 8 Second straight game that he has shown what he offers in a central role, tireless, box to box, and probably sets the example of the desire needed to get away wins like this - always focused Watkins 6 A nuisance for Swansea with his presence running wide, but didn't last for long Eliasson 9 He was everywhere, and always good value with the ball, beat defenders and put in consistently dangerous crosses, but also worked the ball back when he needed to. A threat at set pieces and got in the box as an option as well. A real asset Taylor 8 As on Tuesday, getting much more suitable for this level when asked to run the channels with the ball in space than asked to handle long aerial punts. His quick thinking in forward positions was a big factor in our long awaited ability to move the ball smartly through fast short passing Weimann 8 Ran down every ball forward, showed quick thinking in the box as per, and involved in all our best chances. The player of the season campaign is well underway O'Dowda 7 Combined well with Taylor and looked stronger, but the whole team looked more convincing with a goal to defend and the crowd behind them Paterson 7 Some great runs with the ball when we needed someone to occupy their resurgent team in advanced areas following the Fer introduction Pisano 6 Didn't have too much to do Brilliant match report again ,always a pleasure to read Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC RISK77 Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 Agree Ellison was good but needs a goal..his miss in first half was poor and looked like he is not comfortable in front of goal...that shot needs to be dragged across into other corner not hard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lymebayrobin Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 Cheers for the report. Feel like I was there after reading! Sounds like we stepped it up massively from the QPR match. Just hope we can keep to this level consistently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
italian dave Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 Great report @Olé as usual. Wouldn't disagree with anything. Wonder if Webster is a bit like Flint in needing someone alongside him who'll instil some confidence: definitely looked more like a £3m player today. Eliasson certainly didn't drift in and out of the game today: involved and a threat throughout, and put in two superb free kicks, the one in the first half, that they scrambled out for a corner, was one of those defenders hate, almost impossible to defend without risking an own goal. Weimann; what more can you say: just looked a class above and a constant threat. Credit to LJ for bringing on subs at just the right time today. And I think I'm in love with Lloyd Kelly. Great day out. An away day to remember. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bexhill reds Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 Kelly was absolutely outstanding today. Being ultra critical the attacking side of his game can improve, but defensively the lad is going to be a star. He was composed, did not panic, and had time. There was one clearance from one of their corners where he was on the edge of the box, most defenders would have just swung their foot through it, not Kelly, he saw the ball was coming to him, started as if to lump it, then checked, allowed the ball to come to him, turned brought the ball forward and started another forward move. All this from a 19 year old. As good a city performance as I’ve seen in a long while. Really impressed with Kalas as well. I said after the Boro match that there was a team in there somewhere, it seems like it is starting to come out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeAman08 Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 The only thing I would be cynical about is Kelly never played a costly premiership opponent. He played against Asoro and McKay who were both champ players last season at Sunderland(Asoro was the one who made it 3-3) and Forest who were dreadful sides. I get the sentiment though. He was again fantastic and I would have felt a bit more comfortable had Montero been on his side! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olé Posted August 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 3 hours ago, JoeAman08 said: The only thing I would be cynical about is Kelly never played a costly premiership opponent. He played against Asoro and McKay Whoops! Bit of a cop out here, but was raving about Kelly with a City fan in the buffet car on the train, and he added that Asoro cost £26m and played in the Premiership last season. To be honest I couldn't remember the bloke full stop and did a double take, but it then stuck in my mind. Consider myself corrected! He was still totally and completely taken to school by Lloyd nonetheless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeAman08 Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 10 minutes ago, Olé said: Whoops! Bit of a cop out here, but was raving about Kelly with a City fan in the buffet car on the train, and he added that Asoro cost £26m and played in the Premiership last season. To be honest I couldn't remember the bloke full stop and did a double take, but it then stuck in my mind. Consider myself corrected! He was still totally and completely taken to school by Lloyd nonetheless. Yea he cost them about 3m I think. Potential there but Lloyd definitely took him to school. What I like was Asoro kind of half beat him the first time but Lloyd recovered enough to make it a nothing move. After that he read every little movement he made and thoroughly shut him down and they are roughly the same age and stage of development. So good to see him dominate that matchup. McKay probably did not have much more luck either. Lloyd is a star in the making. If he keeps this up I’d be negotiating a new contract with him. More money and another year and that is months after he signed a new one. Hopefully young enough where he can’t turn it down! Would be nice to have this season plus 5 more as protection on what is likely to be the best asset we have had come through the academy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Up The City! Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 The most dominant 1 nil win you will ever see. We could have had 7 or 8 and my only criticism is we were wasteful in front of goal, had Fammy been available I'm sure we would be talking about a a 3 or 4 nil win. I am super excited about the partnership between Kelly and Eliasson down the left side. I see some have criticized some of Kelly's attacking play, I don't agree, I thought he put in some really impressive crosses and his through balls towards the end were outstanding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmyb Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 3 minutes ago, Up The City! said: I am super excited about the partnership between Kelly and Eliasson down the left side. I see some have criticized some of Kelly's attacking play, I don't agree, I thought he put in some really impressive crosses and his through balls towards the end were outstanding. Is it worth talking about Eliasson a little bit more as well. It’s a small sample size granted but I thought he was outstanding yesterday and probably his best game for us. A constant threat going forward and I agree the link between him an Kelly looks really promising, some of there combination play was excellent. Worked his socks off and did his defensive job really well. Thus far this is the reason he hasn’t been trusted? Fair to say I think he’s had a decent week, hopefully coming of age at this level now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chinapig Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 10 minutes ago, jimmyb said: Is it worth talking about Eliasson a little bit more as well. It’s a small sample size granted but I thought he was outstanding yesterday and probably his best game for us. A constant threat going forward and I agree the link between him an Kelly looks really promising, some of there combination play was excellent. Worked his socks off and did his defensive job really well. Thus far this is the reason he hasn’t been trusted? Fair to say I think he’s had a decent week, hopefully coming of age at this level now. He looks to be reaping the rewards of being patient, listening to his coaches and working hard. All credit to him for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoxton casual Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 11 hours ago, bexhill reds said: Kelly was absolutely outstanding today. Being ultra critical the attacking side of his game can improve, but defensively the lad is going to be a star. He was composed, did not panic, and had time. There was one clearance from one of their corners where he was on the edge of the box, most defenders would have just swung their foot through it, not Kelly, he saw the ball was coming to him, started as if to lump it, then checked, allowed the ball to come to him, turned brought the ball forward and started another forward move. All this from a 19 year old. As good a city performance as I’ve seen in a long while. Really impressed with Kalas as well. I said after the Boro match that there was a team in there somewhere, it seems like it is starting to come out. With additon of Famara that is a good team.not a lot of deoth behind ans awful injuries. Need loans! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 1 hour ago, chinapig said: He looks to be reaping the rewards of being patient, listening to his coaches and working hard. All credit to him for that. TBF I think a lot of us have to hold our hands up to Tommy here. He`s been telling us to be patient ever since we signed him as he would come good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
italian dave Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 1 hour ago, jimmyb said: Is it worth talking about Eliasson a little bit more as well. It’s a small sample size granted but I thought he was outstanding yesterday and probably his best game for us. A constant threat going forward and I agree the link between him an Kelly looks really promising, some of there combination play was excellent. Worked his socks off and did his defensive job really well. Thus far this is the reason he hasn’t been trusted? Fair to say I think he’s had a decent week, hopefully coming of age at this level now. Agree. And his delivery into the box yesterday (not least in the build up to the goal) was just fantastic. Putting the ball just where it's hard to defend. I think what he showed yesterday is that you don't necessarily need a big man to benefit from what he can put into the box. It's not just about high crosses and headers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chinapig Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 9 minutes ago, Red Right Hand said: TBF I think a lot of us have to hold our hands up to Tommy here. He`s been telling us to be patient ever since we signed him as he would come good. You can always trust Tommy's sober judgement. LJ also said last season that he wasn't ready yet but that his attitude was great and he was keen to learn. Needless to say that was used by some as a stick to beat LJ with but sometimes you have to be patient with player and coach alike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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