champions league qualification match *****Man C v Yids*****

[john@staustell]

The decision by Mancini to take off an ineffective AJ and bring on Vieira, sealed the game for us.

Vieira, as much with his gob as his legs, gave us back more shape and discipline as prior to that we were being dragged all over the place. Smart substitution and worth noting consideringf all the times we have criticised Mancini for being defensive.

On to Saturday now, biggest must win since Gillingham.

Agreed. Vieira is just getting a bit fitter again. I'm sure we could use him for another year.

However I was totally mystified when he brought AJ ON at Everton. Totally the wrong game for him. In fact I think I saw him come on, but never saw him again. So maybe he didn't?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

The decision by Mancini to take off an ineffective AJ and bring on Vieira, sealed the game for us.

Vieira, as much with his gob as his legs, gave us back more shape and discipline as prior to that we were being dragged all over the place. Smart substitution and worth noting consideringf all the times we have criticised Mancini for being defensive.

On to Saturday now, biggest must win since Gillingham.

Agreed. Vieira is just getting a bit fitter again. I'm sure we could use him for another year.

However I was totally mystified when he brought AJ ON at Everton. Totally the wrong game for him. In fact I think I saw him come on, but never saw him again. So maybe he didn't?

I don't go for the Vieira being fitter crap.Wasn't it just one match ago the opposite was being said?

It was the shape and the way they were all playing that was wrong. They were set up very very defensively and Mancini was going mad that we were not holding onto the ball at all.That was because Yaya was playing deep in the midfield and filling in holes and AJ was playing deep as well and even Silva was at best in no man's land. ( allowing Micah to be inside quite a lot more to deal with Crouch if he came his side) All that meant is that we had no out ball .

Vieira on and Yaya further forward gave us that out ball and gave Spurs something to think about.Mancini'c own defensive thinking had sort of turned against itself because pretty well all the players were getting sucked back into defensive mode.

[john@staustell]

I'm sure he's fitter Doug. In September he couldn't put himself and the ball in the same spot on the pitch, and just went from foul to foul.

[Goaters 103]

Agree with a lot of that Doug, and what also didnt help is that nothing was sticking when it did get up to Dzeko who's first touch is quite worrying with his back to goal.

Tevez carried far more of a threat in 15 mins as a lone frontman. Vieira seemed to also help us hold the ball better, make the right decision and calm things down a bit. We then stopped the headless chicken routine and retained possession better, and cut down on the space Modric had to operate in the hole between midf and up top.

Will be interesting to see what side Mancini goes with on saturday - the back 5 picks itself with Zabba and Micah at full-backs, and if Barry's fit he will get the nod alongside NDJ. Ya Ya and Silva play and its likely AJ gets the nod over Milner, but does he start Tevez or leave him on the bench? Tempting to start him but I think he may go with Dzeko.

[simon12]

Agree with a lot of that Doug, and what also didnt help is that nothing was sticking when it did get up to Dzeko who's first touch is quite worrying with his back to goal.

Tevez carried far more of a threat in 15 mins as a lone frontman. Vieira seemed to also help us hold the ball better, make the right decision and calm things down a bit. We then stopped the headless chicken routine and retained possession better, and cut down on the space Modric had to operate in the hole between midf and up top.

Will be interesting to see what side Mancini goes with on saturday - the back 5 picks itself with Zabba and Micah at full-backs, and if Barry's fit he will get the nod alongside NDJ. Ya Ya and Silva play and its likely AJ gets the nod over Milner, but does he start Tevez or leave him on the bench? Tempting to start him but I think he may go with Dzeko.

Dawson and charlie beat him everytime in the air last night and he looked completely shot of confidence. Bobby will want to keep the ball on the floor against the 6 toes so will go with Tevez I think/hope.

[lets all have a disco]

Vieira has only failed to secure the win as a sub in one match(Birmingham apparently), he is effective at shutting down a match and seeing the game out as anyone we have and people should have a bit more respect for the role he plays.

Closing down games,not starting.

Prime example the Everton game,ive got respect for him closing down games but not starting and letting the game pass him by.

[Slim]

Vieira has only failed to secure the win as a sub in one match(Birmingham apparently), he is effective at shutting down a match and seeing the game out as anyone we have and people should have a bit more respect for the role he plays.

Closing down games,not starting.

Prime example the Everton game,ive got respect for him closing down games but not starting and letting the game pass him by.

Yeah, he isn't great against fresh legs, he has a role to play and that should always be as a sub.

[aaron bond]

Vieira has only failed to secure the win as a sub in one match(Birmingham apparently), he is effective at shutting down a match and seeing the game out as anyone we have and people should have a bit more respect for the role he plays.

Closing down games,not starting.

Prime example the Everton game,ive got respect for him closing down games but not starting and letting the game pass him by.

Yeah, he isn't great against fresh legs, he has a role to play and that should always be as a sub.

Agree with that. He was excellent when he came on last night - reorganised the the midfield and we took control of the ball. He's not a starter but great for helping us see out a game.

Also, he's not a defensive player like many think. He always looks for the forward pass and get's up the pitch as much as possible. Would like to see him in a player/coach role next season.