John F wrote: ↑Sat May 20, 2023 9:49 am
Apart from the Man City game, I do not agree that Arsenal" bottled it". I think we were complacent. For 30 mins in both the dippers and the West Ham game, we played really well to get a 2-goal lead then we thought we had the game won and eased off. Stupid casual mistakes crept into our game. Against Bournemouth, the team came out with We have already won this game approach and nearly paid for it. Brentford was the same. The way the players were in the tunnel before the Southampton game laughing and joking in particular Ramsdale showed this casual approach that led to Southampton's first goal. Arteta's team selection for that game was also sending a message that this was an easy game. Against Newcastle and the Trophy Dodgers, the players were switched on throughout probably because of the hostile atmosphere. Those results did not say lack of bottle to me. The issues that cost us points were underestimating teams and arrogance in thinking we already had the game in the bag and then reacting when it was too late.
Lots of self inflicted mistakes by individuals and the manager in the run in for me John. Liverpool it can happen but should be only once, 2 up and let them back in Zinchenko was struggling and Tierney should of been on. WH complacent 2 up showboating and blew it. Soton a ridiculous game, Ramsdale 1st min gives them the leg up they need but the Vieira selection was a massive, massive mistake should of been hooked 1st half. Soton game for me what little chance we had we blew the title. City were sniffing our nerves and simply kicked it up a notch.
Defense Saliba/ Tomiyasu injuries left us a bit exposed but why not gve us a better base to protect ourselves goals haven't been a issue even as late as Soton at home why not make sure we don't concede minimum 1 goal, Jorginho/Partey pivot should of been used at times.
Also City are a winning machine when on their game they simply get in front and it becomes a training game. Last three months no ones pushed them in any game Liverpool, us, Munich, RM all given a hiding. Games would catch up with them? Hardly they were knocking it around testimonial style recent weeks!
The difference they take the lead, Boa constrictor style, toy with opponents, squeeze the life out of them and don't make self inflicted mistakes.
When was the last time they needed a last min winner Fulham pen at home (soft) before probably NYD 2022 at our place? Couple of times in two seasons.
For us the drama of MU home more so AV and Bournemouth all great moments in a season but unsustainable to keep doing it even 3-1 down Soton, get a point in the end,Trossard hits bar but conceding three at home to the bottom team,taking 2 pts off them in the season,terrible results.
Lot of positives this season but we should of pushed them all the way, either sneak over the line or just fall short, but Soton for me that was it done title wise.
Clive doing what Clive does is what cost us DB,without a doubt..Had we held on at Anfield or if Martinelli had played a better pass at the death it could've been different 
NEW: A mystery figure from the United Arab Emirates paid Manchester City £30 million to cover sums that were supposed to have come from one of their main sponsors, a leaked Uefa report has revealed