oldbluefox

In some ways I thought he was better than Vardy. Vardy had a similar chance to Slimani's goal on Sunday and lost the ball. Slimani was equally as quick onto the ball and provided a classy chip over the keeper. Somebody recently said Vardy was an impact player but I thought Slimani led the attack well today by bringing other players, including the midfield, into play. On that performance I wouldn't be too hasty in getting rid of him.

The attack looked better balanced today with Slimani playing and on song. He had his best game so far for City not only in scoring but in bringing other players into the attack. So many times the ball is played upfield to Vardy who is on his own, loses it and then we are having to retrieve it again. Midfield had a better day too.

I would have been very happy to be in 8th place at the turn of the New Year. Looking forward to what 2018 brings.

Bearing in mind how poor we are on corners did anyone notice Schmeichel coming off his line to punch clear instead of standing there like a rabbit caught in the headlights. He did well, especially in the first half when we were under the cosh for a large part of it.

Apart from his goal Vardy was poor today. Once or twice he broke through and lost possession each time.

We missed Iborra badly.

Have supported City for the past 60 years and although I lived away I could always get a ticket when I came home. That was when we were 'bad'. Since we became 'famous' it's impossible to get a ticket home or away and it seems a pity City could attract bigger gates and a broader fan base if more could get to see them. There must be many like me who would watch them if they could and plenty of young people in the same situation. Now City are pretty well established in the Prem perhaps the time has come to increase the capacity of the stadium which was rendered a possibility in the future when the stadium was first built.

Puel is a different kettle of fish to Ranieri who was very comfortable in dealing with the Press. Puel does not have that same personality but to be honest I would much rather he was getting his point across on the pitch than giving entertaining or meaningful press interviews. For my part I don't take much notice of any of them. Whilst on the matter I wonder how much Appleton has influenced the way we play and perform. It looks like he is settling in well as a part of the LCFC team and deserves credit for that.

Puel has been fantastic so far. He has taken what he was given and has transformed the team. I like the way he has brought in younger players who were just marking time on the bench. Gray is improving all the time, Wes looks more assured with Harry beside him, Mahrez looks keen again, Chilwell is gaining experience and Iborra is just pure class. Add to that the quality of actual football he has introduced and it has been a neat bit of astute business on behalf of our owners. Can't say I was overjoyed when he was appointed as I didn't really know him but his influence has been noticeable. Much as I liked Shakespeare he just wasn't good enough as a manager, relied too much on the old guard which was stale and needed revitalising. Looking forward to the rest of the season under Puel's leadership especially with Silva due to join the fold.

Moss should have given him a talking to for the first foul although it seems strange to me that others were allowed to get away with much worse than Amartey and no action was taken. Not particularly defending Amartey but there is a considerable degree of inconsistency there. Pogba's behaviour in particular comes to mind.

He let plenty go but Amartey only had two fouls and he was off. The first yellow was soft and only deserved a few quiet words. The second was stupid but the sending off was more about Moss than anything else who had created a problem for himself. Since when has it been acceptable to wrap your arms around an opponent's neck in the penalty area and get away with it? A disgraceful display from Moss.

I live in Cumbria so wasn't even there. Does that count?

What does it matter? Merry Christmas.

Never impressed with Simpson. For me he gives the attacker too much room to collect the ball and puts too little pressure on him. He's the best we have at the moment but if we are to improve we need better. Manu recognised where our weakness was which is why Martial saw so much of the ball. New right back in January please........

I like his style. Young blood being brought in. Some lovely one touch football. Hoofball gone. Quick on the break when we want it. Players playing for each other and creating space. Mahrez invigorated since he came. Morgan looks more assured playing alongside Maguire. After some of the dullest, drab football I have witnessed over the past season or more I wondered if we would ever achieve anything again. I am really optimistic with this guy (and Appleton) in charge. They are again a pleasure to watch.

When you're smiling - the way we sing it. It's not a flamin' race!!!! Hate it.

Some of the football we played yesterday was sublime. Much as I liked Shakespeare we were going nowhere with him. Puel has changed a lot since he came and I have to say, I am impressed with him so far.

I'm impressed with him so far for giving youth their chance. There are also signs we are passing the ball better instead of hoof and hope. Iborra has made a big difference in midfield but it is clear other players are beginning to flourish after some of the dire football we have witnessed over the past 18 months or so. Hopefully this is evidence of City now moving in the right direction.

Big improvement from him tonight and rewarded with a fabulous goal. That is what Mahrez can offer. Maybe being subbed on Saturday and a few words of advice from Puel has focused his mind. I hope we see more of this.

All I want from him is to drift past two or three defenders, something he is very capable of, and then pass to somebody in space. Yet again on Saturday he created the space and put the ball through for Vardy but his touch was so heavy it went out for a corner. He is capable of better than this.

I don't have Netflix and don't particularly want it. However, as I said, I am only commenting on what I have seen over this season and last rather than on a documentary which will obviously have been edited to show what they want to show. I have no doubts it is a very good documentary.

I can only comment on what I, as a layman see. I have seen too many YouTube clips to take any internet offerings too seriously. Remember Kaebi? As I say he is a good player but I am not as impressed with him as others are. There were instances on Saturday where he had taken out two players and our midfield were in clear space. Unfortunately he continued his run by which time he was crowded out and lost the ball. As a midfielder I would have been pretty peed off with him. On one occasion he put a beautiful pass through for Vardy to run onto. Great idea but it was so heavy it ran out of play. To me these are the differentials between a good player and an exceptional one.

I must be one of the few who doesn't think Mahrez is as good as many make him out to be. He is undoubtedly a good player but how often does he breeze past two or three tackles and then get himself crowded out when there are options to get rid? How many times does he get himself into a good shooting position only to take another touch and the chance is gone? Watching him last season, and this season he seems to be making the same mistakes time and time again and ultimately losing possession. No doubting he is a good player who was outstanding in our Premiership winning season but I feel he has been sussed out and now presents little else. With his close ball control and mazy runs he should be opening up defences, taking defenders out before making the killing pass but it just is not happening as much as it could and should. I sometimes wonder whether it is the players' faults or something to do with training.

A question............................. If it's not a good league this year why are they not winning it?

I hope the City players saw and heard the Arsenal singing and celebrating after their win on Sunday. I hope they have seen the photos and read what has been written about them, I really do because if there's nothing else that will motivate them then that will be it. And the more the press and the glory teams try to put them down the greater will be the motivation. It may be just what they need to spur them on over the next 12 matches and the victory will be all the sweeter if they do it.