That game was screaming for creativity in the middle, yet we never had it

 

 

There are matches that demand more than just tactical discipline and defensive solidity; they demand creativity, bravery, and a spark of genius to unlock the opposition. This was one of those matches. Watching us try to break down Manchester City without a proper attacking midfielder was painful — almost predictable — and it left a sour taste because the game was there for the taking.

 

From the first whistle, it was clear that City were happy to sit a little deeper than usual, daring us to find a way through their compact shape. That is when you need a player who thrives between the lines, who can drift into half-spaces and thread passes that cut defenses apart. Instead, we looked one-dimensional. The build-up was slow, repetitive, and far too easy for City to read.

 

What makes it more frustrating is that Mikel Arteta had options at his disposal. Both Eberechi Eze and Ethan Nwaneri were available on the bench, players who could have provided the exact quality we were missing. Eze has made a career out of finding pockets of space and turning games with a moment of skill or a clever through ball. Nwaneri, though young, offers fearlessness and the ability to play with freedom — the sort of wildcard that can unbalance even the most organized defense.

 

Yet Arteta went with Mikel Merino as a makeshift number 10. It was a decision that felt overly cautious, perhaps even stubborn. Merino is a good player, intelligent and hardworking, but he is not naturally suited to that creative role. He looked uncomfortable trying to operate in tight spaces, often taking an extra touch and allowing City’s midfield to reset. The fluidity we have seen in previous matches was missing, and the entire attack felt clogged and predictable.

 

This choice cost us heavily. There were moments where you could see runners calling for the ball, spaces opening up behind City’s back line, but there was no one brave enough to attempt the killer pass. Instead, we recycled possession, played safe, and allowed City to grow back into the game. In matches of this magnitude, you must capitalize when you have control, because City rarely let you off twice.

 

The result was a draw that felt like a defeat. It is hard not to think about what could have been if we had shown more intent and trusted the creative players available. Games like these are fine margins — one incisive pass, one moment of invention can decide the outcome. We had the opportunity to deliver a statement victory and instead left the pitch feeling like we had let City off the hook.

 

This is not just about one decision; it is about seizing the big moments. Arteta has built a strong, resilient side, but creativity cannot be sacrificed at the altar of control. Next time, we must dare to be braver.