Blinksportsnews247Fans talked about the win versus Birmingham City a few days prior to the game. Everyone there seemed to agree that the aggressive play had been thrilling and considerably dissimilar from what they had seen at the King Power.
There was no question that Rotherham would employ a different tactical strategy than Wayne Rooney’s Birmingham City, and that is exactly what happened. City typically finds a way to overcome a defensive front, and the players know that patience is key. On occasion, though, fans may find it challenging to watch.
Enzo chose the same team as the one that played in Birmingham, with Daka starting at the front and Vardy, who is still a concern due to a knee injury, beginning to learn how to play Maresca style. Still, he needs to work on his close ball control!
The first half was pretty much as expected, with City controlling the majority of the ball. With their two full backs appearing to be their finest players, Rotherham had a well-organized team that would not back down from a fight with Mavididi and Fatawu. Rotherham’s best chances came from long throw-ins, and they seldom ever reached the halfway line.
Ndidi and Ricardo had a few opportunities, but the crowd’s reaction was largely muted as the half finished 0-0.
By the second half, Enzo usually gets it right, and City emerged energized. The players increased their intensity, pressed Rotherham’s defense, and made more forceful tackles. After winning the ball high above, Fatawu handed it to Daka, whose attempt was stopped by the line. You sensed a goal was on the way, and it came from the raiding, excellent Wout Faes. Entering the box, he broke through. Ndidi parried his shot and kicked it half goalward; Daka finished the job. It was an unkempt but merited goal. Before long, the second target was reached. After Rotherham made a careless pass across the defensive line, Daka pounced and was tripped by the goalkeeper. Daka himself delivered the subsequent penalty with composure.
Akgun was already substituted by Enzo for Fatawu, who was booked and found it difficult to deal with the full back. He substituted Casadei and Praet for Ndidi and KDH after the second goal. This was a wise decision because the latter two players had not been playing at their best and had become a little jaded. After a beautiful play, Casadei scored with a diving header after Ricardo fired a gorgeous cross over the net. Choudhury and Souttar replaced Ricardo and Justin after the game was won.
Leeds had thrashed Ipswich 4-0 earlier in the day, which was quite a statement. I think City players should be ready for quite a reaction from Ipswich Town when they go to Portman Road on Boxing Day for what looks like a mouthwatering fixture and an interesting comparison of styles from two relatively new managers. Bring it on! City easily passed between themselves with little threat from Rotherham to end with a comfortable 3-0 victory to send the fans home happy for Christmas.
Hermansen (7) Faes (8) Vestergaard (7) Justin (7) Ricardo (8) Dewsbury-Hall (6) Winks (7) are the City player ratings. Ndidi (6) Mavididi (7) Fatawu (6) Daka (7). Replacements: Casadei (7), Choudhury (6), Praet (7), Souttar (6), Akgun (7); Stolarczyk, Coady, Iheanacho, and Cannon were not utilized.
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