3 things we learned from NYCFC’s disastrous 4-3 loss to Atlanta United FC | OneFootball

Whenever New York City FC and Atlanta United FC play, draws are often expected as of late.  In the last ten games, before Saturday, the teams tied six times while the Pigeons won four of the fixtures.  As such, the Pigeons ultimately went into Mercedes-Benz Stadium with high expectations.

More importantly, they wanted their first win on the road.  They already shared the points with the Inter Miami CF and the Columbus Crew and then lost to Los Angeles FC.  NYCFC had a chance to do so with the return of Alonso Martínez from international duty.  He was desperately missed during the match against the Crew and is someone who enhances the attack.

Unfortunately, NYCFC’s unbeaten run against Atlanta United came to an end.  The Pigeons fell to the Five Stripes 4-3 in what was a disastrous loss.  The Boys in Blue were controlling the game and were up 3-1.  However, defensive mistakes and a change in momentum caused the visitors to suffer a heartbreaking defeat.

Hence, let’s take a look at three things we learned about NYCFC’s poor loss to Atlanta United FC.

3 things we learned from NYCFC’s 4-3 loss

3. Thiago Martins was not a captain or DP

As mentioned defensive errors caused the loss for NYCFC.  Looking back at Atlanta’s goals, three of the four were due to individual mistakes.  Keaton Parks scored an own goal, but the other two rest entirely on Thiago Martins.

The first goal he gave up came at the end of the first half.  The center-back fell to the ground, increasing the space for Aleksei Miranchuk to take his shot.  Ultimately, the Atlanta player struck with power and scored the first goal of four.

Then, Martins was responsible for the final goal.  He and Matt Freese were both heading toward the ball during a moment when possession should have stayed with NYCFC.  Instead, Martins automatically assumed his goalkeeper would scoop up the ball, and was lackadaisical.  Emmanuel Latte Lath recognized this, viciously intercepted the ball, and kicked it into the open goal.

The Designated Player’s defensive blunders, which can happen to him from time to time, illuminated why he should not be a DP.  His contract cannot be downgraded, and the club must accept that he is not always the best defender.  Sure, the Brazilian has been better and a great defender over the last year.  But, he is not a DP defender.

Moreover, he was not very captain-like in the end.  Martins was seen yelling at Freese, and the two argued over that last goal.  The Brazilian should have recognized right away the error was on him, and should have told everyone it was his fault.  Saturday was just an awful evening for the captain.

2. Ronny Deila did not outcoach Pascal Jansen

The game against Atlanta was a reunion match for NYCFC.  The Georgia team is now led by Ronny Deila, who is the former head coach for the Boys in Blue.  As a result, the game was framed as the former head coach vs the current one.

Looking at the score, some might think that Deila outcoached Pascal Jansen.  But the truth is in the pudding.  Jansen was not responsible for the disaster in the second half.  The players’ defensive mistakes, especially Martins and Parks, ultimately led to the loss.

If one were to take away those errors, then NYCFC would have won 3-1. In complete honesty, Martins’ first-half blunder would have been forgiven if they held on to a 3-2 win.  Jansen gave his team all the tools to hold on and win or even earn another draw.  He did his job; his players did not.

1. NYCFC’s attack was wasted

What makes this game hurt more is that NYCFC did well in the final third.  They scored three goals on six shots on target. While the Bronx team only had eight in total, their accuracy put them ahead and in a spot to win the game.

The Pigeons somewhat switched after a lackluster offensive and wonderful defensive performance against the Crew.  They were brilliant in the final third, and maybe would have scored another without Atlanta’s momentum at the end of the fixture.  That did not happen, and, as discussed, the defensive mistakes caused NYCFC’s attack to be wasted.

Yes, losses hurt no matter what.  Yet, it would have been another story if NYCFC failed to score or have a strong offensive performance.  The fact the team was up 3-1 and gave up three goals afterward was concerning to see.  Something like this cannot happen again.