4. New York City FC need more from wingers
On paper, New York City FC have a crop of extremely exciting and threatening wide attackers. They have two Designated Players, felt comfortable enough to trade away Jonathan Lewis last season, and still have the likes of Gary Mackay-Steven and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi on the bench. And yet, when it comes to the product on the pitch, those wingers often go quiet.
While Maxi Moralez and Heber will always be the heartbeat of the attacking play, Alexandru Mitrita and Jesus Medina offer a different type of outlet, one that NYCFC have been unable to make the most of: speed and directness.
On several occasions, the pair would showcase their dribbling ability. A sharp turn here, a flick around the corner there, a knock and run past a Toronto defender. But these moments were fleeting and inconsistent, and it led to TFC being able to press forwards and control the match. NYCFC, in theory, have capable wide attackers. And yet, on the pitch, it never plays out as it should.