I thought the first half shitshow was mostly down to poor application and stupid, arrogant decision making. Unfortunately we do that a lot when the pressure is off us.
Have to say, Lazio played pretty much as well as they could have with that XI players, and we were crap for the most part, yet we still hung in the game and then did what only we can do late on. Must be wonderfully demoralising for all the other teams.
Lazio predictably couldn't keep that ridiculous pace up for more than about 60 or so minutes so our subs were obviously going to have chances to make an impact. You'd probably see Douglas Costa looking very dangerous in the same scenario, but as a starter in that kind of game he's basically useless other than a countering outlet. Lulic just helped us out at the end there with the brainfart.
Can had a pretty terrible game and again he's got no cool head about him, everything is rushed and showy. Doesn't help that he has a clumsy style about him, so fans don't take to him. It was the same in Liverpool. Football is also an entertainment business after all, and people can't pretend otherwise. The one thing I did like about him is that he's so stupid and boneheaded he just kept trying and seemed oblivious to the fact that he was useless for most of the game.
Also, it's glaringly obvious that the defensive side of the midfield is balanced out by Mandzukic's work in the starting areas. He presses midfield as a forward, and even though Dybala (and to a lesser extent DC) has been putting in admirable work with his 10 stone frame in his stead, it's not the same impact and wiliness.
So yes, Can cannot play the Pjanic role, Bentancur is still very green. And it was also fairly noticeable today that Matuidi didn't look his sharpest. Other than that midfield looked ok.