Pep Guardiola has new Man City tactic that is winning them games – Stuart Brennan

Inserted centre backs

Ilkay Gundogan headed it in, and Kevin De Bruyne’s shot in opposition to the bar led to it, however it was Aymeric Laporte’s stride onto the assault that led to it.

That has been an rising characteristic of Manchester City’s play in current weeks – we noticed John Stones doing it final weekend at Fulham to good impact, and when you will have centre backs who can go like Laporte and Stones, and a defensive rock like Ruben Dias, it is smart to make use of them as further attackers.

Guardiola has introduced inverted full-backs and false nines to the Premier League, and used inverted wingers to raised impact than anybody else – now he’s making his centre backs, inserted reasonably than inverted, into prime attacking weapons.

Sterling hooked

After three video games through which he didn’t play, Raheem Sterling may have been massively dissatisfied to get subbed, particularly with the prospect of additional time looming.

The England man began nicely sufficient, trying sharp and focussed, however by the second half his sport had reverted to the kind of efficiency he confirmed earlier than he was “rotated” by Guardiola.

Now he has a fortnight away with England, and Metropolis will probably be hoping a change is pretty much as good as a relaxation.

Sub normal

Guardiola is rightly sceptical of being known as a genius when his substitutions make a distinction – he is aware of that if the participant happening has an impression, he’ll get the credit score as a tactical genius.

And when you will have a bench filled with world-class expertise, it’s tough to not make an impression.

Kevin De Bruyne went on with ten minutes to go, and had two pictures – one ht the bar and fell neatly for Ilkay Gundogan to move in, and the second nestled within the internet. Impression.

Foden honesty

Phil Foden was rightly praised for his honesty for attempting to remain on his ft when scythed down by Alex McCarthy in opposition to Southampton a few weeks in the past, though extra cynical professionals would counsel he ought to have made probably the most of it.

The teen did it once more, feeling sturdy contact from Mason Holgate however striving to remain upright reasonably than hurl himself to the bottom, which a Mo Salah or Raheem Sterling may need finished.

Metropolis will hope his integrity pays off at a essential second sooner or later.

Jesus crunch

After per week through which he performed in a two-striker formation at Fulham, after which watched from the bench as Pep Guardiola went mad with false nines, Gabriel Jesus needed to make the case for a single striker.

He didn’t get a lot love from followers on social media, however the Brazil striker had a ferocious battle with Yerry Mina and Ben Godfrey, and saved the centre backs occupied, making house for others.