PEP’S BOYS CRECHE AND BURN

MANCHESTER CITY blew a twogoal lead against Manchester United on Saturday. That happens in football. By far the strangest event of the afternoon occurred before kick-off, however, when Pep Guardiola allowed his team out with their kids as match-day mascots. Some players were scrambling to keep lively tots under control, while Vincent Kompany, the captain, met his opposite number juggling a small child in his arms. Lovely — but was it entirely appropriate for such a big game against a rival? Did it not smack a little of complacency, of thinking the job done? Family time on the pitch after the game, sure — but not before. Why did Guardiola allow it? In the corresponding fixture in December, he marched down the touchline and snatched a sky blue Santa hat off the head of substitute Eliaquim Mangala (above), who had been told to warm up. The impression was of a serious, focused coach who would not tolerate any player who did not have his mind on the job. Four months later he lets the team prepare alongside Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm. It didn’t look right, it didn’t feel right. And one imagines it won’t be repeated.