Defence duo aided attack in Blues win

PEP Guardiola reckons his decision to name two central midfielders as centre-backs against Crystal Palace gave City a new dynamic in attack.

The Blues boss named Rodri and Fernandinho in unfamiliar positions as Nicolas Otamendi added to City’s defensive injury woes ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park.

With Aymeric Laporte absent until the new year, John Stones returned to the bench but was not deemed fit enough to start. Otamendi picked up a knock in international duty and was not part of the travelling squad.

That meant Fernandinho and Rodri were deployed in a new-look back four. But Guardiola admitted after the game their presence in defence helped improve his side’s performance in the 2-0 victory.

He said: “Our build-up was quicker because they have more intelligence and they pass the ball so well because they are central midfielders.”

Expanding on their performances to Sky, Guardiola added: “Rodri did not train one day in that position. The back four responded well I think.

“We played good, created a lot of chances. They [Palace] are always so strong for the second ball. Unfortunately we could not convert enough the chances we had but it was an important three points after the international break. They (Palace) were, I think, one point below, so they are having an incredible season. Hopefully we can start from here and continue our good performance.

“Their keeper made a lot of saves but hopefully we can be more clinical.”