Teams know where City’s weakness lies
CITY’S plans in the middle of defence have been clear for some time now.
Having balked at Virgil van Dijk’s fee and chosen to spend big in other areas, the decision was made on a centre back.
Pep Guardiola would not be bringing in a superstar to become the new fulcrum of his team, but would instead bring in a player that could provide cover for what City already have.
It seemed to make sense, especially when City’s first picks of Vincent Kompany, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi all came through pre-season unscathed.
Just two games into the campaign though, there are already cracks.
Pep Guardiola got Man City tactics and team wrong but then showed his mettle.
Ronald Koeman made it obvious afterwards that his gameplan had been to target one of City’s back three.
Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus were all tightly man-marked and “we left Otamendi on the ball”. It worked, too. Stones, hailed ahead of the game as the best of City’s centre-backs at bringing out and distributing the ball, managed just 30 touches on Monday night (in 65 minutes); Kompany had 76 and Otamendi a whopping 99 – more than any of his team-mates despite the Blues spending the entire second half camped in the final third of the pitch.
Helped by Leroy Sane’s defensive inadequacies, it was no surprise that Everton found joy down the left side of City’s defence and that could inspire other teams to follow suit.
The same tactic may not necessarily work every time.
Benjamin Mendy, once fit, should reinforce the flank and give City more control of the game.
Refereeing decision and poor play up front also contributed to the side dropping points.
However, it must concern Guardiola – who saw his team struggle against top teams in domestic and European competition last season – that City can be got at so easily.
As was shown on Monday night, getting things right for the majority of games or seasons does not guarantee success.
With a week to go in the transfer window, the need for another defender remains.
After the Everton game, they arguably need a firstteamer as much as cover.
That could still be Jonny Evans.
His supporters herald the West Brom captain as capable of leading a top defence and being able to slot in across the line to carry out the coach’s demands.
But should the player not be deemed enough of an upgrade, City may have to go back into the market for a premium centre back.
Teams know where the weakness lies in the Blues backline; Guardiola must eradicate it before the end of the month.