Aston Villa’s defensive system collapsed when two goals in rapid succession stunned Villa, who were then able to climb back up the ladder by pulling one back. Eventually, City simply proved to be too good, as Villa encountered its own strategic issues. Tactical analysis and match report by Kareem Bianchi. Following the weekend’s events – […]
A conservative City was easily neutralized by a solid Real Madrid team in an encounter that saw both sides spar out until the home side’s fortunate goal triggered Guardiola’s reaction. With all guns out, Real Madrid were no match for City, slowly crumbling as the visitors rose to the top of the Bernabéu. Tactical analysis […]
In terms of the balance of play and the result, this game was reminiscent of the earlier clash between these sides this season, when City dominated but were unable to win. Guardiola’s side set up with a left side overload in attack and were able to break through Spurs time and time again, but unable […]
Pep Guardiola experimented with an unorthodox interpretation of a 3-4-2-1 system as City hosted United in the EFL Cup. Although City dominated the early proceedings, United opened the scoring through Nemanja Matić, after which City showed some nervousness in their play and made some clumsy errors. Nevertheless, City were still the overall better team in […]
Aston Villa’s trepidation at going head-to-head with Manchester City proved prophetic as Pep Guardiola’s visitors demolished the home side in a stunning performance at Villa Park. Faced with a nightmarish injury list, Dean Smith could perhaps be forgiven for throwing in the towel, yet the manner of the defeat raises serious questions about the home […]
Manchester United were thoroughly outplayed as City were able to create overloads in midfield as well as finding plenty of space to progress the ball on the right flank. In the second half United changed their setup, which improved their play in and out of possession, but it was not enough to recover from the […]
City’s domination culminated as Guardiola’s back three guaranteed his side the necessary solutions to face recent issues. Meanwhile, an uninspiring Everton side was shown the door without leaving its mark. Guardiola and Ancelotti’s first encounter in the Premier League, unsurprisingly, saw the former manager win the chess match. Tactical analysis and match report by Kareem […]
After Ederson’s sending off left City with no way to go, two casual attacks gave Guardiola’s team a double lead. However, their inability to control possession with ten men exposed their defensive frailties, ultimately inviting Wolverhampton back into the game for the final win. Tactical analysis and match report by Kareem Bianchi. Fourteen points behind […]
A game of such stark contrast to last season’s closely-contested end-of-season battle between these two managers might have taken a few by surprise – especially given the nerves seeping through the cracks of this City outfit – but the visitors handed the hosts their dinner on a plate this time. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Kevin de Bruyne was the star of the show as City approached the game at the Emirates with slightly more of a focus on counterattacking than one would expect from a Pep Guardiola team. This led to the sides having a more-or-less equal share of the ball until later on in the game, but Arsenal […]