Lack of pace
With Kyle Walker's knee injury meaning he was unable to apply his afterburners and torch any Sporting attack that broke Manchester City's high line on Tuesday, Pep Guardiola's team lacked the speed in their rearguard to counter how most opposition hope to prosper against them. Even with Walker in the side this classic way to break down the Premier League champions can be successful and with the captain an unused replacement at the Estádio José Alvalade, alongside Nathan Aké and John Stones and Rúben Dias not fit enough to travel - a lack of defensive nous is also costing them. Jahmai Simpson-Pusey was given a full debut, the day after he turned 19.
Guardiola not using options
This story is from the November 07, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 07, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'I was never cool' Guardiola denies his six-finger sign shows he is losing grip
Pep Guardiola has denied that raising six fingers during Manchester City's defeat at Liverpool on Sunday shows he is losing his cool in the manner José Mourinho did when showing three digits during his time in charge of Manchester United.
Amorim gives United stark warning of 'tough times'
Ruben Amorim has warned his Manchester United players \"the storm will come,\" and there will be difficult times ahead despite a promising start to his tenure, as his team prepare to face Arsenal.
Ødegaard the inspiration for Arsenal's uplift, admits Arteta
Mikel Arteta believes Martin Ødegaard's influence has been instrumental in Arsenal's return to form as they attempt to haul back Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Clinical Mateta proves the difference to ease pressure for Palace
Perhaps the alarm bells can ring a little less loudly for Crystal Palace.
Daka decks the halls to give Van Nistelrooy opening win
As one manager celebrated his first game in charge, another may have endured his last. Ruud Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a fortuitous but hard-earned victory as he could luxuriate in seeing Leicester move four points clear of the relegation zone but Julen Lopetegui must be fearing for the worst.
Guéhi could be hit by FA charge over message on armband
Marc Guéhi is likely to face punishment from the Football Association after the Crystal Palace captain wrote \"Jesus loves you\" on his rainbow armband in the game against Ipswich.
Slot warns his Liverpool team not to rest on their laurels
Arne Slot believes Liverpool's imperious form has made them a bigger target for Premier League rivals and that trips to Newcastle and Everton could be more problematic than the statement wins against Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Scotland out in the cold after playoff defeat
Scotland face a bleak winter after their hopes of qualification for the European Championship in Switzerland next summer were extinguished in a frozen Helsinki.
Cain enables clinical Wales to write names in history
Wales made history in Dublin last night as they qualified for the first major tournament in their nation's history.
Clinton delivers early to give experimental England edge
An experimental England side recorded a slender win over next summer's European Championship hosts Switzerland as Sarina Wiegman gave youth a chance to impress in the Lionesses' last friendly for at least six months.
