During the international break, Manchester City displayed a strong desire to move on from their loss to Arsenal. To prevent falling further behind in the championship race, Pep Guardiola’s team needed to end their losing streak, as a defeat against Brighton could have left them five points adrift of the leaders.
Guardiola’s team selection, in fact, hinted at his true feelings about their recent string of three losses in the last four competitions and who was responsible for them.
Upon his return from Brazil, goalkeeper Ederson found himself on the bench, with Stefan Ortega taking his place in the team’s fourth league game out of the previous fifteen.
Ederson had started the previous 62 games. Furthermore, Guardiola made changes to the lineup, replacing Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Mateo Kovacic, and Rico Lewis. The starting lineup against Arsenal included the goalkeeper, two center-backs, and two central midfielders.
John Stones, making his first start of the year, and Rodri, returning from suspension, were notable additions to the lineup. Guardiola’s decision to shake up the core of the team, which had struggled to create opportunities against Arsenal, paid off. City managed to secure a much-needed victory and get back into the title race against Brighton with two goals in the first half.
Erling Haaland, known for his incredible shooting ability, had a memorable moment when he gained control of the ball in Wolves’ half and unleashed a rocket from just outside the box, finding the bottom corner, reminiscent of a goal he scored 13 months earlier. Astonishingly, out of his total of 61 goals, Haaland’s only two goals for City have come from outside the box. This highlights his prowess within the penalty area and the constant threat he poses.
This performance marked a welcome “return to form” for Haaland after two scoreless league matches. His midfield contribution and link-up play have been steadily improving with each game, indicating that City might not have to wait another 55 games for his next long-range strike if he continues to diversify his attempts from outside the box.
The return of Rodri to the lineup was instrumental in stabilizing the City team. They had lost every game the previous month without him, and his presence in the team structure made it evident that he might be City’s most vital player. His return allowed Phil Foden to drift inside from the wing and encouraged Bernardo Silva to play a more central role.
John Stones’ return to the lineup was also significant, as he occasionally ventured forward even beyond Rodri. This move is expected to strengthen the defense and bring City back to the form that led them to a treble victory in the previous campaign.
Guardiola emphasized Rodri’s importance, and the player’s absence was keenly felt by his teammates. He mentioned that Rodri had learned from his previous red card against Nottingham Forest, which had been a petulant act.
The manager acknowledged that Rodri received a yellow card for dissent during the match, but he insisted that the player had to be careful not to attract the referee’s attention with prolonged protests. It was a lesson well-learned, ensuring that Rodri would not face a suspension in the upcoming derby.
