After three straight defeats for Guardiola’s team, the run can be blamed on injuries but also some surprising tactics
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 men 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.
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