Manchester City came up short against Newcastle United – and pundit Frank Leboeuf has noticed something frustrating about the way Pep Guardiola’s side play.
Manchester City drew 1-1 with the Magpies at St. James’ Park.
Josko Gvardiol – who was named Man of the Match by Ally McCoist for TNT Sports – had put City 1-0 up, but Anthony Gordon then won a penalty for Newcastle after being brought down by Ederson. The England winger took the spot-kick himself and scored.
City just didn’t do enough in the end, and seemed to miss their injured big guns Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne.
It was a big defensive effort from hosts and the red-hot Erling Haaland was kept quiet for the most part.
The analysis of yesterday’s draw is in full swing, and for Frank Leboeuf, one thing about City’s style of play was really frustrating.
Frank Leboeuf claims Man City players hardly ever take on their man in games
There is a very clear style of play for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
Essentially, City wear teams down through possession. It has always been the Spaniard’s way, and he has obviously been extremely successful.
It is extremely common for City to play in front of an opposition low block, trying to find ways through.
Sometimes, it is difficult when every player is behind the ball.
Yesterday, former World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf gave his thoughts about the game, and expressed his frustrations about City not having players who will take their man on.
He said in a video for ESPN FC: “I really feel there is no player who can change the pace of their game.
“Of course we know what Guardiola wants, in trying to fatigue the opponents. Keep the ball, turn around.
“We don’t see, except maybe Doku, anybody capable of taking on players. Changing the pace. It’s always the same rhythm, kind of.
“Because you don’t have De Bruyne and now you don’t have Rodri, you feel that they will never find that fantastic assist that those players are capable of giving to Haaland or some others.”
City need to mix it up a bit more
Leboeuf is right to an extent.
It is not all that often you see City stars take players on and be really direct.
Due to teams using low blocks, there often just isn’t any space in behind for players to do this.
But arguably, City do need to start mixing it up a bit more, because teams are starting to finally wise up to the City way. Inter, Arsenal and Newcastle have all shown how you can shut City out by defending with backs to the wall.
Jeremy Doku is someone who can be direct, but frustratingly his end product isn’t always there. Therefore, he does not always start.
But City could certainly do with mixing it up a bit, especially when the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri are not playing.
