Manchester City’s midfield struggled against Tottenham. There is no other way to put it after City’s 4-nil defeat to Ange Postecoglou’s side at the Etihad. The world champions engine room appeared old and couldn’t keep up with Tottenham’s energetic midfield, nor could they get back to help City’s beleaguered defence. Up next, Pep Guardiola’s side takes on Feyenoord in a crucial Champions League league phase fixture. Is it time for Guardiola to try something new Manchester City’s midfield? It may well be based on City’s recent performances.
It isn’t a stretch to say that currently, City’s midfield is struggling. The loss of Rodri and Mateo Kovacic has crippled City’s engine room. Against Tottenham Rico Lewis, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva were played in midfield. All three tried hard but they were simply overwhelmed by their younger and more athletic opponents. That has been a common theme of late. Based on Saturday’s performance and the four games before that, perhaps it is time for Manchester City to play with a different look in the centre of the pitch.
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There are options available to Pep Guardiola. Although, they aren’t as tried and tested as Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Rico Lewis. But an injection of athleticism and pace wouldn’t be the worst move. Nico O’Reilly showed flashes against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup. He is athletic, young and enthusiastic. Matheus Nunes has the pace and ability to drop into midfield. He has played well for City on the left wing this season but does appear needed in midfield. Either could add a different dimension to City’s midfield. Even James McAtee could be worth a look. Each player would add something different. Tomorrow night’s match may be the ideal opportunity for either of those three players to start in midfield tomorrow night.
Then there is Kevin De Bruyne. Manchester City did look infinitely more threatening against Spurs when De Bruyne came on. His 20-minute cameo at the Etihad was promising. It was perhaps one of the only positives to come from Saturday’s abysmal defeat. De Bruyne is working his way back to full fitness after the groin injury he suffered against Inter Milan in September. Is now the time to unleash De Bruyne? City takes on Liverpool at Anfield next Sunday so perhaps he will saved for that fixture. But the City midfield could do with De Bruyne’s brilliance. That’s another player who could bring some life to Manchester City’s midfield.
Tomorrow night’s Champions League clash with Feyenoord at the Etihad may be the ideal time for Pep Guardiola to try a different look in City’s engine room. He has options there. Tomorrow night’s fixture is crucial for the world champions but if Guardiola tries a new look in midfield and it pays off City may find themselves another option rather than playing players who appear in need of a rest and are beginning to show their age.
