After getting thrown out of the UEFA Champions League by Tottenham, Manchester City have not had an easy time. Since then, a team that are used to scoring a lot have won three of the last four games by a one-goal margin. They have managed to keep their one-point advantage over Liverpool but we have not seen the aggressive and lethal team we are used to. In this tactical analysis, the road to the Premier League title put Manchester City against Leicester City in their last home appearance and they finished with another key yet unconvincing victory.
First Half: Manchester City vs Manchester City
The home team started with the classic 4-3-3, although this time with a more offensive stance when looking at the player selection in the midfield. Gündoğan, David Silva and Foden were a testament of what Guardiola was trying to implement in his tactical approach, a team with enough offensive power, technical superiority and higher mobility. Whether Leicester decided to defend or attack, he would need his players to be ready. They would need to be able to generate spaces and win duels if Leicester decided to defend, or fight for possession if Leicester decided to attack.
To almost everyone’s surprise, Brendan Rodgers decided to come out and fight against Manchester City where they feel more comfortable, trying to steal the ball from the home team. It was Manchester City against Manchester City. They were not afraid of passing the ball around from Kasper Schmeichel to his defensive line, patiently waiting for Manchester City to push up and open up spaces. Going wide, then coming back to the centre, moving the ball forward and coming back when they found no spaces, they were able to progress forward and show some very interesting football.
The more offensive midfield in place by Manchester City meant they had less aggressiveness in the recovery of the ball and also more space for Leicester players to be able to keep possession in the middle of the pitch. Maddison had especially a very good first half. He was able to receive several balls with spaces and with his ability generated a lot of fouls in their favour.
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