Premier League 2018/19: Manchester City vs Burnley

This Premier League match analysis was originally featured on our networks Manchester City site manchestercityanalysis.com.

The international break is loved by the ones that like to see top-quality players competing against each other for their countries, but also hated by others, a little like the week-to-week action of club football. The latter were happy to see the return of a Premier League season that is showing several contenders playing at a very high level, including Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal among others. The Citizens were faced against Burnley FC, a team that played preliminary rounds of the UEFA Europa League for the first time in 51 years, and that brought Joe Hart back to Etihad Stadium. However, they have struggled to find regularity in the league games. We prepare a tactical analysis of Guardiolas team that ended with a comfortable 5-0 win against Sean Dyches men.

USUAL TACTICAL SETUP, DIFFERENT ATTACKING APPROACH

When looking at the initial formation, the classic 4-3-3 arose with not many surprises in the middle and forward lines. But Kyle Walkers injury during the international break forced Guardiola to change the defensive line. With Kompany and Laporte as centre-backs and Mendy as a left back, John Stones was the chosen one to replace Walker on the right side. With all the natural limitations he has to perform that role, slower speed, lack of offensive pace and creativity, among others, he actually showed a solid performance worth highlighting. Without shining, he was extremely precise in his passing (97% precision), and he only lost possession four times, none of them in Man Citys own half, showing Pep that he has a very good alternative in that position when needed.

As expected by any team coached by Guardiola, the initial formation gave place to interesting tactical movements during the game. The build-up phase saw Fernandinho moving back as a sweeper between Kompany and Laporte, forming a three-man defensive line, while Stones and Mendy moved forward ahead of the back three. This lengthened Burnley lines creating free spaces for both David and Bernardo Silva to receive the ball in the middle of the field. David Silva was one of the top performers for Man City during this game, excelling in his movements off the ball, which allowed him to receive the ball with some space and cause danger for the Citizens. He hovered all around the pitch, leaving Burnleys men with no reference as to where to mark him. He fell back to receive the ball from the defenders, was wide open and connecting with Sane, and even was found alone several times without a challenge inside Burnleys area.