For the third time this season, Manchester City conceded a late goal to give away three points.
Pep Guardiola’s side was in complete control on Wednesday, but a late penalty from Eric Dier gave AS Monaco a much-needed point at home.
Manchester City have certainly been an interesting team this season.
We’ve seen dominant matches by controlling the ball, but also playing more direct against certain types of opponents.
The Cityzens had been in better form coming into the match, winning four of their last five matches.
Their improvements came defensively, as they conceded only twice.
Monaco entered the match following a challenging run of form, having lost 4-1 to Club Brugge in their opening UEFA Champions League match and 3-1 to newly promoted Lorient in Ligue 1.
It was a fascinating tactical battle between Adi Hütter and Pep Guardiola, in which Manchester City dominated possession and played inside the Monaco final third for most of the match.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how Manchester City created chances through their central overload, how they limited Monaco from open play, and how Adi Hütter’s low block frustrated Manchester City.
Monaco Vs Manchester City Lineups & Formations
Monaco came out for the first time this season in a 3-4-3 formation.
Philipp Köhn started his fifth straight match in net behind Eric Dier, Thilo Kehrer, and Mohammed Salisu as the three centre-backs.
Mamadou Coulibaly made his second start of the season in central midfield alongside Jordan Teze, with Krépin Diatta and Vanderson operating as the two wing-backs.
Maghnes Akliouche and Ansu Fati lined up as the wide forwards with Folarin Balogun in his usual spot up top.
Adi Hütter made five substitutions in the match.
In the 22nd minute, Kassoum Ouattara came on for the injured Vanderson.
In the 64th minute, Stanis Idumbo came on for Ansu Fati.
The final substitutions were made in the 82nd minute: Mika Biereth replaced Folarin Balogun, Pape Cabral replaced Mamadou Coulibaly, and George Ilenikhena replaced Mohammed Salisu.
Manchester City came out in a 4-1-4-1 formation for the sixth straight match.
Gianluigi Donnarumma started in goal behind Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol as the centre-back pairing.
Nico O’Reilly started at left-back for the fourth time this season, while John Stones started at right-back.
Rodri started as the lone defensive midfielder with Tijjani Reijnders and Phil Foden right ahead of him in central midfield.
Jérémy Doku started at left midfield, while Bernardo Silva began to at right midfield for the fourth time this season.
Erling Haaland once again started up top for the Cityzens.
Pep Guardiola made three substitutions in the match.
In the 61st minute, Savinho came on for Jérémy Doku, and Nico González came on for Rodri.
The final substitution came in the 73rd minute when Matheus Nunes came on for John Stones at right-back.
Manchester City Central Overload
Pep Guardiola has been playing a slightly different style this season.
For years, he’s valued control over everything else, but this year, his Manchester City team is far more aggressive and direct than they’ve ever been.
