No Rodgers Repeat: Defensive structures solid but Pep’s City clinical again – tactical analysis

The Premier League returned after the international break with a marquee fixture, as Leicester City hosted Manchester City at the King Power Stadium. Memories were still fresh from the reverse fixture, where Pep Guardiola’s team lost 5-2, but this was a markedly different City side now, having opened up a commanding lead at the top of the table and unlikely to collapse in a similar manner.

City were able to come away with a 2-0 win, with Kevin De Bruyne stating post-match that there was only one team playing in the game. Manchester City dominated their opponents throughout the game, barely giving them a sniff of goal, but, despite losing this match, it can be said that Brendan Rodgers tactics worked to an extent, especially defensively where City struggled to break down their compact block.

This tactical analysis will provide an analysis of the positional battle between Leicester and Manchester City, and also show how Guardiola adapted his tactics in the second half.

Lineups

Despite having key players such as Ricardo Pereira and James Maddison returning to the squad, Rodgers did not make too many changes to the side that beat Manchester United in the FA Cup sixth round, so Marc Albrighton retained his place at right wing-back and Ayoze Pérez started behind the two strikers.

Citys lineup, in contrast, was full of surprises. As we predicted, Pep prioritised those players who did not travel for international duty over the past two weeks, which resulted in large-scale rotation. Benjamin Mendy returned at left-back, while Fernandinho, Aymeric Laporte and Gabriel Jesus all started after having rested for two weeks, while Sergio Aguero started as well, following the news that he will be leaving City at the end of the season after 10 years of excellent service.

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