In our assessment, Manchester City’s center-back Ruben Dias showcased a return to top form in the team’s 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur on Friday.

Despite earlier suggestions by Anton Ferdinand that Dias might be missing the presence of John Stones alongside him, the Portuguese defender proved his critics wrong during City’s FA Cup encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

With City breaking their curse at the Spurs’ stadium, Ruben Dias played like a defensive colossus, demonstrating a commanding presence in the center of defense. He effectively nullified the threat of Richarlison, consistently staying close and preventing the Brazilian from turning and initiating counter-attacks for the under-pressure Spurs.

City’s defensive success in limiting Tottenham to just one shot on target owed much to Ruben Dias’ exceptional defending inside the penalty area. He repeatedly won ground and aerial duels, blocked shots, and intervened in every attacking move the hosts attempted.

Throughout the game, the three-time Premier League winner displayed flawless positioning, reminiscent of his outstanding performances from the previous season. Despite playing as a right-sided center-back, a position considered his weaker side compared to the left, Dias controlled proceedings alongside Nathan Ake against Tottenham.

Even in possession, Dias impressed with his passing, particularly in breaking the lines with precision. His performance in north London reaffirmed the adage that the cream always rises to the top, showcasing Ruben Dias’ enduring quality.

Manchester City’s Historic Treble in 2023

In 2023, Manchester City, under the management of Pep Guardiola, achieved a historic treble, creating lasting memories for supporters. Key players like Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne, and Riyad Mahrez played crucial roles in this remarkable journey.

1. Crucial Contributions in the Treble Pursuit

Manchester City’s trek towards the treble saw outstanding performances, with Mahrez scoring a hat-trick in the FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United. Gundogan’s two goals secured a 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the final, and De Bruyne’s significant equalizer against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-final was pivotal.

2. Departures and Injuries

Despite the triumph, Manchester City faced setbacks as Gundogan and Mahrez left for Barcelona and Al Ahli, respectively. Additionally, De Bruyne suffered a significant injury, affecting the team’s performance in the 2023/24 season.

3. New Additions and Challenges

To fill the void, Manchester City brought in younger players like Jeremy Doku and Josko Gvardiol, who lack the experience of their predecessors. These changes contributed to the team currently holding the fourth position in the Premier League.

The Importance of Experience

While various factors influence performance, Manchester City has come to appreciate the significance of experience, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

1. Team Over Individual

Guardiola’s decision to exile Joao Cancelo sent a strong message to the squad. Despite Cancelo being a top performer, Guardiola prioritized the team over individual interests, showcasing the importance of collective unity.

The Role of John Stones

In reflecting on the 2023 season, the absence of John Stones has been particularly impactful for Manchester City.

1. Injury Woes

Stones’ limited appearances due to a hamstring injury created challenges for Guardiola, who struggled to find a suitable replacement for the unique role Stones played alongside Rodri.

2. Unmatched Contribution

Stones’ absence became evident as teammates, including Manuel Akanji, found it challenging to replicate his role. The team experienced difficulties, emphasizing the adage that you don’t realize the value of something until it’s gone.

In our perspective, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola should have opted to start Phil Foden in midfield instead of Julian Alvarez against Chelsea.

Despite Foden’s excellent performance in the right flank position against Copenhagen, Guardiola chose to play him in the same position against Chelsea. The setup in the Champions League clash saw Rodri on the right side of midfield, involving Foden more in the game compared to the previous match.

The decision to start Julian Alvarez instead of Bernardo Silva on the left side created balance in City’s midfield. However, the choice to bring in Alvarez over Foden, a natural midfielder, was unexpected. Alvarez, despite being a goal-scorer for City, had defensive responsibilities as part of a double pivot alongside Rodri.

Considering Foden’s recent hat-trick in midfield against Brentford, it’s perplexing why Guardiola believed Alvarez was better suited for the role against Chelsea. Foden, born in Stockport, was not only an attacking threat against Brentford but also demonstrated his ability to control the game in the first phase of play.

While Alvarez attempted to contribute in deeper areas, he struggled to impact City’s build-up beyond passing the ball back to Rodri or Akanji. Foden’s technical proficiency is considered superior to Alvarez, providing better ball manipulation to bypass Chelsea’s high press.

City’s sluggishness in building out of the back persisted, leading Guardiola to substitute Alvarez in the 64th minute. Later in the game, Foden was shifted centrally, indicating Guardiola’s recognition of the need for a creative boost. However, the limited time on the clock prevented Foden from changing the game.

While it may be understandable for Foden to stay wide to accommodate Bernardo Silva, Guardiola’s insistence on Alvarez as a creator remains puzzling, especially against a team of Chelsea’s caliber, considering Foden’s excellent performances in midfield for City this season.