Cesc Fabregas emphasized the pivotal role played by a specific Manchester City player within the team dynamics.
Following their triumphant Treble conquest last season, Pep Guardiola’s squad is fervently vying to reclaim their trio of trophies.
Amidst the pivotal juncture of their campaign, a seasoned pundit and former elite-level player, boasting experience under Guardiola’s tutelage, has imparted insights regarding one of City’s present stalwarts, well-versed in the art of clinching significant silverware.
Fabregas says one Man City player is so important
During a recent installment of Planet Premier League, Fabregas shared his thoughts on Kyle Walker, expressing, “In those instances, they slip away from you; they excel in transition.”
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Ivan Toney says £54m Man City star has the best football intelligence in the Premier League
Ivan Toney is convinced that a player from Manchester City possesses the highest football intelligence in the Premier League.
Manchester City has kicked off 2024 with remarkable form, only being halted by Liverpool and Chelsea in the new year. Under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, the team remains undefeated in 22 games, raising the possibility of securing back-to-back treble wins.
However, City faces challenging opponents ahead, such as Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals and Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final.
Despite their impressive streak, City trails behind Arsenal and Liverpool by a single point in the title race, leaving the outcome of their trophy haul uncertain for the season.
To achieve success, City relies on every player reaching their peak performance, including Kevin De Bruyne, who Ivan Toney regards as the Premier League’s most astute player.
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£15m Man City player was simply outstanding in 1-0 win over Brentford
Manchester City secured a hard-fought victory against Brentford at the Etihad Stadium, closing the gap to just one point behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Despite City’s dominance in possession and numerous chances, they faced a resilient Brentford side that proved difficult to break down, with goalkeeper Mark Flekken thwarting their attempts.
Erling Haaland eventually broke the deadlock, securing the crucial goal for City. The match required patience, as Brentford adopted a defensive approach, camping in their own half for most of the game. Ivan Toney and Frank Onyeka posed occasional threats on the counter, but City’s persistence paid off.
In a game where City’s center-backs found themselves in advanced positions due to Brentford’s deep defensive line, Manuel Akanji, preferred over Nathan Ake on the left, delivered an impressive attacking performance. Akanji, usually a center-back, ventured forward, showcased excellent ball distribution, and tested Flekken with a remarkable curling shot in the first half.
Despite his limited experience in the left-back position, Akanji looked comfortable, completing an outstanding 106 out of 108 passes (98%), making 123 touches (second only to Rodri with 124), and contributing three clearances and two interceptions, according to Sofascore.
Akanji’s commendable performance on the left side, a position he rarely occupies, deserves recognition. While his overall season may not have matched the high standards set in the previous campaign, his adaptability and effectiveness in this role could be a positive sign for City’s future strategies, potentially prompting Pep Guardiola to explore this option more frequently.
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Danny Murphy names ‘the only’ hope Arsenal and Liverpool have of beating Man City to the title
Manchester City is pursuing their fourth consecutive Premier League title this season, but pundit Danny Murphy suggests that Arsenal or Liverpool could thwart their dominance. The 2023/24 title race is intensifying, with City’s recent win over Brentford narrowing the gap to just two points among the top three teams.
Erling Haaland secured the lone goal in the game at the Etihad Stadium, marking a more satisfying evening for him compared to the previous match against Chelsea. The title race may go down to the wire this season, with City, Arsenal, and Liverpool emerging as strong contenders.
Despite being the bookies’ favorites, City has shown defensive vulnerabilities this season. Players like Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Kyle Walker, and Ederson have not performed as well as last season, and new signing Josko Gvardiol is adapting to English football in his debut season. City has conceded 26 goals in the league, two more than Liverpool and four more than Arsenal.
Danny Murphy points out that City’s defensive frailties provide hope for Arsenal and Liverpool. According to Murphy, a notable change in City’s system has made them more vulnerable this season. Last season, they often deployed a full-back in midfield to create an extra midfielder. However, this season, the tweak involves a central defender, either Akanji or Stones, moving into midfield from a central position, making them more susceptible.
Former City manager Stuart Pearce also suggests that the high defensive line could be exploited by other teams. City’s defensive struggles this season are evident, and adjustments are needed to regain the solidity they displayed in the second half of the previous season.
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