I loved the small tactical tweaks in midfield yesterday by the manager.
Gravenberch was given more freedom to roam around more and use his athleticism to cover more ground, press Man City and pick up on loose passes. He doesn't look quick but those big strides give him an advantage over older legs and and he was able to nip into areas and win the ball back and carry it forwards, with nobody blocking his route. He had a bit more expansive game as a result and really helped us.
In turn, this meant MacAllister sat deeper and was more controlled in his movements. He is not exactly the most athletic, while he can still carry ground, but this conserved his energy and could just mop up and keep things ticking along. This hasn't been MacAllister's role of late, but it suited him in this game.
I think switching the roles of MacAllister and Gravenberch might have caught Pep out.
Szobozlai's running though. Brilliant. The first 20 mins was all about his pressing and winning the ball back, getting shots away. Man City couldn't handle his power, pace and directness. Naturally faded, but he had done enough with his work. A real driving force, and the managers decision to start Jones against Real Madrid, resting Szobozlai in the process, and then vice versa was played perfectly. I think Szobozlai's first half performance was one of the best of the season from any of our midfielders.
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