Three Changes Manchester City Must Make After a Tough Week

Manchester City were beaten for the first time under Pep Guardiola on Sunday. Add to that the draw midweek, and Pep must consider changes to the squad.

Guardiola has said he would learn more about Manchester City from their first loss rather than all their wins. Well I hope Pep had his notebook out on Sunday because City were taken to school by Tottenham at White Hart Lane. In what many saw as the Blues first true test in the Premier League, City scored a resounding failure. Does that mean it’s time to scorch the Earth? Has Guardiola been found out? Well no, that’s simple hyperbole, but there are some changes that would be beneficial, considering a tough fixture list when the season resumes.

City supporters no doubt felt a huge letdown after back to back poor performances by Man City. Celtic and Tottenham both employed a high press style that forced City into many mistakes, this despite a more defensive starting XI on Sunday. There were some constants in both poor performances, but the truth is despite the back to back victories over Swansea the week prior City were not all that dominant in those games either.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 02: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City (L) speaks to John Stones of Manchester City (R) during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at White Hart Lane on October 2, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Tottenham and Celtic both employed a high press style to force Man City into many mistakes. This has to concern Pep as another title challenger does that same, perhaps even better than Spurs or Celtic. How Guardiola and his staff handle this recent setback will go a long way to proving City’s title mettle. There is no doubt Pep knows changes must be made, but what changes exactly? Below are three changes that could prove beneficial to City’s campaign once they resume play. Fixtures against Everton, Celtic, Southampton, and another derby game will certainly require better play than we saw last week.

Stop giving the ball away in the defensive half

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 28: Pablo Zabaleta of Manchester City in action during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and Manchester City FC at Celtic Park on September 28, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /

This one seems a bit obvious, but it’s the number one problem City have had in these two negative results. The turnovers inside of City’s half have been far too numerous compared to games earlier this season. Man City must find a way to deal with the high pressure that doesn’t result in punting the ball up the field or turning it over to the attacking players. The biggest culprits of this issue have been Zabaleta and Kolarov who both featured in the Celtic and Tottenham games. This leads nicely to the next change.

Bench Aleks Kolarov and Pablo Zabaleta

Kolarov was an early season revelation. Critics were hailing the Serbian for his strong performances at both center back and left back. But once pressed the cracks in his game began to show. Pablo Zabaleta had one foot out the door in the summer, but was convinced to stay. Now, we see why leaving may have been in his best interest. The Argentine is being dragged out of position and beaten for pace constantly to the point one must wonder when Bacary Sagna can start again. Perhaps it’s time for Maffeo or Angelino to get looks into the match day squad?

Start Kelechi Iheanacho

The time has come for the Nigerian striker to get regular starts, at least while Kevin De Bruyne is still injured. The missing Belgian has left a hole increasing in size since his injury. City lacked a cutting edge against Tottenham and with two high quality opponents coming up, Iheanacho can provide just that if recalled. Both Aguero and Iheanacho can drop deeper to link up better with Silva and Fernandinho in the midfield, similar to the position De Bruyne would usually occupy. Iheanacho has been wonderful in both starting roles and coming off the bench, it’s time for him to start with Aguero.

Those are three changes City could make when play resumes against Everton in the Premier League. Ideally Kevin De Bruyne would return as soon as possible, but until then City still have games to play and points to gain. Regardless, De Bruyne does not play defense, which is the area that probably needs the most work. Hopefully, Pep and his team can make the correct adjustments and we’ll see City back to their winning ways in just under two weeks.