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Manchester City lessons from matchday 22

By Jason Bardwell

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his sides third goal with his Manchester City team mates during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Watford at Etihad Stadium on January 2, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his sides third goal with his Manchester City team mates during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Watford at Etihad Stadium on January 2, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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Defensive Unit Back Intact:

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 02: John Stones of Manchester City warms up prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Watford at Etihad Stadium on January 2, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 02: John Stones of Manchester City warms up prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Watford at Etihad Stadium on January 2, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

The Manchester City defence looked so much better with the return of John Stones and Fabian Delph. Nico Otamendi, Walker and Ederson have been ever-present, but haven’t seemed as confident with Danilo and Mangala.

For Fabian Delph it solidifies his importance to the side, at least until the return of Benjamin Mendy, and maybe continuing as his backup, who knows.

Despite that, others can come in and do a job, although it’s not as convincing really. The real concern is the guy in front of those back four.

Fernandinho was substituted after 71 minutes in the last game, and is probably the most important player in the Manchester City side, given the way they play.

Yaya Toure is not able to play that role as well as the Brazilian and so any injury to him could prove more costly for City. He says he feels 25 and can continue playing, and maybe he can. Certainly Fabian Delph and even Danilo could fill in but it is a tough position and maybe a proper back-up needs to come in.