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What Went Wrong For Manchester City At Spurs

By Dan Larsen

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City reacts during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion at Wembley Stadium on April 06, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City reacts during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion at Wembley Stadium on April 06, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Though his initial selection was justifiable, Riyad Mahrez’s performance was sub-par.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City battles for possession with Danny Rose of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 09, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City battles for possession with Danny Rose of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 09, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /

Pep Guardiola choose Riyad Mahrez to man the right side of the Manchester City front line ahead of Leroy Sane. Because Bernardo Silva was scratched just before quick-off with an unexpected injury, Guardiola was forced to go with one of his less favored forward options.

Mahrez’s selection was disappointing because he has not been in particularly good form recently. His inclusion, however, was at least justifiable in light of how City planned to approach the game.

Given his high work rate, particularly on defense, his selection made sense as he’s provided City with better defensive cover than they’ve gotten when Leroy Sane has started. However, Mahrez did not provide City with any consistent threat down the right hand side, even when they tried to ramp up their attack.

Like so many other games this season, Mahrez missed the passes he needed to make. He failed to make the right decision in crucial situations. One particular moment in the second half stood out.

Mahrez beat Spurs Left Back Danny Rose on a long cross field pass, and got space in the 18 yard box late in the second half. City had runners coming up in support who he could have set up for a great goal scoring opportunity. Mahrez never looked up to see where his teammates were.

Instead, he tried to put a move on Danny Rose to create space for a shot. The moment was dealt with comfortably, and City missed a big chance to get a crucial away goal.

Like so many other games this season, Mahrez failed to provide City with the spark they sorely needed. City signed him for these kinds of games, but he’s thus far failed to make the impact they were hoping for.

His tenure at City hasn’t been as bad as some of City’s other recent big signings, but he’s definitely played below expectations too. Tuesday was another example of that.

Next, we’ll take a look at one of the defenders who stood out.