Manchester City Keep Pace with Title Rivals Despite Recognized Striker
Manchester City defeated Brighton and Hove Albion over the weekend in what was a routine victory for the Sky Blues. What was most surprising, however, was that the four goals scored against the Seagulls did not come from a recognized striker.
Critics have been quick to point out City’s lack of depth in the center-forward role, where Gabriel Jesus is the only true number 9 in the squad. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s tactics, however, have seen Jesus play in a wider role. Rather than playing through the middle, Jesus has been used on the wings, and he has been used to stretch the opposition’s defense. In this case, City have opted to play a false 9 formation. Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Ferran Torres have all rotated in this position.
At times, City have looked flat as they have struggled to break down their defense. This was the case during their opening match in the 2021/22 English Premier League season against Tottenham Hotspur. The Sky Blues failed to trouble Spurs, and they were punished in what resulted in a 1-0 loss. Similar events occurred in the UEFA Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain, where City failed to convert a chance from point-blank range in what have made the score 1-1 at halftime. Instead, the Sky Blues lost 2-0. Finally, City failed to break down a defensively sound Southampton side, and the match eventually ended in a 0-0 draw.
Despite these three instances, however, the Sky Blues have performed well. They earn outstanding victors in both the EPL and Champions League against Arsenal and RB Leipzig, earned hard-fought wins against Leicester City and Chelsea, and secured an impressive draw at Anfield, a venue where they have traditionally struggled. They are also getting the necessary points they need against the likes of Norwich City, Burnley, and most recently, Brighton.
There is still a lot of football to be played in the 2021/22 season, but City have demonstrated that their system is working. They are taking points from their title challengers, and they are earning necessary results against their weaker opponents. Should this trend continue, and should City perfect their false 9 system, then they will be a force to be reckoned with for the remainder of this season.
Overall, Manchester City are keeping pace with their title rivals, and they are earning results without a recognized striker. Will their system last until the end of the season?