DBasia.news – Pep Guardiola was the key figure in Manchester City’s success in winning the first edition of the Manchester Derby in the 2021-2022 Premier League. Interestingly, the fantastic result was obtained from a strange decision.
In a match that took place at Old Trafford, Saturday (6/11) yesterday, Manchester City defeated Manchester United with a score of 2-0. The victory was won in a convincing way.
Ilkay Gundogan and his team mates were able to fully dominate the game. Meanwhile, Manchester United, who appeared for their fans was unable to do much.
Manchester City even took the lead when the game was seven minutes in. Eric Bailly scored an own goal when he misjudged Joao Cancelo’s cross.
Bernardo Silva then doubled Manchester City’s advantage at the end of the first half. The 0-2 score lasted until halftime.
Entering the second half, Manchester City lowered the tempo of the game. They seemed to have kept possession of the ball and did not insist on scoring additional goals.
It was at this moment that a strange decision was made by Guardiola. The Spanish manager did not take advantage of three substitution opportunities.
That meant Manchester City would continue to use the same players for 90 minutes. Guardiola seemed unaffected by the change in strategy made by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the opposing team.
Manchester United did try to attack more in the second half. The inclusion of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Donny van de Beek is proof of that.
Guardiola’s strange decision caught the attention of former Manchester City player, Joleon Lescott. He even said the tactician has caused a frenzy.
“I don’t know if Pep didn’t realize (not making a substitution) or it was intentional. But it’s a derby and you expect things to change,” Lescott told Manchester City’s official website.
“Before you go on the pitch, managers usually ask to play with heart and in the 70th minute there will be a change. But the fact that the players can play extra time again and still get through it is crazy.”
Guardiola’s decision was quite surprising. Though he could use substitutions to buy time.
If you are sure of winning, Guardiola can also give other players the opportunity to obtain play time. On Manchester City’s bench, there are still names like Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez whose quality cannot be doubted.