The ability of Manchester City to control games is returning at a critical stage of the season. City’s control of games was a critical factor in last season’s treble success. With the pressure increasing over the second half of the season Pep Guardiola’s side’s ability to have complete control of games could be a decisive factor in their treble defence.
City’s ability to control games was evident in Saturday’s 2-nil Premier League win over Everton. The champions struggled to break Sean Dyche’s side for large periods of the game. But their ability to dictate the flow of the game stifled their opponent. They successfully nullified Everton’s ability from set pieces and their control of the game laid the platform for Erling Haaland to make his mark late on.
The ability of Manchester City to maintain control of games will be vital over the second half of the season. Pep Guardiola’s side won’t completely dominate every game they play. Their ability to play at their tempo when the game goes against them does help restrict their opponents. It was evident against Everton and was a standout feature in their 3-1 win over Brentford at the GTech Stadium. City’s control took the passionate Brentford home support out of the game for large portions of City’s win. Their control of possession allowed Phil Foden to perform his heroics against the Bees.
It is a welcome sight to see Manchester City regaining their ability to dictate the flow of games. During their lean run of results earlier this season teams took advantage of City being unable to control games in the manner their manager demands.
As the season heats up it will be something Pep Guardiola’s side will revert to when they come under pressure in their chase for history.
