As Manchester City fought their way to a 1-all draw against Newcastle at St. James Park on Saturday it was clear that City’s starting midfield lacked creativity. It wasn’t until Phil Foden, Savinho, and Jeremy Doku came on late in the second half that City’s midfield began to create clear-cut chances. There is more to the story than just that, but the fact that City’s midfield was devoid of creativity stood out in Saturday’s match against Eddie Howe’s side.
Pep Guardiola decided to start with Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan in midfield against Newcastle. On paper, that trio seem better suited to maintain control of the game more so than creating chances. With Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva on the wings, it was clear that Pep Guardiola was focused on controlling Saturday’s game at St. James Park. To be brutally honest the plan would have and should have worked by halftime. Josko Gvardiol gave City the lead in the 35th minute. Ilkay Gundogan then squandered several golden opportunities to double City’s lead. That can happen and Manchester City would pay a price for those missed opportunities in the second half.
But for the first 25 minutes, City failed to create any clear opportunities of note. Newcastle defended deep and looked to hit City on the break. That frustrated Pep Guardiola’s side and Eddie Howe’s side deserve credit for how they stuck to their task. But for large portions of the first half and the second half, Manchester City struggled to create clear-cut chances. It was something that was rarely seen by the world champions. But is it more than a case of key players missing or something more? I believe it’s a case of key players either missing or being out of form to begin the season.
The loss of Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri hurts Manchester City as does the slow start to the season by Phil Foden.
Manchester City entered Saturday’s game with Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri unavailable due to injury ailments. Their absence immediately costs City creativity in midfield. De Bruyne’s strengths are well known, and he remains City’s best creative outlet in midfield. Rodri plays the role of two players in midfield. His ability going forward is crucial to the world champions. The ability of Rodri to shift the focus of City’s attacks with cross-field passes is an underappreciated aspect of his play. Both players were missed on Saturday. De Bruyne will return to the fold soon enough. Rodri is out for the season so there is no point dwelling on his absence, even though it will be felt throughout this season.
The form of Phil Foden to begin the new season hasn’t been up to his usual high standards. Illness and a busy summer with England appears to have caught up to City’s Wonderboy. But there were glimpses during the second half of Saturday’s draw with Newcastle that Foden is returning to his best. Speaking after the game Pep Guardiola was pleased with what Foden showed once he came on in the second half. Guardiola said: “The game with Inter was the same, Phil in that position maybe one of the best, he’s so clever. He was the best player in the league last season, he’s been out but today he played the best minutes. I would say he was really good and dynamic and I’m happy step-by-step he is coming back.”
Summary
Manchester City looked devoid of creativity in midfield at St. James Park. A combination of factors caused that. Newcastle’s set-up frustrated City. Ilkay Gundogan is slowly building into the season since he returned to City this summer. The absence of Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne also contributed to this issue. Phil Foden slowly returning to his best is another factor that caused City to appear toothless at times.
The good news for Manchester City is the solutions to this issue appear to be easy to find. Kevin De Bruyne is due to return from injury shortly, and Phil Foden looks to be returning to his best. Once those two players return it should see Manchester City play with the creative spark that was lacking at St. James Park.
