Here are your Manchester City evening headlines on Thursday, March 16.
26.02.2023 - 21:25 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Jamie Redknapp believes that Manchester City's defensive changes could cost them the Premier League title this season.
Pep Guardiola declared in midweek that City always play with a back four. However, against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, the Blues lined up in more of a back three due to Kyle Walker's advanced role.
For the clash with Bournemouth this weekend, City opted to revert to a back four with Nathan Ake moving to the left hand side while Rico Lewis returned at right-back. Those alterations appeared to work well on the south coast as the Blues eased to a 4-1 victory thanks to goals from Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and a Chris Mepham own goal after the interval.
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However, Redknapp explained before the match that Guardiola's chopping and changing in defence has prevented them from being several points clear at the top of the table. Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Liverpool man said: "'If they go to a conventional back four I think they win the league by six or seven points.
"But the fact that he's messing around with the team all the time, I think has given other teams a chance. The players don't quite know where they're fitting into the system.
"Haaland has given them such an outlet in terms of goals but they've lost that extra player in midfield. That's why he's trying to get one of the full-backs into midfield.
"When we can't guess your team sometimes it's hard for the players." Further alterations are expected to be made on Tuesday night as the Blues return to action in the FA Cup fifth round for a tricky away trip to Championship side Bristol City.
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Here are your Manchester City evening headlines on Thursday, March 16.
Rio Ferdinand has pinpointed the importance of how Pep Guardiola told Manchester City star Phil Foden he would be omitted from his starting XI against RB Leipzig,
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Pep Guardiola doesn't feel the need to remind his Manchester City players of their responsibilities as professional footballers in light of the indecent exposure allegations against Kyle Walker.
Pep Guardiola has indicated that it may be harder for players to work their way back into the first team in the final months of the season.
City's Cancelo stance
Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez has admitted that he "observes" teammate Erling Haaland in an attempt to learn from the Norwegian frontman.
City might get an unexpected Cancelo decision after Bayern change
Manchester City fans couldn't help but express their annoyance after Arsenal came from behind to defeat Bournemouth and extend their lead over Pep Guardiola's side in the Premier League table.
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva was quick to praise Phil Foden after the Englishman scored again in the 2-0 victory over Newcastle United.
A little girl with a huge love for Manchester City who died suddenly has been remembered in the most fitting way, as fans rose to their feet at the Etihad today.
Manchester City will face Vincent Kompany's Burnley in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after the four ties were confirmed in this evening's draw.
Here are your Manchester City evening headlines on Wednesday, March 1.
Manchester City progressed comfortably to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup thanks to a 3-0 victory over Bristol City. The Blues had the advantage on seven minutes when neat build-up play by Riyad Mahrez allowed Kevin De Bruyne to flash a cross, across the face of the goal for Phil Foden to tap home.
Bristol City defender George Tanner spent four years at Manchester United before leaving the youth system in 2020 for a move to Carlisle United.
Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis explained that the Blues were left gutted after they conceded late on during their routine victory over AFC Bournemouth.
Manchester City hope to end a frustrating week on a high note this weekend when facing Bournemouth on the south coast.
Ilkay Gundogan believes Manchester City are equipped to deal with playing a full match without substitutions, as what happened in Wednesday's draw with RB Leipzig.
Manchester City supporters are still confused by Pep Guardiola's decision not to make any substitutions in the Blues' 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday night.