It takes a lot to earn the right to make seven changes for a Champions League knockout game but Manchester City’s and Pep Guardiola’s record permits such an overturn after a ruthless derby victory. Being 3-1 ahead from the first leg helped, too.
Naturally bringing in seven full internationals is a useful option for any side that is now unbeaten in 30 Champions League home games. Guardiola might claim the trip to Liverpool on Sunday was not at the forefront of his mind but overhauling his side to face Copenhagen was indication that the outcome of results this month could define how many trophies he is celebrating come June. When Manchester United were dominating home and abroad, these run-of-the-mill matches were the sort John O’Shea would always start because he knew how to get the job done.
Guardiola is keen to work with a small squad where everyone knows their job and everyone in it needs to justify their employment. Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes have enjoyed more than half a season to settle into their new club, knowing only success along the way, without threatening to oust their more established colleagues. Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb have been limited to cameos, although this is not unexpected considering their youth. A spine of Ederson, Rúben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland offered the structure to play around, ensuring City garnered a half-time lead, allowing time for Sergio Gómez, Micah Hamilton and Jacob Wright to get minutes on the pitch.
This was an opportunity for some to show they can be relied upon in what will be an intense run-in, especially considering Guardiola admitted he needed an injection of energy against Copenhagen because of the fatigue felt in his squad.
Lewis helped to secure the corner for the opening goal, the teenager harrying a defender down the flank to force a touch that went behind when it looked like he could usher the ball out for a goal-kick. Lewis has a point to prove after being offered more of a watching brief recently. Legs will tire in the final stages and having someone with his exuberance will be a huge positive for Guardiola. Copenhagen played on the break, keeping City alert to the threat at all times. Even though progress was confirmed Lewis put in a late block to stop a goalbound shot from Magnus Mattsson and hit the bar with a shot in injury time.
Julián Álvarez had been a rarity for Guardiola, an outfield player guaranteed to start. City’s manager named the World Cup winner in his first 25 Premier League lineups of the season but benched him for the past three games. Guardiola knows his worth and the Argentinian showed it by whipping in the corner that Manuel Akanji volleyed home and almost did likewise with his next set piece, only for Rodri to head against the bar. Not that Álvarez needed to worry, fizzing in the second himself.
With Álvarez starting on the left, Bobb was offered the chance to show his qualities as a No 10 behind his compatriot Haaland. The 20-year-old offered glimpses of his quick feet, repeatedly attempting to drift between defenders to offer a threat. Bobb, however, was at fault for Copenhagen’s goal, offering a stray pass when trying to find Haaland, allowing the Danish side to counter at speed. It was a tough lesson that Bobb needs to learn because there are few more difficult classrooms than the Champions League.
Nunes was acquired to add a runner in midfield, someone who can get beyond the forwards into the box after Ilkay Gündogan departed. It is a huge step up to Premier League and European champions from Wolves. When others are clearly in need of rest, regardless of the high levels of adrenaline pumping through the system after a comeback win against bitter rivals, the constant running of Nunes to pressurise opponents and drag City up the pitch will be vital. He excelled in a recent league start against Burnley and caused similar problems for Copenhagen before going off with a finger injury.
No one ever doubted City would get over the line against Copenhagen but the relative ease with which it was achieved pleased Guardiola, ensuring Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva were not required from the bench. There were mistakes along the way but that is all part of the process and the system is working perfectly for City’s unsung heroes.
