Along with the inclusion of Erling Haaland as Manchester City's first out-and-out No.9 in years, this season's success has hinged on a more subtle but no less influential tactical tweak further back.
John Stones' revival has elevated to the next level with his evolving auxiliary midfield role. The England international has often been deployed as a right-back on paper before drifting forward and joining Rodri in a double-pivot, with Nathan Ake - or in his absence, Manuel Akanji - coming in from left-back to form a 3-2 style formation.
It is testament to Stones how quickly he has adapted to the role, receiving the ball with his back to goal and under pressure instead of having it all ahead of him. Unfortunately, for Kyle Walker, it has not come as easily, and the 32-year-old's minutes had suffered as a consequence.
