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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Isaac Johnson

Man City substitutes against Leicester have made Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich decision easier

Pep knows his best side

The Manchester City starting XI blew Leicester away in the first-half of Saturday's 3-1 victory, and were out of sight within half an hour. Pep Guardiola made then made changes and City’s rhythm never recovered.

He was seen gesturing on the sidelines to get his side going after they dipped in the second period. None of the replacements made a case to start in Munich against Bayern on Wednesday.

Stones is thriving

John Stones is playing the best football of his career. The defender thrived in his defensive midfield role, later dropping back into his more accustomed centre-half position.

READ MORE: City player ratings vs Leicester

His goal typified his form of late and his defensive play was as astute as ever. His substitution at half-time shows how important he is to the current set-up ahead of Munich on Wednesday.

Haaland and De Bruyne connection maturing

Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne have linked up countless times this season and produced another combination for City’s third. The Belgian threaded a ball through for Haaland to beat the defensive line and scoop into the net.

The pair have combined to devastating effect in recent weeks and it's a frightening thought for City's rivals if they both continue to produce their best.

Keeping the focus

Guardiola will be keen for his players to maintain their focus for the whole 90 minutes, especially when they head to Bayern with a 3-0 first leg lead having allowed Leicester back into Saturday's contest from the same advantage.

It could have been worse but for misses from James Maddison and Kelechi Iheanacho, who did score for the Foxes. City were in cruise control after an incredibly dominant first half but they didn't see the game out as the manager would have liked.

City are versatile as a team

Guardiola rotated players for the clash with three players coming in, including Kyle Walker. City were able to operate a back four and back three during phases of the match.

Stones moved back from midfield into defence when Walker bombed on. Sergio Gomez and Kalvin Phillips’ entrances allowed Bernardo Silva to roam forward more too. It just emphasised the options available to Guardiola in terms of tactics and personnel.

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