
Pep Guardiola has cut a distressed figure for large proportions of, what is in truth, a wilted Manchester City season. His side remains in European contention and may benefit from Arsenal securing a fifth Champions League spot for English sides in next season’s competition. Still, the lofty heights of four successive Premier League titles have been unreachable this year.
The beaming smiles and bear hugs he doled out to James McAtee and Kevin De Bruyne as they were substituted off after Manchester City took full advantage of a Crystal Palace capitulation to win 5- 2 were, therefore, a rare sight.