There is another key asset helping Manchester City on the pitch | OneFootball

Typically, attacking players get all of the headlines. Rayan Cherki’s match-winning display in Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest is currently earning rave reviews. But across the eight-match winning run that Manchester City are on in all competitions, Manchester City’s defence has been a key component of their play. The City defence has become a strong unit and in turn, has become a pillar of Manchester City’s winning run.

Bar two games the Manchester City defence has been a key component of City’s winning run.

Manchester City have now won eight consecutive matches in all competitions. The City defence has been a key part of the winning run that Pep Guardiola’s side is currently on. Outside of the first two games of their current winning run, the 3-2 win over Leeds and the 5-4 win over Fulham, the City defence has performed superbly well.

In their past six wins, Manchester City have only conceded two goals. Nottingham Forest and Real Madrid are the only two teams to score against City in that time. At the back City have been stronger as the sum of their parts has come together. Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol have formed a strong combination at centre-back. Their games complement each other perfectly. Dias has the power and Gvardiol the polish. Together they are a formidable pairing at the back.

Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly with their athleticism, speed and ability on the ball are valuable assets for City both defensively and going forward. The pair have been the surprise stories to emerge from this season for Manchester City. But their play has been superb. Without them, this City side wouldn’t be as strong defensively as it is. That is big compliment for both of them considering they are midfielders turned into full-backs.

Nico and Bernardo Silva have done the grunt work in midfield to help their defence. Nico’s ability in a duel has been a valuable asset for Pep Guardiola’s side. Bernardo will always do what his team requires and his work rate sets the tempo for his team. When Manchester City’s defence is breached Gianluigi Donnarumma has been making the saves he was brought in to make. Donnarumma is a world-class shot stopper and this attribute has been a welcome addition to Pep Guardiola’s side.

Summary.

The Manchester City defence has tightened up over the past six matches and it is a key asset for Pep Guardiola’s side. The strength of City at the back can often be overlooked but if the Manchester City defence wasn’t playing at a high level, life would be a lot tougher for Pep Guardiola’s side. If the City defence continues their strong recent form they will form the foundation for Manchester City to launch head first into the second-half of this season.