The ability to fight and scrap is beginning to define this Manchester City team | OneFootball

Manchester City didn’t have it all their own way in their 3-nil win over Crystal Palace on Sunday. At times, especially in the first half, Oliver Glasner’s side put City under pressure with their ability to get in behind the City defence. Some wayward finishing from Palace and some determined defending from Pep Guardiola’s side maintained Manchester City’s clean sheet throughout Sunday’s match. This allowed Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki to do what they do best and settle Sunday’s match.

Much like Manchester City’s win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, the ability of this City team to fight and scrap allowed them to pick up a crucial victory. The determination and fight in Pep Guardiola’s side is beginning to define them and it is a key component of Manchester City’s play as we saw at Selhurst Park.

Manchester City defended for their lives at Selhurst Park.

Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O’Reilly and Matheus Nunes have established themselves as Pep Guardiola’s preferred back four. With Nico and Bernardo Silva in front of them in midfield, and Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, this group of players have the determination and fight in them to keep Manchester City in games when the match isn’t going in their favour. This stood out at the Bernabeu and it was clear to see throughout Sunday’s match at Selhurst Park.

Some poor finishing from Crystal Palace did aid Manchester City’s cause on Sunday. There is no doubt about that. But on other occasions, some desperate defending from Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly kept Palace out. Their ability to throw their bodies on the line to block shots was a key component of City’s win. Nico O’Reilly made two crucial blocks in the second half of City’s win. Ruben Dias led the way as Manchester City’s defensive leader up against Jean-Philippe Mateta. Matheus Nunes and Josko Gvardiol also defended soundly to help City register a clean sheet. All of this combined formed the backbone of Manchester City’s win at Selhurst Park.

Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his back four after Manchester City’s win.

Speaking after his team’s crucial win over Crystal Palace, Pep Guardiola had high praise for his back four. He said that their games complement each other and they are learning on the job. He explained: “We are learning a lot for these types of balls, winning them, make short passes and after we can run and we are improving a lot in recent weeks about this concept. Little details.”

“All four they were there. They played together a lot lately for obvious reasons, when you play together, the connection is important. We can rotate in certain positions but as much as defenders are there it’s important.”

“Pace and composure from both full-backs and the leadership from Ruben. Ruben is an incredible leader. Consistent and no injuries.”

“His professionalism the day after or the day before, and how he leads his mates and an incredible signing for many years. He’s a real captain and real leader.”

“Again, Josko made a top game with no mistakes with the ball or without and this is a step he has to take.”

This Manchester City side has the ability to fight and scrap their way through tough phases of matches. This has been on full display against Real Madrid and Crystal Palace. Manchester City’s back four typify this, and that stood out at Selhurst Park on Sunday. Manchester City’s attacking players will get the headlines, but the way City can fight and scrap their way through tough phases of matches can carry them through this season. It is an often-overlooked component of Manchester City’s play but it shouldn’t be given how integral it is to how Pep Guardiola’s side goes about their work.