Hidden beneath more eye-catching headlines involving Chelsea’s dramatic collapse and the giddiness that surrounds Leicester’s unprecedented title challenge, Manchester City’s stuttering campaign has only recently come under scrutiny.
The main reason for City's demise is a record of just three points from ten matches against the top seven sides, joint worst with Aston Villa
The main reason for their demise is a record of just three points from 10 matches against the top seven sides (joint-worst with Aston Villa) and there is one particular tactical deficiency that can help explain why.
Manuel Pellegrini’s tactics contain an alarmingly consistent flaw. His front four attackers often fail to track back effectively as opponents counter and instead are happy to remain high up the pitch. Such a severance of attacking and defensive roles helps explain why the stronger teams are able to overwhelm City.
Across the last five Manchester City matches against fellow top-seven opposition, their four most attacking players have averaged just 3.8 tackles and 3 interceptions per match between them (or 0.95 tackles and 0.75 interceptions per match each).
Martial arts
Manchester United are currently well suited to exploiting this vulnerability. Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard (or Memphis Depay) have been given greater licence to burst forward down the flanks in recent weeks as Louis van Gaal relaxes his possession-recycling mantra.
Juan Mata has looked to distribute the ball into the wings with greater urgency, and this could prove fruitful when United counter down the flanks.
Raheem Sterling and Jesus Navas must ensure that they stay alert throughout the 90 minutes if they are to prevent United’s quick young wingers from dominating one-on-ones against the full-backs.
However, Pellegrini may choose to utilise Fernandinho as a right-sided midfielder as he did against Liverpool in the League Cup last month. The Brazilian was able to stunt Roberto Firmino’s progress on this flank while tucking inside to create a central midfield three when necessary. City will need to repeat this model if they're to keep Martial quiet.
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