Game number 500 in charge of Manchester City, win number 355, and one that will mean as much to Pep Guardiola as most in that monumental tally of victories. Sealed by the sort of trademark Erling Haaland header that has been notable by its recent absence, this was strictly about the performance rather than the points. And Guardiola’s men probably just about deserved what was only their second win in 14 matches.
But privately, Guardiola will know that this is a City side that bears only a passing resemblance to the ones that brought Guardiola the remarkable collection of trophies during his 500-match tenure. And while Pep’s genius is taken for granted, it is hard to see how he can fully rejuvenate a group that appears to have lost a collective half-yard of pace.
Perhaps he could start by putting more trust in 22-year-old James McAtee, whose involvement in Manchester City’s second goal was sublime. This is what Pep and his champions need. An injection of youthful vigour. Kevin de Bruyne played a part in both goals and there are plenty of moments when he reminds you he is a class act, his first-time pass to Phil Foden in the build-up to Savinho’s opener being one of them. But those moments are occurring less frequently.
And that is probably down to a physical issue, De Bruyne’s body feeling the effects of so many seasons of success. To be at the top for that long takes a physical and mental toll. The same applies to the likes of Bernardo Silva, possibly one of the most indefatigable players the Premier League has seen. The Portuguese midfielder is now distinctly defatigable.
