Guardiola makes intentions clear
Just as we thought Pep Guardiola may have settled on a favoured Manchester City starting XI, he has begun to rotate in unexpected ways. Eyebrows were raised an hour before kick-off against West Ham when it became clear Stefan Ortega would be starting a Premier League for City before Kalvin Phillips even has, as Ederson dropped to the bench.
Yet in his pre-match interview the Blues boss explained that even a goalkeeper isn't immune from the stress and strain of a relentless football calendar, especially mentally, and giving him the night off would be a positive. Ortega didn't let the side down and stepped up on the few occasions he was called upon.
RATINGS: Ake and Grealish great in win vs West Ham
Guardiola has often talked about the strain his players are under and as a result how hard winning a treble is when so many draining matches come in quick succession. If he's taking steps to ensure even his goalkeeper is kept fresh, it's clear he is going out to make the most of the great position his side finds itself in and claim a historic achievement.
City suffer but prevail
The 3-0 win showed exactly how far City have come and how much they've grown this season, even if having Erling Haaland is a big help. The Blues were left frustrated by a well-drilled, disciplined and resolute West Ham in the opening half, who didn't bite on the pressing taps and made it difficult to play through. With the going tough, some players got a little sloppy on the ball and with their distribution before a goalless half ended.
It's the sort of set-up we've seen plenty of times before but whereas in the past City would continue to struggle, now they're able to quickly figure out how to unlock stubborn defences and reach a scoreline that makes the match seem much more comfortable. These games will be much more common than the open, quick transitions of Arsenal and Bayern Munich and adapting to them is what's going to see City enjoy great success this season.
With Sam Allardyce's Leeds coming up at the weekend, they may have to do it once again.
Alvarez continues to stake his claim
Julian Alvarez once again deputized for Kevin De Bruyne and though he didn't score the winner or grab a penalty like he did at Craven Cottage, it was another impressive display in the attacking midfield position. The Argentine's work rate and energy makes him look like the second coming of Bernardo Silva and his silky distribution makes it seem like the position could become a permanent one with the main striker role blocked.
His debut campaign will go under the radar given Haaland's remarkable season but Alvarez has been a huge success and with a midfield shake-up on the horizon and Jude Bellingham likely heading to Real Madrid, he could lessen the burden on City needing a new big signing.
Back in the swing of things
As well as an important win, it was also huge for City to get two important players back in the swing of things ahead of Real Madrid. Nathan Ake returned to fitness, was put straight back into the starting XI and got the vital opening goal as he powered home a header. The Dutchman looked as though he hadn't been away as he put in a confident display and his return to the back-line will be most welcome.
Phil Foden is still yet to start a match since his own return to fitness after having his appendix removed but he did grab his first goal off the bench, even if he was helped by a massive deflection. City will need all attacking options possible for the Bernabeu and having Foden approaching his best, even as a substitute, will be very useful.
Record breaker
It doesn't seem that a match has gone by without Haaland breaking a record this season but this one was particularly special. With his 35th strike of the Premier League season, he is now the undisputed top-scorer in a single campaign, and in his first year at that.
It's a sensational achievement which shouldn't go underreported just because him scoring goals has become such a common occurrence. The guard of honour/slaps he received from his teammates and City staff was quite moving and shows the togetherness within a squad that seems destined for special things.
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