Pep Guardiola has revealed his players went against his orders in Manchester City's 3-1 win over Aston Villa.
After going 2-0 up inside the first 40 minutes thanks to goals from Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan, City were awarded a penalty on the stroke of half-time after Jack Grealish was tripped by Jacob Ramsey. Before it was taken, four of City's stars were spotted in an animated conversation as they tried to determine who would take it.
Defensive midfielder Rodri would have been an unlikely nomination before kick-off, but the Spaniard backed himself to net again after his opener. The more obvious suggestion would have been Erling Haaland, but he was also told to move along by skipper Gundogan.
The German international made clear to both Rodri and Haaland that it would be Riyad Mahrez's responsibility to step up and convert from the spot. Thankfully for Guardiola, Mahrez did exactly that as the Algerian calmly dispatched and sent Emiliano Martinez the wrong way in the process.
However, it has since emerged that it was not Guardiola's choice to let Mahrez take it as he is actually City's second-choice penalty taker.
"I like when people want to take penalties but always there is one that is the main one and that is Erling," the City boss explained.
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"I need to talk to them. Normally Erling is first taker. Riyad is the second one. Erling was involved. I saw it from the touchline, we will see what they say tomorrow."
Guardiola's comments may make for uncomfortable reading from Rodri's perspective, who actually claimed he thought Mahrez was first-choice.
The Spaniard revealed: "It was clear and the captain decided. I had to accept the decision. He just said 'Riyad is the normal shooter'. I just asked because I was filled with confidence in that moment. But I understand what is spoken before the game has to be. So, yeah, I accept the decision."
Should City get a spot-kick in their huge title showdown with Arsenal on Wednesday night, Haaland may not be able to take that one either after the talismanic forward was withdrawn at the interval amid fears over a potential thigh injury.
After the game, Guardiola told Sky Sports: “Erling had a kick and we'll see in the next few days how he will do.
“At half-time I spoke with the doctors and they said maybe don’t take risks and I agree with the doctors.
"I think he's not injured, but tomorrow we'll see. Maybe he can play Wednesday, but if there are some risks, he's not going to play."
