This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Manchester City have been fairly unbreakable over the last couple of years and have barely shown any weaknesses under Pep Guardiola. Their 198 points in two Premier League seasons is unrivalled and coaches across the land have surely been exploring weaknesses to exploit, but inevitably coming up short.
However, the Citizens have shown one slight flaw in their game of late – their vulnerability in the air. The departure of Vincent Kompany naturally left a big hole in City’s defence, whilst the injuries to Aymeric Laporte and John Stones so far have caused concerns at the back.
Stones is back now, but Fernandinho’s 5ft 9 stature alongside him could be easy work for Premier League attackers to deal with in the air.
As per WhoScored, the league champions have won just 14.1 headers per game this season, putting them in 17th on that list in the league. Whilst Aston Villa are only 16th, Dean Smith’s men certainly have the capabilities to exploit this rare weakness in Guardiola’s setup.
Players such as Wesley Moraes stand at 6ft 3 and could tower over the likes of Fernandinho, should the 34-year-old step in at centre-back again. The Villa forward could strike fear into the hearts of City fans every time a cross comes in or a corner is taken with his physical presence.
It’s set pieces like this that could cause serious problems for the Citizens, as shown when they visited Goodison Park. Everton peppered City’s goal from set plays a few weeks back, and whilst this came to nothing, it showed they are there for the taking.
Per Whoscored, seven of Everton’s 12 shots came from set-pieces and six of the 12 were headed efforts on goal. Evidently, there is an aerial vulnerability to be exploited in City’s defensive unit, and that’s the weak spot Everton should be jabbing with both fists on Saturday lunchtime.
More recently, Christian Benteke came agonisingly close to scoring when his thumping header was miraculously saved by Ederson at Selhurst Park. As good as the save was, it revealed exactly how vulnerable City are from set plays.
The reigning champions’ obsession with keeping the ball on the ground and outplaying their opponents is not completely foolproof.
Smith will take his side to the Etihad Stadium with a gameplan tomorrow, and he’d be a fool if he wasn’t planning on capitalising on City’s glaring weakness by planning some cunning set-piece routines.