Champions pick perfect moment to hound teams yet are vulnerable to long, straight balls over the top

Outstanding in the opposition box and their own, they get players behind the ball as soon as possible

Strategy: Waves of pressing

Pep Guardiola’s team are very flexible in their pressing shape, making subtle tweaks from week to week. Generally though, City defend in either a 4-1-4-1 or a 4-4-2 and hound opponents aggressively high up the pitch. With Kevin De Bruyne’s delicate hamstrings, and Erling Haaland not a natural presser, City pick their moments more than in the past, as they manage fatigue from a packed schedule. City’s press still produces chances, winning more high turnovers per game than any team. Interestingly, City rank ninth for passes- per- defensive-action and opponents complete passes at a marginally higher rate than against Liverpool, Arsenal or Spurs. City are being more passive for longer spells.

Strengths: Suffocating teams, guarding the half-spaces

City remain very compact from front to back, and their pressing goes hand- in-hand with the fact they keep possession so well, moving up the pitch slowly with shorter passes so the team remain connected. Another strength is the narrow position of the wingers when asked to defend, blocking off the half-spaces – those inside channels that are between the wing and the centre of the pitch. City will happily leave full- backs unmarked to ensure these avenues are closed off.

Weaknesses: Direct balls played over the top

There are very few weaknesses in the champions’ press, but long, straight balls have caused headaches this season, notably at Brentford and in the early stages of the Manchester derby at the Etihad. If City’s other two central midfielders can be tempted forward, then there can be space to exploit either side of Rodri, who has to manage the middle of the park on his own at times. When Guardiola uses centre-back John Stones in central midfield zones, there can also be moments where City are vulnerable as he transitions between the positions.