La defense has been the secret of the regularity of a Manchester City that opts to win Premier -they are leaders with 14 points more than United-, Carabao Cup -they will play the final against Tottenham-, FA Cup -Everton awaits them in the quarterfinals- and Champions.
“The opponent can mark a set piece or a counter attack, but will have fewer options without the ball. You cannot win the Premier if you concede a lot “, Guardiola affirmed after fixing the problems behind his ‘citizens’: if in the first eight days they conceded 11 goals, in the following 22 they received only 10.
Champions League (round of 16)
The Stones-Dias couple has been an almost insurmountable shield -In 1670 minutes together on the grass they have conceded the same goals (five) as those that both have scored (five) – which has protected Ederson from any attack. A fortress that in the Champions League is almost impregnable.
—Goal by Luis Daz (0-1) at Manchester City 3-1 Porto
“We only conceded one goal against Porto. It’s impressive and an incredible step forward for the team. Everyone runs, but it is important to understand that we defend with the ball. We have to be aggressive. The rivals, with the quality they have, can punish you, “Guardiola pointed out after win (2-0) at Gladbach going to the quarterfinals of the Champions League without ‘receiving’ neither in the first leg nor in the return leg.
We only conceded one goal against Porto. It’s impressive and an incredible step forward for the team. Everyone runs, but it is important to understand that we defend with the ball.
City’s defensive numbers are record-breaking: in eight games – six in the group stage and two in the round of 16 – they have conceded only one goal. Luis Daz beat Ederson in the 14th minute of matchday one. The ‘citizens’ beat Porto (3-1) and have been unbeaten ever since. They accumulate 695 minutes without picking up the ball from their goal. It is already the second best mark in the Champions League, improving Juventus (2016-17).
It is important to be solid. It gives you confidence. Our numbers are very good for Ederson and the defense. It’s easier for everyone when you don’t fit in
Only Ajax (1995-96) conceded a single goal in the first eight games. And their seven goalkeepers to zero had only been chained before in the tournament by Milan (2004-05) and Arsenal, which reached 10 in 2005-06. “It’s important to be solid. It gives you confidence. Our numbers are very good for Ederson and the defense. It’s easier for everyone when you don’t fit in,” De Bruyne said. A Champions wall.
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