Ekun Samuel, 17 August 2016
It all about Pep Guardiola for Manchester City at the moment, the Manager prior to taking over City has lost only 19 of his 239 games as manager. He is known for not been scared of axing the very best player of a club in order to get his formation right. He did it at Barcelona when did away with Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto and Deco as he took over the helm of affair as the club Manager. Yaya was also a victim of his superb selection, as he was sold by the great tactician.
Taking over Man City due to the sacking of Manuel Pelligrini at the end of last season, Pep Guardiola is at it again, doing what he known for, creating a perfect and unique squad. By so doing, England no 1 goal keeper "Joe Hart" and Man City outstanding player Yaya Toure has become the victim of his revolutionary squad. Yaya, has not even made the bench for City, at their opening match of the Premier League, and Joe Hart was on the bench, Willy Cabellero deputise for the new Guardiola team. And Pep admitted after the opening match against Sunderland, Joe Hart isn't happy at been on the bench for the start of the season.
Travelling to Russia for Uefa Champions League playoff versus Steaua Bucharest, Yaya again was dropped and didn't make the team sheet, while Joe Hart watched from the bench again as Man City trumped over Steaua Bucharest 5-0 with an impressive performance from the new Pep Guardiola's side. Pep obviously seems to be getting it right as his team are quickly adapting to the way he wants them to play. The only two changes for City from their weekend win over Sunderland saw Pablo Zabaleta and Nicolas Otamendi come in for Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy.
Kun Aguero despite missing two penalties earlier, later redeemed himself as he scored an hat trick 41, 78, and 89th minutes. Although David Silva has earlier opened the scoring in the 13th minute of the game, while new recruit Nolito scored 49th minute. A convincing win from the new Pepe Guardiola team, and Pep has hailed the brilliance of Kun Aguero.
Meanwhile, the agent of Yaya has said Yaya isn't leaving City and is ready to stay and fight for his shirt. While Sky Sport pundit Gary Neville has advised Joe Hart to go no where, but rather stay and fight for his shirt as England "no. 1" he is.
The return leg will be played next Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium, with City having a comfortable lead already, it would be interesting to see the team that would be fielded by Pep.
It was expected for Manchester City to win yesterday's game. Delph's goal came as a nice surprise. It is good to see Manchester City scoring a victory in this match and going further in the groups of Champions League. I am sure Guardiola will have to review the team's offensive and defensive strategy for the next matches.