Game used for reference: Brentford 0-1 Manchester City, 2025/2026 Premier League, Round 7
Manchester City lost two matches early in the season, but they’ve adjusted and are back to being legitimate Premier League contenders. Yet again, Pep Guardiola has had to change up his squad’s tactics and, as a result, has given more opportunities for players to showcase their talents.
A big issue last year for them was the rigidity of their system and the fact that it didn’t adjust against teams that had organized and quick-pressing structures. Last season, according to Sofascore, Manchester City had 61.5% possession, but this year, that number has decreased to 57.1%.
City obviously want to control the tempo of the game, but they’ve recognized that the modern game is shifting to a more transitional state, and quick flashes of brilliance are becoming the more accepted form of creating chances rather than slow and methodical build-up, which can honestly still work and is why Man City can be so dangerous. They can break apart a team in many ways.
The midfield for Manchester City is an interesting concoction, to say the least. Rodri is a Ballon d’Or winner, and although he picked up a knock against Brentford, the jury is still out on whether he’ll be available against the Toffees. Phil Foden has moved into midfield next to Tijjani Reijnders. There are very few teams in the world that can contain that type of midfield’s offensive prowess.
Speaking of which, Erling Haaland is still the best striker in the world. He’s physical, slick at times, and his right foot is deadly.
Everton are unfortunately not as good as Manchester City, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is back from his yellow card suspension and will surely provide an offensive boost to the team. This game would also be a great test to see if Charly Alcaraz’s cameo against Crystal Palace wasn’t a fluke, and Tyler Dibling is always an option on the right.
The game will be won or lost on the defensive side of the ball for the Toffees. Can Michael Keane continue his hot form? Can James Tarkowski play at the level fans expect? Can Everton’s full-backs handle City’s pace?
Lots of questions, and not enough answers. Fans shouldn’t expect a result, but it isn’t as hopeless a game as it would have been just a few years ago.