Jack Grealishe got a key role in the victory of Manchester City over Bournemouth – and it was not about the ball.
Sunssport's in-depth analysis of the 2-1 FA Cup victory of the city on the cherries shows Pep Guardiola produced a “tactical master class”.
Grealish, 29, has ended a frustrating season at Etihad.
He was used in a bitrol by the Spaniard, resulting in most of his game time from the bank.
The 29-year-old was again the substitute when the city went to the south coast on Sunday for a crucial FA Cup quarterfinals.
Despite the fact that it did not score or an assist was grabbed, Grealiskh's contribution to the comeback victory was much more subtle – but also vital.
Sunssport's Kweku Afari and Dean Scoggins delve into the tactical struggle during the latest edition of tactics.
And what Guardiola did during the break – with his team behind – changed the whole direction of the game.
Scoggins explained: “In essence, City created a diamond in midfield.
“So that means that Kovacic has fallen back between the center backs.
“You bring two midfielders and then really narrow, fight Bournemouth because they press you in that area.”
Kevin De Bruyne initially played in this role, with the narrow press creating a huge gap for half-time sub Nico O'Reilly.
But while the Belgian got tired, Guardiola turned to turn the bank's bank.
Pep told the English star to “not worry about the ball” when he prepared himself to go into the fight.
And instead, he ordered Grealisk to concentrate in the midfield of Bournemouth to the flanks.
Scoggins added: “He said:” You make this run and you don't worry about the ball.
“That seems strange, and tells Jack Grealisk not to worry about the ball.
“But the key is that you take the player away [from the middle of the field] And we will get joy with Nico O'Reilly.
“It was a tactical master class of Pep during the break.”
City delivered an equalizer minutes after the break through Erling Haaland, which was later injured.
O'Reilly ran Bournemouth Haveloos during the second 45 minutes, first on Haaland and then Omar Marmoush for the winner.
Scoggins added: “I was surprised that Marmoush did not start.
“But talk about the switch. To change such a tactical element – it was absolutely brilliant.”
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