MANCHESTER CITY-ASTON VILLA 4-1
In the Norwegian super striker’s absence, Rodri and Phil Foden took responsibility and secured three new points for Pep Guardiola’s City team in Wednesday’s match against Aston Villa.
Foden was the big player of the match and followed up with a spectacular hat trick.
Many were surprised when the Spaniard chose to put Haaland on the bench. Belgian Kevin De Bruyne also started the match outside the starting eleven.
In Haaland’s absence, Argentinian Julian Alvarez took his place at the top for the light blues.
During the first half, The Athletic’s Manchester City reporter Sam Lee noticed a striking change in the way the City team appeared. He thought the team was clearly more direct in style than they have been in recent games with Haaland on the pitch.
– City appear to be more direct than they have been for ages tonight, when it comes to passing through centrally. I am sure that Haaland will appreciate the irony, writes Lee on X without hiding that Haaland’s strengths may come into their own even better when the City team is directly in style.
City seem to be more direct than they have been in ages tonight, in terms of through balls through the middle. I’m sure Haaland will appreciate the irony
— Sam Lee (@SamLee) April 3, 2024
Ten minutes before the end, the match’s big player Foden was replaced to a standing ovation. He was replaced by Oscar Bobb.
Haaland, on the other hand, remained on the bench for the entire match.