using the exact tactics they used to beat Manchester City last season.
Basically, they adopted the Mourinho style! Let the other team dominate possession. Kill them at set-pieces and on the counter.
Same result, too. 2-0.
I think that the top teams have figured how to play against Guardiola. Let him have possession high up the pitch because he's gonna get it anyway. And sterilise that possession by staying compact and blocking the gaps into the box. Play far across field to hold possession as Guardiola floods either side of the field leaving a great vacancy on the other side. Perfect style to suit Mertesacker. All legs and height with no pace required, except in the transition.
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