Chris Sutton slams Pep Guardiola for ‘ridiculous’ decision during Man City’s draw with Monaco
Chris Sutton has been left baffled at Man City manager Pep Guardiola for what he did during the Citizens’ draw with Monaco.
Man City drew 2-2 with Monaco, as former Spurs defender Eric Dier netted a late penalty for the hosts after an Erling Haaland double.
Guardiola was unhappy at Monaco’s penalty award saying that Nico Gonzalez had “no intention” of fouling his opponent.
Phil Foden was likened to Lionel Messi, but Man City could not make their dominance count at the Stade Louis II.
Bernardo Silva decision baffles Chris Sutton
During the second half, Guardiola decided to substitute Jeremy Doku off for Savinho, despite the Belgian competing three successful dribbles.
As per BBC Sport, [2 October], Sutton believed Doku’s ability to get past his full-back should have seen the 23-year-old stay on the pitch.
“Why is he playing him (Bernardo Silva) out wide? For the life of me, I don’t know why Pep took Jeremy Doku off and kept Bernardo Silva on,” Sutton said.
“I am not saying he is a liability out there, but he doesn’t have the ability to go past a full-back. That’s a massive problem.”
Sutton believes the right flank is providing a “problem” for Guardiola.
“All the good stuff came on the left-hand side or Foden on the half-turn. Foden was superb in the first half,” Sutton said.
“But that right-hand side – you’ve got John Stones, wonderful player as a centre-back, and Bernardo Silva. They are not dynamic anymore; they aren’t at the top of their game.
“I think there is a problem for Manchester City, and I don’t know why he kept him on but I think that was ridiculous.”
Bernardo Silva has been linked with a Man City exit, despite being appointed captain of the club at the beginning of the season.
Worrying trend emerges despite unbeaten streak
Late pain at Monaco was not an unusual feeling for Man City, as the Citizens have conceded goals during the latter stages of matches against Spurs, Brighton and Arsenal.
That points to a lack of concentration towards the end of matches, with Man City again unable to hold on for all three points like against Arsenal.
| Total Shots | 7 |
| Shots inside the box | 6 |
| Shots on Target | 2 |
| Big Chances | 2 |
Unlike at Arsenal, Guardiola didn’t decide to make a flurry of defensive changes and didn’t make a substitution past the 73rd minute.
However, Man City are on a current six-match unbeaten streak and upcoming fixtures against Brentford, Everton and Villarreal mean Guardiola’s side can continue to build momentum.