Raheem Sterling: Pundit ‘surprised’ by Man City decision after Sky reveal
Paul Robinson was “surprised” by Man City manager Pep Guardiola’s decision not to use any of his substitutes at Crystal Palace.
However, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Premier League goalkeeper does not expect the decision to have angered players on the City bench.
The Cityzens missed the chance to go four points clear at the top of the table on Monday after a goalless draw with Palace.
Guardiola opted against making a substitute to break the deadlock despite boasting the likes of Raheem Sterling, Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus on the bench.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game (14 March), Guardiola revealed he thought about making changes but decided it would be better to see the game out with the starting XI.
When asked for his assessment of the decision, Robinson told Football Insider: “I was surprised but Guardiola obviously thought he had enough on the pitch.
“You could see the way that they dominated the game. Crystal Palace defended resolutely and at times it was like attack versus defence. From a manager’s point of view, he was just waiting for the breakthrough. Unfortunately for City, it didn’t come.
“As for the players on the bench, they understand that they are part of a squad. I have said numerous times that it is more of a squad game than ever.
“The likes of Sterling and Gundogan will probably play at the weekend. I would not read too much into the lack of substitutions.”
In other news, an ex-Fifa official is ‘really disappointed’ as controversial Man City footage is analysed.