JACK GREALISH was handed a key role in Manchester City’s win over Bournemouth – and it didn’t involve the ball.
SunSport’s in-depth analysis of City’s 2-1 FA Cup win over the Cherries shows Pep Guardiola produced a “tactical masterclass”.
Pep Guardiola’s instructions to Jack Grealish changed the game at Bournemouth[/caption]
Nico O’Reilly starred off the bench thanks to Pep’s genius tactical tweak[/caption]
Grealish, 29, has endured a frustrating season at the Etihad.
He has been used in a bit-part role by the Spaniard, resulting in most of his game-time off the bench.
The 29-year-old was again among the substitutes as City headed to the South Coast on Sunday for a crucial FA Cup quarter-final.
Despite not scoring or grabbing an assist, Grealish’s contribution to the comeback win was far more subtle – but also vital.
SunSport’s Kweku Afari and Dean Scoggins delved into the tactical battle during the newest edition of Tactics Exposed.
And what Guardiola did at half-time – with his team trailing – changed the whole direction of the game.
Scoggins explained: “Essentially, City created a diamond in midfield.
“So that means Kovacic has dropped back between the centre-backs.
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“You bring two midfielders then in really narrow, which combats Bournemouth because they press you in that area.”
Kevin De Bruyne was initially playing in this role, with the narrow press creating a huge gap for half-time sub Nico O’Reilly.
But as the Belgian tired, Guardiola turned to Grealish off the bench.
Pep told the England star to “not worry about the ball” as he prepared to enter the fray.
And he instead ordered Grealish to focus on pulling Bournemouth’s midfield away to the flanks.
Scoggins added: “He was saying ‘You make this run and you don’t worry about the ball.
“Now that seems weird, telling Jack Grealish not to worry about the ball.
“But the key is, you take the player away [from the middle of the field] and we’ll get joy with Nico O’Reilly.
“It was a tactical masterclass from Pep at halftime.”
City netted an equaliser minutes after the break through Erling Haaland, who later limped off injured.
O’Reilly ran Bournemouth ragged throughout the second 45 minutes, first teeing up Haaland and then Omar Marmoush for the winner.
Scoggins added: “I was surprised Marmoush didn’t start.
“But talk about flick the switch. To change a tactical element like that – it was absolutely brilliant.”
