Manchester City have adopted a bold strategy to play without a central striker in the 2021/2022 season.
Following the departure of Sergio Aguero last summer, Pep Guardiola opted not to replace the Argentinian star, despite being linked with a host of forwards from around the continent, including Harry Kane.
The decision looked to be ill-judged in the early stages of the campaign after losing to Tottenham on the opening day of the season and losing 2-0 at the hands of Crystal Palace.
Manchester City appeared to lack the firepower of Liverpool, who are bolstered by the formidable trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota in the final third.
However, slowly but surely, City began to click in the final third receiving contributions from around the pitch from Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Gabriel Jesus and Ilkay Gundogan.
Guardiola’s men reeled off 11 wins on the bounce after losing to Palace and are now the overwhelming favourites in the Premier League betting odds to win the crown.
City are seemingly on the march towards the Premier League title for the second year on the bounce, and the fourth in six seasons under the tenure of Guardiola.
The Champions League has eluded the Spaniard since his move to the Etihad Stadium in 2016.
Manchester City have endured a number of painful defeats in Europe’s elite competition, none more painful than their loss at the hands of Chelsea in the final last term.
For one reason or another, City have lacked the clinical edge under pressure in the competition.
Their usual free-flowing style has cracked under duress, while players that were normally clinical in the final third failed to rise to the occasion.
Without a central striker, Guardiola is placing greater pressure on the precision of his attackers rather than an out and out poacher in the opposition box.
De Bruyne and Jesus were guilty of missing opportunities in the Champions League final defeat to Chelsea, while the Citizens were equally guilty of failing to put Lyon to the sword in the season before.
Defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig on the road in the tournament group stage this term have shown a vulnerability to keep pace with potent strikeforce.
Unlike Liverpool, Real Madrid and PSG, City do not have a forward in the ranks that can bail them out with an instinctive finish in the box.
Guardiola is putting his faith in the ability of his team to control proceedings against all opponents and hoping that the number of chances that they will no doubt create will eventually result in goals.
It has been their downfall in the past, and the results this season will be a true referendum on his preferred style.
If it works, Guardiola will be heralded once more as a genius, who can win without the traditional striker. However, if City fails, questions will be asked of the Spaniard and his stubborn refusal to conform to the game’s traditions.
Guardiola has revolutionised the sport with his brilliant style, but he has put a target on his back should he fail to deliver the European crown that City are craving.
