King of possession football Pep Guardiola becomes set-piece specialist

Pep Guardiola is a byword for possession football, not set-pieces. He is intrinsically associated with slight midfielders passing the ball, rather than giant centre-backs heading the ball in from dead-ball situations.

Yet when John Stones applied the final touch to Kevin de Bruyne’s corner against Fulham, it was Manchester City’s ninth goal from a central defender already this season.

Only Riyad Mahrez has scored more goals for City than the four main centre-backs have got between them. In the Premier League, City’s total of 10 set-piece goals puts them behind only Liverpool. The purists have prospered by being pragmatic.

It helps, of course, that City can benefit from the delivery of expert technicians. De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Mahrez and Phil Foden also offer two right-footers and two left-footers, meaning they can deliver in-swinging crosses from either flank. A demanding manager thinks they can show still greater potency in a manner than relies less on tiki-taka and more on aiming for the big lads in the box.

“We have to improve in our takers,” Guardiola said. “I think Kevin, Gundo, Riyad and Phil have to improve a little bit to put the ball in the right spot, because I think we can be dangerous in that position because of our central defenders, and [defensive midfielders] Rodri and Fernandinho, when he plays. We are strong in this department.”

Guardiola credited coach Carlos Vicens for his work on free kicks and corners. “The meeting about the set-pieces is so inspired, so clear and clever,” he said. “I think the players appreciate that. I am more than delighted with the job that Carlos has done.”

MANCHESTER CITY RATINGS: Zack Steffen – 6, The American shotstopper continued a stint in goal in the FA Cup, couldn’t