Man City needed four games to do something Pep Guardiola wasn't sure they could

You could hear the collective intake of breath at Turf Moor when Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne went down with an injury.

He limped past Pep Guardiola to head down the tunnel and receive treatment. Guardiola was already scribbling down some notes. Mateo Kovacic was ready to make his debut following his switch from Chelsea.

An opening night victory over Burnley came at the most serious cost for City following their treble win. It was clear they would be without De Bruyne for more than days, but weeks soon turned into months and a hastily-arranged plan B had to be devised.

De Bruyne - who was also forced off in the Champions League showpiece - barely featured in pre-season and the curtain-raiser proved to be too soon for him. He lasted 23 minutes before disaster struck and the Belgian had to be consoled by Vincent Kompany - his former captain - on his way to the changing room.

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Kompany displayed his trademark leadership from the opposing dugout while Guardiola - with serious thinking to do - did what he does best and came up with a perfect tactical alternative. Even the innovative Catalan thought it might be impossible, but he has been proven wrong.

"The injury is a blow, a big loss," conceded Guardiola when surgery for De Bruyne was confirmed. "He has specific qualities. For a long time is really tough. We have to look forward. We have alternatives. Kevin is irreplaceable, but we have talented players. They will take it."

Take the opportunities they certainly have. City were already 1-0 to the good when the main supply line to Erling Haaland was taken away under such unfortunate circumstances.

Any side in the Premier League would miss their best player, but