Pep Guardiola regularly rues the little time that Manchester City get on the training pitch given their schedule. Guardiola went straight over to set-piece specialist Carlos Vicens on the bench, the man responsible for transforming City's ability from dead-ball situations. It was clearly highlighted as a potential area for improvement and the results since Abu Dhabi have been extremely promising. Having won the Treble with four big centre-backs, Guardiola has gone back to set-pieces for innovation this season. With the game already won, City fans could afford to serenade Burnley boss Vincent Kompany on his second return to the Etihad as a manager.

Source: Express January 31, 2024 22:16 UTC