Page 3 - EPL 2016/17: Swansea City 1 - 3 Manchester City

EPL 2016/17: Swansea City 1 - 3 Manchester City - 5 Talking Points

Modified Sep 24, 2016 17:26 GMT

SWANSEA, WALES - SEPTEMBER 24: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City scores his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester City at the Liberty Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) — City take all three points on their trip to Wales

#3 Kevin De Bruyne’s shift to middle tilted the tie in City’s favour

SWANSEA, WALES - SEPTEMBER 24: Leroy Fer of Swansea City (C) argues with referee Neil Swarbrick after he awarded Manchester City a penalty for a foul on Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester City at the Liberty Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) — De Bruyne was substituted late in the game because of an injury

Kevin De Bruyne is a figure of paramount importance to this Manchester City unit. City fans must have been praying that his substitution, after he went down, was only a precautionary measure. Last season City were fighting for the title before he was injured. He returned after 10 weeks to find his team battling for 4^th Spot.

In the first half, Swansea had City on the ropes when he was on the right-hand side of the midfield. A minor tweak from Guardiola saw him switch the Belgian to the centre of the midfield and David Silva to the left. Swansea were soon fighting for possession and had their backs to the wall.

He may have gone down too softly for the penalty, but his move to the middle caused chaos and led to the situation. City have a tricky away trip to Tottenham Hotspur next week and will hope that De Bruyne is fully fit to face them.