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#3 Ederson the iceman and John Stones the formidable
It was difficult to ignore the kindof calmness that the tatted up Citizen goalkeeper seemed to possess when trusted with the ball. He hardly ever looked flustered or like he could be harried. In fact, he was the one hustling about and setting the onslaughts in motion.
His penalty save might not have been spectacular but the swagger with which he commands the area is what Pep will absolutely adore. Ederson didn't show signs of flaking in front of the Napoli attackers when he was pressed and in fact, was deft enough to tease them by using passing channels just a few yards away from their feet.
In the 52nd minute, Callejon was released on the right flank and was clear to cut in and run towards goal but Ederson was decisive and quick enough to cut it out. He did so with characteristic ease.
The Brazilian goalkeeper completed 42 of his passes at an impressive success rate of 81%. Reliable.
There was a minor blip in the 64th minute when he came running in and couldn't cut out a squared all by Mertens from inside the area to find Hamsik. Hamsik was through except John Stones was up to the task and thwarted what was a sure goal with an excellent challenge.
John Stones is one of the first names on Pep's teamsheet for his quality distribution. And he justified the same with his accurate passing. He completed 53 of his 53 attempted passes in the first half.
However, Pep may not be too pleased with the rest of the defence as they tended to be a bit too casual in their own box which led to 2 penalties. Fernandinho's tackle on Ghoulam was particularly lazy and cynical.
But Stones' partner in central defence, Otamendi also chipped in with some encouraging signs.
What Ederson essentially brings to Pep is the contentment that he now has bankable individuals in every position on the pitch. And that, my lads, is worthy of the heaviest sighs of relief for a manager.
