Defence
There’s no debate when it comes to the full-backs. Man City’s full-backs have been rotated every now and then and none of them have been consistent over the season. Their regular full-backs – former Arsenal man Bacary Sagna and Aleksandar Kolarov – have not been at their best.
Meanwhile, Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin have had stellar seasons on the flanks. Bellerin’s performances have seen him being voted into the PFA Team of the Year while Monreal’s numbers go through the roof when compared to the other three.
| Bellerin | Monreal | Sagna | Kolarov | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interceptions | 59 | 97 | 47 | 46 |
| Tackles Won | 42 | 55 | 30 | 25 |
| Blocks | 7 | 11 | 7 | 8 |
| Assists | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Take-Ons | 57 | 15 | 5 | 24 |
City have looked solid at the back only when Vincent Kompany has played, Unfortunately for the Sky Blues, watching Kompany limp off the pitch early in the game has now become a regular occurrence. Their inspirational captain has had a season to forget, even limping off with a muscle injury against Real Madrid.
His opposite number at Arsenal has also shown signs of ageing. Per Mertesacker may be just 31 years old but has had issues with injuries. The last game saw him signalling the bench after clutching his leg and he had to come off.
The only two defenders who have been consistent, especially when paired with the right partner, are Laurent Koscielny and Nicolas Otamendi. Arsenal’s French defender is not one to go in for tackles but his last-man tackles pay off more often than not.
On the other hand, Otamendi is a strong tackler and reads the game well to make interceptions just like Koscielny does. Both defenders are strong in the air and have won close to 65% of all aerial duels.
