Manchester City won comfortably 4-0 away at Fulham, and it was more than just a win, it was more like a showcase of Gvardiol's charisma! The Croatian centre-back, nay, right-back at left-back, not only scored twice in the game, but in the final moments, he also mercifully waived a penalty to give his team-mate a chance. This makes people wonder, is this the so-called big picture?
First, we have to talk about the Croatian defender's transformation. Gvardiol was already quite solid as a centre-back, but since moving to left-back, he's been at home. He broke the deadlock with a pinpoint shot in the 12th minute to give City the lead on the road. In the ensuing game, his performance was even more like a hanging, and he was very active at both ends of the offensive and defensive ends.
Then came the second highlight of the game, with City stepping up their attack in the second half. Foden and Alvarez each doubled the score to send the game into garbage time. Alvarez, in particular, had a set-piece that went straight around the wall and into the corner of the goal, which was so beautiful that it was unwanted.
However, it was Gvardiol's move to drop the penalty that was most impressive. At this point, many players may choose to take the penalty themselves and aim for a hat-trick. But Gvardiol didn't, he chose to give up the opportunity to his teammates, this kind of big picture and team spirit is really admirable.
When it comes to Pep Guardiola, the coach's trust and tactical arrangements in Gvardiol are also indispensable. Guardiola not only moved him from centre-back to left-back, but also gave him more freedom in attack. It can be said that this layout of Guardiola fully activates Gvardiol's potential, allowing him to better play to his strengths in the game.
Of course, when it comes to Gvardiol, we have to mention another left-back in Manchester City - Joao Cancelo. Cancelo used to be an integral part of the team, but now, with Gvardiol's rise, it seems that more and more people are starting to ignore him. Gvardiol's outstanding performance is undoubtedly the best response to Cancelo, and it has also given fans more recognition and expectations for the Croatian defender.
Overall, the game was not only a big win for Manchester City, but also a showcase of Gvardiol's individual ability and pattern. Not only did he show his shooting and defensive ability on the pitch, but he also showed his team spirit when it mattered most. How can such a player not be loved? Manchester City's victory is not just as simple as three points, but also an affirmation of Gvardiol's all-round ability.
From a technical point of view, Gvardiol's performance in this game was almost impeccable. Not only did he make a number of key tackles on the defensive end, but he also scored consecutive goals on the offensive end, showing the style of a defender. In particular, his long-range shot is simply a textbook shooting skill, with fast ball speed, accurate angle, and great power, which completely caught the opposing goalkeeper off guard.
And his choice in the final moments of the game is even more heartwarming. When the referee blew for a penalty, the whole stadium thought he would step up and score a hat-trick. However, he gave up this opportunity to his teammates, not only as a contribution to the team, but also as a sign of respect for victory and support for his teammates. This kind of behavior is rare on the football field, but every time it appears, it is enough to move people.
From a tactical point of view, Guardiola's personnel and arrangement are undoubtedly clever. Not only did he give Gvardiol enough tactical freedom to adjust his position and responsibilities according to the situation on the pitch, but he also gave him a lot of psychological support and trust, which is a huge encouragement for any player.
For Gvardiol's future, this match is undoubtedly a new beginning. Not only did he prove his importance in the team, but he also showed all doubters what he is capable of and worth. As the season progresses, there is reason to believe that Gvardiol will become one of the indispensable stars of Manchester City and the Premier League as a whole.
In the end, this game was not only a perfect victory for Manchester City, but also a demonstration of the team's overall strength and team spirit. Every Manchester City player showed the level and fighting spirit they deserved in this game, and this kind of team strength is difficult for any opponent to ignore.
We expect Gvardiol to continue to perform at this high level in the coming competitions, and we hope that City can go further and win more honours under his leadership. After all, on the road of football, every improvement is a challenge to one's own limits, and every victory is the writing of history.