How Pep Guardiola has adapted Manchester City’s attack to thrive without wingers

“One of the themes of Manchester City’s attack this season has been their ability to operate in a narrow or wide shape depending on the available players and the opponent’s setup. This flexibility was evident in City’s 2-1 victory away to Nottingham Forest in December, when the switch from a narrow 4-3-3 shape on the ball to a 3-1-3-3 in the second half stretched the opponent’s shape and created spaces between the lines. In either of those attacking shapes, the rotations and fluidity have helped City cut through defensive blocks this season, with Jeremy Doku’s improved ability in narrow positions and Nico O’Reilly’s versatile profile being vital. …”
NY Times/The Athletic