While Manchester City has raised many Premier League standards, they are unlikely to go under as one of the division’s loudest teams.
The absence of fans on a match day only left the screams of the two players and staff and rather disadvantaged the blues from home.
The first loss for Pep Guardiola’s team in this new normality took place in Chelsea, where Frank Lampard encouraged his players throughout the game and the home bank traveled a fraction of the way to restore Stamford Bridge crucible as they responded dramatically to every decision. In Southampton, the next defeat, Ralph Hasenhuttl was a one-man scout machine when he gave incessant instructions to help his team.
City always knew they would face something similar in Watford. The preparation of the game for the hosts may have been chaotic with the departure of manager Nigel Pearson, but the players went into the game and knew that a win and they would be almost mathematically safe for another season of Premier League security.
League veteran Ben Foster, who conceded eight goals in the second leg in September, made sure he was heard above everyone else in his pursuit of a goal. “DON’T DO IT AGAIN” came Vicarage Road after Watford let Joao Cancelo in on the left for the first few minutes. “You gave him three seconds!” was the annoyed warning when Rodri got a shot from afar.
The noise level from the benches also left no doubt for the home team, as City’s submarines and coaches watched silently while their colleagues listened.
However, the city found a way through with the help of its manager. Guardiola had said before the game that Watford’s dismissal of his manager meant that there was no point in drawing up a plan based on past accomplishments and leaving it to the blues that started at night.
He was as busy on the contact line as ever, only quieter than the home team.
From trust in Kyle Walker, the player closest to him, to sharing information with teammates, a quiet word with the fourth official, violations of his defenders, to screaming where you shouldn’t be lazy, to gesturing in this personalized one Sign language that must have been taught in training Guardiola was full of activities in meetings and games that did everything to protect his team. He even walked onto the field during the first drink break when he suspected that there were brewing problems between Bernardo Silva and Troy Deeney.
If the city players were grateful for the help, they were sent alone. Rodri got out to help Garcia when he noticed Deeney was trying to isolate the young defender, and Wembley’s front-to-back application has been greatly improved. The opening goal may be due to individual instinct – Raheem Sterling’s ability to find space in the box is second to none – but they have made sure that they work as a unit.
Another decibel number was lost for the blues, but for the first time outside of home they found a way to play through the noise and get the win. Even if nothing else was at stake for them, this could improve their chances of glory in the Champions League away from the home comfort of the Etihad.
.
