Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed significant concern regarding the fitness of Savinho after the winger suffered an injury during the club’s disappointing goalless draw with Sunderland on New Year’s Day. The Brazilian international, who created several high-quality opportunities at the Stadium of Light, had to leave the pitch prematurely early in the second half.
This tactical setback coincided with a missed opportunity for the Citizens to close the gap at the top of the table, as the 0-0 result leaves them four points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, who recently secured a victory against Aston Villa.
The Black Cats utilized a formidable defensive structure on Thursday night to frustrate the reigning champions and earn a well-deserved point. Despite City’s offensive dominance in the latter stages of the match, the visitors failed to capitalize on a series of clear-cut openings. Guardiola highlighted his team’s inability to convert pressure into goals, noting that his players struggled to execute the initial tactical plan during a cagey first half before finding their rhythm after the interval.
“We had a lot of chances in the six-yard box, not easy ones, but we couldn’t convert them into goals. We created enough chances. We didn’t stick to our plan from the first half, but we played really well in the second half,” Guardiola stated during his post-match press conference. “The commitment, the desire, the first half was different. In the second half, there were two good chances created by Savinho, and also by Jeremy (Doku), Josko (Gvardiol), Phil (Foden), and Erling (Haaland).”
While the manager praised the efforts of Jeremy Doku, Josko Gvardiol, Phil Foden, and Erling Haaland, the primary focus remains on the medical assessment of Savinho. The winger’s withdrawal at the Stadium of Light appeared to be more than a minor knock, with Guardiola admitting that the initial diagnosis suggested a potentially lengthy absence. Manchester City must now regroup quickly ahead of their Sunday clash with Chelsea, as they navigate a mounting injury list during the critical mid-season period.
“We had plenty, but unfortunately, we couldn’t make it happen. Savinho had to come off the field early in the second half at the Stadium of Light, and Guardiola said it didn’t look good,” the manager added.
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