Premier League 2018-19, Manchester City 3-1 Watford: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis

#2 Gracia's surprise team selection fails

Watford's gameplan was foiled early in the second half, courtesy of Gracia's defensive tactics

Javi Gracia's team selection for this game was baffling, to say the least. He opted against starting two key players - captain Troy Deeney and goalscorer Gerard Deulofeu - making several changes to the side who were 2-1 winners against Leicester last weekend.

You can understand his decision to adopt a more defensive strategy, but even still, this was too rigid in midfield and crucially lacked any real counter-attacking threats - considering they were starved of possession.

Tom Cleverley's early booking meant he couldn't impose himself in midfield, while Abdoulaye Doucoure had a poor display. Etienne Capoue was impressive in the center but winger Kiko Femenia was quiet, Isaac Success frustrating - so it wasn't a surprise the pair were replaced for fresh legs in the 65th minute.

It's telling that two of their best performers came from the bench, yet should have started here, particularly against a tougher opponent. It speaks volumes that they only registered two shots, one on target, in 90 minutes. If this is how every side lines up against City for the remainder of the campaign, they'd better hope for a Newcastle-style poor performance.