I think they are so set up to control games that they struggle badly with

changes in momentum that inevitably happen in big games. They are great front runners, but really not that impressive when they go behind against other top teams.

Their bench yesterday was an example of that. They took off De Bruyne, Mahrez, Jesus, Walker and Rodri, and brought on Gundogan, Grealish, Zinchenko, Fernandinho and Sterling.

All of the subs (except maybe Sterling who is on terrible former) were slower and less dynamic than the player replacing. They were players good for controlling the game, rather than ones good for seizing back the initiative.

Which is all Pep's game plan. That's his style of play - and it's incredibly successful over the course of a league season. But it's more about consistent excellence, than stunning moments that decide the biggest games.

Posted By: Mecagoenti, May 5, 10:56:08