The return into Shakhtar Donetsk was going to be a major occasion for Fernandinho. However, his first Manchester City start of the season was given significance given his function at the side of Pep Guardiola. The Brazilian was being deployed in defence because a one-off – .
Before the news emerged on Tuesday the John Stones had suffered a muscle injury that would keep him out for at least a month, there was speculation about the prospect of the England international’s venture. Once it became apparent Guardiola is down to a match centre-back those anxieties grown.
Fernandinho is not Aymeric Laporte, nor is he Vincent Kompany, however he does possess the leadership qualities of this latter. His display at City triumph over Shakhtar indicated that he also shares Kompany’s ability to step in following a while at the shadows and then make it appear easy. This is his first start in five years but he seemed comfortable during in Kharkiv.
The only moments of fernandinho this season had come as a substitute when he came on for the injured Laporte with City a target up at home to Brighton. He had been at the rear four that day. “Different position, different function,” he said in the moment. “However, whatever the supervisor needs I will be prepared and try and do my best as always.” Therefore it proved.
His supply has been impeccable, misplacing only one pass which was an lofted ball on the top that almost succeeded in playing at Raheem Sterling. His best pass of the game was an raking chunk to Riyad Mahrez that showcased the supply abilities he can bring to this group even from within the back-line.
Defensively, his as opposed to anything caused his sole worries that the resistance did. Fernandinho was able to do sufficient to put the striker, After Moraes cut in Kyle Walker. He still had him covered by rushing off his line till Ederson caused confusion As soon as the exact same player darted in in the second half.
That aside, Fernandinho had the demeanour of a man who might deal with this type of evaluation at 54 34. The issue that Guardiola and the Manchester City fans will ask is whether his existence in defence might be problematic once the team faces challenges that are bigger than the one.
It’s already evident that there will be no compromises when it comes to the high line of Manchester City. There was lots of space in behind the veteran midfielder when their opponents were able to obtain quality, space or the time to select out the pass. Will this be an area that could be exploited by opposition in their fixtures?
Perhaps City are lucky there is too daunting awaiting them. It’s Dinamo Zagreb up in the Champions League. Their two Premier League home games prior to the next international break are contrary to Wolves along with Watford – the only teams without a win in the competition this season and the current bottom two. City and Preston from the Carabao Cup visit with.
The biggest test is likely to come away to Everton towards the conclusion of the month – a fixture that Guardiola’s side superbly dropped 4-0 in his first season in charge. With Manchester City currently five points adrift of Liverpool, they understand there is no margin for error. Injuries or not, they need to continue winning games if they wish to retain their name.

Read more here: http://letracardinal.com/?p=13714