Manchester City's 3-2 win over Fulham was far from convincing, requiring two goals from outside the box. However, that has long been a hallmark of Pep Guardiola's team, a coach known for his tiki-taka style of play.
Guardiola's City have scored 21 Premier League goals from outside the box since the start of last season - nine more than any other team. Much of that is down to their dominance forcing opponents to defend deep and leave space open.
Perhaps surprisingly, 40% of the Citizens’ shots this season have come from outside the box. Only Ipswich have a higher proportion of such shots than the champions. Man City are still fourth for shots from inside the box, but it’s clear that long-range is playing a key role for them.
There was some controversy over the number of shots Ruben Dias took in the second half of the draw with Arsenal. The Portuguese defender had five, while Manuel Akanji had a few more. Not ideal for a team like Man City.
But it depends on who is taking those shots. Phil Foden has scored six of City’s 21 goals from outside the box, while Rodri and Erling Haaland have scored four each. This is an area that is often overlooked in Rodri’s absence. City need players who can score from that area.
That's why Mateo Kovacic's goals against Fulham will be encouraging for Guardiola. The Croatian midfielder now has three goals this season, his most in a decade in Europe's top flight, while it was also the first time the former Chelsea man has scored more than once in a game.
Obviously, they can’t expect Kovacic to do that often. But the threat alone helps. City need opponents to believe they will be punished if they drop too deep. In that respect, the nature of the Citizens’ win over Fulham could prove crucial.
"It was a difficult game but we knew that. I spoke to the team and understood the progress of the opponent. When we had an incredible unbeaten run at the Etihad, it was because we won in this way. Nothing in life is easy" - Guardiola said after the win over Fulham.
