Manchester City's 3-2 victory over Fulham was not convincing as they needed 2 goals from outside the box. However, that has long been a characteristic of Pep Guardiola's team, a coach known for his tiki-taka playing style.
Guardiola's Man City have scored 21 Premier League goals from outside the box since the start of last season - 9 more than any other team. It was largely due to their dominance that forced opponents to defend deep and leave many gaps.
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 in terms of shots from within the box, but it is clear that long-range shots are playing a key role for them.
There was controversy over how many shots Ruben Dias took in the second half of the draw with Arsenal. The Portuguese defender had five shots, while Manuel Akanji had a few more. That is not ideal for a team like Man City.
But it depends on who had those shots. Phil Foden has scored 6 of Man City's 21 goals from outside the box. Meanwhile, Rodri and Erling Haaland both scored 4 goals. This is an often overlooked aspect in Rodri's absence. Man City need players who can score from that area.
That is why Mateo Kovacic's goals against Fulham will encourage Guardiola. The Croatian midfielder now has three goals this season, the most in a decade in Europe's top flight. Meanwhile, this was also the first time the former Chelsea player has scored more than one goal in a match.
Obviously, they can't rely on Kovacic to do it regularly. But just need a threat to help. Man City need their opponents to believe they will be punished if they retreat their squad too deep. In that regard, the nature of the Citizens' victory over Fulham could prove important.
"It was a tough game but we knew that. I spoke to the whole team and thoroughly grasped 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.
