Bernardo Silva Outshone by Gibbs-White: Time for Pep to Consider Changes?

Manchester City suffered a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, a setback in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.

Pep Guardiola’s team faced a determined Forest side, who successfully scored and secured victory.

City created opportunities during the match, taking 14 shots, according to Sofascore. However, only three shots were on target, with Phil Foden’s effort having the highest expected goals (0.16xG).

Forest nearly scored after an hour when Callum Hudson-Odoi shot towards City’s goal. Ederson, the City goalkeeper, made an excellent save, deflecting the ball onto the post.

However, in the closing minutes, Hudson-Odoi broke the deadlock. He received a fine pass from Morgan Gibbs-White, drove at Josko Gvardiol, and shot past Ederson at the near post.

Gibbs-White was the outstanding player on the field, causing constant problems for Manchester City.

Gibbs-White’s Dominance Against City

It’s challenging to stop a player like Gibbs-White when he’s performing at his best. City experienced this firsthand. He was influential throughout the game, creating attacks and providing the assist for Hudson-Odoi’s goal.

Gibbs-White’s assist was exceptional. From his own half, he delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Hudson-Odoi, who controlled it and scored.

City struggled to contain Gibbs-White throughout the match. Allowing a player of his caliber time and space to create such a pass proved costly for Guardiola’s team and likely led to their defeat.

Gibbs-White delivered a masterclass against the Premier League champions. In contrast, one City midfielder struggled to make a similar impact.

City Star’s Struggle Against Forest

It was a disappointing overall performance for City, and Bernardo Silva, in particular, had a difficult game in midfield.

Bernardo Silva received a 5/10 rating from The Manchester Evening News. The report mentioned he ‘looked like he could use a rest’ and noted that ‘City attacks broke down at his feet too many times’, which is unusual for him.

Comparing stats, Gibbs-White and Bernardo’s numbers are quite similar. Bernardo had 56 touches and an 84% pass completion rate, while Gibbs-White had 52 touches and a 90% pass completion rate. Bernardo created two chances, and Gibbs-White created one.

However, statistics don’t always tell the whole story, and Gibbs-White provided the decisive assist. Bernardo, who lost possession nine times, was arguably outplayed by his counterpart.

Ahead of City’s next game against Brighton, Guardiola might consider resting Bernardo. His performance against Forest was underwhelming, and he appeared fatigued.

It will be a significant decision for Guardiola, who has consistently relied on Bernardo. However, a period of rest and rotation might be necessary for him to regain peak form.