"Why is Pep overthinking here", "Looks like a mistake" - Manchester City fans unhappy with star's exclusion from XI for West Ham clash
Fans are not impressed with Manchester City's line-up against West Ham United in their last match in the Premier League for the season on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Etihad Stadium. They are currently on top of the Premier League table with 88 points, two points ahead of second-placed Arsenal.
If Pep Guardiola's team secure a win in the clash against the Hammers, they will be crowned league champions for the fourth consecutive year.
Fans expressed disappointment on social media, criticizing and questioning the Spanish manager's decision not to name central midfielder Mateo Kovačić in the starting XI for such a crucial match.
Here is a collection of their posts on X (formerly Twitter):
One fan wrote:
"Why is Pep overthinking here. We needed a double pivot in midfield with Rodri and Kovacic."
Another added:
"Why not kovacic, he’s been solid the past few games."
"Kovacic on the bench 😮💨 we can't evade last minute goals can we??," chimed in another fan.
One account posted:
"I would have preferred the team that started at Tottenham tho. Kovacic gave us more defensive balance. Let's not underestimate West Ham please. I have lots of drafts that I don't want to shamefully delete."
Another said:
"No kovacic? Haaaeeewww😭."
"Oh... But I think we need Kovacic 🙈,to help Rodri, I don't know who to replace but we need Kovacic please 🙏🏿," wrote another.
One user wrote:
"Pep has made an error to bench Kovacic. West ham has a strong midfield and one holding midfielder is not enough."
While another said:
"I don't know why he often changes the working Rodri & Kovacic combination."
Arsenal are pitted against Everton at Emirates Stadium in their last league match of the 2023-24 season. The Gunners will have to defeat Everton and hope Manchester City drop points to secure their first title in 21 years.
If Mikel Arteta's side win and City draw their fixture, the Gunners will claim the title based on goal difference. Arsenal have the advantage with a goal difference of 61, while City's is 60.
Manchester City boss shared his expectations from his squad in the clash against West Ham
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola recently opened up about the clash against West Ham. While speaking of his expectations of the game, Guardiola told the press (via football.london):
"We'd like to be 3-0 up after 10 minutes vs West Ham… but it will not happen."
The Spanish manager recalled their last Premier League fixture of the 2021-22 season where they faced Aston Villa at the Etihad and bagged a nerve-wracking 3-2 victory and won the league. Guardiola expressed confidence in his squad and said:
"I have a feeling it will be like Aston Villa in 2022. We are ready. My players will never give up."
Manchester City have another chance of bagging silverware this season on May 25, 2024, in the FA Cup final against Manchester United at the Wembley Stadium.