Pep Guardiola Reveals the Tactical Masterclass That Shattered Mohamed Salah's Five-Year Dominance
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola praised Nico O'Reilly's display following Sunday's commanding 3-0 victory over Liverpool, celebrating the defender who successfully contained Mohamed Salah while simultaneously exploiting the spaces left behind by the Egyptian forward's positioning.
Liverpool's star winger has historically tormented Manchester City more than most opponents. Prior to this weekend's encounter at the Etihad, the prolific attacker had registered either a goal or assist in nine straight Premier League appearances against Guardiola's team. The previous City defensive line to successfully neutralize Salah featured Aymeric Laporte and Eric García.
Guardiola acknowledged: "Salah has been a constant threat for many years with his pace. He's exceptional."
However, despite dominating various left-backs over the past five years, Salah encountered an immovable obstacle in O'Reilly, City's 20-year-old converted attacking midfielder who proved to be far more than just a makeshift defensive option.
"We instructed Nico to be assertive," Guardiola revealed. "Whenever Mo received possession, he received support from one or two center-backs—plus Jérémy [Doku], Bernardo [Silva] and Phil [Foden]. Nico elevated his game because you must demonstrate your capabilities against elite wingers. There's no better test than facing Salah."
O'Reilly's midfield background is considered a significant advantage by Guardiola. "He possesses numerous excellent qualities, but this assertiveness and energy in challenges stems from his experience as a No. 8 and No. 10 in youth football," the Spanish manager explained. "I'm delighted with his current performances."
Liverpool's leading goalscorer couldn't manage a single shot on target during a thoroughly disappointing 90 minutes. However, as has been evident this campaign, Salah's defensive contributions (or absence thereof) proved equally significant in the tactical breakdown.
Salah Struggling to Justify Special Treatment
Throughout all competitions, Liverpool's away record this season is concerning. pic.twitter.com/OhZVqYrFAQ
Chelsea's Marc Cucurella highlighted how he received specific instructions to capitalize on Salah's notable reluctance to track back defensively when scoring the decisive goal against Liverpool recently.
In that instance, the wing-back directly profited from his unmarked forward runs. During this weekend's clash at the Etihad, O'Reilly's uncontested advances created opportunities for Doku to capitalize.
Sunday's standout performer—surpassing even O'Reilly—demonstrated the ability to beat multiple Liverpool defenders single-handedly, yet consistently found himself in isolated duels thanks to O'Reilly's determination to surge forward on overlapping runs, drawing attention away from potential double-teams on Doku.
Wayne Rooney criticized Salah's defensive work rate—though this may have been tactical instruction from Arne Slot rather than personal negligence. "Salah's role is to find the net and create opportunities," Rooney stated on BBC's Match of the Day. "He's been among the Premier League's finest players for six or seven seasons. However, in crucial matches, you must provide additional support.
"You need to retreat and assist your colleague. Conor Bradley endured a difficult afternoon today, being isolated defensively. Ryan Gravenberch attempted to provide cover and shift across, but that creates vulnerabilities elsewhere. I believe Salah must drop back and support his teammate."