It was a game to fit Pep Guardiola's vision of goalkeeping. Just not with his idea of a goalkeeper. Joe Hart barely touched the ball with his hands. He was in effect Manchester City's 11th outfield player as they beat Steaua Bucharest 1-0.
His 348th, and potentially last, City game had been described, mockingly, as Hart’s testimonial. It was more a love-in than a competitive fixture, albeit with the complication that City fans are also fond of the man who has demoted him.
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Virtually everyone in the ground rose to their feet when supporters sang: “Stand up if you love Joe Hart.” Guardiola rose, albeit to make a tactical point to his team. Perhaps, though, he sensed the awkwardness. Perhaps he rationalised that, after a decade at the club and some outstanding performances, Hart had earned his place in supporters’ affections.
His every touch was cheered; in particular there was applause when a goalkeeper whose footwork is not what Guardiola requires calmly passed under pressure to Fernando. Later, the City supporters entertained themselves by singing: “He’ll pass when he wants.”
Hart was not just restored to the side but granted the captaincy. The game began to the backdrop of a chant of “Don’t sell Joe Hart”, but it was swiftly replaced by a chorus of Guardiola’s name. Such are the conflicting emotions City fans experience now. Those in the South Stand raised a large banner with a picture of the manager and the message: “This is your City.” His City demands a different type of goalkeeper. Hart belongs to an old-fashioned breed, one who prioritised handling. When he punched a free kick away, it was a rare chance to show the skills that propelled him to prominence.
As a second flag the City faithful unfurled read: “A good Hart is hard to find.” City may soon be Hart-less. For some, that renders Guardiola heartless. For others, it is simply a case that it is the prerogative of the manager to select, sign and sell players who suit his style of play.
A second who has suffered from the regime change also started. Yaya Toure’s recall, for his first competitive appearance under Guardiola since 2010, came with Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva being rested. He almost marked the occasion with a goal, bending a free kick narrowly wide. But, when the Ivorian ambled around, he scarcely seemed to be moving with the intensity Guardiola demands. He was chosen in a side featuring eight changes and ended the game as a stand-in striker after Kelechi Iheanacho was taken off with a suspected hamstring strain.
It was the major blight on City’s night. He had led the pressing game from the front. Until he pulled up, he had offered further evidence that he is eager to impress Guardiola and possesses the game to suit the Spaniard. He showed great awareness and considerable unselfishness, teeing up Fabian Delph when the midfielder almost scored, with goalkeeper Valentin Cojocaru saving. Iheanacho was involved again when Delph did find the net. The striker laid the ball off to Jesus Navas who picked out Delph with an uncharacteristically accurate cross.
That goal prompted Guardiola to provide a second injection of youth. The 19-year-old Spaniard Pablo Maffeo had made his City debut and he was joined on the pitch by two more youngsters when Tosin Adarabioyo and Angelino came on.
It was a sign of how comfortable City's progress was. Now they will expect to venture much further. Guardiola has reached at least the semi-finals in each of his seven seasons in the Uefa Champions League. Last week's 5-0 win in Romania ensured he will at least compete in this year's group stages. This merely rubber-stamped it.
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