Guardiola chose Ilkay Gündogan and Matheus Nunes in central midfield to fill the Rodri void but City could cede possession cheaply around Slovan Bratislava's area and be open to the attack: two issues the Spaniard's presence often stymies.
The arch-strategist Guardiola could be seen noting this and is sure to find remedies. But, for now, he will be delighted at a victory that came at a venue teeming emotion due to its first hosting of a Champions League game at this stage.
After an extended light show featuring an impressive baritone singing a club anthem that had Slovan flags raised amid raucous applause, the real stuff began with a Slovan counter, the classic way to break City open.
Jérémy Doku claimed a corner, which Gündogan swung in from the right. Vladimir Weiss's side defended and as Phil Foden tracked the manager's son, also Vladimir Weiss, he received the ball. Watching from the sideline, Guardiola winced as Weiss beat City's No 10 and steered the ball across to Marko Tolic, who missed.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 02, 2024-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 02, 2024-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Gündogan and Foden cash in for City before McAtee makes his mark
There were hints here of how Manchester City might struggle in Rodri's absence as they struggled to administer the control their No 6 often brings. Yet Pep Guardiola's men still sailed to a 4-0 victory, James McAtee's 73rdminute strike the last of these, which was a first in club colours and sealed City's opening win of this 36-side league phase.
Arteta's men bolster belief with display of strength and skill in statement win
It was always likely to stand as a barometer for Arsenal as much as anything else. How would they measure up to Paris Saint-Germain, one of the powerhouses of the Champions League? Extremely well, was the answer.
Adeyemi fires treble as Celtic are humiliated in Dortmund
The Champions League has a habit of inflicting these inglorious episodes on Celtic. It is difficult to shake the notion that this big fish simply cannot swim when removed from its small domestic pond. Borussia Dortmund toyed with and teased their visitors in a match that was over as a contest long before the half-time whistle blew.
Schär penalty denies Dons' defensive effort
Eddie Howe was evidently not exaggerating when, on the eve of kick-off, he described AFC Wimbledon as \"well organised\".
'I'm beholden to Surrey.I've been away too long'
In a Wisden Cricket Monthly extract, Adam Hollioake talks about using his grief to help a club in mourning
Horner hints Lawson's RB place may lead to Red Bull promotion
The Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, has indicated Liam Lawson has an opportunity to make his case to replace Sergio Pérez and line up alongside Max Verstappen for the team, potentially as early as next season.
Disruption looms at US ports as 45,000 workers go on strike over pay
Some of the busiest ports in the US were braced for crippling disruption as about 45,000 port workers began striking after their contracts expired.
Mulberry turns down £83m takeover bid by Mike Ashley's Frasers Group
The British handbag maker Mulberry has rejected an £83m takeover proposal from Mike Ashley's Frasers Group as too low, insisting that it will push on with a planned fundraising to support a business turnaround.
Fugee sues Lauryn Hill over failed reunion tour
Lauryn Hill is being sued by her Fugees co-member Pras Michél for fraud and breach of contract.
Botanists identify 33 'dark spots' for unknown plants
Botanists have identified 33 \"dark spots\" around the world where thousands of plant species are probably waiting to be discovered.