WHEN Manchester City put seven past RB Leipzig, and Pep Guardiola was asked whether his side are getting better in the Champions League, he instead pointed to the clean sheet his defenders kept.
Likewise, Rico Lewis said the City dressing room were equally happy with the clean sheet in the rout of Burnley four days later, with the Blues aware that keeping goals out is just as important at this stage of the season as the goals they are firing in at the other end of the pitch.
In City's 10-game unbeaten run that has kept them alive in three competitions, they have kept five clean sheets and conceded just five.
They've also shown how being better at 'guaranteed' situations like set plays can turn tight games in your favour and away from an opponent.
Before the World Cup, City conceded four of their 14 goals against from set pieces, at a rate of one every five games.
Since the World Cup, they have conceded just two of 16 goals against in 21 games, at one every ten games.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Eriksen confirms no talks with Reds over new contract
CHRISTIAN Eriksen has confirmed he has not held talks with United over a new deal.
ONE OF CLUB'S BEST SIGNINGS
ONE of the best signings of the City era is leaving.
SALE SET PACE FOR DERBY WIN
SALE'S league-leading set piece earned them a ruthless 43-10 win over Newcastle Falcons in the Northern derby.
PM keen to harness identities of regions
THE Council of the Nations and Regions has moved the UK \"a long way down the road\" towards more jobs and investment, the Prime Minister has said.
Peacekeepers hit again
THE United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has said new explosions hit its headquarters yesterday morning, injuring two peacekeepers, a day after Israeli forces struck the same position.
Life for killer who hid her dead parents
AN \"INTELLIGENT manipulator\" who murdered her parents then lived alongside their bodies for four years while spending their money has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 36 years.
No cash to fix 'decrepit' Strangeways
PRISON GOVERNORS' ASSOCIATION SAYS JAIL STAFF NEED 'MASSIVE INVESTMENT' TO TACKLE FAILING INFRASTRUCTURE AND ORGANISED CRIME GROUPS
First new buzz route restores missing link
BUSES between Wigan and the Trafford Centre will double to run every 30 minutes instead of an hour later this month, it's been revealed.
Council's £200k winter fuel boost for pensioners
THE creation of a new fund of £200,000 to support local pensioners hit by the winter fuel payment cuts has been passed by Bolton council.
Rivals rubbish £45 charge for collecting garden waste
PLANS SLAMMED AS 'TAX ON POOR AND VULNERABLE'