Josko Gvardiol made his return to the Manchester City starting lineup last night as City picked up a crucial 3-0 win over Crystal Palace. Manchester City’s win sees them keep the pressure on Arsenal in this season’s title race. Gvardiol started at left-back last night after missing 25 matches due to the right tibial fracture he sustained against Chelsea in January. It was a surprise to see Gvardiol start last night’s match. He played 58 minutes before being replaced by Nathan Ake for the game’s closing stages. What caught the eye was how well Gvardiol played, as there were no signs of rust or apprehension in his performance against Crystal Palace.
Josko Gvardiol oozed class in his return from injury.
Surprisingly, after such a lengthy injury layoff, Josko Gvardiol returned to the Manchester City starting lineup last night. Gvardiol started at left-back with Rayan Ait-Nouri operating on the left wing. Given how last night’s 3-0 win for City over Crystal Palace unfolded, Josko Gvardiol spent the majority of his time in the final third. He took up a position just inside Rayan Ait-Nouri on the left, and in possession, Gvardiol showed no signs of rust. His touch map below shows where Gvardiol received possession when Manchester City attacked.
The Croatian international linked up Manchester City’s attacking play well and he was a threat to the packed Crystal Palace defence with his quality on the ball. His best moment came when Gvardiol played a beautiful chipped ball to Phil Foden to allowe the England international to set up Omar Marmoush to score Manchester City’s second goal of last night’s match. Gvardiol’s class was on full display in that moment. The Croatian defender is an excellent weapon for City in possession, and that did stand out last night. Gvardiol almost scored a header last night as well but Crystal Palace keeper Dean Henderson made a superb save to deny Gvardiol a special moment in the first half last night.
Defensively, Josko Gvardiol was more than sound, although he didn’t have a lot to do. When Gvardiol did have to defend, he saw the game well and made the necessary challenges with minimal fuss. All told, in the 58 minutes that Gvardiol was on the pitch, he reminded everyone of just how good a player he is. That wasn’t forgotten; however, the fact that Gvardiol showed no signs of rust after a lengthy injury layoff speaks volumes about his talent and character.
Josko Gvardiol was surprised and thrilled to return to the Manchester City lineup last night.
Speaking with mancity.com after his return to the Manchester City starting lineup, Josko Gvardiol admitted he was surprised to start City’s win over Crystal Palace. The technically gifted defender also shared how happy he was to finally return after a lengthy absence due to injury. He explained: “*To be fair I was surprised as well! I didn’t expect my name in the starting XI,” began Gvardiol in an interview after the game. “I found out two or three hours before kick-off. You have to be ready.*”
“*I’m happy to be back and happy to be in the starting XI. We all know we have three games left. Happy to be back and get some minutes. I would say it’s normal. I’m getting older and more experienced than a couple of years ago. I took it as a man and tried to play as simple as I can.*”
“*It was close. It would be too unreal to score a goal in my first game back from injury. Maybe in the next one.*”
“*It hasn’t been easy. After I got injured I just accepted it as a new challenge. I’m just glad to be back. I’m feeling good actually. I wouldn’t say I’m at my 100%. It’s normal, I need minutes and games.*”
Josko Gvardiol oozed class in his return from the serious injury he sustained in January. In the 58 minutes he was on the pitch, Gvardiol reminded everyone of his quality on both sides of the ball. Manchester City are a better team with Gvardiol in the lineup, and seeing him return and play well was fantastic as City convincingly beat Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium last night.