Crisis averted then for Manchester City. Or perhaps that should read crisis postponed? The champions of England escaped the league phase and through a certain prism, there is a case to be made that Pep Guardiola's side are well into the post-nadir period of their season.

Pep Guardiola kicked out at a drinks cooler in a moment of relief as Manchester City avoided an early exit from the Champions League.

Guardiola has spent his entire Manchester City career urging the team to slow their play, now he's telling them to go direct. Why?