Sunday 11 December 2016 11:21, UK
Manchester City look "confused and uncomfortable" with Pep Guardiola's playing style, according to the Sunday Supplement panel.
City suffered a crushing 4-2 defeat to Leicester on Saturday, which saw them concede three goals inside the opening 20 minutes.
Guardiola said afterwards that his side must improve defensively, but that he "doesn't train tackles", in response to City not winning a challenge in the opening 35 minutes of the match.
"It was like Guardiola had not seen Leicester last season and the way they play," said the Daily Telegraph's Sam Wallace. "They played them like last season never really happened."
Andy Dunn of the Daily Mirror said City looked "confused", particularly with full-back Pablo Zabaleta playing in midfield at the King Power Stadium.
"The problem was Zabaleta didn't quite know when he was playing full-back and when he was supposed to be playing in front," said Dunn. "You could see them after 10 minutes looking to Pep and saying we are not entirely sure what we are supposed to be doing.
"[Jamie] Vardy couldn't believe his luck. Those simple runs which were reaping dividends last season have been blocked off this season, and first minute the gaps between [John] Stones and his full-back are huge.
"I think the game will be a turning point because the first half was so abject."
Dunn also questioned whether Stones, who has faced criticism for overplaying in defence and was guilty of a misplaced backpass for Leicester's third goal, is a world-class defender.
"Can John Stones defend at the very highest level? My concern about John Stones isn't so much about him playing out, but I think sometimes he commits himself when he shouldn't," he said.
"He commits too many times and makes the wrong decision. His main purpose is to prevent the ball going into Man City's net and, defensively, allowing Vardy to make that run [for the first goal], is more concerning than if he kicks it into touch."
Shaun Custis of The Sun added: "What I don't quite understand is he hasn't eased the team into his new tactics with a bit of mix and match, it's 'you will only play this way'.
"And it's like they would rather concede a goal passing it around at the back than hoof one. It's not illegal to hoof one clear, or against the law. They don't look comfortable."
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