One of Pellegrino’s biggest flaws this season has been, being one dimensional. So it was surprising to see him switch a 5-3-2 against Man City.
Setting up with three centre-backs and three physical midfielders was a clever idea. It offered a lot more grit through the middle. Preventing the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus from running too much havoc.
Though this didn’t stop Saints from conceding in the end. It finally shows that Pellegrino is willing to use squad depth to set up systems that make Saints, difficult to beat. In this case, it took City right to the wire to do so.
It’s somewhat refreshing to see. Given he’s been suspect to picking the same players and system over and over despite bad form.