The idea that a Pep Guardiola side will finish a game with just 40 percent of possession is rather obscene given the Catalan's ruthless approach to the game, and yet it proved enough to claim a stunning victory against Barcelona, of all sides.
Controlling the game for large parts of the first-half, the Blaugrana looked to be at their best against a haphazard Manchester City side devoid of penetrative threat.
Their 4-0 defeat at the Camp Nou appeared to be vivid in the Citizens' minds, and yet they hauled themselves out of the mire to win 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Luis Enrique's men bossed the possession statistics, making 519 passes to City's 315, with goalkeeper Willy Caballero even instructed to kick the ball long as part of Guardiola's counter-attacking plans.
Having stated his desire to stick to his guns when arriving in Manchester, it appears that a topsy-turvy spell in the English side's dugout has inspired Guardiola to dare to add some variety to his game.
