This might seem a bit silly given Manchester City’s gargantuan backroom contingent but Pep Guardiola felt his inner circle was simply too small this time last year.
Mikel Arteta had left earlier in the season. City knew he was destined to depart for a managerial job at some stage, yet to lose him in the December presented somewhat of a problem.
Arteta had been an exemplary assistant manager. City were more than a touch miffed by the way in which Arsenal approached him, convoying their way up to Arteta’s home in Didsbury to hold lengthy overnight talks, hours after the two sides had faced each other at the Emirates Stadium.