Pep Guardiola knew what was coming long before kick-off. Perched on a seat in the opposition dugout, he was drawn to the shouting and hand-slapping that was aiming to create a fire.
Everton, he could see, were pumped up and ready. In those early minutes of this FA Cup quarterfinal, their approach was exactly what he anticipated.
Mason Holgate hurled in long-throws, hulking figures in royal blue crowded around his goalkeeper Zack Steffen, trying to intimidate.
Allan scampered and scuttled about, making every challenge count. Sometimes he crossed the line, triggering noisy protests from Guardiola’s entourage.