It was a mistake which would have had Manchester United supporters wincing.
And not just because the beneficiaries of that blunder were none other than Man City, their sky blue-clad neighbours moving one big step closer to yet another Premier League title.
But because one of the men tipped to replace Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout had just seen his team embarrassed by the sort of error that will have had the likes of Sam Allardyce chuckling and shaking his head at those wedded to their ‘tippy tappy’ style.
Remember that scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark when that guy is showing off in front of Indiana Jones, twirling his sword before being ruthlessly and brutally gunned down by Harrison Ford? That is how it felt watching Brighton mess around on the edge of their own penalty area, Phil Foden wasting no time in slotting a first-time finish into the back of the home side’s net when the ball was lost.
There’s bravery and then there’s stupidity. And, for some cynics, Roberto de Zerbi‘s Brighton side have strayed across that line far too often recently. Not that you will find Pep Guardiola, an admirer of the Italian since his Sassuolo days, saying even a single disparaging word about a man who reportedly has admirers among Manchester United‘s new decision makers (The Telegraph).
Manchester United and Guardiola admire Roberto de Zerbi
“My admiration for him is growing every season,” Guardiola tells Sky Sports. “They had a lot of problems and important players like (Levi) Colwill, (Moises) Caicedo, (Alexis) Mac Allister were sold.
“They have a lot of injuries and have played in three competitions, but the way they play is always there. He is doing an incredible job at Brighton.”
Guardiola makes a good point. De Zerbi, even during Brighton’s lowest ebb and with so many key players unavailable, has never once deviated from his approach.
And while that can lead to the sort of mistakes Foden benefitted from on Thursday, it also instills a clear, coherent gameplan. All the while ensuring that if anyone is unavailable, another can step into his place, already knowing his duties and the role he is expected to play.
If there are two words you cannot use to describe Erik ten Hag’s own approach at Man United this season, it’s ‘clear’ and ‘coherent’.
Two years since he took charge, the Dutchman’s tactical plans are arguably even more obscure now than they were back in 2022.
At least De Zerbi, who would certainly fit Ineos‘ desire for a more possession-based, controlled gameplan, is brave enough to stick by his principles even if the results are a little ‘risk or reward’.
Brighton boss could replace Erik ten Hag
“He’s brave,” Guardiola adds. “It doesn’t matter which opponent, (De Zerbi) wants to impose his game, the process in build-up with the keeper, defenders, holding midfielders. They are exceptional.
“He’s a perfect person in world football. His teams are so attractive. In Italy, Ukraine (with Shakhtar Donetsk), now here. I’m a spectator always, always I like to watch.”
De Zerbi, who will reportedly cost around £12 million to buy out of his Brighton contract, is, by our count, one of nearly 20 managers linked with the Man United job in recent months.