Marc Guehi's difficult afternoon against Ipswich Town has given Enzo Maresca's rotation comments a sharper edge.
Before City's 3-2 win, Maresca told the media that a host of players would need resting during a hectic schedule. He named Erling Haaland, Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez, Marc Guehi and Ruben Dias as those who will need a break at some point this season.
The warning looked prescient at the Etihad. Guehi, who had been in impressive form to begin the 2026-27 season, endured a torrid time against Gary O'Neil's side.
Maeda Leaves Guehi Grounded
City took the lead in the 19th minute through Phil Foden. The advantage lasted two minutes. Abdul Ouattara played a ball from the right behind the City defence, and Guehi drifted from his defensive position to play Daizen Maeda onside.
The Japanese international then left Guehi on the floor, using his body to shrug off the challenge before calmly slotting past Gianluigi Donnarumma at his near post to make it 1-1.
Worse followed late on. Guehi fouled Ipswich winger Abdul Fatawu, and although the referee initially waved play on, a VAR check awarded a penalty. Zian Flemming converted in the 90th minute to make it 3-2.
Maresca's side held on for their seventh consecutive Premier League win. The result was secure; the performance from Guehi was not.
Workload Catches Up
Guehi has carried a heavy workload through the summer with England and City. He featured prominently over the recent international break, and the toll was visible here.
Maresca's pre-match comments now look less like standard rotation talk and more like a necessary plan. With AEK Athens visiting the Etihad on Tuesday night for City's third UEFA Champions League league phase fixture, the manager has an obvious opportunity to give Guehi a breather.
Whether he takes it is another matter. But after an afternoon that saw Guehi played onside, left for dead and then concede a late penalty, the case for a rest makes itself.