Few people would expect to see the No 17 flash up on the fourth official’s board when Pep Guardiola turns to his bench to change a game.
Taking off Kevin De Bruyne when a goal down — and a man light — would usually be considered sacrilege. Manchester City are more likely to force the issue with him on the pitch, that much is obvious. Particularly when met with stoic, low blocks.
There have been countless occasions when De Bruyne’s brilliance has altered the course of a fixture, and changed the landscape of days such as this with an exasperated City simply never look like breaking through.