inverted

This could be through inverted full-backs, more orthodox wing-backs - which is what Geovany Quenda and goalscorer Maximiliano Araujo tried to be when they weren’t being pushed back - or central defenders stepping forward into midfield areas.

This inverted perception: Where status once begot the signifier, the signifier now begot the status.

Behind them, they have got Moises alongside one of their inverted full-backs, which provides them with the balance which allows that front five to attack.

Centre-back John Stones has rarely played as a lone defensive midfielder, but has been inverted into the deep-lying role at times from central defence and right-back.

Centre-back John Stones has rarely played as a lone defensive midfielder during his time at Etihad, but has been inverted into the deep-lying role at times from central defence and right-back.