I can sort of understand the logic behind letting Sterling and Jesus go without direct replacement. I think it’s based on the premise that between Haaland and Foden we enough pace to hurt teams. The problem for me is that between Grealish, Mahrez and Palmer we have lots of skilful players but they all cut in.
For almost all of Pep’s time as City we’ve tried to get around teams by getting Sterling, Sané, Jesus or Foden one on one or better running free. We’ll lose that without Sterling or Jesus. Against Villa we saw that a burst of pace can unlock parked buses. We won’t have players that naturally go the goal line and cut back.
I think we’ll still end up as more of a crossing side. The problem as I see it will be lots crosses by left footers on the right or right footers on the left which are easier to defend. We won’t see as many dangerous balls across the 6 yard box, which is a shame as I think Haaland would thrive on them.