It seems pundits and the public alike are queuing up to condemn Claudio Bravo, and Souness is no exception.
Graeme Souness told Sky Sports that Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was to blame for Southampton’s opener at the Etihad, not John Stones.
The world’s most expensive defender was widely pilloried when his underhit backpass gifted a goal to Nathan Redmond in Sunday’s 1-1 draw, extending Pep Guardiola’s winless run of five games and enticing further scepticism about his risky strategy of playing out from the back.
However, Souness has attempted to absolve Stones of the blame, arguing that Bravo, who suffered a humiliating red card in City’s 4-0 battering at the hands of Barcelona just four days previously (below), was at fault once again after he passed the ball to the England centre-back despite pressure being applied by the hard-working visitors.
“If Bravo doesn’t pass it out, we’re not sitting here talking about the mistake,” the former Liverpool manager said during the 1.30pm showing of Super Sunday on Sky Sports One.
“He’s thrown a ball out 25 yards from the goal. I’m not going to be happy, [fellow punding Jamie Carragher is] not going to be happy receiving the ball with two people closing you down.”
Watching eyes have been firmly focused upon City’s new number one since he usurped fans favourite Joe Hart at the Etihad in the summer, with a nervy debut against rivals Manchester United paving the way for an unconvincing transition into English football despite a trophy-laden two year stint with Barcelona.
However, it feels harsh for Souness to drop the blame squarely upon the Chilean’s shoulders, with miscommunication between Stones and centre-back partner Vincent Kompany, who stepped up at precisely the wrong moment to allow Redmond in behind, utterly avoidable regardless of Bravo’s decision making.
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