Tony Pulis’s Stoke inspired Premier League set-piece focus, says Guardiola

​ ‘Do you remember the throws? Now more teams do that’Haaland likely to be rested for Swansea Carabao Cup tiePep Guardiola has suggested Tony Pulis’s Stoke side have inspired ­Premier League clubs to become more direct and place greater emphasis on set pieces. The ­Manchester City head coach says he will not change his ­principles but is open to ­turning Omar Marmoush and Erling ­Haaland into a more classical strike partnership.City travel to Swansea on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup fourth round, where they will face a Championship side eager to keep the ball. Long throw-ins and corners are becoming increasingly important in the ­Premier League. Pulis used them to his ­advantage during his Stoke ­tenure in the late-2000s, helping the side defy the odds in the top flight. Continue reading… Read More