Fabian Huerzeler and goalscorer Matt O’Riley have broken down the key tactical changes which helped Albion beat Manchester City.

They included a different midfield shape, more intensity – and the huge contribution of Carlos Baleba as a half-time sub.

But Huerzeler said it was not a case of him getting one over Pep Guardiola in a tactical battle.

Albion stepped up a gear after the interval to defeat the champions 2-1.

Head coach Huerzeler said: “In possession we were more patient.

“In the first half we played too many vertical balls, we had too many easy giveaways when we were in ball possession.

“When you are more patient the gaps were opening more.

“Then we had the right timing to create exactly these passes where we get in these spaces.

“I think that was the big change. In possession and out of possession we played with more intensity.

“We had a better pressing pattern. We were more ruthless in personal duels.

“And, of course, a player like Carlos, who has exactly these profiles – a player who is very athletic, very fast, very dominant.

“Winning personal duels helps you to change a game.”

O’Riley came in off the right to give Joao Pedro a great passing option for the winning goal.

The former Celtic midfielder said: “I just tried to make the run in the little half-space.

“The manager kept talking about the eights making those runs and actually hitting diags out to hit the wide man.

“If you do that enough you end up getting on the end of it yourself.”

Baleba went on for Yasin Ayari at half-time with O’Riley playing for longer than the expected 20 minutes as he replaced injured Jack Hinshelwood just before the hour.

O’Riley said: “He told me to play in the right pocket.

“In the first half we played with a double six, kind of, and one No.10, in a box.

“In the second half we played with two eights dropping out to the spaces on the side and I think I just gave us a little more joy.

“I was just popping up in a few areas and I think we got quite a lot of success from it.”

Huerzeler said: “Of course, Pep Guardiola is one of the best managers in the world.

“But it’s not a game of me against Pep.”