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This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

When Vincent Kompany's departure from Manchester City was confirmed, the big question revolved around how the club could ever replace the Belgian's charismatic presence off the field. The 33-year-old had been there when the Etihad outfit were beginning their emergence into a global force, and presided over multiple Premier League title triumphs. He was truly the symbol of the side's new era and a worthy ambassador.

But perhaps what Pep Guardiola should have been more concerned about, was his actual effect on the pitch. The defensive lynchpin. Against Tottenham, the centre-back's absence was worryingly conspicuous.

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Just three minutes after Raheem Sterling had opened the scoring, the visitors hit back through Erik Lamela. Ederson's positioning in goal was less than great, but what is perhaps just as pertinent, is wondering why the former AS Roma star was given the time and space to unleash that effort.

City's defence backed off and backed off until the 27-year-old was almost being begged to have a dig. And he duly did.

Then, having worked hard to restore their lead, Guardiola's men switched off at a corner and allowed Lucas Moura to glance a looping header over Ederson. Substitutions always tend to cause a bit of a chaos in terms of marking, but it is no doubt fair to suggest that Kompany would have taken charge of the situation. In his time at City, the Belgian was a master organiser, pulling teammates here and there, and getting them into the right positions.

Indeed, even forgetting his ability to lead from the back, his sheer defensive skills were a massive miss for the Manchester side on Saturday. City were completely dominant from start to finish, and Guardiola was rightly perplexed after the game at how Spurs' minimal efforts on goal had translated into an undeserved draw for the away side.

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week...

It was the kind of clash Kompany would have relished. Sensing that his side were struggling to put the ball in the back of the net, the veteran would have marshalled his troops and encouraged them to show greater focus defensively.

Instead, two lapses in concentration allowed Mauricio Pochettino's side to snatch a wholly improbable point. Whilst it may only be the second game of the season, the signs are already there that Kompany's departure is already beginning to take effect.

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