After Izan released the ball subsequent to the earlier surge, Timber went hunting for a loose ball he had created himself, and his heavy touch drew pressure instantly.
He stretched, scraped, almost fell, and somehow nudged the ball free with the outside of his boot.
It was messy, a kind of play that usually ended with a whistle or a turnover.
Before anyone could call for it, Izan was already moving.
He had already anticipated what could happen with Timber, and that helped in reclaiming possession as he took the ball cleanly and immediately felt bodies around him.
Some distance away before, but now suddenly breathing down his neck, Rodri leaned in from one side.
In the same situation, Reijnders closed the space from behind while O'Reilly slid across to box him in.
To anyone watching, the situation might have looked dire at the moment.
Three shirts, tight and aggressive as the commentator's voice rose.
"City collapse on him here…"
But at the last second, Izan stopped.
