When your team doesn't have individuals who defend VERY well, you can't take the game to City.

Instead, lower the block. Make the TEAM defend as a unit. Make your wingers support the fullbacks, and then, use EVERY ounce of your pace to counter when City's line comes forward.

You have two options:

1: Don't play out the back, hoof long with your keeper, win the second-balls, absorb pressure, drag City's line forward, and release your attack on the break.

2: Press the life out of City's midfield and outrun every single player to dominate the ball.

In the PL, only Liverpool are capable of out-pressing City.

Spurs LET City keep the ball, while they sat in their shape and they hit them where it hurt most.
FT: Spurs 2-0 City

Chelsea took the game to City and got caught by their own fragilities.
FT: Chelsea 1-3 City

Giving the ball to the opponent seems to be a taboo according to pundits, commentators, and your average modern-day football fan:

To me, there's absolutely nothing wrong with not keeping the ball when you're facing someone with a more technically proficient midfield.

Ultimately, it's what you want from the game.

I've stopped arguing with those who believe that ambitiously 'asserting authority' and 'making a statement' is greater than strategically getting a result.

You being in the game for the vibes is entirely your preference.

Peace