The Sum Not The Parts

"This team deserves a little bit more credit than the press gives us," Pellegrini told Sky Sports.

I opened this blog with the reasons why, as a long time follower of Man City, the Champions League left me cold. My thoughts have not changed, but that does not mean the last two performances; an unlikely win against Bayern and a two nil defeat of Roma in the Stadio Olympico, were not enjoyable. Far from it.

Each result, in different ways, showed the strengths of the team at the moment. The Bayern game showed why Sergio Aguero is truly a world class player, as he single-handedly brought City their first win in Europe this season. Of all the player investments over the last six years, no one player personifies the revolution in class since the takeover as much (well maybe David Silva, and Yaya on his day, and of course Vincent with the bit between his teeth). 

The Roma game demonstrated a different quality. Shawn of all of the above listed players (save a final 20 minute cameo for Silva), City put in a master class of how a solid team performance should look. All of the players were on top of their game. Milner and Fernandhino in particular bust several lungs to nullify i Giallorossi. Samir Nasri, with a magnificent opener from 20 yards, was also a revelation taking responsibility in all areas of midfield. But of all the magical moments it was left to fan favourite Zabaleta to seal the win with City's second, further cementing himself in City folk lore with an emotional celebration in front of the 1500 travelling support.

Manuel was of course correct, City are not given credit. Most hacks had pre written their stories on "yet another" disappointing European showing for MCFC. In fact one even published it in the Guardian (a publication which has long since forgotten its roots in Manchester). The Roma win was City's sixth on the bounce. Most have not been pretty, but none have been with a full squad, and  there have been some impressive showings either individually or as a team.

Of further interest was the media's collective belief that the approach, if not the personnel, in Rome might be the magic formula that City have lacked. A lot of people thought, myself included, that the Fernando purchase would lead to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 in Europe; but that's only been the case in the last two games. It will be interesting to see if it continues. Though Yaya's is a three match ban so perhaps 4-2-2-2 is less likely in any case come February. Whatever the formation it will be interesting to see if progression can continue.