7 ...10 And We're Out! Liverpool 1 vs. 0 City

“We started really good. The first chance they have they score, so it was always difficult”, Pep Guardiola – 31/12/2016.

Goals: Wijnaldum (8')

Line Up (4-2-3-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (5)
Zabaleta (5), (Navas 86' (5.5))
Kolorov (6)
Otamendi (4.5)
Stones (6)
Toure (6), (Iheanacho 89' (5.5))
Sterling (6.5)
Fernandinho (6)
Silva (6.5)
Aguero (6)
De Bruyne (6)

Referee; Craig Pawson (7)

Stats;Possession, 43%/57%; Shots, 5(1)/9(2); Corners, 4/6; Fouls, 12/12

It was always an ask; Liverpool at Anfield are City's ultimate bogey fixture, having not won there in 13 years. But given Chelsea had extended their seemingly unstoppable run of wins to 13  verses Stoke, this had become a must win fixture by the time kick off arrived. 

The game started well enough with City arguably the more composed, but then with only eight minutes on the clock Zabaleta gave too much space to an in form Lallana, and City's centre backs went missing allowing Wijnaldum to head home. It was the worst of all starts, the momentum went out of City's game, and the front four never looked like landing a punch of their own, as Liverpool sat back in a solid nine and let City pass the ball in front of them. 

Its perhaps a compliment that the Premier Leagues, allegedly, most attack oriented manager, Jeurgen Klopp, saw no need to change the tactics after half time. Happy to hit City on the break, Liverpool were for the most part composed, as City slowly ratcheted up the pressure in the second half. But it was not to be, and with the gap now ten points between City and Chelsea, its going to take a melt down at Stamford Bridge for any other team to take their lead away from them. 

Some take aways from the game are, that Sterling (mostly) didn't let the pathetic booing get to him, Otamendi was terribad in his distribution, as was the ever more bewildering Bravo, and Aguero was ring rusty. All Pep can do before the Burnley game is take a deep breath and go again, but having surprisingly allowing Maffeo and Angelino go on loan in mid-week you have to hope some defensive reinforcements are on his wish list for the January window. 

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Yaya Boxing Clever, Hull 0 vs 3 City

“In the first half we forgot where the goal was, in the second half, our strikers saw the goal a bit more and after the first goal it was easy.”, Pep Guardiola – 26/12/2016.

Goals: Toure (72' pen), Iheancho (78'), Davies (90'+4 OG)

Line Up (4-1-4-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (5.5)
Sagna (6.5)
Clichy (6)
Otamendi (6)
Stones (6), (Kolorov 18' (5.5))
Toure (8.5)
Sterling (7.5)
Fernandinho (6.5)
Silva (7.5), Fernando 87' (5.5)
Nolito (5.5), (Iheanacho 57' (7))
De Bruyne (7)

Referee; Martin Atkinson (7)

Stats;Possession, 33%/67%; Shots, 10(3)/16(6); Corners, 4/7; Fouls, 11/14

Another solid second half performance saw City creep back within seven points of Chelsea, in what is looking like a five horse race for second spot, following the Londoners twelfth victory on the bounce to re-establish their dominance at the top. 

The game followed a similar pattern, with Hull setting out with a solid tight nine at the back in the first half, and City off the pace with what exactly to do to break Hull down; keeping high possession but with little pace of action in the penalty area . 

The second half was much more eventful. Hull decided that the success of the first half tactics was not enough, and started to press City's goal. City similarly realized that more tempo to their game was needed. The result was a much more open game with Hull actually looking a more likely prospect for five minutes or so. Then, as City's more accurate passing, and expansive football began to open up space (pressed by the ever efficient Toure), the City team again remembered the penalty area as a place of interest. 

The breakthrough when it came, was from the first Sterling run into the box on 72'; his heals clearly being clipped by Robertson giving the referee no option but to point to the spot. The resulting penalty was smashed to the keeper Marshall's left and from that point on the result never looked in doubt. Goals were added by Iheanacho on 78', tapping in a Silva cross from the right following De Bruynes direction and inch perfect pass to the magician. Sterling added to Hull's misery late on, again using his pace to get to the by line from Yaya's through ball with the outside of his boot, the cross was played with pace for Iheanacho, but Davies put into his own net before it got there. 

So an efficient if not rousing performance. Yaya Toure again put in a man of the match performance, making it ever more difficult for Pep not to offer the Ivorian talisman another year on his contract; however much his agent may wind up everyone at the club. Big game next at Anfield with 9 points  from 9 so far over Christmas. 

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

A Little Belief Goes A Long Way ... City 2 vs 1 Arsenal

“What a comeback in the 2nd half! 😊😊 ”, Leroy Sane – 18/12/2016.

Goals; Sane (47), Sterling (71'); 


Line Up (4-1-4-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (6)
Zabaleta (5.5), Sagna 45' (6.5)
Clichy (6.5)
Otamendi (6)
Kolorov (5.5)
Toure (7.5)
Sterling (8)
Fernando (7)
Silva (7.5)
Sane (8), (Navas 76' (6))
De Bruyne (8), (Iheanacho 84' (5.5))


Stats;Possession, 61%/39%; Shots, 14(5)/6(1); Corners, 8/1; Fouls, 9/13
Referee; Martin Atkinson (7)

Fabulous result and a great turnaround. But for a thirty five minute spell following the Arsenal goal (conceded yet again by being caught on the counter-attack), the City players and equally the fans, seemed to have lost belief in their ability to turn such a bad start around. A second goal at any time from Arsenal, would have opened up a chasm, not just in this game but in this Season's Premier league push. Despite the dominant possession everyone was waiting for another counter-attack, and for the misery to be confirmed. 

Perhaps we'd been brainwashed by the negativity which has surrounded us in the media since the result against Chelsea and Leicester, forgetting that had City taken their chances against the "runaway league leaders" they would have been deservedly well beaten. But the fact that City had not come back from losing at half time since 2012 loomed large as the players entered the tunnel, thankfully just the one goal behind.

Luckily the second half was a different game. Maybe Pep spiked the half time oranges, or threw a hairdryer, or whatever Pep does at half time, but whatever it was ... it worked, the belief was back. A couple of small team changes were made, Zabaleta was forced off through injury, and DeBruyne was tasked with the false 9 role, allowing Sterling and Sane to revert to their favoured right and left wings respectively. But more than that City showed passion and aggression, something sadly missing from the first forty-five.

Two minutes into the half and that aggression paid immediate dividends, Fernando seized on an Arsenal mis-control in midfield, forcing the ball to Silva who chipped over Koscielny, and Sane with his lightning pace ran through and calmly side footed the ball past Cech outstretched right hand, 1-1. It all happened so quickly there was still an air of disbelief, especially that the linesman had rightly not flagged for offside. But from that point on there was only one team going to win the game. City were quicker to the ball, more aggressive in the challenge, and simply wanted it more. It was fabulous to watch, especially against a side as accomplished as Arsenal; who were unable to find any rhythm, and in fact found it difficult to get out of their own half for long periods.

However, City had shown such dominance many times before this Season, their Achilles heal being an inability to convert possession into goals. So when the second goal came it was going to be something special, and Sterling certainly gave us that. On 71' Kevin De Bruyne, magnificent in the second half, floated a fifty yard pass from the left wing to the right, into the path of Sterling, who twisted one way then another to wrong foot Monreal before surprising everyone by cracking the ball low and hard into the right corner, 2-1, and the crowd went wild!

City could have made it three or four. De Bruyne's effort off the post from Jesus Navas' cross on 78' perhaps the best. The three points were well earned, giving City their second home win in a week, after previously not winning at home since September. It's going to be a long long haul to try and catch Chelsea, but having dispatched Arsenal whilst playing without two of their most important players, Aguero and Fernandhino, at least the team (and this particular fan) has again found some belief. #CTID.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Captain Zabba Bleeds Blue !!! City 2 vs. 0 Watford

“The game is always open here in England, Watford have impressed me. They have amazing strikers, strong and physical, but my players played with the spirit”, Pep Guardiola – 14/12/2016.

Goals; Zabaleta (33), Silva (86'); 


Line Up (4-1-4-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (6)
Zabaleta (8.5)
Clichy (6.5)
Otamendi (6)
Kolorov (6)
Toure (7.5)
Sterling (7.5)
Gündogan (5.5), (Fernando 44' (6))
Silva (7.5)
Nolito (7), (Navas 81' (5.5))
De Bruyne (7), (Sane 89' (5.5))


Stats;Possession, 64%/36%; Shots, 12(6)/5(2); Corners, 5/2; Fouls, 16/20
Referee; Kevin Friend (6.5)

A much more solid performance, and a much needed 3 points, kept City at least in sight of Chelsea (7 points clear), and within breathing distance of Arsenal and Liverpool (1 point ahead). 

Following the debacle at the King Power on Saturday, Pep again rang the changes. Nolito's hard running and closing up front, prefered to young Iheanacho's raw skill, and Yaya's power and comfort on the ball, chosen over Fernandos more obvious tackling intent.

The first half followed the pattern of recent home games verses Middlesboro, Everton, and Southampton with plenty of possession, and glimpses, rather than spells, of the one touch football which pulled teams apart at the beginning of the season. Pleasing, however, was the defence seemingly much more comfortable in a more traditional four, allowing the full-backs to overlap, and also more purpose from all the players in the closing and pressing in the Watford half.

Zabaleta had been handed the Captains arm-band for the game, and was already leading by example with a number of purposeful overlaps and decent link up play with Sterling, before he latched onto De Bruyne's cross at the far post on 33', to calmly pass the ball past Gomes.  1-0. It was nearly two, six minutes later when Nolito's effort was well saved from another De Bruyne assist. All was well as City edged towards half time, except for that elusive second goal, which has evaded City so often at home this season, and cost them so dearly later in matches. Then, with what Pep said later could be serious ligament damage, Gündogan was forced off following a foul by Amrabat .

The second half proceeded much the same as the first with City dominating the ball, and Yaya, Silva, (both celebrating their 200th games in a City shirt) as well as De Bruyne showing some bright touches. That second goal, however, would still not come and with Troy Deeney brought on as substitute and with Ighalo squandering Watford's best chance of the game on 81', I for one had a sinking feeling of Deja Vu as Watford moved forward ten yards and pressed for an equaliser.

Watford's efforts were however in vain, and perhaps I should have shown more confidence, as on 86' City finally broke through. Watford's press broken on the left by a strong tackle from De Bruyne and a Sterling/Silva combination of passes ending with a deft left foot effort beating Gomes easily to make it 2-0.

So City move into another six pointer on Saturday with the game against Arsenal at the Etihad, hopefully buoyed by the fact they have beaten a Watford side who in turn beat Arsenal's nemesis from last night Everton only last week. So a win for City is a given surely :P ... #CTID.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Pep Fox Up at the King Power, Leicester 4 vs. 2 City

“After four minutes, two-nil is difficult for the team”, Pep Guardiola – 10/12/2016.

Goals; Vardy (3', 20', 78'), King (5'); Kolorov (82'), Nolito (90') 


Line Up (4-1-4-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (4)
Zabaleta (5)
Sagna (5)
Stones (6.5)
Kolorov (4)
Fernando (5)
Navas (5.5), (Sterling 58' (5.5))
Gündogan (4.5), (Nolito 68' (6.5))
Silva (5.5)
Iheanacho (5.5), (Toure 58' (5.5))
De Bruyne (5)


Stats;Possession, 22%/78%; Shots, 10(6)/19(4); Corners, 3/11; Fouls, 10/7
Referee; Michael Oliver (5)

The highs of a six game perfect start in the PL, a derby victory, and even the more recent drubbing of Barcelona at the Etihad, all now seem a distant memory. City's achilles heal has been well and truly exploited in recent weeks, and never more so than by Leicester's route one yesterday. Below are five home truths, rammed home at the King Power Stadium: 

1. The purchase of Claudio Bravo, at the expense of fan's favourite Joe Hart, could well already be the undoing of Pep Guardiola's Premier League title attempt.  Hart's shop stopping ability has of course been missed, especially in light of Bravo's inability to get anywhere near a ball, but its more the lack of vocal presence and any kind of command of his defence which is Bravo's undoing. He has been a fish out of water since he first pulled on the shirt.

2. The shoe-horning of Gundogan alongside both Silva and De Bruyne was a retrograde step on his return from injury. In the advanced position he has been asked to play he sucks the space from the other two. If he is to play it needs to be much deeper or either Silva or DeBruyne must make way. Nolito, though not the technical player Gundogan/Silva/DeBruyne undoubtedly are, has much better sense of position and knows when to be out wide, as shown in the opening six wins of the Season.

3. Given the pure comedy of City's back-line, and apparent lack of confidence in the youngsters, City simply must invest in a solid centre half and left back in the up coming transfer window. For now, simplicity, and perhaps allowing the defence to retreat an extra ten yards would be the pragmatic thing to do before what, if anything, is left of John Stone's confidence is completely shot.

4. City do not get enough men into the area when attacking, leaving some wonderful play completely unfulfilled and wasted.

5. Perhaps the only surprising one of this list. What happened to the high energy closing of teams seen in the first six games of the Season, and recreated so spectacularly against Barcelona? Serious questions now need to be asked of work rate as well as confidence having shipped seven goals in two games.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Manchester City 1 v 1 Celtic – A worthy exercise

“Since the age of 13 or 14, the Academy has prepared me for this day and days to come” Tosin Adarabioyo

, Guardiola - 23/11/2016

Goals;   Roberts (4'); Iheanacho (8')


Line Up (3-2-4-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Caballero (5)
Adarabioyo (7)
Sagna (6)
Clichy (5)
Zabaleta (8)
Fernando (7)
Maffeo (7) (Navas 62')
Sane (8)
Gundogan (7)
Nolito (6)
Iheanacho (8)

Stats; Possession 55%/45%; Shots 2(3)/6(5); Fouls 7/16.

The final outcome of Group B was already in the books. The Etihad entertained Celtic in an exhibition style match that had next to no competitive incentive in comparison to the reverse 3-3 thriller in Glasgow. Nevertheless, this may have proved to have had a higher importance than many realise. 

City lined up in, yet another different formation and a different set of players. In what was described as a back four of Maffeo, Sagna, Tosin and Clichy. It was fantastic to see the two City academy youth prospects starting in a Champions League game. This in itself cannot be overlooked. Neither of which looked out of place. Tosin was steady, played the game in front of him and battled in a no nonsense fashion. Something of a novelty in City’s central defence based on recent weeks. Maffeo was deployed as more of a wingback – with Sagna and Zaba providing the young Spaniard with the licence to keep wide and provide an outlet. Maffeo had the grit and dynamism that he showed in the EFL cup tie against the rags. Fierce in the tackle and never shy’d away from the ball. The only criticism I have is that we didn’t make use of his blistering pace on the flanks enough. 

The next positives come from the slightly more senior (yet still under 21 years old) Sane and that boy Kelechi. Sane looked every bit a 30-million-pound player, while making Lustig look like a Scottish league player. This is where the Pep effect was really apparent for me watching from the stands yesterday. Sane was constantly keeping the game stretched. Owning both channels and for lack of a Silva or De Bruyne in the middle, we may have exploited Celtic much more in these areas. 

Kelechi, well, what more can you say. Directly involved in a goal every 71 minutes. 5 goals, 3 assists this season. 13 goals in 18 starts. The boy is growing at every opportunity. Coming in for Aguero who has been left on the naughty step, this was a game that Kelechi needed to boost his confidence ahead of a busy Christmas period where he will be the main man in front of goal. A goal and some fantastic link up play throughout will prove invaluable in the coming weeks. 

And finally, the Zab and Octopus Pivot in holding midfield. Deployed in an unfamiliar role, Zaba took to the box-to-box role fantastically. Him and Fernando aren’t the most technically gifted, but they did their jobs fantastically. Breaking up the play, moving the ball quickly and providing an extra man down the middle with a classic Zabaleta overlap. Fabian Delph may find it difficult to make the bench with these two showing a fantastic level of solidity in the holding roles. While it seems a shame we did not give Aleix Garcia a run in this role, its yet another option for Pep to call upon in the oncoming avalanche of December games. 

Was this a game of the highest quality? No. However, the above cannot be underestimated with the confidence it will give each of these individuals moving forward. After a demoralising defeat to table toppers Chelsea. This adaptable City will have a real purpose on Saturday. If ever there was a time to trust in the young guns, it was now. 


@PatrickElano

Anthony Taylor, Take A Bow, City 1 vs. 3 Chelsea

“They have few chances and they scored from them ”, Pep Guardiola – 03/12/2016.

Goals; Cahill (OG 45');Costa (60'), Willian (70'), Hazard (90')


Line Up (3-4-2-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (4)
Kolorov (5)
Otamendi (5)
Stones (5.5)
Navas (7.5)
Fernandinho (6.5, Red Card 90')
Sane (7), (Clichy (4) 69')
Gündogan (6.5), (Toure 5.5), 76')
Silva (6.5)
Agüero (6.5, Red Card 90')
De Bruyne (6.5)


Stats;Possession, 61%/39%; Shots, 14(5)/10(4); Fouls, 14/9
Referee; Anthony Taylor (-5)

Firstly City should have won the game with or without Chelsea being on the favourable end of some hugely controversial refereeing from Anthony Taylor, in what even in this season of ridiculously poor refereeing, was quite frankly an appalling display.

Of the three game changing moments in the match, Taylor was involved in two. His failure to step up and take the big decision when Luis took out Aguero when free on goal in the 36', was just plain cowardice. Eight minutes later and Kante takes out Gundogan in the box, less clear cut but certainly would have been given as a foul if it hadn't been inside the penalty area. These are the big decisions that top referees are paid big money to make and Taylor simply did not have it in him ... make your own minds up as to why.

So when Gary Cahill shinned Navas' cross into his own net on 45', it was the least City deserved at that point. Though on another day Chelsea would have been down to ten men and already 1-0 down.

Then came the third decisive moment. Chelsea had already been let off the hook a couple of times; the most significant when Aguero latched onto defensive lapse by Alonso and should really have cut the ball back rather than shoot. Then City broke on the right and Navas squared a beautiful ball to De Bruyne, which the Belgian skied over the bar when it was much easier to score from 5 yards out.

And from that point City's Achilles heal, its wayward defence, became the heart of a collapse rarely seen at the Etihad. Goals from Coast, WIllian, and Hazard were all on the break and all through lack of foresight and pace by City's defenders. Bravo again proved that he's not a shot stopper barely twitching and the three efforts went past. Clichy, brought on to shore up things defensively was perhaps the biggest problem alongside Otamedi and Kolorov's insistence on playing in midfield.

The press will now delight in informing us of Chelsea's dominance, where in actuality City should have buried them. But they didn't, and whilst the tactics and wonderful football are not accompanied by the required composure in front of goal, they do not allow for a set of defenders as poorly drilled and as lacking in discipline as City's back line. Something needs to change and it needs to change quickly in that back five.

The two red cards at the end were a direct result of the poor refereeing previously, Luis had already hurt Aguero on a further two occasions when the Argentine overran the ball and mistakenly thought he could exact some revence with a wild kick out towards the ball but intended for Luis. Fernandhino had received a slap from Fabregas before his chase of the Spaniard cause him to fall theatrically over an advertising hoarding. In the cold light of Sunday morning these will both look indefensible considering the damage the accompanying three match bans will have on City's run into Christmas, but in the moment they were understandable frustration. Again its noteworthy that not a single Chelsea player received any punishment in the melee following Aguero's challenge. #CTID

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Points If Not Prizes, Burnley 1 vs 2 City

“It's good news!”, Pep Guardiola – 26/01/2016.

Goals; Marney (15');Aguero (37', 60')

Line Up (4-2-3-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (5)
Sagna (5.5)
Kolorov (5.5)
Otamendi (5)
Clichy (6)
Fernandhino (6.5)
Fernando (7.5)
Sterling (6.5), (Sane (6) 77')
Toure (7), (Nava (5.5) 89')
Nolito (6), (DeBruyne (5.5) 78')
Aguero (8)

Stats; Possession, 33%/67%; Shots, 10(5)/21(5); Fouls, 8/15

Referee; Andre Marriner (5.5)

The positives from the game are obvious. Burnley at home, are a difficult and persistent side to break down, as shown earlier in the season with their win against Champions Liverpool. Digging out a result at Turf Moor is, in black and white terms at least, a valuable show of character in what has been a tough week of three away games. It was also good to see two excellent performances from Toure and Aguero. Yaya for the second time in a week showing he's still a threat at this level, and Kun was in need of a goal and scored a brace and came close to a third. 

It was, however, the third game on the bounce where City have failed to hit anywhere near their best form, and with the December fixture glut looming, a turn around in performances will be needed soon to maintain the title push. Of greater worry is the inability of the defence to keep a clean sheet, and perhaps the time has come to see something of the EDS players in this capacity (Maffeo in particular looked a solid prospect, and far from out of his depth, when used in the League Cup verses Trafford, and Adarabioyo is also worth a look whilst the first team centre back's continue to struggle).

It was the centre back worries which showed through early on in this game, with Otamendi perhaps lucky to not have already given away a penalty before providing the assist to Marney on 15'. Luckily Aguero was back to his poaching best as he grabbed the scrambled equaliser, scoring from close range on 37' after the ball took a deflection from the corner. From then on City looked in control but without any of the cutting edge seen when at their best.

After the break City continued to dominate possession, but with little in the way of attempts on target, until another scramble in the box led to City taking the lead. Yaya could possibly have had a penalty after ex-Blue, Ben Mee kicked him in the stomach, and then in the aftermath, Fernandinho managed to squeeze the ball over to Aguero, who again put the ball in the net from close range, 1-2.

So a welcome 3 points, and a chance to rest and recuperate for a week, before the vital six pointer verses Chelski, and hopefully a return of blistering early season form.     #CTID

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Borussia Moenchengladbach 1 vs 1 Manchester City – On to the next one.

“The first part of the season is so important, to qualify for the next round. We did it – and now we can focus on the Premier League” 

, Guardiola - 23/11/2016

Goals;   Raffael (23'); Silva (46')


Line Up (3-1-4-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (5)
Otamendi (6)
Stones (6)
Kolorov (6)
Gundogan (7),
Fernandinho (7)
Sterling (6)
Silva (8),
De Bruyne (7)
Navas (6)
Aguero (6)

Stats; Possession 31%/69%; Shots 12(5)/11(7); Fouls 13/10.

The last few weeks have been somewhat of a yo-yo. Depending on which hour of the day you look on social media you will gauge a different overall consensus on the blues this season. From the fantastic to the "fraudulent". City’s last away fixture in the group C quite nicely summarised this bipolar opinion. 

City started with three at the back; Stones, Kolarov and Otamendi providing the base for the remaining 8 to roam with attacking intent. This was by no means a match to remember. City just weren’t really clicking in the first half. One eye over their shoulders at the goings on at Celtic Park was inevitable. 

Meanwhile, Gladbach seemed the more determined to make their mark. That they did on the 23’ as John Stones controversially lost out in a 50/50 battle just inside the City half. The ball finding Raffael on the edge of the City box for his shot to be deflected past Bravo. Still struggling to keep a clean sheet and City were at risk of taking the ‘typical’ route. 

However, City began to control possession slightly and if it wasn’t for Sergio having Ice-skates on again he may have found himself one on one with Sommer on a few occasions. Heading into the final minutes, the game was evenly balanced with no team boasting any real intensity. In added time in the first half it was quality that brought City level. Sterling found De Bruyne marauding forward who cut back towards the six yard box for skipper Silva to poke the ball into the German sides net. All square and yet another assist for our Belgian crack. 

After the break this one can only be described as, well, odd. On 50’ the Gladbach captain, Stindl, was shown a second yellow for an off the ball body check on Otamendi just inside the City half. What a moron. This is where you expected City to go on to dominate. The aptly named Turkish referee Cuneyt, had other ideas. On 60’ Fernandinho was also shown a second yellow for what seemed to be a throwback to Kevin Horlock’s aggressive walking. 

From here on in, the game seemed to simmer. Was it the exciting attacking football we want to see every minute of the match? Unfortunately not. However, if City had gone on to leave men forward we all would have been more annoyed if we left ourselved vulnerable or got a man injured. This is just one more positive step forward in establishing ourselves as a Champions League force. It was unnecessary to push for the victory. Burnley away will be an extremely tough game on Saturday. It is this level of game management that separates the winners from the also ran’s in this competition. We are in the pot and with the luck of the draw we could be closer than everyone thinks to that pot with big ears. 

@PatrickElano

"Oh Before, He Breaks Away and Scores ... Oh Yaya Toure I Think We Should Pay Him Some More ..." Crystal Palace 1 vs. 2 City

“Now we have another player who can help us this season ... His personality and his quality are there to see ...”, Pep Guardiola – 19/11/2016.

Goals; Wickham (66');Toure (39', 83')



Line Up (4-2-3-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (6.5)
Sagna (6.5)
Kompany (6), (Zabalateta (6.5) 37')
Otamendi (6)
Kolorov (6)
Toure (8)
Fernandhino (8.5)
Sterling (6.5)
De Bruyne (6.5)
Nolito (7), (Silva (5.5) 67')
Aguero (6), (Fernando (5.5) 86')


Stats;Possession, 38%/62%; Shots, 9(2)/10(4); Fouls, 12/15
Referee; Robert Madley (4)

In what was probably the worst we have seen of City this season, three football truisms shone out to put a smile back on City fans' faces. No.1 , one-twos inside the area are almost undefendable in the modern game. No.2, packing the box makes it far easier to score a goal. No.3, Yaya Toure still has one of the best footballing brains, if no longer the legs, in a Man City shirt! 

With results and performances for Liverpool and Arsenal, showing its not just the City squad that struggled after an international break made overly long with completely pointless friendlies. City can take solace from this slightly fortunate turn around, having taken 3 points on a Saturday where other title hopefuls have failed, and also managing to rest Gundogan and  Stones for mid-week.

Alan Pardew had certainly got the memo... "Clatter City and push them hard and the ref will do nothing", and this coupled with tired looking performances from a lot of the team, made it look like a long afternoon from the start. In fact it took eighteen minutes to set up the first meaningful chance of the game with Nolito being denied a shot on goal after good work from Sterling down the right. Things then looked to be going from bad to worse, when on 37', Kompany was forced to retire early (seeing double) after taking the worst of a bad collision with Bravo, whilst stopping Puncheon as he ran on goal.

Luckily two of City's oldest and canniest players had not got the message that this was an "off day", and produced a goal of pure class to, temporarily at least, give the fan's reward for their long trip and highly vocal support. Having got away with a certain free-kick just outside the box for a foul on Aguero, Palace gave away the ball as Streling bore down on Kelly, forcing the left back to skew his pass to DeBruyne. Following a quick pass to Yaya and a one two from the Ivorian power house with Aguero, he then linked with Nolito to play another fabulous one two inside the box before crashing the ball into the top left with his right in-step, 1-0, Yaya was back!

After the break it was, unfortunately, much of the same low energy stuff from City as Palace built up a head of steam. This culminated first in a cynical off the ball foul by Puncheon on Zabaleta, blatantly taking out the Argentinian 25 yards from goal as he moved to get onto a De Bruyne pass, ... how he escaped a red, let alone any punishment is beyond me (see the ref score above, unfortunately not a rarity this or any other season).  Then second, the inevitable happened, and City's defence gave way to a quick break; when following an attack, which could have led to an Aguero goal, Palace broke and Connor Wikham made it 1-1 from Saha's pass.

Following this knock back, City finally seemed to muster some steam, and continued to press for a winner, while Palace slowly seemed to be settling for a draw. And then on 83', that man again Yaya Toure, lolloped into the six yard box, apparently unseen by the Palace defence to guide home the winner from two yards out from De Bruynes low corner, 2-1 game-over, and we can all love Yaya again despite his bad staff choices! With him apparently receiving a standing ovation as he entered the dressing room after the game, this is a welcome addition to the squad as we start the descent into Christmas fixture mayhem.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

The Inevitable Hangover?, City 1 vs 1 Middlesboro

“We have to close the game with a second or third goal and we couldn't do that. We created six or seven chances and didn't score”, Pep Guardiola – 05/11/2016.

Goals; Aguero (43'); Forshaw (90+1'); 

Line Up (4-1-4-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (6)
Zabaleta (6)
Stones (6)
Kolorov (5.5)
Clichy (5)
Fernandinho (6.5)
Navas (7) (Garcia (5.5) 86')
DeBruyne (7)
Gundogan (6.5), (Nolito (5.5) 75')
Silva (6.5)
Aguero (6.5), (Iheanacho (5.5) 90')

Stats;Possession, 71%/29%; Shots, 25(5)/7(3); Fouls, 7/15
Referee; Friend (6)

For all the statistics stacked up in the Blues favour, the total possession, the multiple attempts on target, the blocks, and the woodwork, there's only one real stat that matters, City drew again. And that's the one which if repeated too often (and its been seen three time already against sides which park the bus), may eventually cost City any chance of the title.

After the euphoria of Tuesday night, it was always going to be difficult to raise the tempo again, but in the first half tempo didn't seem to be a problem, end product did.  City were dominant. So much so Boro didn't have a shot, let alone a shot on target. The attacks came in waves, but importantly for Boro, largely from outside the box as the six man defence and three holding midfielders held firm. It was telling that the first save was from a hopeful effort from Kolorov from 25 yards after 23'. But that seemed to get the message through, if Aleks is shooting, maybe something's not quite right? DeBruyne followed up soon after with his own effort just wide, and then efforts from Aguero, DeBruyne , and Silva all came close before FINALLY! the breakthrough just before half time, with DeBruyne threading the ball through half a dozen Boro bodies to meet a perfectly timed run from Aguero to tap in, 1-0.

The second half, should have been easier, a chance to press whilst Boro had to come out. A chance to get another goal on the break or from a loose second ball. But unfortunately it was Boro who came out with the ideas, and City who were already looking tired. Boro got out of the blocks with an early effort from Forshaw, well saved by Bravo out quickly from his goal. But for City the first fifteen minutes of the second half were at best careless, and more than reminded Boro that just a single goal, and they were right back in the game. Perhaps it was too much to ask all the core players from mid-week to maintain the performance for another ninety, perhaps it was just lack of concentration, but City just didn't get going. Slowly but sure Boro edged themselves into a game they had not previously deserved to be in, and City didn't seem to be able to stop it, especially via a series of perplexing substitutions just as you might hope we'd complete a shut out.

And then it came, In the second minute of injury time, a sucker punch. Friend released from marking Navas, was able to lob a hopeful cross put into the box, that shouldn't have been allowed to arrive , and should have been better dealt with by Clichy, as DeRoon got his head to the ball first, 1-1, sickener.

So again the worrying blueprint pays dividends. First Everton, then Southampton and now Middlesboro have simply set out a back six, and a solid centre three, all willing to be overly robust in the challenge. It is something Pep has so far also been unable to get his head around, but needs to do quickly, as rivals pick up points simply because teams are more willing to play football against them. Whatever the answer the players will have plenty to ponder on as they head into an international break, with City having surrendered top spot.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

A New Milestone: City 3 v 1 Barcelona

“We dominated Barca, the result is more than deserved” 

, Gundogan - 01/11/2016

Goals; Messi (21); Gundogan (39, 74); KDB (51)


Line Up (4-2-3-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Caballero (7.5)
Zabaleta (8)
Otamendi (7)
Stones (8)
Kolorov (7)
Gundogan (9.5),
Fernandinho (7.5) (Fernando (7) 60')
Sterling (8) (Navas (7) 71')
Silva (8),
De Bruyne (8.5) (Nolito (N/A) 90')
Aguero (8.5)

Stats; Possession 41%/59%; Shots 13(4)/9(3); Fouls 17/16.

If you were among the camp who had zero optimism heading into City’s sixth attempt at taking on the Catalan giants, you were not in the minority. Even after a blistering display at the Hawthorns, where City had put an end to a win-less streak that was starting to cause real concern, fans were reticent to hope for anything positive, having come to realize Barcelona are a different proposition to premier league opposition. In our previous six meetings with Barcelona, matches had always seemed to descend towards a ‘typical city’ climax with as many red cards as goals. However, the City that emerged last night were anything but ‘typical’. 

City started the game similarly to the clash at the Camp Nou a fortnight ago, where they had in no way looked out of their depth, until Bravo's red card. Early pressure almost bearing fruit as Raheem Sterling was wrongly denied a penalty in the first ten minutes and picked up a laughable yellow card in the process. Boos rang around the Etihad, for the second time that evening, as the sinking feeling of “here we go again” started to creep into the minds of the faithful. This sinking feeling got considerably worse as another promising spell from City was quickly countered by Barcelona and ended in Messi sliding the ball passed Willy Cabellero. All that early pressure for nothing. 

The remainder of the first half was a nervy one to say the least. City looked anxious. That early pressing which saw City match the Spanish Champions in the opening 20 minutes had dwindled as we began to stand off, leaving gaps for Messi, Suarez and Neymar to cause problems. Otamendi started to return to type and made some rash decisions. However, future England captain John Stones was excellent in covering the space, playing like he was born to fight at this level. Nevertheless, with only 28% possession from the 20th to 30th minute, it was going to take all sorts of stars to align, to get back in the game. 

Perhaps the first of those stars, was DeBruyne. Having switched positions with Silva minutes before, DeBruyne's harassment of Sergi Roberto caused the Spaniard to release a stray pass, immediately latched upon by Aguero. The Argentinian hero of so many City games then slid the ball into the path of Sterling who then unselfishly teed up Gundogan to slot home at the back post. It was a goal that perfectly summed up Pep’s philosophy. Press, win the ball in the final third, and be ruthless.

This philosophy was certainly drilled into the players in the dressing room at half time. After the break City were fantastic, with arguably their best half of football ever in Europe. They didn’t let Barcelona breathe on the ball. They pressed high, not allowing ‘MSN’ any room to engineer. Again it was this pressing, from Aguero, who then found Silva at the edge of the box drawing a foul from Buqsuets (how he escaped a red all game is still a mystery). De Bruyne had not read the script. He unleashed a phenomenal freekick that goalkeeper Ter Stegan could only tickle as it whistled into the top right hand corner. For the first time, City were winning in a match versus Barcelona. 

If ever you needed a picture that these City players wanted this more than anything, the celebration that followed painted a thousand words. The word passion gets thrown around so much in football that it has almost become an unobtainable threshold where these footballers will never show enough. That celebration blew those doors wide open. Pride in battle, off the badge but not off the pitch. 

From this point onwards it could have been 4 or 5. Barcelona did not know how to handle City's more direct version of Barcelona's playing style. Messi started to come deeper and deeper looking for an opening that City were determined to keep shut. Where we had played ourselves into danger in previous games, we knew when to get rid. Aguero and Sterling always providing an outlet for the break. 

A special mention is needed for our main man. Pep has said that he wants more from his strikers. They are not a separate entity from the rest of the pack, but the first line of pressure. Sergio was out to prove he was that perfect piece. He never stopped pressing, he provided outlets on both wings, linking with Silva, KDB and Sterling as part of a fluid machine. World Class. 

Come 70’, at the time that all City fans looked at the clock and asked “how are there still 20 f***in minutes left?!” and thoughts crept to the inevitable Barca equaliser, this City team decided to turn it up another gear! In an "anything you can do, we can do better counter attack", Aguero nicked the ball off his mate Lionel and City flooded forward. Sergio found DeBruyne, who played a perfectly weighted through ball to Navas who was busting a gut to the byline to get his cross in. The cross that was just behind Aguero who could only let it hit his body for Gundogan to pick up the pieces and slam the decisive third goal home! 

So much can be said of this performance. Gundogan and DeBruyne were worth their weight in gold. Stones was immovable. Zaba was colossal. Aguero proved why he should be knocking on the Ballon D’or. Last night was a milestone. The next step in this journey that we have strapped ourselves in for. We have the greatest manager in world football. We have shown that we are no longer also-rans in European competition. Typical city will stay in our hearts forever, but on 1/11/2016 the ashes were scattered and Pep's City is well and truly alive and kicking on! 

@PatrickElano

Back With a Bang, WBA 0 vs 4 City

“Very happy about the victory, the goals and the brilliant teamwork. And we are going for more! 💪 C'mon, City!”, Sergio Aguero – 29/10/2016.

Goals; ;Aguero (19', 28'), Gundogan (79', 90')



Line Up (3-2-4-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (6.5)
Fernando (7)
Stones (7)
Otamendi (7)
Kolorov (6)
Gundogan (8)
Fernandhino (8)
Sterling (7), (Navas (6) 77')
Silva (8), (Garcia (5.5) 83')
Nolito (6.5), (DeBruyne (6.5) 68')
Aguero (9)


Stats;Possession, 30%/70%; Shots, 9(1)/21(8); Fouls, 17/10
Referee; Lee Mason (6.5)

Blistering! In hopefully the first of several paybacks for resting a host of players in mid-week, "Crisis Club" City returned to top form for much of this one sided encounter at the Hawthorns. 

The first half was all about the pace of City's attacks, helped by an instant return to form for Aguero who bagged a brace by half time. City had already had several chances, including an offside goal from Nolito, when Aguero latched onto Gundagans through ball to swipe home the first on 19'. His second nine minutes later was even better as he lashed the ball with dip and curve into the top right of the goal from the edge of the penalty area. "City are back" sang the faithful, and it looked as if they had never been away as the chances racked up. Nolito and Fernando both had good chances blocked before Nolito broke through on 34' only to have his effort ruled out for offside.

After the break, the Baggies did start to show signs of life, and with City having missed a couple more chances to put the game beyond them, Rondon rose to beat Bravo to the ball but thankfully put his header wide on 54'. City needed a third to calm the fan's, if not the players nerves, and  on 77' Gundogan having his best game in a City shirt so far provided the answer, latching onto an Aguero chip to calmly finish past Foster, 0-3.

It was the least City deserved having created so many chances from nearly total possession for much of the game. And when Gundogan drove into the area to convert substitute DeBruynes cross on 90' the comeback was complete.

Aguero has now moved into the top 20 all time premier league top scoerers with his 149th goal for the club. City return to the top of the table overtaking Arsenal again after their earlier win away to Sunderland. A lot had been made of a win-less streak of six matches, but City could not have wished for a better warm up for the big game in mid-week verses Barcelona...if they match this form it could be a cracker    #CTID

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Not To Be, Reserves Fall Short At The Swamp, Trafford 1 vs. 0 City (EFL Cup)

“I'm proud of the young players and how they played. At that level you need to be more clinical with the last pass but it's difficult against United”, Pep Guardiola – 26/10/2016.

Goals; Mata (54');



Line Up (4-4-2) (match ratings in brackets); 

Caballero (6.5)
Maffeo (7.5)
Kompany (c)(5.5), (Kolorov 45' (5.5))
Otamendi (6)
Clichy (5)
Fernando (7)
Navas (7)
García (7)
Nolito (6), (Aguero (6) 71')
Iheanacho (6)
Sane (5.5), (Sterling (6) 63')


Stats;Possession, 48%/52%; Shots, 8(2)/5(0); Fouls, 17/14
Referee; Mike Dean (5.5)

A lot of plus points tonight, despite the loss, from what turned out to be a match between City's second string and United's strongest team. 

Pep Guardiola made nine changes, with only Otamendi and Clichy retaining their places from the weekend draw against Southampton. Showing trust in his whole squad, Pep chose a mix of experience and youth, with City's youth contingent including starts for Garcia, and Maffeo, both of whom gave great account of themselves. Maffeo in particular was none stop in keeping Rashford and Shaw quiet for much of the game.

City were more direct than we have come to expect in the opening half, with a more traditional shape to the line up, but the high tempo was there as was the pressing. This pressure on the ball gave City perhaps their best chance early on with the ball being released to Navas, who having one of his better games in a City shirt, crossed neatly for Iheanacho, who unfortunately got slightly under the header as it went high and wide.

After the break, it was United who stepped up a gear, and it was this aggression which brought the goal. Suspicions of fouls first on Otamendi and then Fernando, being waved away before Mata slotted home..

Once the goal went in City didn't really switch up the couple of gears needed to get back into the game. First Sterling and then Aguero were brought on to up the quality, but despite a good ten minute spell, the possession was all outside the box and United's defence never really looked troubled. Though it should be noted that yet again City were denied a clear penalty when Garcia was fouled in the box. So a dissapointing result with the upside of a rested first team squad and a great 90 minutes from two of City's future hopes. I would have liked to have seen Angelino as well, especially given both Clichy and Kolorov remain out of form, maybe soon...    #CTID

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Another Bad Day At The Office, City 1 vs 1 Southampton

“You can win ten times and then you are not able to win five times. I have to discover the reason why and I am going to find that.”, Pep Guardiola – 23/10/2016.

Goals; Iheanacho (55'); Redmond (27'); 

Line Up (4-1-4-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (5.5)
Kompany (5.5), (Navas (5.5) 78')
Stones (5)
Kolorov (5.5)
Sané (7), (Nolito (5.5) 90')
Fernandinho (6.5)
Sterling (6.5)
Gundogan (5.5)
De Bruyne (5.5), (Iheanacho (7) 45')
Silva (6)
Aguero (6)

Stats;Possession, 65%/35%; Shots, 14(3)/6(2); Fouls, 11/10
Referee; Clattenburg (5.5)

Whisper it quietly, but within all the clap trap written this week regarding City's demise, there is one grain of truth. City's defence may cost the club any meaningful progress this Season. Or more accurately, the players inability to adapt to the obsessive way of playing absolutely everything from the back, may cost City any meaningful progress this Season. Today Southampton's Redmond was the beneficiary, as he had a goal gift wrapped with a bow on top by a John Stone's schoolboy back pass. Last week it was Everton who were the benefactors, costing two points more points at home.  In mid-week it was full party bag time at the Camp Nou with Bravo, Gundogan, Kolorov, and Stones, all falling prey to attacks of the collywobbles at vital moments in a vital fixture.

So while the first half at the Etihad today was an unacceptable return to the de-energized and largely unfocused City performances in the worst moments of last season, in the end it was yet another defensive mistake which cost City the possibility of a win.

The second half was slightly better. De Bruyne was withdrawn, possibly purely a tactical change, possibly due to carrying a knock, and Iheanacho introduced. Whatever the reason, Iheanacho was certainly the stand out performer of the second half for City. And his aggression to get to the ball paid off within ten minutes of his introduction, as he got the better of Van Dijk (who had up to that point looked immovable), to nudge the ball home from three yards from Sane's cross from the left.

Following the goal, City finally looked something of the side which powered to a 10 game winning streak at the start of the Season. The front five came alive, perhaps the best chances falling to Gündogan, whose right foot effort from inside the box was saved well by by Forster on 69', and Aguero with a header just wide on 77'. But it was too little in the end to beat a resolute Southampton side who had seen the blueprint laid down by Everton last week, and followed it to the letter.

And its this blueprint which is the most worrying. Unlike the Spuds game, where City were beaten by the better team on the day, Spuds having far more aggression and quickness of thought. Everton and Southampton have both simply set out a back six, and a solid centre three willing to take the chance that the referee will not show a yellow when leaving a foot in (which they invariably do not). Its the sort of conundrum which Pellegrini was lambasted for when he couldn't resolve it, but is something Pep has so far also been unable to get his head around. Perhaps its as simple as looking back to what was working at the start of the season? Sterling out right, Nolito on the left, De Bruyne and Silva both given free reign and total commitment to pressing to make up for the self inflicted pressure on the back four. Whatever the answer it is needed quickly.

The press will now delight in informing us that City have not won in five. And there is now the unwelcome visit to the swamp for the EFL cup in mid-week. With Mourinho a past master at parking the bus, and having seen how easy it can be to do that and hope for a clangar from City's defence things may get worse before they get better. #CTID

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

A harsh lesson at the Nou Camp, Barcelona 4 vs.0 City

“We must be closer now. This is football. We want to grow step by step. ”

, Nolito - 19/10/2016

Goals; Messi (17,61,69); Neymar (89)


Line Up (4-2-3-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (4)
Zabaleta (6) (Caballero (6.5) 57')
Otamendi (6.5)
Stones (5.5)
Kolorov (5)
Gundogan (6.5), (Aguero (5.5) 79')
Fernandinho (6)
Sterling (7.5)
Nolito (7), (Clichy (5.5) 57')
Silva (6),
De Bruyne (7.5)

Stats; Possession 54%/48%; Shots 8(3)/5(4); Fouls 15/17.

Starting to get a sense of De Ja Vu with some of these Blog posts. However, UEFA’s warm balls landed City with another Champions League meeting with Barcelona. It was ‘written in the stars’ that Pep would kick his first Champions League Campaign in blue having to face the Catalan giants that he so adores. 

City are enduring their most difficult period under Pep. However, no matter how hard the media try, this is by no means DEFCON 1. Having gone three games without a win, going to the Nou Camp was always going to be the ultimate test. 

The big talking point before kick-off was Pep’s team selection. De Bruyne  was depolyed as City’s most advanced player (on paper) in the elusive false 9 position, leaving Aguero on the bench. 

Rocking the unconventional European orange and purple strip, City started with a real intent to lay down a marker. Barcelona looked far from their untouchable status and this was a City team that looked like they were gunning to take the ultimate scalp. 

Unfortunately this wasn’t to last, despite matching Barcelona in the opening periods, City had to be pitch perfect. The hope that the stars may have aligned lasted all of 17 minutes, when until an untimely slip from Fernandinho gave Messi a simple path to goal which he was never going to miss. 

Going one down at the Nou Camp is the worst possible scenario for any side. Nevertheless, in terms of clear cut chances City had the majority. Some fantastic solo play from Gundogan brought a good save from ter Stegen. John Stones should have made better use of a sumptuous cross to the back post. All moments that could have completely shifted the match, but a lack of clinical finishing was always going to haunt us. 

The final half an hour was one to forget. The public eye has been fixed on Claudio Bravo’s performances since Hart was deemed surplus to requirements. Heading back to his previous club was never going to be a quiet day at the office for the Chilean. However, it was the attribute that he was brought in for which let him down. A haphazard first touch led to the ball being at the feet of Luis Suarez who went to chip City’s current number one. Bravo instinctively stuck an arm up out of his area, blocking the Uruguayans attempt but the resulting red card was inevitable. Game over.  

If the game ended before this incident, the match would have been settled on a slip and the phenomenal Lionel Messi taking his chance. However, it was an exhibition once City were down to 10. Chasing shadows, unforced errors and a whirlwind that was spiraling out of control. 

Was this a 4-0 game? Absolutely not. But City have now had a red card in 4 of the previous 5 meetings with the Spanish Champions. Despite improvement on and off the pitch, this is still an occasion that seems to overwhelm players new and old. This is a club that is going through a rapid transformation period, arguably the greatest since the takeover. Therefore basing the status of this City side on these early games would be extremely naïve considering Barcelona’s dominance, put in place by City’s current boss I hasten to add. 

On a personal note, am I convinced by Bravo? Not yet. I still believe that Joe Hart is a better shot stopper. BUT, if you can’t see the reason why he was brought in by now then you never will.  

We are not at the level of Barcelona, Bayern or Real Madrid. But that sure doesn’t mean we don’t’ have the potential to be breaking down that door soon enough.

@PatrickElano

Toffees Grab A Point, City 1 vs. 1 Everton

“"You can practice penalties but there is no pressure there ”, Pep Guardiola – 15/10/2016.

Goals; Nolito (72'); Lukaku (64'); 

Line Up (3-2-4-1) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (6)
Otamendi (6.5)
Stones (6)
Clichy (5.5)
Sané (7), (Nolito (7.5) 71')
Fernandinho (6.5)
Sterling (7)
Gundogan (6.5), (Kompany (5.5) 90')
Iheanacho (6.5), (Aguero (5) 56')
De Bruyne (7.5)
Silva (7.5)

Stats;Possession, 72%/28%; Shots, 19(8)/3(2); Fouls, 7/9
Referee; Michael Oliver (7)

Everton escaped with a point after a breathtaking display of brinksmanship from the Toffee's. Their backs to the wall performance was best exemplified by keeper Stekelenburg, who saved two penalties (though off the line when taken), and deserves all the plaudits coming his way in saving what would have been a worldy from Kevin DeBruyne on 81'; when the Belgian cracked a right foot effort from 25 yards towards the top right hand corner, only to see Stekelenburg tip it onto the post and out.

There was lots to be positive about for City.  A new formation from Pep, saw the welcome return of Kevin DeBruyne, and an excellent first start for new boy Leroy Sané, and it was these two players, together with David Silva who dominated the first half. But with Everton playing all but Romelu Lukaku behind the ball, it was hard work finding any workable space for City's attacking players in the final third. When City did get the ball into the area, the final ball just lacked that cutting edge, despite some fabulous build up play. On 43' it looked like City would finally find that breakthrough when David Silva was tripped by Jagielka in the box after shimmying past two other Everton defenders, DeBruyne stepped up for the penalty but Stekelenburg, off his line, saved to his left.

The second half started as the first had ended, with City pressing Everton back deep, but unable to find the telling pass. There was an air of typical City when, having had only one previous attempt on goal, Everton broke with Lukaku finding himself one on one with first Clichy, and then Bravo on 64', before slotting home. It was a poor goal to give away and there's no getting away from the mistake from Clichy, who had otherwise had a good game.

City came back strong again and the half chances kept on coming. Then on 69' City looked finally to have got some payback for their attacking play when a clumsy challenge from Jagielka, this time just inside the area on Aguero, brought City a second penalty. Unfortunately it was a carbon copy of the first with this time Aguero placing the ball at a comfortable height for Stekelenburg.

Heads were in hands at this point, but Pep didn't panic. Aguero had just gone close again, when Nolito was brought off the bench, to form an attacking two with Kun. One fabulous cross from the left by Silva later and City were level; as within a minute of coming on Nolito rose to head the ball firmly past the stubborn Everton keeper, 1-1. It could have been better with the aforementioned blaster from DeBruyne being the best of the chances, but it was not to be.

A great performance with one defensive lapse and a couple of penalty misses costing City dear. Onward to Barca in midweek, where you have to hope for a bit more luck! #CTID

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Spuds U Don't Like, Tottenham 2 vs. 0 City

“It is October, you cannot imagine what my team has already done. I am new here. So far it has been an amazing performance but we need more, we have to work more, it is what it is”, Pep Guardiola – 02/10/2016.

Goals; Kolorov (9', og), Ali (37'); 


Line Up (4-2-3-1, 4-4-2 Diamond) (match ratings in brackets); 

Bravo (6)
Zabaleta (5)
Otomendi (5)
Stones (6.5)
Kolorov (4.5)
Fernandinho (5.5)
Navas (5.5)
Fernando (5), Gündogan (5.5), 53')
Silva (6)
Aguero (7)
Sterling (7), (Sané (5.5) 87')


Stats;Possession, 42%/58%; Shots, 13(7)/12(6); Fouls, 20/10
Referee; Andre Marriner (5)

Nobody really knows why "Totteringham" reappear whenever Arsenal are in town, or when they are reaching the end of the season. It just happens, sure as eggs is eggs, when the chips are down they blow it, its just a fact. Only it probably isn't "just a fact", it is likely a pychological barrier, the sort of barrier which truly great teams overcome to break old hoodoo's and win no matter what; great teams make their own luck. 

So it was not inevitable City would lose to one of their bogey teams at White Hart Lane, but it does prove City are a good ways away from being a great team, at least yet. Perhaps even, they are not yet as good as they were in their two recent title winning seasons (in both these seasons Tottenham were dispatched, and occasionally embarrassed, home and away, hoodoo or no hoodoo).

Another port of solace when losing big games is to blame a bad referee. Last year Clattenburg certainly played a hand in this fixture home and away. But this year, however inept Andre Marriner was (and I would point to the Tottenham foul count (20) verses cards count (2) as being somewhat ridiculous), City were as lucky to keep Otamendi on the pitch, as Tottenham were to keep Ali, and Rose.

No, it was not fate, luck, or bad refereeing which cost City this game. This time perhaps it was a case of not learning a lesson. Though only a very recent lesson learnt at Celtic. When opposition players are flying into challenges high up the pitch, and City's weakest point is the psychological pressure put on the defence (to the point where  67% of distribution goes to the opposition), then don't pass back ... instead pass forward?

It was this pressure surely, continued from Wednesday, which saw Alex Kolorov "brain fart" an own goal. Waving his right foot at the ball, similar to his actions for Celtic's third, but this time finishing in the top corner of his own goal from Danny Rose's cross.

After the goal, it took City another fifteen minutes to steady the ship; and they were starting to assert some pressure of their own, when they were caught out by quick tackling from Wanyama and deft passing from Son, to let Ali in for Tottenham's second.

There was a lingering hope that just one City goal might start to turn the tide, but City never really had the concerted ten minutes of attack needed. And when the attacks did come (and Sterling and Aguero I thought made some good attempts), the Tottenham defence was solid. One bright point was at least Bravo saved Kolorov's further blushes for his mistake on 65', by saving Lamela's penalty.

So with only one of the many Tottenham fouls being committed close enough to Tottenham's goal for a direct attempt (the resulting Aguero free-kick being well saved Lloris), it never really looked like City's day. Tottenham played their system well, and it would be churlish to say anything else but they deserved the points. City missed DeBruyne and Nolito, who both "get it" in terms of the Pep system, in a way which Navas and Fernando do not; and you perhaps wonder how long they will continue to play in the top games. 

I also wondered would the game be different if Nasri had remained a little longer to fight for a place under Pep [though he was injured again yesterday in the Sevilla win verses Alavés]. But that would be looking back ... and now is the time to learn lessons and look forward, and as per the quote from Pep above, it's very early days; and moving the ball forward quicker is something no one needs to tell Pep about. #CTID.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me