The Demi' lition Derby, City 0 vs. 1 Stretford

“I don’t think muscle injuries can heal in one week. They normally need three or four weeks”

, Manuel Pellegrini – 20/03/2016.

Goals; -; Rashford 15'

Line Up (4-2-3-1);Hart (Caballero 50'), Sagna, Demichelis (Bony 53'), Mangala, Clichy, Navas, Toure, Fernandhino, Silva, Sterling (Fernando 26'), Aguero
Stats;Possession, 55%/45%; Shots, 26(3)/5(4); Fouls, 9/12
Referee; Michael Oliver

For the record, I would have played Sagna at Centre Half and Zabaleta at right back. I take not one iota of comfort from that statement, nor the knowledge that it was a sentiment shared with a number of others before the game started. So whereas I sang the praises of Manuel three weeks ago, at his decision to stick with his principles regarding Cabellero, this time I must equally damn his blinkered attitude towards the veteran Demichelis. The Argentinian simply had not played a single game of merit in a City shirt this season, and today he had a 'mare. The decision to play him was the difference between the two sides in a game of small margins, which so easily could have gone the other way, a terrible decision, hopefully acknowledged when the Argentinian was hauled off early in the second half.

The start was good. The only way City were going to win this game was being on the front foot and forcing the play, and this they did. City forced a corner in the first minute and looked to have the momentum and desire to take the game to United. The first real chance came in the seventh minute, Silva on the left, reversed the ball down the line to Sterling, who's cross to Aguero fell slightly short, but United's half clearance was pounced on by Navas, who chested the ball down and shot, but on his weaker left foot he could only put the ball wide. Navas again went close on 14', Sterling back healed the ball to Silva, who's cross was met by his fellow Spaniard, but unfortunately although the controlled volley went through the defenders legs, DeGea saved with his feet.

Then came the, predictable, defensive error from Demichelis, upon which turned the first half, and unfortunately the game. A simple pass from deep was met by Rashford, and despite all his years of experience, Demichelis dived in, Rashford was past the Argentinian in an instant, and had a relatively simple right foot finish to make it 0-1. What was worse was that the goal blunted any momentum City had had. Up to that point the Citizens had been bossing the game, but after the goal, they struggled to find energy or ideas in the first half. To make matters worse, Sterling had to be replaced by Fernando on 25', limping off with a groin strain picked up from a foul by Mata. It could, however have been even worse; had it not been for a fortunate refereeing decision from Michael Oliver, Demichelis could have actually sealed the game for United, with a rash barge on Rashford in the box on the cusp of half time. Luckily the penalty wasn't given, and City went in 0-1.

With City on the back foot, and momentum needing to be regained,  the second half could not have got off to a worse start. Demichelis (again :( ) played a weak back pass requiring Hart to slide into a challenge with Marshall, injuring himself in the process. The biggest applause of the afternoon from the City fans came as Hart was immediately replaced by League Cup hero Caballero. Looking to allow City to stamp something on the game, (or perhaps just putting the Argentinian out of his misery), Bony replaced Demichelis on 52'. City switched to 4-4-2, and slowly turned the game, but unfortunately not the scoreline around. Aguero was the main threat. He created a chance from nothing on 56' with his pace getting him into the right of United's penalty area only to see his shot go high from an acute angle. Then on 65' he hit the post with a bullet header from a Yaya cross from the right. And then on 71' Aguero created, arguably, City's best opportunity, getting his head to the ball at the back post, with the ball falling to Bony, only for the Ivorian to be tackled as he shot.  A number of other half chances came and went in a half which City dominated, but in the end, as per the game at Norwich the previous week, City's attack was blunted by solid, backs against the wall defending.

What is worse is that fourth place in the premier league is now really looking under threat, with West Ham and United only a point behind City, and City unable to buy a result. Four points from a possible eighteen in the last six games makes stark reading, and something needs to change in the league, and fast. With an ever growing injury list (see Manuel's quote above for how long we may now miss Sterling and Hart), the team is going to have to dig deep over the next couple of weeks to stop a promising Season becoming just a case of wasted potential.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me