City 0 vs 0 Real Madrid: Honours even at the Etihad

“It is hard to keep a clean sheet against such an attacking team. We can be proud of what we have achieved in this first leg”

, Manuel Pellegrini - 26/04/2016

Goals; 0/0

Line Up (4-2-3-1); Hart, Sagna, Kompany, Otamendi, Clichy, Fernando, Fernandinho, Navas (Sterling 77'), KDB, Silva (Iheanacho 40'), Aguero
Stats Possession 48%/52%; Shots 5/11; Fouls 20/12. 

So here we are. City’s biggest European game for a generation. The semi-final first leg of the Champions league against Europe’s most decorated club, Real Madrid. Personally, I have a foot in both camps. On the one hand, I never in a million years could have dreamed of us ever being in this situation. Having grown up on the backend of City’s darkest days, Blue drilled into me from birth. Even having lived on the south coast for the majority of my childhood. The idolisation of Goater and watching him give United the run around was enough to keep me content, despite the Chelsea, United, Liverpool ‘bandwagoner’s’ around me forever giving me grief.  I always knew City were destined for more, but never had the tangible evidence to back it up. On the other hand, romanticism aside, on their day this City side are up there with the top five teams in the world. We have earned our right to scrap with the giants, so last night we could stop the dreaming and start believing. 

City set out there best available European XI, a thigh injury ruling out Yaya saw the Ferna twins take hold of the midfield. There was also the return of Captain, Vincent Kompany at the expense of Mangala (who has been a new player these last few weeks). This was arguably City’s most well-balanced side. While we had our own behemoth out, none quite compare to Real missing Cristiano Ronaldo, who failed a last minute fitness test. A boost for any side that comes up against Madrid. 

The first half began as we all had hoped, City were ruthless, not giving the Spaniards time to breathe on the ball. The midfield three of Modric, Kroos and Casemeiro wanted time to slow the game down to their pace, but Fernando and Fernandinho had a different story in mind. No clear cut chances came for either side in the opening 45. Almost like both teams were sizing eachother up, no one really willing to take that gamble for the first blow. Mayweather-esque, two prizefighters ducking and diving flexing their defensive muscles. 

Otamendi was always one step ahead of Bale and Benzema, Pepe didn’t give Aguero room to breathe. Any attempt at a counter attack from either side was smartly nullified. Bale’s best attempts at gaining an advantage came from the Welshman’s time spent on the floor as opposed to getting beyond Clichy or Sagna. However, the European style refereeing was all too evident last night, with any sniff of contact being blown up. 

Next comes the obligatory ‘Man City injury klaxon’ as Silva pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury, another blow for City’s attacking forces this season. On came man of the moment Iheanacho, who did not look phased by the occasion, replacing world cup winner Silva in a Champions League Semi-Final. The 19 year old was clean in possession, not taking any risks (as seemed the order of the day). 

The second half, while possession remained equal, it was Real who looked the slightly more threatening. It was always going to be a big ask to keep up the fiery intensity for 90 minutes. Modric started to enjoy that slightly longer on the ball which gave him license to orchestrate the attacking talents of Madrid. However, Kompany and Otamendi were as solid as we’ve ever seen them. An exciting prospect for City fans if this partnership is finally given time to bed in. 

With Madrid having the majority of the ball in City’s third quarter, there was always the opportunity for KDB to break in trademark fashion. A few promising runs and cut backs into the box, all of which dealt with well by Madrid. Many have said that KDB has a game below his usual exceptional standards, but in my opinion he always looked our most threatening, no less so than Bale. 

A special mention goes to England’s number one, Joe Hart. He was colossal once again on the European stage, pulling off instinctive saves. Picks of the bunch coming from corners, a header from Casemiro was blocked with his feet and another from point blank range unleashed by Pepe after a scramble in the box. Once again proving why he is the best keeper in the Premier League (brace for abuse). 

After round one, nothing separated the two sides. Aguero was left looking frustrated as he couldn’t quite get a hold of the ball in dangerous areas. With the return leg at the Bernabeu, City have the slight advantage only needing a score draw to progress. With the return of Ronaldo looming, one would think City will have to score. Nevertheless, after being written off as the weakest side left in the competition, at no point did City look out of their depth. Real are likely to go up a gear a week today. City may not be able to match that. One thing is for certain, is that we have come a hell of a way and this intergalactic cruise is not stopping for anyone. We will continue to scrap, as we always have. Typical City. 

@PatrickElano  

Subdued Win, But Valuable Points, City 4 vs. 0 Stoke

“We were all really good on the pitch and I hope on Tuesday we will do the same.”

, Fernando – 23/04/2016.

Goals; Fernando (35'), Aguero (43' Pen), Iheanacho (64', 74')

Line Up (4-4-1-1); Hart, Zabaleta, Otamendi, Mangala, Kolorov, Navas, Fernando (Demichelis 72'), Silva (Delph 57'), Toure , Iheanacho, Aguero (Bony 65')
Stats;Possession, 53%/47%; Shots, 11(6)/14(2); Fouls, 8/8
Referee; Robert Madley

City claimed their fourth win in five games in a subdued, but clinical display at the Etihad. 

Manuel Pellegrini had decided attack was the best form of defence, in naming an offence minded 4-4-1-1 line-up, whilst managing to rest or restrict game time for a number of players key to City's hopes in the Champions League game against Real Madrid on Tuesday. The most significant change of which was to start the little used, much much loved, Kelechi Iheanacho for the first time since his hatrick against Villa in the FA Cup in January. The nineteen year old did not disappoint, despite having to fill the boots of arguably City's most effective player of recent weeks, Kevin De Bruyne, playing just in front, rather than just behind Sergio Aguero.

The game started ever so slowly. Stoke were short on their big name players, Affellay joining the Potter's treatment list on Friday to join the influential Shaquiri. As a result, Mark Hughes set up with a withdrawn 4-5-1, the plan to park the bus whilst hitting City on the break, as they had done so successfully in the same fixture last season.  The Stoke plan  looked to be holding for the first half hour, with decent breaks from an impressive Arnautovic and Diouf, and a good chance to score on the volley, wasted by Shawcross from a succession of corners.

On thirty minutes, however, City had an unlikely breakthrough, when Fernando rose to meet an accurate corner from Navas at the near post, and produced a glancing header into the bottom left corner of Shay Given's goal any striker would have been proud of, 1-0 City.

Stoke did not crumble however, keeping to their game plan, but it began to become apparent that, aside from Arnautovic, they might lack that bit of guile to make their recurring breaks count for much. Then on 42' the gulf in talent was made to count. Iheanacho played a wonderful one two with Toure before being "clothes-lined", by Shawcross. Blatant penalty, and after a brief hesitation referee Madley pointed to the spot. Up stepped Aguero to loft the penalty left of Given, 2-0.

After the break, City started even slower! with perhaps Madrid on the mind of those hoping to start against the Spanish giants; but again Stoke were unable to make any of their attacks count. Joselu even missed a sitter, timing his run onto another Arnautovic cross to perfection before blasting over from near the penalty spot.

Then it was Iheanacho's chance to shine. On 50' he had seen a rasping shot saved by substitute keeper Haugard (Shay Given having not returned in the second half due to a groin strain).  On 63', as Bony prepared to replace Aguero, Zabaleta made a 40 yard right wing run, before providing a slide rule low cross to the waiting Nigerian, who cooly slotted the ball home from left of the penalty spot, 3-0. Ten minutes later, it was Iheanacho again, put in on goal by an intelligent reverse from Bony, he drove past two Stoke defenders before rounding the keeper and slotting home, 4-0 City, and the man of the match award confirmed!

Before the game, City fans could not have wished for better, a 4-0 win and Pellgrini given the chance to rest, Kompany, De Bruyne, Fernandinho, (who didn't play) and Silva, and Aguero (allowed early baths). Was the substitution of Fernando rather than Toure a telling sign for Tuesday? only time will tell, but given how low key City's approach to the game was, it all added up to a very satisfactory three points.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Blunt, Newcastle 1 vs. 1 City

“We started winning and after that we didn't have the control. We didn't play well.”

, Manuel Pellegrini – 19/04/2016.

Goals; Aguero (15'); Anita (30')

Line Up (4-2-3-1); Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Mangala, Kolorov, Navas (Bony 84'), Fernando, Delph (Sterling 68'), Toure (Fernandinho 73'), De Bruyne, Aguero
Stats;Possession, 43%/57%; Shots, 5(3)/9(5); Fouls, 13/8
Referee; Kevin Friend

Its difficult to believe this was the same City side which had taken Chelsea apart, only three days previously. Pellgrini made three changes from Saturday; Kompany returned from his latest lay off, replacing Otamendi, as did Fernando to give a rare rest to fellow Brazilian, Fernandinho, and finally Fabian Delph replaced an injured Samir Nasri. Of these changes it was the Frenchman who was arguably the most missed. Nasri's displays have been confident and assured, with him willing to take the ball in tight spaces, and playing with guile, getting the best out of those around him. Unfortunately for Delph, his return coincided with a lethargic display from for all his teammates, which emphasised that he is a blunt instrument in comparison with Nasri, running into cul-de-sacs and giving the ball away too often to be effective in a more advanced role. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but perhaps Delph would have been better deployed as Fernandinho's replacement.

There was also an element of timing to City's woes; this was a Newcastle in the middle of a relegation dog fight, given new confidence by a new manager, and a first win at the weekend. That, however, is no excuse. City should have been ready, and willing, to be as combative in return, and simply were not up for the fight. On a cold Tuesday night on Tyneside, City were bereft of the zip and guile which had made the Chelsea game so entertaining.

City started brightly enough, and were even gifted a goal on 15'. Kolorov who had been fouled on the left of the Newcastle penalty area, crossed in the resulting free-kick for Aguero to easily guide his header past Darlow in the Newcastle goal. 1-0, and Kun's 100th goal for the club (however he was blatantly offside, even though the goal stood). At that point the City faithful were hopeful, and had De Bruyne took slightly more time with his effort six minutes later, having gained possession just outside the penalty area with an interception, but putting the ball wide, it might have been game over.

But really from that point on, it was Newcastle who clicked, understanding that pressuring the ball at all times would put City's slightly lop sided formation on the back foot. Newcastle had had two or three chances, the best from Sissoko who had shot into Harts arms just a minute earlier, by the time the Frenchman found teammate Anita on the right of City's penalty area on 31', and the Newcastle left back put the ball past Hart, off the post to make it 1-1.

The second half was no better for City. Countless misplaced passes, and too little response to Newcastle's pressing game. There was a good shout for a penalty on 50', when Aguero was tripped with his back to goal, but its likely referee Friend used the opportunity to even up the bad decisions by waving play on. But despite good possession, City looked lethargic, and the only other chance of note was a De Bruyne long range effort on 73' palmed away by the Newcastle keeper. The longer the game went on the less likely City looked like scoring, and if ever there was a game to confirm City's dressing room moto, "Hard Work Beats Talent, If Talent Doesn't Work Hard", this was it.

So another disappointing away draw against a bottom three side to add to those against Norwich and Villa. We again have to look down the table as well as up. As games run out towards the end of the Season, all City's games now have a feel of must win about them. The the team will have to work a lot harder than this to earn a "third placed play-off" with Arsenal on 8th May. On the bright side Aguero became the second fastest player to 100 goals in the Premier League (147 appearances), behind Alan Shearer (124 appearances).

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Professional, Chelsea 0 vs 3 City

“I think today we deserved to win”

, Yaya Toure – 16/04/2016.

Goals; Aguero 33', 53', 80' (pen)

Line Up (4-4-1-1); Hart, Zabalete (Sagna 67'), Otamendi, Mangala, Kolorov, Navas, Toure, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Nasri (Delph 75'), Aguero (Iheanacho 85')
Stats;Possession, 52%/48%; Shots, 11(4)/11(8); Fouls, 12/15
Referee; Carlos Velasco Carballo

It would be easy to write the whole article on Sergio Aguero's fabulous hat-trick as City tore Chelsea asunder at Stamford Bridge. The performance was, however, so much more than that; superb though our Argentine "crack" player was, as he led the line imperiously from start to finish.

Starting at the back, the return of the more attacking full-back options, Zabaleta and Kolorov, did nothing to unbalance the recent return to form and solidity of the defence. Kolorov also opened up the game on the left several times, during a first half which could have seen City be two or three up at half time. 

In midfield, a higher pressing line, adhered to by the offensive players, allowed Toure and Fernandhino more time to close down any space that did arise up front for Chelsea. Nasri, and DeBruyne in particular were relentless in making this work.

Up front, Aguero was obviously outstanding, but it was the pace of the counter attacks, when City broke up play, that was the most impressive part of City's game. This willingness to look up immediately and then break with speed, brought the first goal. Breaking on the right, De Bruyne rode his luck through an initial challenge, to complete a one two with Aguero, before racing away and squaring the ball again for the Argentine, who shifted the ball to his right foot and let rip with his shot which went low and hard to Courtois' right via a deflection off Azpilicueta. 0-1.

If the first goal was good, the second was better on 53'. Again on the counter, De Bruyne shimmied through two Chelsea players twenty five yards from his own goal, before breaking and playing the ball to Nasri, the Frenchman produced a slide rule pass to Aguero in the box, who in turn smashed the ball into the left corner of the Chelsea goal. 0-2, and the power of the counter attack, something missing for so many games for City this season, had brought both goals.

On 77' City wrapped up the points. Aguero slid the ball to Fernandinho who ran 30 yards before bursting into the box, the Brazilian rounded the keeper, only to be brought down for his trouble. Blatant penalty (given for once), and referee Mike Dean had no option but to send of Cortois, who had been the only reason Chelsea were still in the game. Aguero stepped up, and gave the keeper eyes right, only to blast the ball low to the left of the Chelsea goal. 0-3 game-over.

So a vital three points, picked up in what was arguably City's best away performance since Seville away in the Champions League. Aguero picked up his 19th,20th,and 21st goals of the Season, and rounded off a great team performance in style!

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

History Makers, City 1 vs 0 PSG (3-2 agg.)

“KDB is very dangerous - he doesn’t need much space to take shots. When all of the players play well, they play better together”

, Manuel Pellegrini – 12/04/2016.

Goals; De Bruyne (76')

Line Up (4-4-1-1); Hart, Sagna, Otamendi, Mangala, Clichy, Navas, Fernando, Fernandinho, De Bruyne (Toure 84'), Silva (Delph 87'), Aguero (Iheanacho 90')
Stats;Possession, 36%/64%; Shots, 9(1)/6(4); Fouls, 18/13
Referee; Carlos Velasco Carballo

City are in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time, after knocking out French champions Paris St-Germain, 3 vs. 2 on aggregate.... Who would have believed that I would ever be able to write that sentence. Not me for sure!

Not one for the purists perhaps, but this game was one huge leap forward for a Manchester City side who've fell below their own high standards so often this season. Often that is, with the exception of the Champions League.

Where in the Premier League, the long injury list, the inconsistent defending, and the one dimensional tactical displays, have paid toll to a promising start to the Season; in the Champions League City have shone.

Tonight it was the turn of the grafters to grab the limelight. After a penalty miss from Aguero on the half hour, thoughts turned to the bad times, the times where City would so often snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, where perhaps tonight would just not be our night. But the grafters thought differently. The much maligned centre half pairing of Mangala and Otemendi, barely put a a foot wrong against the fantasy threesome of Cavani, Di Maria, and self proclaimed demigod, Zlatan Ibrahimovich. In front of them Fernando and Fernandinho  ran themselves ragged, and kicked anything that moved, and some things that didn't. It was a dogged performance, a performance that the media would purr about if it were under Mourinho, but this was a Manuel Pelligrini side, a side that could only perform going forward.

Behind it all was Joe Hart. He's had so many good games in the Champions League, especially against the bigger sides, his Hart vs. Barcelona game, being perhaps the pick of the bunch. Tonight though he made three saves which ensured this fixture remained locked down for the Blues. The first, on 16', was a must save thirty yards out from Ibrahimovich, but it was vicious, and it was travelling as he tipped it over the bar. The second save just after half time, from another free kick from Ibrahimovich, this time with only twenty three yards to goal, was better. Unsighted as the ball curved past the wall, Joe dived to his right and turned the ball around the post with a strong right hand. The third save was just after City had taken the lead, and was instinctive genius. Cavani was onto the through ball, rather than stay on his line, Joe moved towards the striker cutting the angles and the space, and again was equal to the chip as he palmed the ball away. Three saves which gave City this tie.

So what about the goal? Well it was a cracker, as always, from Kevin De Bruyne. Just as City fans nerves were fraying, and thoughts were turning to the substitutions available, up popped Kevin slightly to left of middle of the D outside PSGs 18 yard box. Following what seemed a lifetime of passes in and around the area, De Bruyne stepped forward and curled the ball into the far right of the net past a helpless Trapp. 1-0 City!

It was a long time coming, but was fully deserved. The grafters had built the platform for the result, but it was a moment of magic which took the tie completely away from favourites PSG. Elsewhere Madrid turned around their 0-2 deficit to beat Wolfsburg, and tomorrow both Barcelona and Bayern play. The semi-final will not be easy, and City will again be underdogs, but perhaps we can dream a little longer when the names come out of the hat on Friday. #CTID.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Nasri Stakes A Claim, As Poor City Take Points, City 2 vs. 1 WBA

“Kun had just a kick - it’s not a problem for Tuesday”

, Manuel Pellegrini – 09/04/2016.

Goals; Aguero (19' Pen), Nasri (66'); Sessegnon (6')

Line Up (4-2-3-1); Hart, Zabaleta, Otamendi, Mangala, Kolorov, Navas, Fernando, Delph (Toure 60'), Nasri, Bony (De Bruyne 60'), Aguero (Clichy 90')
Stats;Possession, 62%/38%; Shots, 13(4)/13(2); Fouls, 10/
Referee; Mike Woods

Not a game to live long in the memory. With the upcoming Champions League game verses PSG obviously weighing heavily on Pellegrini's mind, five changes were made from the side which robustly fought for the two two draw in the Parc des Princes in midweek. If the hope was to inject some energy into the display, it was misplaced. This was a lethargic display at best, and all the absent players were missed, especially Kevin De Bruyne.

The one bright point was Samir Nasri. In his first start since September, and omitted from the CL squad due to his long standing thigh injury, Nasri alone looked like a player who wanted to prove a point. His touch began somewhat rusty, but his inherent technical ability quickly started to shine, and this, with a tenacity to work off the ball, was refreshing. On a sodden Saturday evening City were bereft of the zip and guile which had made the Bournemouth game so refreshing last week.

City started brightly enough with four corners in the first four minutes, but as soon as West Brom started to show some fight, they started to struggle. The impact was immediate, as City gave away a comical goal, to what was the Baggies' first shot on target in over 190 minutes of football. Referee Jones stood in the way of Nasri running to receive  the ball, West Brom sprayed the ball left to McClean, and a simple cross found its way to Sessegnon, and with Kolorov failing to block the shot, and Hart forgetting to cover his near post, it was 1-0 to the Baggies on 6'.

City were on the back foot, but luckily the only three players to turn up in the first half managed to combine to get them back in the game. Aguero took a clip to his achiles but still managed to get the ball to Nasri on the left, who played in Kolorov and as the Serbian ran in on goal, Sessegnon clipped his right leg, penalty. Up stepped Aguero, and cool as you like, shot the ball low and hard to the right. Despite guessing correctly and diving early, Foster still didn't stand a chance, so well was the ball hit. 1-1, Aguero scoring his 130th City goal on his 200th appearance for the club. Despite trading blows, that was the end of any real chances for either side in the first half, although West Brom wasted a free-kick, blasting into the wall on 31'.

If the first half ended in lack-lustre fashion, the second half start was worse. With Aguero's long range effort on 54' being the only bright spot, as the Argentinian forced a save to Foster's right. Wilfried Bony was just awful, and Fabian Delph looked horribly ring rusty, so it was surprise when both were substituted on 60' making way for De Bruyne and Toure respectively. The change had an almost immediate effect, with two half chances being created for Aguero. Then on 65' De Bruyne seized the ball on right, played the ball into Navas, and the Spaniard's low pass found Aguero, who first shot and then deflected the rebound to Nasri to score from three yards. The Frenchman was delighted, quite rightly, and it was fitting for him to score given his excellent performance. City 2-1.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, City then fell back again into their shell. The rest of the second half becoming a micro replay of a lot of City's displays this season; plenty of possesion, too many passes, over-engineering the attacks, players off the ball too static, and no-one taking a chance and getting into the box when crosses came in from Kolorov or Navas. Still the 2-1 win is what was needed on the day. Arsenal and West Ham had dropped points earlier, in their 3-3 London derby, and the result leaves City only two points behind Arsenal in third. Top four is very important, and this result, the first back to back league wins in six months, is a positive step towards that goal. With the news that Aguero's injury late on is minor, today has been a good day, despite the insipid performance.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

PSG 2 vs 2 City: Advantage City after Round One in Paris

Goals; 2/2

Line Up (4-2-3-1); Hart, Sagna, Mangala, Otamendi, Clichy, Fernando, Fernandinho, Navas, KDB, Silva  Aguero

Stats Possession 67%/33%; Shots 16/11; 

Since City’s last outing in the Champions league, we’ve seen both sides of Pellegrini’s men. With a frustrating error ridden display against the rags which also saw Hart get injured, followed by the return of Kevin De Bruyne from his injury lay off picking up exactly where he left off in the thrashing of Bournemouth. So in City’s biggest ever Champions league bout, were we to get the Jekyll or the Hyde? In a season plagued by injuries it was City’s big Ivorian talisman’s turn for the treatment table and having proven just how vital he still is to the club on the big occasions, Pellegrini had to fill those boots and our ginger Kev did just that.

Prior to the match everyone had written off City’s chances (as per usual), but this definitely suits the City mantra. If we gave them a go, that’s all the City faithful were after. Gave them a go we certainly did. As per usual in the Champions League, City got out of the blocks early, harassing the Parisians and turning their defence inside the first 30 seconds which led to Sergio drawing a foul and a yellow card for Sideshow Bo.. I mean David Luiz. Two minutes later City were in behind again with Fernandihno gaining a bit of luck with his pass ricocheting off Cavani into the path of Navas who drew an early corner from his driven cross. Exactly the start we were after, directness, pressure, high tempo.

If our attacking play was our Angelina Jolie, our defence unsurprisingly showed glimpses of Susan Boyle. Otamendi attempting to channel his inner Zidane and carry the ball through the midfield only for his attempted pass to be intercepted leaving Cavani to play Matuidi in behind. Mangala scrambles back to cover his partner’s error and manages to put his French compatriot off enough for him to scramble his legs and fall to the deck. Irate PSG players swarm the referee claiming a penalty, despite our best friend Rio also claiming it was a penalty, when Howard Webb is on your side you know there must be some sense in the world. Nevertheless, a let off for Otamendi who could have got his teammate in much more trouble. 

Still, this wouldn’t be a City match without more penalty drama. This time (obviously) it was Luiz who searched for contact with his trailing leg as Sagna came to close down the Brazilian who went down as quickly as his 50 million value. Penalty given. Again, everyone stating that this was not a penalty. Ibrahimovic steps up and Hart played his customary mind games by making the Swedish icon wait as he took his time behind the goal. Hart continued to smile at Ligue 1’s leading scorer as he stepped up and emphatically dived correctly to his right and palmed the penalty behind for a corner. Justice. 

The first half continued to see PSG with the most possession but the midfield rocks of Fernando and Fernandinho were not giving them any room to exploit our shaky defence. It was City’s turn next to have an attempt on goal as Navas picks up the ball on the wing and plays an inch perfect cross to David Silva at the back post who just couldn’t direct his header towards goal.

This discipline got its reward on the 37’ as Fernando intercepts a wayward pass from Matuidi and recycles the ball to a charging Fernandinho who lays it into the path of De Bruyne. With only had thing in mind, one touch out his feet the Belgian drives the ball past Trapp and the net bulges. 0-1 City! De Bruyne once again proving just how much we have missed his eye for goal since his absence. 

But of course, with every moment of excellence, we have a moment of absolute catastrophe. The blame has been passed between both Hart and Fernando for this one, but I think they were both as bad as each other. Without going into too much detail because you just have to see it to believe it. Never play a short goal kick into the centre of the goal. Don’t turn into the striker’s path with the ball. If in doubt, get rid. All of which you hear shouted from the sideline at every Sunday league game up and down the country. This time it was the Champions League Quarter-Final where it was needed. I can’t even begin to describe it. Let’s move on. 1-1 at half time. 

The second half continued in the same manner as the first, PSG continued to dominate possession, but hardly troubled Joe Hart’s goal. It wasn’t until the 58’ that Maxwell got in behind Sagna to whip the ball into the City box but Mangala was there to sweep the ball behind for a corner. Unfortunately, it was the resulting corner that met the head of Cavani at the near post which Hart could only parry into the path of Rabiot who simply tucks the ball into the net at the far post at the expense of a helpless Hart, 2-1. This is where I’d like to give a special mention to the official’s behind the goal proving their undeniable worth by not spotting that Ibrahimović was in an offside position and interfering with play for this equaliser. Do we expect any different?

In the resulting minutes after the goal it seemed City may have run their course as PSG piled on the pressure as Ibra hit the bar on 62’ with a looping header. However, it was the City in the Champions League who fight to the end, who waited for the right moment to strike. Silva dispossessed Aurier on 71’ and played the ball into KDB and then to Navas. The Spaniard quickly shifts the ball into the path of a marauding Sagna who fizzed the ball across the six yard box and with a bit of fortunate pinball in the box, fell to Fernandinho who powers the ball through Thiago Silva and into the bottom corner of the net. 2-2!

Based on my own experience of last night, there was not a single bum on chair for the remaining 20 minutes of the first-leg. Delph replaced KDB and sured up the midfield as City saw it over the half way point with the match finishing 2-2 and City having two away goals to sit on. Taking the Premier League out of the equation. This was another tactical masterclass from Pellegrini, once again flexing his eye for the perfect away performance i the competition. Special mention to Eliaquim Mangala, who lived up to his pre-match comments and produced a fine defensive display, digging Otamendi out of trouble on a number of occasions. Hart and the Ferna twins (despite the one comical error that I will attempt to erase from memory) were also outstanding. Six days until a truly historic experience for all blues around the world. 

@PatrickElano

How Much Have We Missed Kevin DeBruyne, Bournemouth 0 vs. 4 City

“Very happy with the win, very happy with my performance!”

, Kevin De Bruyne – 02/04/2016.

Goals; Fernando (7'), De Bruyne (12'), Agüero (19'), Kolorov (90'+3)

Line Up (4-2-3-1); Caballero, Zabaleta, Otamendi, Mangala, Clichy, Navas, Fernando, Fernandhino, Silva (Nasro 66'), De Bruyne (Kolorov 57'), Aguero (Iheanacho 79')
Stats;Possession, 46%/54%; Shots, 11(2)/15(7); Fouls, 9/8
Referee; Robert Madeley

How much have City missed Kevin DeBruyne!?! The answer it would seem is an awful, awful lot. Not that this was a game built on the Belgian's excellence alone, this was, at last, a Premiership ninety minutes that the whole team could be proud of. From the back we had Willy Caballero, who could have been forgiven for nipping off for a quick pastie in the first twenty minutes so little had he to do, but kept his concentration to pull off a world class save on 30' from Cook's header and Bournemouth's first real effort on goal. Through the defence we had Otamendi snapping into (thankfully) well timed challenges, and Zabaleta at his indomitable best whilst providing space for Navas to burn. In the midfield Fernandinho had one of those games where you wonder if the guy really does have a third lung.  Whilst up front De Bruyne ran the show whilst Aguero used the whole width of the pitch to ensure he ran the Bournemouth defence ragged.

OK, so Bournemouth will not be ripping up the Premiership any time soon, but they had won five of their last six, and this could have been a real banana skin of a game for City. Before the game the vultures were circling, but although its still a long way until City hopefully secure a top four finish, this was an assured performance from start to finish, which showed none of the hesitancy and lack of pace in the attack which has hampered recent performances.

The first half was a joy to watch. Bournemouth have started their last few games by getting out of the starting blocks quickly and putting the opposition on the back foot, but after a tricky first two minutes it was then City's quick, intricate passing which had the Cherrie's at sixes and sevens for pretty much the rest of the game. On 6' a back heeled one-two between Silva and De Bruyne gave City a corner from the right, which Navas took and Fernando steered in his volley like a crack forward. Then on 11' came a beauty from De Bruyne, as Aguero dinked the ball over the defence, and Silva cushioned the ball for the Belgian to volley home. 2-0. On 18' Aguero made it three; De Bruyne (again) passed forward in the box and Navas managed to hook a great cross to the back post for Sergio to head across goal and in. 3-0, and City were flying. City could have made it four or five before half time with Fernandhino hitting the crossbar, and Aguero missing the left post, when he looked more likely to score.

The second half again started well, with a De Bruyne first time effort from an Aguero cross being well saved, and a shot from the edge of the box from Aguero hitting the side netting. From that point on City controlled the possession, without ever needing, or wanting, to get into top gear, with the Champions League clash with Paris St Germain in midweek on the horizon. De Bruyne, Silva, and Aguero all made early exits before a cameo rocket of a goal from Kolorov in extra time sealed the match 4-0.

So hopefully this performance shows a chink of light at the end of the tunnel City have dug for themselves in the last six games. De Bruyne seems immediately back to his best, Nasri managed fifteen minutes after a long layoff, and word from the physio's room is that Delph is not far off, and maybe even Hart will be back for the Chelsea game. That together with dropped points at Upton Park by West Ham meant a very satisfying Saturday. So here's hoping that this is the standard set for the rest of the Season. #CTID.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me