Bhoy Oh Bhoy, Celtic 3 vs. 3 City

“We had to come back from behind three times. The effort of the guys was amazing. To come here to Celtic Park is not easy”, Fernandinho – 29/09/2016.

Goals; Dembele (3' , 47' ), Sterling (20' og); Fernandinho (11'), Sterling (28'), Nolito (55')


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

Bravo (6)
Zabaleta (5.5)
Otomendi (7)
Kolorov (5.5)
Clichy (6), Stones (5.5), 73')
Fernandinho (6)
Sterling (8.5)
Gündogan (6.5)
Silva (7.5)
Aguero (6.5)
Nolito (7), (Fernando (5.5) 76')


Stats;Possession, 39%/61%; Shots, 9(3)/24(9); Fouls, 8/8
Referee; Nicola Rizzoli (7) [Can't be blamed for lino missing the offside]

It has been twenty four hours since we watched what was nothing short of an explosive ninety minutes of football in Glasgow. As the dust finally begins to settle I’ve had this time to partly digest the whirlwind of a match, and wanted to share my thoughts with you. 

To get the obvious out of the way quickly. Could City perhaps have started Stones? Yes possibly, but he has played nearly all our games. Did we look somewhat shaky and panicked on the ball at various points? Yes. Did Kolarov and Zaba look lost for periods? At times, yes. However, if you are in the ‘oh my word, how did we only draw to Celtic, that was embarrassing’ camp, then I have to politely disagree with you, and here is why.

This was a possibly once in a lifetime fixture for the Celtic players. Playing against Pep Guardiola’s English table toppers, in the Champions League, in their own back yard, having previously been spanked 7-0 to Barca. You can bet that they were up for it. A "colosseum like" Celtic Park was ready for battle. The crowd were at fever pitch. Brendan Rodgers had a serious point to prove. This was always going to be a recipe for a tough night at the office. On the other hand, this also meant that this was a once in a lifetime fixture for the blue boys (or orange and purple to be precise).

If you were viewing as a neutral, then you definitely got your monies worth. You could sit back and enjoy the attacking intent from two teams at war. Could you class it as complacency from City, perhaps ignorance or even arrogance, which led to underestimating the bhoys? You can bet Guardiola will not sleep until he gets to the bottom of what went wrong. However, it's unlikely that the Barcelona thumping of Celtic two weeks previously would have led to all involved at City into a false sense of security. Especially as a few years ago, Celtic beat Barcelona at home. Strange things happen on Champions league nights in Glasgow.

So I applaud the grit that City showed last night. A grit and resilience that we as fans have lusted for during the last twelve months of never quite being 100% on our game. It shouldn't be forgotten that City as a club have not come back from a losing position at half time in the Premier League since 1995, and even through our recent glories the team have had bad days at the office, where fans had uttered the fateful words "typical City"; but this seemed different.  Not once did I doubt that these players were fighting to win this match. Not once did the players let the knock backs (including offside and deflected goals), or the occasion overwhelm them. And lets be truthful Celtic were excellent. This was a cocktail of passion and fight which led to a fabulous spectacle of attacking football. Two committed teams fighting for the shirt.

This was a unique occasion. I can’t see us facing a similar set of circumstance for a long time to come. Sit down and re-watch the match. Yes Celtic’s first goal was offside, yes the second was lucky and yes the third was individually brilliant. But let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture... City's goals were all excellent, we fought for a win throughout, and football was the winner.

@PatrickElano

Swans Song Cut Short With Aguero Brace, Swansea 1 vs. 3 City

“He keeps giving us confidence ”, Raheem Sterling – 24/09/2016.

Goals; Llorente (13');Agüero (9', 65' pen), Sterling (77')


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

Bravo (6)
Sagna (5), (Zabaleta (6.5))
Otomendi (6)
Stones (6)
Kolorav (6.5)
Fernandinho (6.5)
Sterling (7)
Gündogan (6.5), (Fernando 5.5), 68)
Silva (6.5)
Aguero (7)
De Bruyne (7), (Navas (5.5) 81')


Stats;Possession, 41%/59%; Shots, 12(5)/17(4); Fouls, 14/8
Referee; Neil Swarbrick (5)

They are odd games these "double-headers"; the second game always seeming an anti-climax to the first. Perhaps the initial winners finding it difficult to raise their game, having already won once. Whatever the reason, this EPL tie against Swansea, who were put to the sword at the Liberty in mid-week in the EFL Cup, mimicked the first game  in a lot of ways; despite only one player (John Stones) being in the  City starting line up having also played mid-week. 

Swansea did very well in the first half. Pressing high and effectively, with Sigurdsson in particular being a constant threat, and ran his heart out. This pressing, coupled with a sluggish start from City, gave the game an edge, and Swansea enough belief to keep on coming, despite going down early to a well worked goal from Aguero. The Argentine showing his class in the 9' , using the pace of the ball from Sagna's pass across the penalty area, to cushion the ball around  two centre halves, before firing low through Fabianski's legs, 1-0.

Swansea, however, kept on coming. There were a couple of scares and some lack lustre defending, even before both Otamendi and then Sagna fell on their back sides in the 13' and Llorente finally got his first goal for Swansea since his move from Sevilla in August. From that point the game went end to end, with City finding it difficult to assert any authority in midfield, although always looking likely to score on the break.

After the break, if Pep had had a word with the team, it didn't immediately become apparent. However, when Kevin De Bruyne was moved more infield from the left, things did finally begin to click. And it was no coincidence that it was De Bruyne who brought City the breakthrough they needed; a strong run into the area bringing a high flailing arm in the Beligian's face from Van Der Hoorn, and a much needed penalty. Up step Sergio Aguero, to cleverly fool Fabianski for a second time, and dink the ball into the centre of the goal, 2-1.

After that City finally started to overcome the Swans' doggedness, while never quite looking as dominant as we have seen in some recent games. The third goal, a delightful run in on goal from Sterling after a quick break gave City a 4 on 3 advantage, saw the revitalized winger dummy both Van Der Hoorn and the keeper to pass the ball into the bottom left  of the goal, when it looked more likely he would square for the ever ready Aguero. 3-1, game pretty much over.

So City's sixth win in the prem, and tenth overall in what has been an impressive start to the season and Pep Guardiola's reign. More will be expected midweek against Celtic, and much more needed away to the Spuds next Sunday, but job done, and one game at a time. #CTID

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Taking Libertys, Swansea 1 vs. 2 City (EFL Cup)

“It was a good performance from him [Kompany]. It’s not easy after a long time without playing.”, Pep Guardiola – 21/09/2016.

Goals; Sigurdsson (90'+3);Clichy (49'), García (67')



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

Caballero (6)
Zabaleta (6.5)
Kompany (c)(6)
Stones (6.5)
Clichy (6.5)
Fernando (7)
Navas (6.5)
García (7), (Adarabioyo (5.5), 90)
Angelino (6.5), (De Bruyne (6) 58')
Iheanacho (6.5)
Sane (6.5), (Brahim (5.5) 80')


Stats;Possession, 40%/60%; Shots, 7(4)/9(4); Fouls, 9/10
Referee; Keith Stroud (7)

A lot of plus points tonight from what turned out to be a comfortable but not emphatic win against struggling Swansea. 

Pep Guardiola again rang the changes, with only Iheanacho and Clichy retaining their places from the weekend win against Bournemouth. Showing trust in his whole squad, Pep chose a mix of experience and youth, with City's attacking contingent including starts for Angelino, Garcia, and new boy Sane, and a welcome return in defence for Vincent Kompany after his latest long and well documented injury (although he left the pitch at the end with an unidentified injury).

City were not perhaps the slick well oiled machine we have come to expect in the opening half, but the shape, and philosophy was there to see. Angelino, pushed into forward thinking midfield role, surprised with some of his touches, and even could have had a goal. Garcia was more measured, and again showed his promise as one of the more obviously gifted young players on show.  Things would have been more comfortable if it was not for last seasons EFL Cup hero Willy Cabelero, again struggling with the ground work for which he was initially preferred to Joe Hart earlier in the season, and nearly gifting Swansea an opening on a couple of occasions.

After the break City stepped up a gear, and the passing which had been a little slow and labored began to click. The opening goal certainly owed a lot to City's new approach as they broke from front to back via fine one touch passing, before Angelino gave the ball to Gael Clichy of all people to score only his fourth goal since coming to England thirteen years ago, with a deflected strike from the edge of the box.

Once the goal went in City certainly relaxed and it was only a matter of time for the second, this time provided by Aleix Garcia, with an assured first time shot low into the bottom left of the Swansea goal from Navas' pull back. Further bonus for me was the appearance of both Brahim and Adarabioyo as City did more than enough to comfortably progress and earn a tie against Trafford at the swamp (surprise surprise) on 25 October.    #CTID

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Something's Truly Started, City 4 vs. 0 Bournemouth

“It's important we won a game after a UCL game, it's always tough. ”, Pep Guardiola – 17/09/2016.

Goals; De Bruyne (15'), Iheanacho (25'). Sterling (48'), Gündogan (66') RED CARD Nolito (86');

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

Bravo (7)
Sagna (6)
Otamendi (8), (Stones (6), 52'))
Kolorov (8)
Clichy (6)
Fernandinho (7)
Sterling (9)
Gündogan (8) (Sane (6) 72')
De Bruyne (6.5), (Garcia (7) 75')
Iheanacho (8)
Nolito (6)

Stats;Possession, 64%/36%; Shots, 20(12)/6(2); Fouls, 8/11
Referee; Jonathan Moss (5.5)

Eight wins out of eight in all competitions and City are now well and truly starting to get into their stride under the guidance of Pep Guardiola. Four goals, including hopefully the first of many from an imperious Ilkay Gündogan, had the City faithful purring and rightly so. 

Kevin de Bruyne got things underway with clever free-kick under the Bournemouth wall after Jack Wilshere had fouled Nolito on the edge of the box. Then two blistering counter-attacks brought goals, first for Kelechi Iheanacho after Sterling played him through for a tap-in, and then Iheanacho turned provider for Sterling just after half time, with the young Nigerian laying the pass on for Raheem to score. Gündogan coolly slotted in a fourth just after the hour mark, and the only blot on an otherwise perfect day was a red for Nolito sent off late on for an attempted head-butt on Adam Smith.

Its difficult to believe Pep Guardiola has been in charge for less than three months, as his philosophy already seems ingrained in each and every player. Stars who fans already thought were at the top of their game such as Aguero, De Bruyne, and Fernandhino, have been taken to new heights; new signings are looking as if they've been playing in sky blue all their lives; and perhaps most satisfying of all, players who some of the faithful had begun to question, such as Kolorov and Sterling, are playing the best football of their lives.

Some may point that the magic may be in the tactics, the passing from deep, the two "No.8s", or the "false full backs". Some at the work rate, the extra miles put in during games, never giving up on the ball whether its with a blue shirt or not. Some might put it down to a simple kick up the backside for players who were widely believed to have under-performed under Pellegrini, despite a League Cup and a first Champions League semi-final. But isn't it all of that...and more? Isn't this the "holistic" club ethic much derided in the press all those years ago when Garry Cook dared to give an erudite explanation of how the take over of the club by Sheikh Monsour in 2008, was for much more than just money? I think it is.

And this could be just the start. Whatever the performances and results so far may show, this is still early days since Pep pulled on his tracksuit at the Etihad for the first time on July 5th. All things being equal this could be just the beginning! What a time to be a City fan! #CTID

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Nothing can rain on Pep’s parade , City 4 vs. 0 Borussia Munchengladbach (UCL)

“Aguero is one of the best, he has a special quality in the box. He is a special, special player”, Pep Guardiola – 14/09/2016.

Goals; Aguero(9', 28' pen, 77'), Iheanacho (90'+1); 

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

Bravo (7)
Zabaleta (c) (6)
Otamendi (7)
Kolorav (7.5)
Stones (6.5)
Fernandinho (7)
Sterling (8), (Sane (7) 79' )
Gundogan (8.5), (Clichy (5.5) 81')
Aguero (9), (Iheanacho (7) 83')
De Bruyne (7.5)
Navas (6)

Stats;Possession, 56%/44%; Shots, 23(11)/3(1); Fouls, 8/14
Referee; Björn Kuipers (4.5)

Groups of death, warm balls, boos, and some dodgy pre-match ‘banter’ between club twitter pages. Ah yes the "Champions" League was back (after slight delay, the fans having had a day longer to soak up the derby win from Saturday, and the pitch to soak up the rain).

City welcomed back the familiar faces of Borussia Monchengladbach having made a few changes to the side that beat Trafford at the weekend. Navas, Zabaleta, Aguero, and perhaps most excitingly, Gundogan (being given his first start for the blues after his injury lay off, with his missing only 4 weeks in the end).

The extra day’s rest seemed to produce an impatient ruthlessness from Pep’s men, pressing on the front foot from the off. This early aggression paying off within the first 9 minutes as the rejuvenated Roberto Carlo... I mean Kolarov receiving the ball on the left wing from Raheem and releasing a driven cross along the six yard box, and Aguero eating up the chance by nipping in at the front post, past Chelsea loanee defender Christensen, to poke the ball passed a helpless Sommer. 1-0. Sergio was licking his lips.

The chances kept coming, Gundogan seamlessly filling in for the rested Merlin, finding pockets of space between the lines, linking effortlessly with De Bruyne, while showing a tenacity to win back the ball. His efforts almost being rewarded with a debut goal but for the keeper. That’s how you make a first impression, and all for the price of Pogba’s agent.

'Gladbach showed glimpses of counter attacking intent, until leaving themselves vulnerable to one of City's quick breaks ended up with Gundogan being brought down in the box. Penalty. Who else but that man Sergio, ice in his veins, Sommer sent the wrong way. 2-0.

Half time approached and other than a nicely worked Gladbach corner where Bravo was called into action to make good low save. City were cruising, peppering the German side’s goal.

The second half continued in similar fashion; Sterling, KDB, and Gundogan causing the back five of Gladbach all sorts of headaches with their movement and speed of intricate passing. It was an exhibition of the highest order and you couldn’t help but watch on in awe. If anyone still needed convincing of Sterling’s revitalization under Pep, he flicked another set of V’s up at the media, turning on a sixpence in the centre of midfield and threading an eye of the needle pass through to Aguero. The Argentine crowning the move with a sublime touch around the goal keeper to slot the ball into an open net. Hat-trick Kun, 9 goals in 5 games for the Best centre forward in the world.

With stoppage time remaining Kun received the standing ovation he deserved as he made way for Kelechi on 83’. Who just couldn't help but join the party... Sane danced past three helpless defenders to pull the ball back to the Nigerian who needed one touch to unleash a ferocious strike to put the icing on the cake. 4-0.

Pep had said that 'Gladbach could be the hardest match of the year for City. If true, we could be in for a hell of a season... too early to book those hotels in Cardiff?

@PatrickElano

Did we just beat Stoke? Trafford 1 vs. 2 City

“The first half was... err...really good”, Pep Guardiola – 10/09/2016.

Goals; Ibrahimovic (42'); De Bruyne (15'), Iheanacho (36')

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

Bravo (5)
Sagna (6.5)
Otamendi (8.5)
Kolorav (7.5)
Stones (7)
Fernandinho (8)
Sterling (7.5), (Sane (6.5) 60' )
Silva (c) (8.5)
Iheanacho (7), (Fernando (6.5) 53')
De Bruyne (9.5), (Zabaleta (5.5) 90')
Nolito (8)

Stats;Possession, 40%/60%; Shots, 14(3)/18(6); Fouls, 15/10
Referee; Mark Clattenburg (4.5)

This is turning into a match plan now for City; breathtaking first half, followed by a wobble in the second, and an ending where City could have had another three goals. But the icing on the cake this week was that they made United look very ordinary on their own turf, reverting in the end to long ball football, despite City being away from home, being without their talisman Sergio Aguero, and gifting the home team a goal just before half time. 

This was another fully deserved win, City were unplayable for large stretches of the first half. The pundits may put that down to United players not being up for the game or the wrong team selection by Moanrinho, but the truth was that they didn't know whether to stick or twist, such was the movement both with and without the ball by every player in a blue shirt.

De Bruyne was like a man possessed, picking up space on both sides of the pitch, and it was fitting he got the first goal. A long pass forward from Kolorov was deftly headed on by Iheanacho; De Bruyne beat Blind to the ball, and gave De Gea the eyes right, as he slotted left, 0-1. Fifteen minutes later and it was De Bruyne involved again, as his left footed shot ricocheted off the left post to fall to Iheanacho to slot home, 0-2. It could have been more as United were being outclassed in every department.

Then came the moment the pundits had prayed for all week, when Bravo flapped at a hopeful punted free-kick from Rooney, gifting Ibrahimovic a goal before half time. Whatever Bravo's career stats show (and they show he was the least error prone keeper in Spain in Primera for most of his Barcelona career) you can bet there will be more column inches about that on Sunday than City's humbling of United for the first forty minutes of this fixture.

Second half, and the hopeless Mkhitaryan and  Lingard were removed, as was any self respect within the "Theatre of Dreams", as United opted for Stoke City tactics c. 2008, to try and rescue something from the game.

For the next twenty minutes, City had to play themselves back into the game, with higher pressing from United paying dividends, and long balls at every opportunity. But play themselves back into the game they did. Guardiola made a quick change, opting to bring on Fernando to help break up the play, slow the game down, and drive for a more counter attacking style. The only down side from the game from thereon in, was that City did not make good on the many counter attacks, which had the United back four on the back foot time and time again. De Bruyne again going closest with a reflex shot running onto Sane's pass in the box, which hit the post and rolled along rather than across the goal line on 75'.

So a great result, and a great performance. Clattenburg was dire ,but in a steady "I'm not going to book any red shirts" way rather than his usual dreadful match changing decision way (take a look at the foul count plus there were four or five like this waved on). There has been some post match fluff spoken about Bravo's challenge on Rooney in the box, but it was clearly one footed, and Bravo's instep took the ball not his studs. At that stage Rooney was on his fourth "unseen" yellow card offence.

This could, and perhaps should, now lay down the marker for something special to come. City have secured their four game winning run (six if you include the European games) using last seasons squad. A squad obviously reinvigorated not just by the manner and approach to the game, but in the confidence the manager is giving the players to be the best they can be. Kolorov, Otemendi, and Sterling in particular are unrecognizable from the players which ended last season. We still have the best of the new signings to look forward to. Sane came on today and was immediately involved and dangerous, and you imagine Gundogan will do exactly the same when given his chance. Stones already looks the perfect long term Kompany replacement, so the future looks bright!

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me