“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)
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
