Temporary Suspension Of Blogging

Before relaunching for the 2017/18 Season we are trying to think of something more interesting than the "match report" format used over the last couple of years. The advent of several excellent podcasts has seen the readers figures peak and start to fall over the last Season, never reaching the 100+ since the Peller's League Cup win over Liverpool. Any ideas? Feel free to tweet us.

Job Done, Watford 0 vs. 5 City

“This is one of the best groups of players I have worked with in my life.”, Pep Guardiola  – 21/05/2017.

Goals: Kompany (5'), Agüero (23', 36'), Fernandinho (41'), Jesus (58');

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

Caballero (6.5)
Fernandinho (7)
Otamendi (6.5)
Kompany (7.5)
Clichy (6.5)
Touré (7.5), (Sagna 63' (6))
De Bruyne (8)
Sané (7), (Navas 62' (5.5))
Silva (7.5)
Agüero (8), (Iheanacho 71' (5.5))
Jesus (7.5)

Referee; Jonathan Moss (6)

Stats;Possession, 33%/67%; Shots, 6(3)/15(9); Corners, 4/5; Fouls, 12/10

Third place was secured by half time, we kept a clean sheet, and played some sublime football bringing five goals away from home, when a scabby 1-0 would have been enough. So why are we not a little more elated? Should it feel a little sweeter than it does? After all, over the years Arsenal fans and press have made so much of securing what is surely the bare minimum for a top club in the Premier League; securing a Champions League spot. Perhaps because it could have been so much more? De Bruyne to have made it 2-0 at home verses Chelsea? a different referee in the FA Cup semi-final (or so many other games for that matter), or maybe turning up in the first half away to Monaco? However, the job is now done, and this is the seventh Season on the trot City have qualified; a long way from where we would dared to dream just a few more years ago.  If this Season's lessons have been learned then the future does look bright.

So what were the lessons of the season? "Promise of Magic" Blog tries to make some sense of how and where City will need to do better next Season:

5. Be Clinical: City's 80 goals should have been more, and falls well short of the 102 in the last title season with Pellegrini in 2014, or even the 93 under Mancini's fabulous title win in 2012. This is one area where its difficult to pinpoint the problem, except perhaps for more players to be quicker into the area. One for Pep to ponder

4. Not So Bravo: Of all the Pep decisions, one certainly is obvious to point out that did not pay off; the ditching of a fan's erstwhile hero to replace him with someone who ultimately failed miserably to settle in the Premier League. Willy Cabellero has been a step up, but a new number one you would think is on the cards. 

3. Protect the Players From Poor Officials: There are no plans for video or any other technology to assist referees in the Premiership next Season. The only change the numpties at the FA could come up with to try and halt the disastrous standard of refereeing, is retrospective action against diving, which will of course be used subjectively. With City being on the harsh end of all other retrospective decision making by the FA, with David Gill steering a steady course for some but not others in upholding standards, I wouldn't see it being any different for this rule. So the club need to do more, make a stand, be vocal. If Pep cannot risk a ban, then send out staff members who can shine a light on just how dreadful refereeing standards are - and how it costs City points more often than not

2. Its a Game of Two Halves: ... and too often City have not played to the same pace and intensity for the full ninety minutes. Slow starts, a character trait of Pellegrini's latter years, or a lackadaisical last twenty minutes (a new and worrying phenomenon), have cost City, especially at home. With so much TV cash making every club capable taking advantage of a temporary lack of concentration, knocking this behavior on the head, and playing every minute of every game is the only way to win a title.

1. The Case for the Defence: On too many occasions there just hasn't been anything positive to say. But its more than just the obvious investment required on both full-backs. It is no coincidence that Vincent Kompany's return to fitness has seen some of City's best defensive displays, he brings not only positional and tackling prowess, but calmness, assuredness, and leadership. He makes players around him, especially Otamendi, play better. So unlike last year City cannot just invest in youth in this area, experience and leadership is needed to protect against the, unfortunately likely, event Kompany picks up another injury..

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

A Worthy Send Off For Zab, City 3 vs. 1 WBA

“Beating United in the FA Cup Semi Final is a highlight - that was the day everything changed”, Pablo Zabaleta  – 16/05/2017.

Goals: Jesus (27'), De Bruyne (29'), Touré  (57'); Robson-Kanu (87')

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

Caballero (6)
Fernandinho (6)
Otamendi (6)
Kompany (6.5), (Stones 77' (5))
Kolorov (6)
Touré (7.5), (Fernando 81' (5))
De Bruyne (8)
Sané (7)
Silva (7), (Zabaleta 82' (10))
Aguero (8)
Jesus (7.5)

Referee; Craig Pawson (6)

Stats;Possession, 71%/29%; Shots, 21(5)/10(2); Corners, 7/1; Fouls, 8/11

A night of high emotion, as the Etihad bade the fondest of farewells to honorary Mancunian, Pablo Zabaleta. He may not have started but the chants rang true and clear from the kick off for the man who has seen the rise of our proud football club over nine years, and played such an important part in its success. Winning two Premier Leagues, an FA Cup, Two League Cups, and a Charity Shield in the process; it would seem Man City is in his heart as much as he is in ours.

Luckily, after the lacklustre performance against Leicester at the weekend, City played a game worthy of such an occasion. From the first whistle the football was more assured, and importantly quicker and more varied. From the point where Aguero's through ball found Kevin De Bruyne on the left of the Baggies area and the Belgian forced the cross onto to Jesus to score on 28', City looked back in control of their Champions League destiny.

Less than two minutes later the same trio linked again, this time Jesus returning a pass first time from Aguero into the path of De Bruyne, some 22 yards out, for him to pass the ball sublimely into the right of the goal, 2-0. 

Minutes went by and many more chances came and went, City could easily have been four to the good at half time, and six by the time Yaya Toure glided into the area on 57', latching onto Aguero's return pass and brushing off all attempts from the defence before cooly passing the ball low into the bottom right corner, 3-0. 

Soon after the celebratory atmosphere was electrified, as a clearly emotional Zabba stepped onto the pitch to take his place back at right back. Some of the momentum was gone but City could still have had another couple before West Brom got their consolation goal three minutes from time. 

Everyone stayed, everyone wanted to give Pablo Zabaleta the send off he deserved. Mario and Status Quo's Francis Rossi beamed in good will messages, and the big man continued to get the loudest cheers of the evening as he was presented with his honorary lifetime Season Card, and uttered the immortal words at the top of this blog page. The player who has won the most tackles inthe Premier League since 2011 - he is the f*&^%$£! man.

City move onto Watford on Sunday knowing a win will secure third, and a point the coveted Champions League spot. The least of what was expected at the start of the season, but at least the momentum is back. #CTID.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Lucky ... City 2 vs. 1 Leicester

“The referee was so brave in making the decision. I’ve seen that happen before, a long time ago! It’s not normal to see something like that, but it is what it is”, Guardiola – 13/05/2017.

Goals: Silva (29'), Jesus (36'); Okazacki (42')

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

Caballero (6)
Fernandinho (5.5)
Otamendi (5)
Kompany (5.5)
Clichy (4)
Toure (7)
Sterling (6), (Aguero 78' (5.5))
De Bruyne (4.5), (Zabaleta 82' (6))
Sané (6.5)
Silva (6.5)
Jesus (7), (Navas 90'+4 (5.5))

Referee; Michael Oliver (4)

Stats;Possession, 66%/34%; Shots, 17(5)/9(4); Corners, 9/3; Fouls, 12/16

Leicester are a horrible, dirty, hoofing apology for a football team, but today City were lucky to come away with the three points against them. Not because of the "brave" decision of the referee, Robert Madley to correctly rule out a bizarre double hit penalty in the 76' from Leicester; but because City switched off in a way I have not seen since the days of Mark Hughes.

After last week's excellent second half performance, I expected City to push on, and for the first 42 minutes that's exactly what they did. Leicester were relentless in their running and their niggly challenges, but they were not allowed into the game through the positive quick passing play which had hallmarked the win against Palace.  On 29', that directness, so often missing this season paid dividends, as Leroy Sané burst into the left of the penalty area and laid a low pass to Silva who passed the ball first time into the net. 1-0. On another day the goal may have been ruled out for offside as Sterling had strayed marginally in front of Fuchs, but the referee and linesman were as one in ruling correctly he was not interfering with play.

Five minutes later and it was Sané again, this time hacked down in plain sight of the referee as he danced past two Leicester defenders, penalty! Birthday boy Yaya Toure was magnanimous enough to let Jesus step up to take the kick, and Jesus did not let himslef down as the calmest man in the stadium rifled the ball home low into the left of the goal, not leaving Schmeichel any chance, 2-0. 

And then it all went wrong. The stepping off the gas which has cost City so so many times this season. Even if you would wish your team to coast to half time with your lead intact, a level of commitment to the safe pass, to the closing down of the opposition before they got into dangerous positions should surely be at the front of a players minds? But no; a wayward ball from Clichy, back to his worst after only one week; a simple crossfield ball find an unmarked Albrighton, who was given more time than at some free kicks by Fernandinho; a simple cross with both centre halves missing in action, and Okazacki scores his first goal in TWENTY THREE games, with Leicesters first meaningful chance, 2-1. 

Pep has spoken many times about (re)introducing a winning mentality to the dressing room. From that point on all the players with the exception of Toure and Jesus, seemed to forget any coaching toward that goal, as calmness evaporated and City allowed Leicester's hoof and hope to get the better of them at every turn. 

The second half had no highlights for City, just a growing unease in the stands that the three points which had at one point looked assured, would be snatched by Leicester as they became the team most likely to score. Even after the penalty let off, City's play remained erratic, with misplaced passing the order of the day, with of all people Kevin DeBruyne the most guilty misplacing half a dozen passes to bring pressure back on City, before being hauled off on 82'. When seven minutes of injury time was shown on the fourth officials board, the seemed inevitable that Leicester would at least equalise. But thankfully after ten minutes of time added on City's 2-1 advantage stood, City had won and claimed a valuable 3 points towards ECL qualification. Hopefully come Tuesday and West Brom, the nerves which struck the team to the point of uselessness in the second half can be forgotten. #CTID.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

A New Script?, City 5 vs. 0 Crystal Palace

“It will be a big, big battle until the last game”, Guardiola – 07/05/2017.

Goals: Silva (2'), Kompany (49'), De Bruyne (59'), Sterling (82'), 
Otamendi (90'+2);

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

Caballero (7.5)
Fernandinho (6.5)
Otamendi (8)
Kompany (8)
Clichy (8)
Toure (7)
Sterling (7.5)
De Bruyne (8.5)
Sané (7), (Navas 84' (5.5))
Silva (9), (Zabaleta 68' (7))
Jesus (6.5), (Iheanacho 84' (5.5))

Referee; Michael Oliver (4)

Stats;Possession, 69%/31%; Shots, 26(12)/5(2); Corners, 9/3; Fouls, 12/8

At 1-0 at the end of the first half, this game had the familiar feel of a film you've watched before, sort of enjoyed, but know the ending will leave you disappointed and wishing the director had been more imaginative. There were the usual plot elements; vast amounts of possession, slick passing up to the final third, and some heart stopping moments in the box. It had the hero, "The Magician" David Silva, wherever he went creating magic moments, and conjuring space out of nothing. And of course we had the villain, the "man in black", Michael Oliver, allowing "mild peril" all over the pitch by following his own set of rules where it came to foul play against City players, and seemingly unable to find his yellow card, as his dastardly plot to get a City player carried off on a stretcher unfolded. There was even the one perfect scene early on where Silva, having ghosted into the box to get the return on his cross to Sterling, smiled and rifled the ball into the bottom right. But you knew, just knew, that the script would get spoiled in the second half, the evil villain would pull a terrible decision out of the bag, and the foe would get an undeserved equalizer.

Except, this time there was a new script. Four minutes into the second half, with City playing with equal intensity as the first, DeBruyne found space to angle a low daisy cutting cross to Kompany in the right of the box, and the big man produced a strikers finish as he rifled the ball into the top right, 2-0.

From that point on Crystal Palace were never in with a shout. City kept fighting for more goals until the final whistle. The third goal came from an ever battling Gabriel Jesus fighting to retain possession on the right, and then rolling the ball to the revitalised Kevin DeBruyne to sweetly smashing the ball hard to the right of the Palace keeper. 3-0. 

And it only got better. Pep was afforded the early luxury of substituting his star man Silva on 64'. Allowing old war dog Zabeleta on to stifle the remnants of fight from Palace's ex-red Saha, and set up yet another finely worked goal as he deftly headed back DeBruynes pass to Sterling, who this time without a hint of panic, allowed the ball the come across his body before cracking the ball in the net. 4-0. 

The icing on the cake was from the second of City's re-invigortaed centre half pairing, Nicolas Otamendi; losing his marker at DeBruynes injury time free-kick and heading home City's fifth. A truly great performance capped by a deserving scoreline. 

This leaves the battle for Champions League football still in City's own hands. With three games to go, Leicester (H), West Brom (H), and finally Watford (A), City have the old cliche of three finals to play. They will need to match this performance in each of them to get the bare minimum fans would have expected from the season. Hopefully they will remember this new script and become masters of their own destiny at last. #CTID.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Hungover (again!!!!), Middlesbrough 2 vs. 2 City

“The second half was better than the first one - we had problems trying to control their counter-attacks and we couldn't settle.”, Pep Guardiola – 30/04/2017.

Goals: Negrado (38'), Chambers (77');Agüero (69'), Jesus (85')

Line Up (3-4-2-1, 4-2-3-1) (match ratings in brackets are from MEN); 

Caballero (6)
Navas (5)
Otamendi (4)
Kompany (6)
Kolorov (4)
Fernandinho (5)
De Bruyne (5)
García (6), (Sané 49' (7))
Agüero (7), (Nolito 90+2' (5.5)) )
Jesus (6)
Clichy (4), (Sterling 50' (6))

Referee; Kevin Friend (unmarked)

Stats;Possession, 32%/68%; Shots, 14(6)/22(4); Corners, 6/4; Fouls, 9/9

No Promise of Magic bloggers made it to the Riverside or could even get a stream , so no match report this week (player ratings are taken from MEN). Needless to say this is a disappointing result. 

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Close But No Cigar, City 0 vs. 0 Trafford

“I Can't remember a season where we have dominated the big teams so much and got so little out of it”, Vincent Kompany – 27/04/2017.

Goals: 

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

Bravo (5.5), (Caballero 74' (5.5))
Zabaleta (6.5)
Kolorov (6.5)
Otamendi (7)
Kompany (8)
Toure (6.5)
Sterling (6), (de Jesus 86' (7))
Fernandinho (7)
Sané (6), (Navas 66' (6.5))
De Bruyne(7)
Agüero (7.5)

Referee; Martin Atkinson (7.5)

Stats;Possession, 69%/31%; Shots, 19(6)/3(1); Corners, 7/4; Fouls, 10/8

I shan't drain the match report. The stats above speak for themselves and I doubt there's many fans' who have not seen at least the highlights by now.

Ultimately, "the boring one" came for the draw or perhaps a break-away goal, and will be the happier of the two managers (save perhaps for Fellaini being a plank and getting a straight red card for a head butt on Agüero on 84'). Pep had set out two conventional full-backs which accounted for any counter-attacks, but also lessened the number of overloads achieved on either wing; at least until it became obvious United were simply not a threat (after around 70 minutes), which was too little too late. Result nil nil.

There were some insights into Pep's thoughts, not just on this game but for the summer, in his after match interview. He mentioned the full-back swap, and was somewhat damning of the lack of miles using 30+ players in those positions gives the team, so we can expect (long over-due) transfers in both full-back positions to be a priority. 

He mentioned mentality again, and with this repeated message Pep probably still believes the shots against the woodwork, and lack of confidence to get into the box are a mentality rather than a skill issue.

He also wistfully reflected on what might have been had Gabriel Jesus been available for the whole season. Jesus certainly had a marked impact on the game for the ten minutes he was the pitch. He was the only player to get the ball in the net on 91', heading home Agüero's cross before the flag was rightfully raised for offside. This blog has always placed the lack of firepower as partially due to the Bony for Dzeko swap on Pellegrini's watch, but you have to agree the season may have ended differently with both Jesus and Aguero available for the last three months, and this is a positive for the remaining games. 

Other positives? The immediate impact Kompany is having on the defence, he was immense last night and all around him look better players for his inclusion, especially Otamendi who again looked solid. Also Agüero continues to benefit from having Jesus breathing down his neck, he was very unlucky last night, hitting the post on 9' and having nine efforts in total, mostly created by himself. 

The negatives were obvious. I'm not sure the Bravo injury will have any great impact, but the continued inability to convert possession and efforts to actual goals is now exasperating. Sterling and DeBruyne are the main culprits, but over the last two games Sane has also shown a lack of confidence and positivity - City need to load the box far more and for some reason don't. Perhaps it is the mental fragility alluded to by Pep. However, with a point, a top four finish remains in City's own hands, with a game in hand over Liverpool and with winnable fixture's remaining it would be a disaster to throw that away. Here's hoping the officiating stays as solid as it was last night and we don't lose any more points to referees. #CTID. 

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Robbed (again) Arsenal 2 vs. 1 City (AET) (FAC Semi)

“We are not in final. We tried to do it, to create more chances so I don't have regrets. We tried to do what we wanted to do", Pep Guardiola – 23/04/2017.

Goals: Monreal (71'), Sanchex (101'); Agüero (62')

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

Bravo (6)
Navas (6.5)
Otamendi (6)
Kompany (6.5)
Clichy (5.5)
Fernandinho (6)
Sané (6)
De Bruyne (7)
Silva (6), (Sterling 23' (5.5), Iheanacho 105' (5.5))
Toure (7.5)
Agüero (7), (Delph 99' (5.5))

Referee; Craig Pawson (3)

Stats;Possession, 34%/66%; Shots, 9(3)/20(3); Corners, 6/7; Fouls, 20/20

Another game soured by appalling refereeing at the expense of the Blues. Arsenal had set up with a back five, two holding midfielders and the intent to kick ten shades out of City from the first whistle. Weak refereeing and a refusal to show deserved yellows for several nasty challenges, eventually led to David Silva needing to be withdrawn on 20' with an injury, most likely caused by Gabriel's unpunished tackle from behind. 

The disastrous decisions then kept on coming; Aguero was clearly tripped inside the box by Chamberlain on the half hour, but no penalty given, and then to put the icing on the cake the linesman (Steve Child) disallowed a perfectly valid goal from Aguero on 40' saying INCORRECTLY that cross had gone out, awful just awful. 

Despite everything City had thrown at them and totally dominating the first half Arsenal were allowed, wrongly, to go in evens at the break. If its soul sapping for fans week in week out, what must it be like for the players? 

Arsenal finally decided to play football in the second half, and the game was a much more even affair for it. However, City drew first blood. With Arsenal abandoning the seven man defence, space opened up, and on 62' from an Arsenal corner, City broke  quickly forward via a perfectly weighted ball onto Aguero from Toure, the Argentinians pace took him into the box, and his guile feigned to take it around the keeper, only for him to lift it into the right corner of the goal. Unfortunately for City the script was already written, by this time remember, all things being equal, City should have been two or three goals to the good. But when poor closing from Clichy allowed Chamberlain a speculative cross, and then Monreal, with Arsenal's first shot on target, gets to hit the equaliser - you sort of know whats coming. And in injury time it came, with a nonsense freekick being given against Kompany leading to pinball in the area and Sanchez to score the winner. 

There were other chances for City; Toure had a solid effort on 79' tipped onto the post by Cech, Fernandinho rose to head onto the bar on 81',and Bellerin blocked Delph's effort on 110' when it looked like a City equaliser after De Bruyne's break. In the end though you cannot play 12 men for 120 minutes and not begin to feel the strain, and City could not raise themselves to take the game to penalties. 

So another competition is taken away from the Blues grasp by incompetent officiating. I have no doubt the better team lost on the day - and not through their own misfortune. The sooner the FA wake up and realise they are destroying the game (or what they would describe as their "product") the better. Video referees are needed now, not after trials, not after more dilly dallying by grey suits who have never even stood on a terrace ... NOW! 

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

"Here's To You Vincent Kompany..." Southampton 0 vs. 3 City

“"I know that such moments are worth working for. If I had to work 15 years just to have one moment like this, I would do it." ”, Vincent Kompany – 15/04/2017.

Goals: ;Kompany (55'), Sané (77'), Agüero (80')

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

Bravo (6)
Navas (6.5)
Otamendi (7)
Kompany (8.5)
Clichy (5.5)
Fernandinho (6.5)
Sané (8), (Sterling 86' (5.5))
De Bruyne (8)
Silva (6)
Toure (7)
Agüero (7)

Referee; Neil Swarbrick (6)

Stats;Possession, 41%/59%; Shots, 8(1)/18(8); Corners, 3/8; Fouls, 9/8

A positive step towards the top four at Saint Mary's, a ground which has been difficult for City in recent years. After dispensing with a laborious and purposeless first half game plan, City came out in the second having remembered the basics which have served them best throughout the season.  Kevin De Bruyne pulled the strings up front, whilst providing two assists to add to his "best in Premier League" total, and Leroy Sane was pace and trickery personified, but perhaps the biggest smile on every City fan's face will be because the big man was back with a bang. Vincent Kompany topped an imperious defensive display and clean sheet, with a bullet header passed Fraser Forster, to open the scoring from Silva's corner from the right on 55'. 

The second goal was the pick of the three, on 77' a quick interchange between Silva and De Bruyne on the half way line, saw the Belgian stride charge away from the Southampton defence before squaring the ball to an onrushing Sane to calmly slot home without breaking his run, 2-0. 

Three minutes later is was De Bruyne again, this time overlapping Navas on the right wing, to get to the byline and clip a perfect cross for Aguero to score the second header of the game, 3-0. 

So going into Sunday's matches City sit in third, a point above fourth place Liverpool, but more importantly seven above fifth place Everton.  But with both United and Arsenal playing tomorrow and having a game in hand to boot, this was an important game to come away with maximum points, before going into next weekend's FA Cup Semi-Final. 

So hopefully Kompany's display gives Pep pause before picking the team against Arsenal, and this is the start of the rest of Vincent's City career, and not a false dawn. Certainly both this season and last could have been a different story had City's talismanic skipper been fit. #CTID.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Steady, City 3 vs 1 Hull

“It was important for us to win after many days without a win. We started well and created chances and we had the right attitude.n”, Guardiola – 08/04/2017.

Goals: Elmohamady 69' (OG), Aguero 48', Delph 64'; Ranocchia 85'

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

Bravo (5.5)
Navas (7)
Kolorov (6)
Stones (6)
Clichy (6.5)
Toure (6.5), (Fernando 74' (5.5))
Sterling (8)
Delph (7)
Sané (6.5), (Nolito 66' (5.5))
Silva (7.5), (Iheanacho 75' (5.5))
Agüero (7)

Referee; Michael Oliver (4)

Stats;Possession, 68%/32%; Shots, 23(7)/6(1); Corners, 7/3; Fouls, 6/8

A sunny day in Manchester, and City with a "banana skin" fixture against a Hull City side scrapping for their survival, and coming to the Etihad with consecutive wins verses 'Boro and West Ham under their belts.

As it turned out, City were comfortably the better side for much of the game, without ever really seeming to click into top gear. David Silva oiled the wheels throughout, until his withdrawal on 75', and Fabian Delph showed he is willing to fight for a place in the squad come next season, with his second solid display in the holding role in five days.

There were other positives. Delph's application to cover for Navas when the he went forward from right back, allowed the Spaniard much more confidence in the position, putting in several good crosses. On the half hour one of these found Elmohamady at sixes and sevens with Sane on his left shoulder as he put into his own net, 1-0. City didn't really look back from that point. 

Sterling was particularly impressive, and with Agüero putting in a shift throughout, it was only a matter of time for the second came. And it was that very combination that provided just after half time, as Sterlings pace and agility took him into the box and towards the by-line, squaring back for Kun to force the ball home off two Hull defenders, 2-0. 

With Hull pressed back, and lacking an out ball, City continued to press. On 64' Delph finding himself released more and more from defensive duties, latched onto Sterling's pass across the front of the eighteen yard box, having been released by Silva. Delph looked up and rifled the ball left footed into the bottom right, 3-0. 

That should have been game-over, but having played with some poise almost ninety minutes, the City defence reverted to type and let in a very preventable goal. Bravo will take the brunt of the stick, but he was arguably unsighted as Stones failed to clear his lines and a scuffed effort from the Hull centre half crept through Bravo's weak attempt to stop it. It can't be easy for Bravo, but with two out of every shot on target he's faced all season going in the net, my opinion remains he needs replacing in the summer.

So a workman like three points, as City step on towards hopefully making a top four berth their own over the next few weeks. Next up Southampton away, the location of one of Pellergrini's worst performances last season, and another "banana-skin". #CTID.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

The final nail in the coffin - Chelsea 2 vs 1 City

“Today the Premier League is gone” , Pep Guardiola - 05/04/2017

Goals;   Hazard (10'), Aguero (26'), Hazard (35')


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

Caballero (5)
Navas (5)
Kompany (7)
Stones (6)
Clichy (4)
Fernandinho (5)
Delph (7)
Silva (6)
DeBruyne (6)
Sane (6) 
Aguero (6) 

Stats; Possession 40%/60%; Shots 10(4)/17(7); Corners 2/9; Fouls 10/14

Frustrating. Another match vs a top 6 side that City come away disheartened and deserving more. 

From one London trip to another, I came into this game with similar expectations. I know we 'can' beat anyone. We saw that against Barcelona. But if this season's experiences have told us anything, its that the script had already been written.

Here are the 5 things I learned from yesterday's defeat to 'Champions Elect' Chelski. 

Pep's shop window -  Navas at right back showed that Pep is now willing to try absolutely anything. However, I think Pep has now got to the point where he needs some interest in City's current 'surplus'. Delph, on the day, proved a serious point. Navas was okay, but all a bit too late for the Spaniard at the Etihad. Clichy, a performance akin to his whole season. Just not up to it. Time to shift these guys on.

Here's to you.. - how good was it to see Vin back in the shirt. Pep labelled him as aggressive and he certainly was, not giving Costa a sniff all game. A leader. Oh how we have missed him.

David Silva olé - if Kante wins player of the year, it wasn't based on last night. David Silva did what he does best, made him look bang average. The best player to wear the shirt in my lifetime. No debate. 

Contribution or lack thereof - with only Sergio reaching double figures thus far, we need to be more clinical. We haven't replaced the contribution from Yaya. Sane has been electric but we seem too reliant on him and Sergio. Kev has hit the post more than any other player this season, which you can call bad luck, but something has got to give. We need more 'killers in the box' 

Our own worst enemies - Individual errors are the story of our season. Still don't think we have been outplayed this season. Yet the league is all but out of our grasp.

If you hadn't already written us off, yesterday did seem like a final nail in the premier league coffin. Nevertheless, the remaining games are crucial with Champions league football by no means a certainty. Lets finish as we started, blues. Next stop Hull. 

@PatrickElano

Flat ... Arsenal 2 vs. 2 City

“... after the goal we forgot to play”, Guardiola – 02/04/2017.

Goals: Walcott (40'), Mustafi (53');Sané (5'), Agüero (42')

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

Caballero (6)
Navas (5.5)
Otamendi (6)
Stones (6)
Clichy (4.5)
Fernandinho (6)
Sterling (6), (Toure 45' (5.5))
De Bruyne (6.5)
Silva (6), (Zabaleta 89' (5.5))
Sané (7.5)
Agüero (7)

Referee; Andre Marriner (4)

Stats;Possession, 44%/56%; Shots, 8(3)/14(5); Corners, 3/8; Fouls, 8/15

The first game back after international breaks is always a difficult one to call. With Chelsea having unexpectedly dropped points at home the previous day, and Arsenal having suffered their Season wobble a little earlier this year, the City faithful were hoping for a statement performance. Something with which to bounce into Wednesday nights "six pointer" with Chelsea at the Bridge, which would bring some self doubt to the champions elect. Unfortunately the team gave a performance, which was a play in ninety minutes of what has been the best and worst of City this Season. 

The first ten minutes were purposeful, strong, confident football; bringing a breathtaking goal from Leroy Sané. Put through by a world class pass from Kevin DeBruyne from the City half, the young German had the pace and strength to hold off Belerin (no slouch himself), and the calmness to slot past Ospina from an acute angle. Minutes later DeBruyne almost made it two with a rasping shot from inside the box rebounding off the foot of the right post. 

But then, almost inexplicably, City retreated back on themselves, failing to capitalize on a great start, and giving Arsenal time on the ball, and therefore belief, as they clawed their way back into the game. A lack of urgency and tempo (a trait seen in the latter part of both Mancini's and Pellegrini's time in charge), has crept into Pep's team too often this season for it to be a great side, and today it again cost City. Just before half time, another weakness, lack of concentration in defence (from a usual suspect in Gael Clichy) saw Arsenal equalise. And despite City again showing great class in the build up and execution to immediately respond with a second goal, with Aguero finishing expertly in the bottom left having been slotted through by Silva; going into half time even at 2-1 to the good had few convinced that City would put the game to bed. 

At half time, Sterling was withdrawn rather than make-shift right-back Navas; presumably with a knock, as Navas had given zero confidence that he was nullifying the constant threat of Sanchez down the City right. The introduction of Toure did however give Fernandinho greater chance to protect Navas. But before that change in formation had time to bed in, Arsenal had equalised again.  A further failing had slowly crept into City's play, a bizarre lack of short passing ability from the back, with more passes than not going to an Arsenal player. This built Arsenals possession and forced a number of set pieces, finally resulting in a corner for Arsenal from which Mustafi rose above Otemendi to score, 2-2. 

After that both teams seemed to lack conviction, with City arguably having the better of the rest of the game, it was still without tempo or urgency. 

No City game is complete without a refereeing howler, and Andre Marinner dutifully stepped up in the 91st minute to add to the two points he had cost City against Spurs in February by not giving a blatant push on Sterling as a penalty. This time it was a control with the hand by Monreal, not given, so costing a further two points. It was not an easy decision, but one you want a referee at this level to be able to make. 

So a lost opportunity, and City move forward to Wednesday without the momentum which had been starting to build over the previous weeks. #CTID.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Flat ...

Deserved More, City 1 vs 1 Liverpool

“Always we play to win, always we play to attack, always we play respecting our spectators, but of course we are a little bit sad because we deserved to win, again”, Guardiola – 19/03/2017.

Goals: Aguero 69'; Milner 51' (Pen)

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

Caballero (7)
Fernandinho (7)
Otamendi (6.5)
Stones (8)
Clichy (6)
Toure (6.5), (Sagna 65' (4.5))
Sterling (7.5)
De Bruyne (6)
Sané (6.5), (Fernando 83' (6))
Silva (8)
Agüero (7)

Referee; Michael Oliver (4)

Stats;Possession, 60%/40%; Shots, 13(3)/13(4); Corners, 9/8; Fouls, 14/7

I hate playing Liverpool. Decades of never getting the rub of the green, and terrible refereeing decisions, and of course for many years where they were a far better side than City could hope to be. Even though that's not the case now, I still expect to be robbed at some point during the game. So on reading that Michael Oliver was to referee the game today, in my head it was a foregone conclusion that he would ruin it in some way... On either side of half time that's exactly what he did.

On 39' Oliver blindly ignored, not one, but two penalties in quick succession, as firstly Matip impeded Aguero as he tried to run in to get on David Silva's exquisite cross, and then as Sterling sets to pull the trigger Milner goes through his shooting foot and then his standing leg, with a tackle from behind, both nailed on penalties. Had Fernandinho managed to get his foot around the ball at the far post it wouldn't have mattered ... but he didn't so a penalty has to be given.

Then after the break, Oliver doesn't hesitate to award a penalty to Liverpool as Clichy kicks the ball at chest height from a Emre Can cross. Sad in its inevitability, I really did think that might be game over. 

However Pep and the team were having none of it. Despite showing obvious miles in the legs as a hangover from the midweek game verses Monaco. City dug deep and slowly re-asserted their game plan, assisted ably by two significant substitutions. 

Firstly Fernandinho, who had played well at right back was pushed forward to a deep midfield role as Sagna came on for Toure. This was actually a cue for De Bruyne, who had looked a fish out of water to that point, to push to right wing with Sterling coming in side. It paid immediate dividends, as on 69' De Bruyne punched a low out swinging cross towards Aguero, and the Argentinian caught it sweetly to equalise. 

The second substitution brought on Fernando for Sané . Outwardly a defensive move, however with Fernando better equipped to deal with the Liverpool counter, City started to apply real pressure, and were unlucky not to profit from one of three good chances for Aguero on 87', 90'+1, and 90+3.

I'm sure it was a great game for the neutrals, but a point was scant reward for a powerful display against a Liverpool side playing out of their skins as they always do at the Etihad. Michael Oliver, please do one.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Only Ourselves to Blame - Monaco 3 vs 1 City

“In the first half we did the exact opposite of what Pep wants from us” , Clichy - 16/03/2017

Goals;   Mbappe (8'), Fabinho (29'), Bakayoko (77'minutes); Sane (71')


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

Caballero (6.5)
Sagna (5)
Kolarov (4)
Stones (6)
Clichy (4) (Iheanacho 84' (5)
Fernandinho (5)
Silva (6)
DeBruyne (5)
Sane (7)
Sterling (6) 
Aguero (6) 

Stats; Possession 41%/59%; Shots 4(1)/3(2); Corners 3/6; Fouls 12/13 


The first leg of this tie was probably up there with one of the best City matches of all time for entertainment value. It had absolutely everything that makes this sport the most popular across the globe. The prospect of a second leg a fortnight after had the football world licking its lips. However, as a City fan, I think the majority of the faithful were dreading it, and with good reason. 

While we were all feeling slightly more at ease with the goalkeeping situation over the past months, there was still a distinct void in class between defence and attack that always felt like an open Achilles waiting to take a blow. The highest scoring team in Europe were certainly wounded after the first leg, but had a taste for a scalp that was ready to be taken. 

In the end, it was the team who dreamt bigger on the night who came away victorious. City were left beaten and bloody after the first 45 minutes in Monaco and just couldn’t muster the fight to claw themselves back for a second time in the tie. Just like that, Pep’s first Champions League bout with Sky Blue gloves was over before it really begun. Here are the five things that stood out for me last night. 

1. The hangover Pellegrini failed to cure has not be solved by Pep  

Now don’t take this the wrong way. I was a Manuelista to the end. I still believe his first season in charge was the best and most exciting football I have seen City play consistently. However, it was towards the dregs of the Manuel era that "first half'itis" began. A lethargy or lack of intent from City which has appeared randomly in games. Yesterday was a prime example of that. Monaco started with intent, while City were still lacing their boots. This has to change for us to kill lesser teams off in the first forty five, rather than relying on a kick up the backside for the second, and clawing back from the brink. 

2. The Yaya problem

The Ivorian is still our best Central Midfielder. He was omitted yesterday, one would assume, for the dynamism of Fernandinho, and the energy to track back. But Yaya remains more than that, he is the metronome that can make City tick. The "Pivote" role was made for his incredible ability to play the game, and dictate the tempo, while having the vision and technique to pull the strings from deep. Fernandinho is a workhorse, and a fantastic one. But he isn’t Yaya. Gundogan is his likely successor, however, until then Yaya has to start the big games [due to his legs, he cannot start every game], maybe he was the one to rest verses 'Boro... though such things are easy to type in hindsight. 

3. The Usual Suspects

We have mentioned a few times on this blog those who are deemed surplus to requirement. That message was only further reinforced last night. Clichy and Sagna are not the Full Backs they were. Neglecting this area of the pitch in the windows has cost us this season. Then the Kolarov and Stones partnership, while Stones was excellent last night, in my opinion. Kolarov is too prone to lapses in judgement. He looked like a full back shoved as a centre back for Monaco’s third last night. He doesn’t have the spatial awareness and presence as a commanding centre half (understandable as this takes years and years to perfect). 

4. Oh Captain, My Captain

Buffon, Godin, Ramos, Bonucci, Pique... and Kompany. Leaders of men. For one reason or another, we have none. These are players that can drive teams through the toughest of encounters alone. An experienced presence to lead, Pep can only do so much from the dugout. This area has to be addressed. Why is Kompany not fit. More than just an experienced centre half to partner Stones, City need a leader. 

5. We need to talk about Kevin

The best attacking midfielder at the start of the season in the Premier league, bar none. However, thats beginning to feel a long time ago. DeBruyne has everything in his locker, but the last few games has appeared to be beating himself up, and its exacerbating his mistakes not helping him get over them. If anyone needs a Pep arm around the shoulders at this moment its Kev, he could make the rest of City's season. 

So, here we are. Quite frustratingly, City have been dumped out of Europe’s elite without ever being comfortably beaten. Not once did I think we wholly deserved to lose. Barca away was a farce ruined by officiating and a certain Mr Bravo. Last night was a missed opportunity which was still nearly pulled round despite the worst half seen by City all season. I still feel City had a heck of a lot more to give in this competition. But it was not to be. City’s run in from now is kill or be killed. The FA cup and Second Place finish would by no means be a failure. One thing we know for sure. We’ll be back. 

@PatrickElano

Profligate But Positive, Middlesbrough 0 vs. 2 City [FAC Quarter]

“We are so happy to be there. We’ve played most of our games away against three teams from the Premier League and one of the best in the Championship so it’s a huge compliment to the team”, Guardiola – 11/03/2017.

Goals: ;Silva (2'), Agüero (67')

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

Bravo (6.5)
Zabaletta (7)
Otamendi (6.5)
Stones (6)
Clichy (6.5)
Toure (7), (Fernando 86' (5.5))
Sterling (6.5)
De Bruyne (6)
Silva (7)
Sané (7), (Nolito 70', (6.5))
Agüero (7.5), (Iheanacho 90'+1 (5.5))

Referee; Mike Dean (4.5)

Stats;Possession, 31%/69%; Shots, 18(10)/3(1); Corners, 1/7; Fouls, 19/11

This was so nearly a huge bounce as preparation for another season defining game in mid-week [away against Monaco in the Champions League]. 

City created chances, good solid chances, throughout the game, but having gone 1-0 up in the second minute, with Silva scoring from six yards out after Pablo Zabaleta had time and space to cross low from the right; Silva, Sterling, and Sané proceeded to throw chance after chance away. 

City are on the way to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final, but could it could have been so much more. A couple of take-aways ... 

1. Middlesbrough set out to disrupt City's rhythm through foul means not fair, with several challenges which would have brought grimaces from the manager of the "Dog and Duck" . Mike Dean was just woeful again in his decision making and keeping his cards in his pocket, allowing season wrecking challenges to be waived away, Leadbitter in particular should not have been on the pitch at half time. 

2. City's kit men need to get a grip, as the studs used on City players's boots certainly did not. 

3. A lot of respect shown by Pep for this competition fielding arguably his strongest eleven [keeper not withstanding]. 

4. Shooting practice for Monday morning maybe :) ... the stats don't lie, City should have had six plus, but rushed too many chances.

5. Big respect to Kun Agüero, who again ran himself ragged, despite the looming ECL game, and scored with a real strikers finish, getting away from Fabio in the box to thump home the second from Sané's cross from the left.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

"Stoked", City 0 vs. 0 Stoke

“"  Frustrated is a tough word. We didn't win but we didn't lose.”, Guardiola – 08/03/2017.

Goals: ;None

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

Caballero (7)
Sagna (6)
Otamendi (5.5)
Kolorov (6)
Clichy (5.5)
Fernandinho (5)
Navas (5.5), (Silva 57' (7))
De Bruyne (6)
Toure (6.5), (Iheanacho 76' (6))
Sané (7.5)
Agüero (6.5)

Referee; Neil Swarbrick (5)

Stats;Possession, 65%/35%; Shots, 12(1)/5(2); Corners, 8/1; Fouls, 8/11

Five points which sealed a boring nil-nil. Not the end of the world but another frustrating night against Stoke to add to a long collection: 

1. Above all, City just spent too long in second gear. The zip and bounce, the closing and harrying, the extra miles were missing until Silva entered the fray on the hour. 

2. Hats off to Stoke's two centre halves, Shawcross and Pieters, they bust a gut to close both space and players for the full 90. 

3. Too many misplaced passes. Not just from the players who you expect it from (see scores above), but KDB was off his game (allegedly making more inaccurate passes than any City player this season), and Fernandhino had his worst ever game in a City shirt. 

4. Sterling was a huge miss ... the price of competing on three fronts, but as I've said before I'd much rather see a City youngster than Navas starting a game.

5. Stoke's previous away 4-0 loss at White Hart Lane, proved to be badly timed for City. Stoke had learned some hard lessons and were playing for pride .

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Controlled, Sunderland 0 vs. 2 City

“We have to believe. We know the last two or three months are the most important part of season. We’re in a good moment”, David Silva – 05/03/2017.

Goals: ;Agüero (42'minutes), Sané (59'minutes)

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

Caballero (7)
Sagna (6.5)
Stones (6.5)
Kolorov (7)
Clichy (6)
Fernandinho (7)
Sterling (8), (Nolito 82' (5.5))
Silva (8.5)
Toure (7.5), (De Bruyne 78' (6))
Sané (8.5), (Delph 89' (5.5))
Agüero (8)

Referee; Martin Atkinson (5)

Stats;Possession, 29%/71%; Shots, 11(3)/14(7); Corners, 6/4; Fouls, 11/4

Attendance; 42,425

A quite different approach at the Stadium of  Light, but something hinted at by Pep after the Bournemouth game, when he spoke of "passing the game to death". And that's exactly what City did, especially having gained the advantage with Agüero's goal just before half time, making over 300 more passes in the game than their opponents. 

In all honesty, this was not a bad display from Sunderland, who surprised everyone by starting with two up top, with Borini and Defoe employed to close down the City defence with help from Ndong and Larrson. For long periods of the first half, the tactic looked to be paying dividends; though Cabellero and City's much maligned defence never looked panicked. Sunderland did make half chances; the best perhaps a limp header wide from Borini on 20' after Defoe had hit a stunning twenty yard strike against the left post. 

However, for every half chance from Sunderland, City were weaving patterns towards the Sunderland goal, and when the goal did come, it was from City breaking the tactic which looked to be keeping Sunderland in the game. Toure was literally screaming for the ball, when the high press had left him free in midfield, and Caballero spotted and got the ball to him ... just. The big Ivorian stretching and starting the move which moved down the right through Silva, and onto Sterling to cross low into the six yard box, where Agüero slipped between the two Sunderland centre halves to dink the ball over the keeper. It was quick intricate stuff, and carved Sunderland apart, 0-1, and Sergio's 50th away goal in the Premier League. Two minutes later it could (should?) have been two when Agüero turned provider sliding the ball to Silva to slot home, but the linesman raised the flag on Sterling, who though in an offside position had no part in the move. 

The second half started as the first had finished, and slowly but surely the energy in the legs of the Sunderland players just dissipated. The passing remained the same from City, as did the energy to get the ball back when losing possession. The second goal when it came was a cracker.  The City attack visibly stepped up  a gear on regainig possession in the center circle, with Sterling finding Silva, and a lightning run from Sane being spotted immediately with Silva playing the ball and Sane leaving the Sunderland right back for dead before cracking the ball in off the right post to score his sixth of the season, 0-2. 

There could have been more, but City looked content to keep Sunderland at bay through denying them possession. It was very effective football, bringing City their tenth win on the road of the campaign, a feat not achieved since they last won the League, and their fifth consecutive clean sheet away from home in all competitions.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Not Quite Ten, City 5 vs. 1 Huddersfield [FAC 5th Rnd]

“I am very happy for the result and the two goal but especially for getting through to the next round. ”, Sergio Aguero – 01/03/2017.

Goals: Sané (30' minutes), Agüero (35' minutes pen, 73' minutes), Zabaleta (38' minutes), Iheanacho (90'+1 minutes)

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

Bravo (5.5)
Zabaleta (7)
Stones (6)
Otamendi (6.5)
Clichy (6)
Fernandinho (6.5)
Sterling (8)
DeBruyne (8), (Delph 75'(5.5))
Garcia (7)
Sané (7.5), (Navas 81' (5.5))
Agüero (8.5), (Iheanacho 83' (6))

Referee; Paul Tierney (4.5)

Stats;Possession, 67%/33%; Shots, 16(10)/6(2); Corners, 5/2; Fouls, 8/12

Attendance; 42,425

After a break in the sunshine in Abu Dhabi, it was back to the slightly colder Manchester climate, as City faced Huddersfield for the second time in two weeks in the FA Cup 5th Round Replay. 

The first match had ended in stale-mate with both sides fielding second strings, and the grit and effort of Huddersfield getting a deserved nil nil. Pep was taking no chances tonight as he put out a close to full strength eleven, to make sure of a quarter final place against Middlesbrough on 11th March. 

City could have been two up when Huddersfield got their opener, Sane had hit the post on 4', and City the had a penalty incorrectly ruled out a couple of minutes later when Stankovic directed the ball away from City's strikers with his hand whilst lay on the ground. However, City did not let the goal from City old boy Bunn, put them off their stride, and equalised on 30' with Sane cracking the ball home in the box, following a tricky low cross from Sterling, 1-1 (City again being denied a hand ball penalty in the build up). 

City finally got a penalty through a foul on Otamendi on 35', which Aguero put away confidently, 2-1, and from that point on City never really looked back despite continued attacking intent from a stubborn Huddersfield side, who deserve a lot of praise for the way they played. Eight minutes later, Zabaleta made up for going misisng for the Huddersfield goal by becoming a fox in the box himself and latching onto a deft Aguero cross from the right, 3-1. 

The second half was a calmer affair, but still with a push for more goals from both sides, Huddersfield arguably the quicker out of the blocks.  But it was City, and Aguero again who put the game to bed on 79', with a powful first time effort, again in the box, from Sterlings byline cross, 4-1. Late substitute Iheanacho put the icing on the cake in injury time, striking home from Navas' cross from a marginally offside position, 5-1. 

Whilst the result is obviously a huge plus, it was also good to see Garcia start in a defensive midfield two with Fernandinho, and the youngster acquitting  himself admirably throughout the game, growing in confidence as time went on. And perhaps the biggest bonus was Sergio's performance, as the media continue to speculate on his future, he just continues to do what he does best, score goals, but has also added 10% to his work rate, even when the game was won. Outstanding.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me