Enough Is Enough! - City 5 vs 3 Monaco

“You have to overcome these situations to become a better club, a better team” 

, Guardiola - 21/02/2017

Goals;   Sterling (26'); Falcao (32'), Mbappe (40'), Aguero (58'), Falcao (61'), Aguero (71'), Stones (77'), Sane (82')


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

Caballero (6.5)
Sagna (5)
Otamendi (4)
Stones (6)
Fernandinho (5) (Zabaleta 62' (6))
Yaya (8)
Silva (9)
DeBruyne (8)
Sane (8)
Sterling (8) (Navas 89' (5.5))
Aguero (9) (Fernando 87' (5.5))

Stats; Possession 61%/39%; Shots 6(6)/7(6); Fouls 12/15 

City under floodlights on a Tuesday night. Whilst, for good reason, we continue to boo, you cannot deny there is something spine tingling and fantastic about it. More than that, it all still feels a bit far fetched. Especially with performances like last night. 

Monaco were City’s latest opponents and just in case you hadn’t read it enough, they are doing a bit alright this season. With the British media handing out the Premier League trophy to Chelsea already, it seems that the Champions league has almost turned into a must win for City, and a free scoring Monaco side were going to get in the way of that success. 

From the first whistle it was a case of ‘We’re going to score more goals than you’ from both sides. City’s defence looked unsettlingly nervous from the off. Since Willy’s inclusion he has shown a shade more pragmatism than Bravo when playing it out from the back, but last night the Argentinian seemed adamant that one of Stones, Otamendi or Yaya as Pivote had to take the ball from him just outside the area. This invited the usual room for error, and Monaco had done their homework. 

Nevertheless, it was City who broke the deadlock, and take a bow Leroy Sane. The lad just can’t stop putting in big performances. Dancing through three players and bouncing the ball off Silva, Sane slid the ball across the face for Sterling to tap home his 9th goal of the season, 1-0. Not bad for a player with written off as having no end product. 

From there the floodgates opened. Willy with a poor short pass from the back invited pressure from Fabinho who put in a fantastic cross to Trafford flop Falcao, who left alone in the box, finished with the diving header, 1-1. Two minutes later City should have had a penalty. But of course, Aguero was booked for diving, by a haplass referee who continued to lose the plot throughout 90'. Even before the renewed booing had ceased , City’s defensive frailties were exposed by a simple freekick over the top of Otamendi for 18 year old ‘Wonderkid’ Mbappe to smash the ball past Caballero, 1-2. Just like that City head into half-time a goal down. 

Just after halftime and the referee was definitely looking to win best cock-up at the useless refereeing academy awards. A coming together between Otamendi and Falcao was belatedly given as a penalty, by the same linesman who had kept quiet when Aguero was blatantly tripped on the half hour. This was the turning point. 

The City of previous years may have hidden, whilst strong in the Premiership, have weakened when faced with 12 vs 11. Lost their heads. The City fans may have shrugged their shoulders, expected the inevitable and slumped back into their seats. Yesterday was different. It was as if something snapped within everyone in the ground. It all started with Willy. The Wembley shootout hero of last year was at it again and smothered Falcao’s limp penalty. The Etihad erupts. Pep erupts. Dare I say it, Willy erupts, GAME ON? 

It then took a bit of fortune to come our way, with Aguero being released by a breakaway run from Sterling. Sergio’s shot being misjudged by Subasic and fumbled into his net, 2-2 and the least City deserved; how many of us would have sold the moother in law to keep that score? But, then another defensive error, this time from Stones, which led to Monaco regaining their advantage through a fantastic Falcao chip, from latching onto another long ball, 2-3. I immediately thought that this was it. It was just one of those games that we are destined not to get anything from. 

What could sum up a turning point in a City season more than scoring from a corner? The mad got madder as Sergio ‘he’s not a Pep player’ Aguero thumped home his second of the night with a world class volley from Silva’s teasing corner, 3-3. One corner not enough? De Bruyne’s was then met at the back post by John Stones to make it 4-3. If you ever needed a picture to restore hope that passion is still strong in the City camp, then the celebrations led by Stones summed it up perfectly. Just to top things off, David Silva, who ran the entire game once again, chipped the ball in behind to Sergio who unselfishly lays the ball into the path of Sane who fired into an open goal. 5-3. 

There is never a dull moment as a City fan. What we saw last night was a club that was sick and tired of being oppressed from the ‘elite’. Every script had been written. Penalties not given, defensive mistakes, penalties wrongfully given to the opposition. It was City’s season so far in a nutshell. But what Guardiola has been adamant about since day one is wanting to make these players passionate about this club and make them know that they are good enough. It was this aspect of the Guardiola ethos that came into fruition last night. Of course there is still a long way to go but there is no team in the world that would want to face us right now. 

City have adopted ‘We fight to the end’ as a modern club mantra. Typical who? 

@PatrickElano

Underwhelmed ..., Huddersfield 0 vs. 0 City [FAC 5th Round]

“It is not frustrating, it was a tough game against one of the best teams in the Championship...”, Pep Guardiola – 18/02/2017.

Goals: -

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

Bravo (6)
Zabaleta (5.5)
Stones (5.5)
Kolorov (4.5), (Sagna 78' (5.5)
Otamendi (6.5)
Fernando (5.5)
Delph (5.5), (De Bruyne 69' (5))
Fernandinho (5.5)
Nolito (6.5), (Sane 69' (6))
Navas (5)
Aguero (6)

Referee; Andrew Taylor (5)

Stats;Possession, 37%/63%; Shots, 8(3)/15(5); Corners, 3/8; Fouls, 12/8

Little to get excited about at the John Smith's stadium as City's and Huddersfield's second string side's played out a goalless draw with plenty of exuberance, but little footballing entertainment. 

City had the best of the possession, but never controlled the game, save for a brief ten minute spell at the start of the second half where Aguero, on another day, may have given the game a much needed goal. In the end, both side's names being in the hat for the quarter finals was probably the fairest result. Although neither manager will welcome another fixture as they struggle to fit the replay at the Etihad into busy schedules. 

So rather than bore even myself with writing up none existent highlights, I will instead give the "Promise of Magic" view on who from this second string is likely to see it into Pep's second season, and who may need to step up their game to impress ... 

1. Bravo. Didn't put a foot wrong today, but his inclusion also didn't bring a sparkle of the deep build up play he was allegedly bought for. There's little chance he'll be moved on but Caballero still looks the better keeper. 

5. Zabaleta. Lack of game time is not helping Zabba, and this was a shadow of the performance he is capable of. Liked by Pep, he is still likely to get the nod over Sagna as staying in the summer, but new full-backs on both sides of the pitch are a must for next season.

24. Stones. Still a learning curve for the youngster who has shown glimpses of his potential this season, but never the full package. Not in danger, and hopefully much more to come. 

30. Otamendi.  Probably not a second string player, and has become a better player under Pep. Though he still suffers the odd rush of blood, this was a solid performance today. With Kompany looking like he may never shake off a long string of injuries I don't think Otamendi is in any danger of being sold. 

11. Kolorov. Another 'mare today for the Serbian, who has perhaps had the most attention from Guardiola in his time at City, as he tries to shape him into a ball playing centre half. Despite some awful performances I cannot see Pep's pet project being discarded any time soon, and its Gael Clichy, who is at the end of his contract, who is the likelier to depart in the summer.

25. Fernandinho. Not a second string player, and the player most likely to feature again on Tuesday. Certainly played within himself, but has been a revelation this season with his versatility across the back as well as across the midfield. A good couple of seasons left in Ferna's boots.

6. Fernando. Another nothing game from Ferna number two. While he definitely has his place in the squad for seeing out games as a substitute, I think many fans would rather see more game time from some of the youth squad, rather than play Fernando in the cup. Would be no surprise if he left in the summer.

6. Delph. Has been horrendously unlucky with injuries, but its been twelve months since a decent game for Delph, and he is surely now only a name to fill the English quota with Joe Hart having been moved out.

15. Navas. In steady decline since the departure of Pellegrini, I'm afraid another player who should really make way for youth. A likely summer departure.

10. Aguero. Hopefully will also see action on Tuesday, this wasn't Kun's day, but showed as a class above on the few occasions he was given service. Surely has to stay.

9. Nolito. One of few players to earn his place today, Nolito is a player with a very clever footballing brain, if not always the feet to match it. Likely a keeper for this summer at least.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me.

Professional, Bournemouth 0 vs 2 City

“I am so pleased with how we did and especially the last 10-15 minutes, we did the right way to make the result with a thousand million passes ...”, Pep Guardiola – 13/02/2017.

Goals: ;Sterling (29'), Mings (69' OG)

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

Caballero (7)
Sagna (6.5)
Stones (6.5)
Kolorov (6)
Fernandhino (7.5)
Toure (7), (Otamendi 70' (5.5))
De Bruyne (6.5)
Sterling (7.5), (Nolito 90' (5.5))
Silva (8)
Jesus (6), (Aguero 15' (6.5))
Sane (6.5)

Referee; Neil Swarbrick (6.5)

Stats;Possession, 38%/62%; Shots, 5(1)/17(5); Corners, 3/7; Fouls, 8/11

Pep's methodical rebuilding of the 2016/17 Season - following the "crisis" surrounding the Everton result - continued apace on a cold Monday night at the Vitality Stadium. 

This was an assured performance, away from home, against a Bournemouth willing to put in 100% from the first whistle. A lot of positives ... 

1. Aguero Still Has A Big Part To Play. The City faithful's ninety third minute legend, has been truly worthy of the title since joining the blues in 2011. As the Premier League's most prolific scorer, his contribution is severely undersold in the media, despite being one of a handful of truly world class players in the competition. He was obviously ring rusty following his lay off, but was still hungry where it counts, and forced City's second goal. Hopefully Jesus' injury is not serious  and we see both in tandem [UPDATE Wednesday. Jesus has fractured metatarsal, minimum 6 weeks lay off :/]. 

2. Fernandinho Can Play Literally Anywhere. Is there nothing this man cannot do? Having put in an assured appearance at the weekend as right back, he switched wings and out did himself by playing even better as left back, before switching to replace a tiring Yaya on 70'. Outstanding.

3. Big Decisions Change Matches. One-Nil, only 1 minute after Raheem Sterling had put City deservedly ahead, King pulls Stone's shirt to gain advantage on the break before putting the ball passed Caballero. A clear foul, blown up by referee Neil Swarbrick, disallowing the goal. A correct but brave decision, and a welcome change from the yellow bellied refereeing fodder City have had to put up with too many times this season. 

4. Willy Is Number One. It was a while coming, but with Pep having made up his mind to continue playing Cabellero following his Crystal Palace Cup performance, the Argentinian goes from strength to strength. This was perhaps his best City performance since his League Cup Final heroics of last year. 

5. We Are Not Worthy.... David Silva, what a player, worth the entrance fee alone on many an occasion his performance tonight was sublime. For me his take down of a high ball, just before half time, to then smoothly glide into an attacking run in one fluid movement was fabulous. Would have been a 10 had his second half volley gone in, but still a man of the match performance.

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Sublime, Plus Ridiculous City 2 vs. 1 Swansea

“Gabriel Jesus is strong, fast and has really good movement. He has arrived really, really, well. He is Gabriel Jesus. We are happy to have him”, Pep Guardiola – 05/02/2017.

Goals: ;de Jesus (11', 90'+2)

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

Caballero (6)
Fernandinho (6)
Kolorov (6)
Stones (6)
Clichy (4.5)
Toure (6)
de Jesus (8.5)
DeBruyne (6), (Zabaleta 78'(6))
Silva (8), (Fernando 90' (5.5))
Sane (7)
Sterling (6.5), (Aguero 83' (6))

Referee; Mike Dean (4.5)

Stats;Possession, 69%/31%; Shots, 17(5)/4(2); Corners, 10/3; Fouls, 9/13

Attendance; 54,065

The addition of Fernandhino and Clichy for Sagna and Otamendi, were the only changes from mid-week, Jesus kept and justified his place, as did Caballero. This was Jesus' full home debut, and again he took it in his stride, being a bundle of energy and movement for the full 90 minutes. All games are big games now for City in the Premier League; the title is a pipe dream, but top four is a must to continue to progress, and expectation was high given the dismantling of West Ham earlier in the week. 

The first half was a joy; the pace, passing, and movement from what became a front five at times was fabulous to watch. Swansea were simply overwhelmed, with barely a misplaced pass, from City, and fervent pressing on losing possession. City at one point racked up 82% possession stats, with Swansea failing to create a single chance all half. The goal came early, and was sublime, a throw on the right on 11' brought a reverse pass from Sane to Silva, before Silva glided passed Fernandez to square to Sterling who was challenged as he shot before Jesus popped up to strike home. But City again struggled to convert dominance to further goals, and despite creating chance after chance before the half-time whistle they failed to add to the score line. 

The second half could not have been more different. The energy dropped from City's game, and Swansea finally realized they were in a football match. A injection from the City bench didn't come, and even the passing became sloppy, Clichy especially being easily pressured into mistakes. The equaliser when it came seemed inevitable. Swansea had threatened twice already, Cabellero keeping City's lead with a fantastic save from Sigurdsson's free kick just after the break, and Fernandhino headed off the line a few minutes later. City had had chances of their own, Silva's shot on 72' perhaps being the best, but the Spaniard delayed just too long allowing a block. But as has happened all too often, just as fan's thought the worst was over, Sigurdsson popped up on 81' with a cracking left footer from outside the box, again following a lackadaisical challenge from Clichy on the left giving Swansea possession. 

Luckily Jesus has not read the script. Aguero's pressing regained possession in the 92nd minute, before he released Silva on the right, who crossed to the young Brazilian who's header was only parried by Fabianski before Jesus finished with his right foot. 2-1 and three points. 

So definitely a game of two halves, with plenty for Pep to think on still. When City are good, they are very very good, but we are still not the finished article. Keeping the energy for 90 minutes is not easy, and It will be interesting to see if things are changed at all for Bournemouth, who are a difficult side to break down at home. With Arsenal and Liverpool again dropping points yesterday, City sit third, but it still looks like there will be plenty of ups and downs before City are sure of securing a top four finish. 

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me

Electric, West Ham 0 vs. 4 City

“We played a front three with an average age of 20. I like the fans to be excited.”, Pep Guardiola – 01/02/2017.

Goals: ;DeBruyne (17'), Silva (21'), de Jesus (39'), Toure (67')

Line Up (4-1-4-1) (match ratings intentionally blank); 

Caballero (6.5)
Sagna (6)
Kolorov (6)
Stones (6.5)
Otamendi (6)
Toure (7)
de Jesus (8.5)
DeBruyne (7), (Fernandhino 67'(5.5))
Silva (8.5), (Delph 80' (5.5))
Sane (8)
Sterling (8), (Aguero 73' (5.5))

Referee; Kevin Friend (6)

Stats;Possession, 30%/70%; Shots, 6(1)/11(4); Corners, 2/4; Fouls, 11/14

Two big changes were the talking point before the game. Willy Caballero, after his solid performance in the cup at the weekend, was preferred to No.1 Claudio Bravo. Up front, perhaps a bigger surprise was that de Jesus was preferred up front to Aguero to maintain the youthful attacking three. Both changes paid dividends as City tore West Ham apart in the opening half. 

This was Jesus' full Premier League debut, but you wouldn't have known it so assured was his passing and movement, and so purposeful his closing and work off the ball as well. He had already been involved in two or three moves by the time he played the delightful one two with DeBruyne on 17' to bring City's opener, and from that point City never looked like surrendering the momentum. 

Less than four minutes later,  Sane, who again had a great game, showed awareness and agility, to first nutmeg Byram and then breezing past Fonte, before his cross was deflected across the goal to Silva to pass home. 0-2. 

Then came the goal that every City fan was waiting for, as Sane again seized on the ball to start another counter, this time providing a slide rule pass to the right for Sterling who then squared to Jesus to caress the ball home, 0-3. 

The second half was less eventful in front of goal, but the possession, quick passing, and above all pressing was great to watch as City choked the life out of the game. Toure finally putting a lackluster Hammers out of their misery on 67', with City finally! being awarded a penalty for a foul on Sterling by Fonte after another searing counter down the right. 

With none of the rest of the top six winning over the mid-week games, this was a deserved boost to City's ascent to get back among the Champions League places, and City are now only a point off second place with Chelsea still sitting pretty ten points clear. What is more satisfying is again the manner of the victory, with attack minded football from beginning to end, and a clean sheet to boot. I'm sure the competition for places will do both Bravo and Aguero no harm at all. #CTID. 

@l0ngwayfr0mh0me