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