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