Refreshed and rejuvenated from what turned out to be a controversial rest on Sunday, City put in a near perfect away performance to run out 3-1 winners in Kiev’s Olympic Stadium.
Goals from Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Yaya Toure put Manuel Pellegrini’s men in a commanding position heading into the second leg in three weeks time.
It could have been more too, as the Blues displayed many of the characteristics that they have been renowned for in recent years, contrasting from the recent months of adversity.
Here we take a look a four findings from the night, and what they might mean moving forward.
Champions League understanding
A criticism levelled at City throughout the four previous seasons of Champions League football is an inability to manage games or ties effectively.
The same cannot be said this season, as a magical display in Seville was followed up with another superb performance in Kiev. Gladbach and Juventus weren’t quite at the same level, but they were an improvement on some we have seen in years gone by.
Pellegrini has seemingly developed a suitable system to provide defensive solidity and combine it with a potent counter-attack. Should City progress this could prove to be an extremely useful weapon.
Otamendi In good Kompany
Vincent Kompany’s presence is absolutely crucial for Manchester City. This was further enforced by Nicolas Otamendi’s assured and dominating display on Wednesday night.
The Argentine’s decision making, composure, awareness and positioning improved tenfold from a handful of other performances he has produced this year. He stayed on his feet on a more regular basis and reacted quicker than anyone else for countless 50-50 balls.
The leadership Kompany offers and the confidence he instills in others will play a significant role in determining what City achieve from here on in.
Sterling, Silva and Toure find form
These three players, who have struggled for form in recent weeks, turned in excellent performances. All three played vital roles in securing a comfortable advantage for City to bring home, and we all hope it is a sign of things to come.
Silva looked to have an extra step, an extra gear that had proved elusive since his return from injury and Sterling displayed and air of confidence that had also been missing. He regularly took on his man, to great effect, which was something he had seemed reluctant to do recently, especially against Tottenham.
Yaya showed flashes of his pace and power, and his finish to ice an magnificent team performance rolled back the years. It was classic Yaya Toure.
If all three continue in a similar vein on Sunday good things will happen.
Vindication for Manuel
Lambasted by pundits and the mainstream Media in the aftermath of Sunday’s FA Cup exit, Pellegrini has been somewhat vindicated for his decision to field an under-strength side at Stamford Bridge.
Much of the criticism smacked as lazy and seemed blissfully unaware of the situation surrounding it. So far it seems Manuel got it spot on. The whole team were well and truly at the races in Kiev, and if we go on to lift the League Cup on Sunday it will undoubtedly be a defining week in our season, and perhaps Pellegrini’s legacy. Lets hope the last laugh will be a Chilean one come Sunday evening.