Manchester City got 2016 off to a winning start after Yaya Toure and Sergio Agüero struck a quick-fire double to lead the Blues to a seemingly improbable victory at Vicarage Road.
As the game drew nearer to its conclusion, it appeared to be yet another away day disappointment for Pellegrini’s men, with a familiar series of events unfolding before them. A sluggish start turned into a degree of control as the first half progressed, Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho forcing Gomes into action. Once again, City were unable to break down the door and were soon behind. Ben Watson nearly scored directly from a corner against Tottenham on Monday, and did so on this occasion, with a little help from Aleksandar Kolarov.
Pellegrini rolled his tactical dice, bringing Navas and Bony into the fray, withdrawing Eliaquim Mangala for the latter. It proved to be a stroke of genius as City turned it around magnificently, earning their first away win since 12th September. We now take a look at four things we learnt from Saturday’s game.
