This was not a vintage performance from Manchester City, but they have played a huge amount of football recently, so a tired performance is allowed.
The first half started very very quickly and Man City should have scored at least twice. Riyad Mahrez was played through on goal by a lovely Ilkay Gundogan ball, but he was unable to convert. A few moments later Kevin De Bruyne played a beautiful ball across goal and Sergio Aguero struck the post. These chances kept on coming but City could not take one.
The second half mirrored the first as City did not look they were going to score. Pep Guardiola switched things up as he brought on Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva for Riyad Mahrez and Leroy Sane. The change worked as both wingers provided the necessary energy with the Portuguese magician winning a penalty, albeit a soft one. Nonetheless, Sergio Aguero tucked it away.
A quick word for the returning Manuel Pellegrini, Pablo Zabaleta and Samir Nasri. The City fans gave them the welcome they deserved but both Pellegrini and Zabaleta had their songs chanted loudly. It’s well worth another watch if you can.
Anyway, here’s how I rated the Man City players:
