1 Pressers pressed
City’s win over Barcelona, it’s easy to see why.
Time and again City forced Barcelona out of their stride, stealing possession in dangerous areas and then attacking them at pace.
Luis Enrique admitted afterwards that his side struggled to cope with City’s high press. It was key to their vital three points and will be the platform for any success they have this season.
2 City’s belief is growing
There can be little doubt it has taken City time to adapt to the Champions League – but the win over Barcelona, arguably the finest team on the planet, offers further evidence of their growing confidence in Europe’s premier competition.
Their second-half performance was special, with Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, David Silva, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero causing the La Liga giants plenty of problems.
If City can replicate the quality they showed in this game, they could go even further than the semi-final spot they managed last season.
3 Top Gun
German midfielder Gundogan followed up his two goals in the weekend win over West Brom with another double against Barcelona, both of which were expertly taken.
But, again, it wasn’t just his goals that saw him impress – his ability to pass the ball and keep City’s midfield play slick was a crucial asset.
He cost just £21 million and could end up being the bargain of the summer.
4 Group gain
Borussia Monchengladbach’s draw with Celtic means City just need in a draw away in Germany in their next match to qualify for the last 16, provided Celtic don’t take maximum points from their final two Group C games. A win against Gladbach seals qualification regardless of other results. Aside from the psychological boost the win over Barca offered, in cold, hard objective terms it provided three vital points.
