1 An unlikely source
To describe a Gael Clichy goal as a rarity is an understatement – they’re essentially collectors’ items!
In 311 appearances, the left-back has netted just three times; bizarrely, all with his right foot.
It was a sweet finish too, to break the deadlock, as the defender picked up the ball on the corner of the box, cut inside and curled a low effort into the bottom corner. One any forward would have been proud of, for sure.
We certainly didn’t expect the Frenchman to be City’s joint leading scorer in 2017(!), but that strike was proof: it’s worth a shot.
2 Super subs
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Pep Guardiola was asked about his half-time changes: David Silva and Sergio Aguero for Kelechi Iheanacho and Jesus Navas.
He replied that he ‘wanted to win the game’ – and those changes certainly ensured that.
In addition to Aguero’s incredible goal (which we’ll come to shortly), the substitutions lifted the team and the crowd, and appeared to strike fear into the opposition instantly. The Blues were inspired and although their introductions may not have come as a surprise, they were effective.
3 King Kun
We all know about the quality Sergio Aguero possesses and there’s no way we could leave out his stunning goal from this piece.
First of all, the fact he was in the right place to pick up the pieces after Raheem Sterling had been thwarted by Tom Heaton was good; the finish that followed was unbelievable.
Without even taking a touch, the Argentine curled an effort in off the near post from a seemingly impossible angle. We’ve seen him perform miracles before – this was another to add to his collection.
Even the unmoved defenders on the line, Michael Keane and Matthew Lowton, couldn’t believe it had gone in.
Playing with a real hunger, Kun could even have added to his tally; though that amazing effort deserved to be the winner.
4 Patience
While City had dominated the first half, they had been frustrated – even before red card.
The Blues did not have problems creating chances – it was finishing them that was proving difficult.
A combination of some fine goalkeeping, last-ditch defending and circumstance saw some clear-cut chances go amiss and such are the stakes riding on every game, the anxiety increased.
Still, there was plenty of time to play, and City were able to break the deadlock (even adding another!) before defending resolutely and battling late on after the deficit had been halved.
5 Switch in focus
This weekend brings a new challenge as City embark on their first game of this season’s FA Cup adventure.
The Blues travel to West Ham in the third round on Friday night, in what will be our first visit to the London Stadium.
An opportunity to rotate, resting players and utilising those who haven’t seen much game-time? You would expect so.
We’ll discover more later in the week…
