Tosic 32' Aguero 34', 42'
Sensational Sergio reigns in Russia.
Sergio Aguero scored yet another brace on Wednesday evening to put his side on a sumptuous six points in Champions League Group D.
The sore Siberian winds of the Russian capital nibbled at the players like peeving parasites as they battled for an integral three points, but not even red chequered blankets, woolly hats and scarves could keep the cold from tickling the City bench.
Costel Pantillimon, Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri, Joleon Lescott and Micah Richards try to keep warm in Moscow.
With Bayern Munich all but through to the next round, the Khimki Arena transformed into a callous Colosseum with the battle for second place set to commence. Concerns had been raised over the condition of the pitch and the beachy surface juxtaposed with the unforgiving chill of the night air made for a somewhat strange spectacle.
City's abysmal Champions League luck looked set to continue when ex-Manchester United midfielder Zoran Tosic lobbed Joe Hart to give the home side the lead. Javi Garcia, usually formidable in the air, crucially lost an aerial battle to Milan-bound Keisuke Honda in the build up but Pablo Zabaleta should have been tracking the Serbian.
However, a certain Argentine in form was unprepared to halt his grand goalscoring record and slid in for City's equaliser just two minutes later. David Silva was excellent in the build up and fired in a low cross for Aguero to simply do the rest.
Sergio Aguero celebrates after levelling for City.
The blues looked to have awakened from their slurry slumber at home to Bayern Munich three weeks ago and dominated the play in Moscow. Javi Garcia had recovered from his earlier mishap, Fernandinho was enjoying playing closer to 'home' and David Silva was wondrously weaving his magic.
With only three minutes of the first half left to play, Sergio Aguero nodded in his second headed goal in consecutive weeks to give his side the lead. Alvaro Negredo's cheeky clipped cross was bravely met by the prolific Argentine who just can not stop scoring this season.
Sergio Aguero nods in City's second of the game.
It would be ridiculous to say that the state of the pitch didn't affect proceedings, because it did. Although both teams were affected, City's attacking threat was numbed by the sandy surface and it could have been three or four. The home side launched several Honda led counter attacks in the second half and with seconds left to play, Joe Hart produced a miraculous stop to prevent the Japanese star from netting a certain equaliser.
Unfortunately, the game was plagued by some racist chanting directed at Yaya Toure and Manchester City have launched a formal complaint. UEFA are set to investigate the matter.
Player Ratings
Joe Hart 7.5
Made a number of crucial stops to keep out the home side, especially his exquisite block to keep out Honda in the 90th minute.
Pablo Zabaleta 7
A typical Zabaleta performance. Up and down the pitch like a gazelle but could have done better positionally for Tosic's opener.
Javi Garcia 6.5Doumbia's pace troubled the Spaniard and he was at fault for CSKA's goal. However, as the game progressed he relaxed and looked steady.
Matija Nastasic 7.5
In Kompany's absence, he is the main man in the centre of defence and he disposed of Doumbia's threat with ease.
Aleksandar Kolarov 7
He's getting better defensively and provided City with an attacking threat down the left flank.
Jesus Navas 7
Defensive abilities were on show alongside his frightening pace. Troubled CSKA's back line throughout and put in a number of dangerous crosses.
Fernandinho 7
Cool, calm and classy. Passing and vision was unaffected by rough surfaces.
Yaya Toure 7
Yaya Toure 7
Most of City's play went through the Ivorian although he was fairly quiet.
David Silva 7.5Brilliant yet again. Assisted Aguero's second and tested Akinfeev with a curling free kick.
Alvaro Negredo 7He's an intelligent player and he showed that intelligence yet again with a clever assist for Aguero's first. Unlucky not to score.
Sergio Aguero 8Another two goals for the Argentine who can't stop scoring. His bravery for the second was commendable and his passion for the team is a joy to see.
