Manchester City 1 - 3 Bayern Munich

MANCHESTER CITY 1 - 3 BAYERN MUNICH 
Negredo 79'                                                           Ribery 7', Muller 56', Robben 59'


Professor Pep takes Manuel's minnows to school.

Manchester City's attractive European home record was dealt a muscular blow last night as Bayern Munich ran rampant at the Etihad Stadium. 

It took only seven minutes for the European Champions to commence the Manchester mauling when European Player of the Year Franck Ribery struck from range to beat a flapping Joe Hart at the near post. The England stopper will be scratching his Head and shrugging his Shoulders when he watches the replay.

Forty-five agonising minutes passed and a relatively silent City crowd were treated to a fifteen minute break from the Bavarian onslaught. Guardiola's side went into the break having had a remarkable 75% of the ball and the gulf in class between Schweinsteiger and Fernandinho couldn't have been any more transparent. 


Franck Ribery opens the scoring at the Etihad Stadium last night.

Manuel Pellegrini had been tactically outmaneuvered and his side were salivating for a change in formation to combat Bayern's incessant attack. It never came.

Although the blues began the half buoyant and indubitably relieved at the scoreline, they could only hold onto the ball for five minutes before the brilliant Bavarians began to weave in and out of City's anonymous midfield like it wasn't there.

A mere eleven minutes passed until the visitors seized a deserved second. Brazilian centre-back Dante angled an exquisite forty yard ball into Thomas Muller who rounded Hart with ease. Gael Clichy, along with the 47,000 spectators, statically watched on in awe. 


Thomas Muller scores Bayern's second of the evening.

The blues were being carved open like a traditional German suckling pig and Pep's platoon didn't look like stopping there.

Three minutes later, Dutch winger Arjen Robben sped past Matija Nastasic to finish past Joe Hart. The goal, once again at the near post, should definitely have been handled by the England No.1. With his head in his hands, Joe knew his night could not get any worse.


Arjen Robben makes it three. 

It was turning into a long lesson for the home side and the blues were eager to hear the home time bell. 

The third goal finally kicked Manuel Pellegrini into life and the addition of James Milner, Alvaro Negredo and David Silva brought some energy into the team. Milner forced Manuel Neuer into his first save of the night whilst Silva and Negredo linked together in style. Their inclusion in the starting line-up wouldn't have changed the result, but it would have definitely changed the performance.

With eleven minutes left to play, Alvaro Negredo span Jerome Boateng to finish a delicious curling shot into the far corner of Neuer's net. A great goal, but a consolation nonetheless. A minute later, former City defender Jerome Boateng was handed a straight red card for hauling down Yaya Toure on the edge of the box. Silva struck the bar from the resulting free kick.


Jerome Boateng receives a red card in the 80th minute.

Lessons will have been learned from last night. The blues were outpaced, outfought and outclassed by a side that have a genuine chance of being the first team to ever retain the Champions League trophy. Pep Guardiola has evidently stamped his tika-taka style of play on the Germans and no one can deny that it has worked magnificently.

Alvaro Negredo has done enough now to convince Pellegrini that he is a better option than the ineffective Edin Dzeko and the return of David Silva is something every Manchester City fan will relish.

Two losses in two games brings a cause for worry, but Manchester witnessed a master class last night.

Next up it's Everton and it's a good job we have a terrific record against them...

Player Ratings

 Joe Hart 4

Poor. Sparked a media frenzy this morning with two errors that allowed both Robben and Ribery to score. Not his fault for the loss, but he needs to do better.

 Micah Richards 6

His strength showed and he did his best to get forward, but the more defensive minded Pablo Zabaleta may have dealt with Ribery a little better.

 Matija Nastasic 5
A lack of experience meant the young Serbian struggled. Left for dead by Robben for Bayern's third.

 Vincent Kompany 5

His influence was anonymous and he struggled as much as the rest of the squad did.

 Gael Clichy 4

He's fast, but Robben made him look like a pensioner. Stood and watched for Muller's goal. 

 Jesus Navas 5.5

His effort was impeccable but his delivery left a lot to be desired.

 Fernandinho 5
Couldn't build on his impressive performance at Villa and couldn't live up to the task of manning Bayern's brilliant midfield.

 Yaya Toure 4

Nowhere to be seen in a game that cried out for his influence. 

 Samir Nasri 4
Couldn't influence the game in any way as he wasn't able to touch the ball.

 Edin Dzeko 4
Did nothing.

 Sergio Aguero 4
Lacked service but the spark wasn't there.

Manchester City v Bayern Munich

                                                         

Preview
To be the best, you have to beat the best. 

Tonight, our boys in blue face the best. So will it be a Mancunian mauling or a Bavarian bashing?

Recent Champions League history has seen the German giants establish themselves as the alpha-male in a pack of ferocious European lions. 

A scintillating 7-0 aggregate win over Lionel Messi's Barcelona in the semi-finals last season sent tremors down the Spanish spine of European football and gave German football a credibility that no one could deny. Pacy winger Franck Ribery even earned himself the European Player of the Year award; an accolade that cast both Messi and Ronaldo into the shadows.

  
Franck Ribery holds his European Player of the Year award.

But enough about Bayern, and more about our own budding European giants. 

All eyes will be on Manuel's minions this evening as the cruel footballing world awaits an Etihad elimination. There's no doubt about it; everyone loves to love Bayern, but everyone loves to hate Manchester City.

Our performance in Plzen definitely supplies encouragement for tonight's fixture, but the Germans are an entirely different kettle of fish. The freak 3-2 loss to Aston Villa at the weekend will be fresh in the minds of Yaya Toure and co. and what better way to redeem ourselves than with a win over the best team in world football?

Yes it's a task, and a tremendous one at that, but a devious feeling tells me we have enough. I remember the atmosphere our wonderful fans created at the Etihad in April 2009 when we so nearly came back from a 3-1 deficit against Hamburg. I believe that atmosphere will reappear tonight.

To be the best you have to beat the best, and I believe we will.

2-1

Line-Up
David Silva is in contention for a starting place but will find it difficult to push out man in form, Samir Nasri. The Frenchman was brought off early in the game at Villa Park despite terrorising the Villains down the left hand side; it seems Manuel Pellegrini had tonight's game in mind. 


David Silva could start tonight after coming back from injury.

Sergio Aguero is also expected to return to the starting line-up after missing the weekend's loss with a minor knock. The Argentine will be hoping to build on his terrific match winning performance against Manchester United two weeks ago. 

Key Players

Yaya Toure
The Ivorian has always been a key player for the blues, but he's been a revelation so far this season. His power and speed is proving to be too much for the Premier League and it faces the ultimate test tonight. Combating Bayern's talented midfield is something few clubs manage to do, but Yaya will be instrumental in doing just that tonight.


Franck Ribery
The Frenchman loves the Champions League and proved just that last year by winning the European Footballer of the Year award. His speed is frightening and the thought of him running at Aleksandar Kolarov is enough to give City fans nightmares. He'll be at the heart of Bayern's attacking play tonight.

Aston Villa 3 - 2 Manchester City

ASTON VILLA 3 - 2 MANCHESTER CITY
El Ahmadi 51', Bacuna 73', Weimann 75'           Yaya Toure 45', Dzeko 56'


Daylight robbery in Birmingham as the Villains run away with three points.

It was all passing and no penetration for the blues who dominated possession throughout. Goal line clearances prevented Yaya Toure and Edin Dzeko from giving the away side a deserved early lead but Paul Lambert's men continued to defend brilliantly.

However, the Ivorian bulldozer had more Premier League bait to take and gave Pellegrini's men the lead on 45 minutes with a simple volley from short range. Yaya Toure's sixth goal of the season had seemingly put his side in control - but the Villains had venom to inject. 

Six minutes into the second half, the home side launched their first real attack of the game and Karim El Ahmadi smashed a low drive past Joe Hart to equalise. 


Karim El Ahmadi equalises for Aston Villa.

A vivacious Villa Park purred with pleasure, but Frenchman in form Samir Nasri was on hand to whip a sweet corner kick onto the head of Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko. 

Paul Lambert's young side have made a name for themselves with their ample appetite for a fight and their hunger was on show once again on Saturday afternoon. With seventeen minutes left to play, 22 year old Leandro Bacuna stepped up to make sure Joe Hart was beaten by a free-kick for the second time in a week. 


Leandro Bacuna curls a 25 yard free kick into the back of Joe Hart's net.

Delirium swallowed the stands and the home crowd howled hysterically. Their side were miraculously still in the game and City were beginning to crumble. 

There was more woe to come for Pellegrini's pupils when Andreas Weimann capitalised on an uncharacteristic defensive lapse to give his side a shock victory.

The meltdown at Villa Park will have Bayern Munich beaming in Bavaria as they await their flight into Manchester on Wednesday night. Memories of Cardiff surfaced and the exceptional derby win a week before now almost seems fruitless. 

It's the European Champions on Wednesday night and there's no room for error. 

Player Ratings

 Joe Hart 6

Had little to do but somehow ended up picking the ball out of his net three times.

 Pablo Zabaleta 7

A similar performance to last week. Got forward well and supplemented City's attack. 

 Matija Nastasic 5.5
He was to blame for Villa's winner but looked comfortable before Weimann's goal. 

 Vincent Kompany 6

Untroubled for 60 minutes but wasn't able to save City from their self destruct. 

 Aleksandar Kolarov 6

As always, great going forward, but delivery was below par.

 James Milner 5

An uncharacteristic poor performance for the former Villa man. Wasn't able to keep hold of the ball.
 Fernandinho 8
Starting to settle into the Premier League well. A commanding performance that allowed his side to grab two goals. 

 Yaya Toure 6

A game of two halves for the Ivorian. Grabbed yet another goal but disappeared in the second half.

 Samir Nasri 7
The Nasri of Arsenal is starting to surface once again. Creatively brilliant but partly to blame for Villa's first goal.

 Edin Dzeko 6
May have grabbed a goal, but it was a quiet performance from the Bosnian.

 Alvaro Negredo 6
The Spaniard was kept out of the game brilliantly by Villa's defence.

Aston Villa v Manchester City

                                                         

Preview
It's time for a Brummy bashing as Manuel Pellegrini's derby day heroes face Paul Lambert's Villains.

Sunday 22nd September marked a three day crusade over the North. Nine goals in two games left the Red Devil's distraught and the Latic's lashed as Manchester sparkled a sultry shade of sky blue. 

Manuel's minions have another battle to win; this time in Birmingham. 

The blues have a repulsive record at Villa Park and have recorded only 16 wins in 74 games against the claret and blues. However, recent history will buoy the visitors after seizing two 0-1 victories in their last two visits to the 43,000 capacity stadium.

The Villains sit uncomfortably in 13th place after their opening five games and have made a cagey start to the 2013/2014 campaign. Christian Benteke has made a stately start to the season and tops the league's goalscoring table with four goals. However, a hip injury acquired at Carrow Road last weekend means the Belgian will face six sour weeks on the sidelines.

Will a Benteke-less Villa have any bite?

With Vincent Kompany back in the side, it's hard to imagine. Captain Fantastic nestled Wayne Rooney in the safety of his pocket on Saturday and gave a puissant performance that helped his side to a monumental 4-1 victory over Manchester United. 

Paul Lambert's young side are certainly of the industrious type, but the blues are beginning to emerge from their shell. 

Goals are flowing, and they'll keep going.

0-2

Line-Up
Manuel Pellegrini made ten changes to the side that crucified Manchester United on Saturday and it paid off. Fernandinho was the only survivor in a 5-0 massacre over Wigan Athletic. 

Stevan Jovetic opened his goalscoring account with a brace and will be hoping to grab his first league goal on Saturday afternoon. Edin Dzeko was also on the scoresheet, but Alvaro Negredo's beautiful bulldozing of Nemanja Vidic should see him get a starting place alongside Sergio Aguero.


Stevan Jovetic scored a brace against Wigan Athletic in City's 5-0 Capitcal One Cup win.

Micah Richards was also a starter on Tuesday night and will be in contention for a starting place following his impressive display.

Key Players

Gabriel Agbonlahor
The Englishman has made a fine start to the campaign and his speed has the ability to frighten the best of defenders. With Benteke injured, goalscoring responsibilties lie with him and he'll be expected to play on the shoulders of Kompany and Nastasic.


Stevan Jovetic
Although a starting place is not guaranteed, the Montenegrin will be looking to add to the two goals he scored against Wigan in mid week. The crafty attacker still has a lot to live up to and City fans will be hoping to see his name on the team sheet this afternoon.

Manchester City 4 - 1 Manchester United

MANCHESTER CITY 4 - 1 MANCHESTER UNITED
Aguero 16', 47', Yaya Toure 45', Nasri 50'          Rooney 87'


The 'noisy neighbours' screamed into the ears of their Manchester rivals yesterday as Sergio and co. ran riot at the Etihad.

It was hilarity for Manuel and humiliation for Moyes in a jovial Manchester derby propelled by the bamboozling brilliance of Pellegrini's proteges. 

It took only 16 minutes for the blues to commence the battering when Sergio Aguero stylishly finished from a Kolarov cross beautifully assisted by Samir Nasri. The Argentine wildly waved his arms in typical fashion as his 45,000 admirers howled with happiness. A red retaliation was expected, but there was no response.


Sergio Aguero opens the scoring at the Etihad yesterday afternoon

With only one first half minute to spare, Yaya Toure kneed home from an Alvaro Negredo header. The timing was perfect and the Etihad was delirious. The home side marched into the break with smiles threatening to eclipse their cheeks; the visitors planted their peekers firmly on the ground. 

Still energised from the flurry of the first half, Pellegrini's pupils began to rub more salt into the waxing wounds of Mr. Moyes. Some superb strength from Alvaro Negredo allowed the Spaniard to tee Sergio Aguero for his second of the match and the three points were at the checkout ready to be taken home.

It was hard to see City stopping, and they didn't. Samir Nasri capped off an unbelievable performance with a precise volley on 50 minutes following an Olympic-like sprint from Jesus 'Speedy Gonzalez' Navas. The Frenchman looks to be back to his best and that can only mean good things for the blues.


Samir Nasri celebrates scoring City's fourth of the afternoon

It wouldn't have been a Manchester derby without a Wayne Rooney goal and with three minutes left on the clock, the Englishman in form curled an unstoppable free-kick into the top right hand corner of Joe Hart's net. 

A clean sheet would have been the icing on the cake, but Pellegrini can have no complaints with the way his sensational side played yesterday. It was another emphatic victory to add to City's growing list of United thrashings, but the season is long.

Let the banter commence.

Manchester is Blue.

Player Ratings

 Joe Hart 7

Had little to do but made an excellent save from Rooney and got a hand to his free kick.

 Pablo Zabaleta 7

Got forward brilliantly and looked comfortable playing behind Navas. A typically bullish performance from the Argentine. 

 Matija Nastasic 7
A comfortable performance alongside Captain Fantastic. Never looked troubled.

 Vincent Kompany 9

A simply stunning performance from the captain. Kept Rooney out of the game and threaded balls into the midfield like Beckenbauer. Great to have him back.

 Aleksandar Kolarov 7

There's no doubt about it, the Serbian is definitely getting better. Offers City a tremendous outlet when going forward and his delivery is exceptional. Assisted Aguero's first goal and was involved in most of City's attacking play. Clichy will be quaking. 

 Jesus Navas 7
His pace is frightening and his wing play was instrumental in yesterday's thrashing. Ran 50 yards to create City's fourth and scared the living hell out of Evra.

 Fernandinho 7
Maintained possession and controlled the midfield in typically calm fashion. Allowed Yaya to shine once again. 

 Yaya Toure 9
Complete and utter domination. Unquestionably Europe's best box to box midfielder and proved his credentials once again yesterday. Who's Marouane Fellaini again?

 Samir Nasri 8
All eyes were on the Frenchman following his shocker last season and he answered his critics brilliantly. The creativity we all know he possesses surfaced and he even bagged himself a goal. Back to his best?

 Sergio Aguero 9
The Argentine has a habit of upsetting United and the habit continued yesterday. Two goals in an energetic performance which left Ferdinand chasing his own tail.

 Alvaro Negredo 8
He's beginning to make the position his own. Superb strength and skill to assist Sergio's second and headed down for Yaya. Offers a lot more than Dzeko.