Bayern Munich 2 – 3 MAN CITY – MY THOUGHTS
11 Dec
An unforgettable victory. Two goals down to the best side in the world within the opening few minutes, a humiliating thumping was expected. Instead, with character, spirit and bundles of quality, we turned it around. Three goals later, a memorable win was secured and it is one that will inject a hefty amount of belief into a hugely talented squad. It may just have been the result to inspire success.
After the opening exchanges, even the most-diehard City fan would have been hard-pressed to retain hope of salvaging a draw, let alone a win. Our reserve side, albeit one with plenty of experience and ability, were being taught a footballing lesson by Bayern. Intricate, incisive and dynamic, they drove into an early lead as we panicked. Twelve minutes had elapsed when they scored their second. At that stage, I would have accepted a 5-0 defeat. They were that rampant.
And then we started to turn it round. Applying ourselves, we gradually grew into the game. Whereas tackles had been lost earlier, challenges were now successfully flying in. The home side’s rhythm was disrupted and we stamped our own authority on proceedings. Whilst few expected any positive results at that point, it was a relief to see that we were not going to be obliterated. And then we scored. And then, having started the second half brightly, we scored again. And then, against all odds, against a side who had won their previous ten Champions League encounters, we scored the winner. The travelling City contingent exploded with delight. Bayern were humbled. I laughed. Our second string had done it.
Much of the post-match analysis has, oddly, focused on Manuel Pellegrini’s admission that he wasn’t fully aware of the permutations which would have enabled the Blues to go through as group winners. The manager mistakenly thought that, with Bayern having scored twice, we needed to score five last night, rather than just four. It was an oversight and something that does hint at amateurishness reminiscent of Alan Ball, but what City achieved shouldn’t be overlooked because of a minor mathematical error. Yes, it would have been nice to have scored the fourth and leapt ahead of the Germans, but the feeling amongst the fans and players today is of belief, not regret.
And that is down to the efforts of the players, lead by the likes of Martin Demichelis, Fernandinho, David Silva and Edin Dzeko. That quartet were splendid. Demichelis, playing against his former club, displayed all his defensive acumen and leadership in guiding the backline away from trouble and into the realms of solid comfort. Buzzing around in midfield, Fernandinho was a central figure. Silva, back from injury, provided the quality to create problems. He caressed the ball, he found space where others were crowded and his probing darts were a sight to behold. Ahead of him, Dzeko was an inspiration, fighting for every ball and bringing others into play. But there were two others players who produced special displays last night.
First off, the heartbeat of the team, Pablo Zabaleta. Replacing the injured Micah Richards moments after the home side had scored their second, he was faced with the unenviable task of containing Franck Ribery. The Frenchman had twisted, turned and teased Richards early on as he demonstrated just why he is regarded as one of the best players in the world. Yet, for the rest of game, he was unable to escape from Zabaleta’s pocket. Armed with spirit, passion and nous, Zabaleta was a mountainous figure. He knew when to drop off Ribery, when to stick tight and when to demonstrate how he wouldn’t be passed. It was a masterful display from a fans’ favourite and went a long way to negating Bayern’s verve and domination.
The other instrumental figure was James Milner, involved in all three goals and scorer of the winning one. He was superb. Up against Philipp Lahm, it was a tough challenge for the man so often chastised by those who don’t understand the game. His critics claim Milner runs, runs and runs some more but doesn’t actually have any influence. How wrong they are. Menacing down the wing, he was composed in possession, intelligent with his movement and supportive of Aleks Kolarov defensively. Working for the team, he showed just the type of resilience and battling qualities we needed and he capped off a fine display with a glorious finish. That he made it look easy is testament to his technique and coolness under pressure. It was far from simple.
Bayern had no response. Blown away by our reserves, they settled for time-wasting tactics to enable them to top the group. We may have finished second and will now face an imposing task in the next round, but buoyed by the confidence this result will inject, we’ll be the tie none of the first seeds want.
I have to disagree slightly in that the media has been lavish in praise but also, rightly, focused on the blunder by Pelligrini.
Normally, the fact that players/managers get paid obscene amounts, is often used as reasons for why someone should have scored a tap in, crossed a decent ball etc but hey, we’re all human, not robots.
However, these reasons can rightly be used when such incompetence with regards to the basic rules is displayed. It is simply staggering that this simple fact was not picked up on. Yes, the result is great and we should fear no one; however our chances of progression even further would have been greatly enhanced if we’d have finished top. This is a competition worth millions and I would be interested to know what the owners thoughts are.
I like Pelligrini and it seems churlish to focus on this point after our best away result possibly ever- plus who’s to say we would have scored another and not Bayern; however mistakes like this are inexcusable.
Anyway, well done on the pitch boys!! A great win with Milner, Fernandinho outstanding and Zabeleta giving a master class in containment.
Incidentally, would we have won last night if Toure was playing?……
Even if staff are paid mountains of gold every week, this does not preclude the fact that they are not infallible. Nobody, even the owners expected a result like yesterday and a win was considered icing on the cake. Note that I am not saying that was not an (bad) oversight on part of staff but Let’s put everything in the context and not to make a mountain out of a molehill as most rag infested media are making
Respectfully I must disagree. That was my point, on the pitch I don’t expect perfection. Off the pitch however (whilst not expecting perfection as this would be impossible), I would definitely expect enough money is being used to employ enough staff to ascertain what score scenarios are required for us to qualify in a one off game. Rocket science it ain’t.
How about googling it FFS!!!
I don’t know, maybe it’s just bringing back memories of Alan Ball and Steve Lomas making me a grumpy old git!!
I think this bias media thing is a bit paranoid. Fans of Utd; Chelsea; Liverpool etc all think the FA or media are against them. It’s a bit like Fergie saying United always do it the hard way – yeah right, like last seasons title win by the thinnest of margins; like beating Chelsea and Newcastle in the FA Cup finals etc.
It’s not that straightforward. None of the pundits suggest the 4-2 scenario, and here, from a poster on the Telegraph, are the permutations that confronted Arsenal tonight. Meanwhile – so we have to play a big team one round earlier. Big deal. So do Arsenal.
Just so there is no confusion with the Arsenal group tonight the qualifying criteria are as follows:
Arsenal win
Arsenal & Dortmund qualify
Dortmund win
If Napoli win by 3 or more goals, Dortmund win group (4-3 agg) and Napoli qualify
If Napoli win but not by 3+ goals, Dortmund win group (away goals) and Arsenal qualify either away goals agg or goal difference, does not matter)
Arsenal draw or win then Arsenal win group, Dortmund qualify
Napoli win 3+ goals
If Dortmund win, Dortmund win group, Napoli qualify
If Dortmund draw, Napoli win group (agg head to head), Arsenal qualify
If Dortmund lose, as above
Napoli win by 2 goals
If Dortmund win, Dortmund win group, Arsenal qualify (either away goals or goal difference, does not matter)
If Dortmund draw or lose, Arsenal win group, Napoli qualify (Arsenal goal difference tie break)
Napoli win by 1 goal
If Dortmund win, Dortmund win group (agg against Arsenal), Arsenal qualify (agg over Napoli)
If Dortmund lose or draw, Arsenal win group, Napoli qualify
Napoli Draw
If Dortmund win, Arsenal top group, Dortmund qaulify (both on points)
If Dortmund draw, Arsenal top group, Dortmund qualify (4-3 agg score)
If Dortmund lose, Arsenal top group, Napoli qualify (points)
PRIDE IN BATTLE that’s exactly what last night was, I was frankly staggered at another amazing comeback fro City, it was sensational….Even Kolorov,anyone slatin Milner doesn’t
have a clue, not being English I am astonished that he has not got a tied down place for the English team, at City I always I think we are far better with him in the side. So happy with the result, cannot wait for the draw!!
Pellegrini should have known the permutations required whether there was one or one thousand. That’s what he AND his staff get paid ridiculous amounts of money for!
What concerns me a little more however is the fact that everyone appears to think we are the best team in Europe all of a sudden!
Yes it was great to win and we had a few good performances but imagine if Munich had played like they did at the Etihad! They prob would have beaten us 10-0.
We scored 3 good goals but Munich being poor by their standards beat us 14-0 on corners!
I know corners don’t win games but I believe it gives a fair reflection of the game. In my opinion we were lucky not to get demolished again.
Interesting comment about Yaya……my opinion? We would have lost!
Need to get one over on the Gunners on Saturday now……c’mon City!!!
I agree with Crispy and JJ – it was a monumental blunder on behalf of the manager. No real permutations here (unlike Arsenal). Simply 3-0, 4-2, 5-3 to win the group – that’s not rocket science. How come everyone on Sky TV knew but MP didn’t? To me it’s incompetence. Did he also know who we would have to play? – FCB, Real Madrid, Athletico M. were all possibilities for finishing 2nd! I hope MP is now appreciating just how good a player Milner is. Not only can he run and run but has great skill and goal scoring ability. He was fantastic! But the whole team were brilliant, they played like a team and everyone gave 100% effort. I totally agree it would have been a different result with Yaya!I think he should be dropped for the next away game but I bet MP doesn’t have the courage to do that!