Now that the World Cup has ended with Argentina beating France and City player Alvaraz scoring it was back to action for City. Obviously with 16 City players taking part in the World Cup we were not going to see the regular first teamers in the early games.

This was an excellent game with both sides trying to emulate the final in Qatar. City came out winners and they will play Southampton in the next round.
City had Ortega in goal - no sign of Ederson yet! Lewis, Akanji, Laporte and Ake were the back four and midfield were regulars De Bruyne, Rodri and Gundogan while up front were Mahrez, Palmer and Haaland - so quite a strong side - and on the bench were Foden, Grealish, Stones and Benardo.
It was quite a start to the game with Haaland shooting over the bar and a corner at the other end in the first few minutes.
On 6 minutes Haaland who looked offside passed to Palmer who shot wide. No VAR today
Then just after De Bruyne had a shot saved we had the first goal. 10 minutes on the clock and De Bruyne made up for his error and crossed to Haaland who somehow got his left foot to the ball and it flew into the net to give City the lead.
Ten minutes later and Milner passed to Carvalho who shot past Ortega to level the scores.
City continued to attack with Palmer on the left showing some very good skills and the Liverpool keeper was kept busy.
We had a great start to the second half when Mahrez took a pass from Rodri cut in and shot past the keeper to give the sky blues the lead again. Almost immediately Liverpool went down the other end and Salah scored for them. Two all on 48 minutes.
Plenty of time left and ten minutes later De Bruyne crossed and Ake headed in the winner.
We then had an injury to Lewis and John Stones came on for Akanji. Liverpool had some chances but failed to trouble the City keeper. On 78 minutes Rodri was fouled by Fabinho which ended with an argument and yellow cards to both players.
Both Foden and Grealish were able to get some match time when they subbed Haaland and Palmer. So no doubt there will be some changes in the next game against Leeds United on the 28th. This was a very good display by City with Kevin De Bruyne the star. Good efforts by Palmer and Ake too.

A tough game well won by City helped by two further goals by Haaland who became the fastest player to get 20 goals in the Premier League - his 14th game.
City nearly scored after just 48 seconds when Haaland had an effort saved. Then on 4 minutes he shot wide following a free kick. Then on 6 minutes Lewis passed to De Bruyne who shot wide. On 20 minutes a cute free kick by Mahrez led to Gundogan shooting from distance but his effort went just wide.
After a City corner went straight to Meslier a minute or so later he had to save from Haaland and then Grealish shot over when well placed. On 32 minutes Leeds actually got into our penalty area!
Then Gundogan had a shot saved and Grealish shot well over the bar. As half time approached we were worried that City had not scored. Just before the break Grealish shot over but the as the two minutes added time started City went on a break and when a Mahrez shot was pushed out by the keeper there was Rodri to fire the ball home to give City the lead.
A better start to the second half when a defensive error by Koch helped City to add to the score. Grealish robbed him and passed to Haaland who made it two nil after 51 minutes.
City were playing with three at the back young Lewis helping Rodri in midfield. He does look very promising.
On 63 minutes on a City break De Bruyne passed to Haaland who then passed to Grealish who passed it back to Haaland to hit the ball past the keeper first time. Three nil and game over!
A few minutes later Ederson actually had to make a save. Then Lewis who had got a yellow card earlier was subbed by Cancelo. Foden came on for Grealish on 73 minutes and a minute later disaster struck. Stones gave a corner away and from the kick taken by Greenwood a glancing header by Struijk beat Ederson and it was 3-1. I did notice that Greenwood may have placed the ball for the corner well outside the white curve. VAR would have noticed this and the corner retaken. However there was no sign of VAR all match - perhaps still on holiday!
Anyway City go back to second with Haaland notching his 25th goal in 20 games beating the previous Messi record in 2009 -25 in 28 games.

Not the best of results for City fans as the sky blues failed to beat Everton. City made only one change from the win at Leeds -Benardo coming in for Gundogan. This left one hell of a strong bench - Foden, Walker, Alvarez, Phillips, Cancelo and Gundogan were there..
There was an early clash with Godfrey when Haaland lost a boot! He was soon back on and after 11 minutes he had a miss when he took a great through ball from De Bruyne and rounded Pickford but the angle was too narrow and he could not find the net.
Five minutes later Benardo got a yellow card for diving. After the World Cup incident when the ref in the final actually booked a player for diving it is becoming more of a possibility so City players should avoid doing it.
On 24 minutes City took the lead. Good work by Mahrez on the right wing ended with him passing to Haaland who shot first time into the net. It was his 27th league goal.
On 30 minutes Kevin got booked - a bit unusual . Everton did some attacking but failed to trouble Ederson. Just before half time Stones hit the post from a cross at a free kick.
After Grealish had won a corner which was cleared we had a long break after an assistant referee had a major problem with his communication equipment.
This delay put a stop to City pressure and alas on 64 minutes Rodri passed to an opponent and away went Gray into the City penalty area and cracked a shot into the far top corner Ederson having no chance - one all - disaster.
City did their best to get a winner but the back five of Everton gave them few chances and on 87 minutes Pep made three changes -Gundogan on for Lewis , Foden for Grealish and Alvarez for Silva.
Even though there were lots of added time -13 minutes - City with just three at the back failed to find the net. Perhaps the subs should have come on earlier. With Arsenal winning later it will be very difficult to catch them at the moment. It was a bad tempered match with 7 yellow cards

A tough win at Stamford Bridge for City. After a really poor half display the sky blues showed much better form in the second half and pressure was back on leaders Arsenal.
After just three minutes Sterling - remember him - pulled a muscle and was subbed a few minutes later. City were playing three at the back with Cancelo playing down the right. On 16 minutes a brilliant tackle by John Stone saved the day stopping Pulisic from testing Ederson.
Not a great deal of creativity or action by City in the first 20 minutes with Haaland's first touch being after 21 minutes! On 24 minutes Ederson had to make a save and a few minutes later Haaland had to make a defensive header at a free kick. On 33 minutes Gundogan shot wide from a half chance and 4 minutes later Haaland went high with an effort. Just before half time Chelsea went near when they hit the post and Stones had to clear.
Then we had a tactical change by Pep. On came Lewis for Cancelo and Akanji for Walker. After such a poor display by City in the first half no doubt Pep gave the team a good chat at half time!
Early in the second half Haaland went close and it was obvious that City back to their best.
Foden was pulled back and from the free kick City got a corner and from this Ake hit the bar with a header. A few minutes later De Bruyne had a shot saved. Chelsea did manage to get a corner which was headed clear by Haaland.
On 60 minutes City made two more subs. Foden who had not had the best of games was subbed by Grealish and Mahrez came on for Benardo.
Almost straight away City scored! Three minutes after coming on Grealish made a brilliant pass across the six yard box and in ran Mahrez to score from close range.
On 72 minutes a cross by De Bruyne was just missed by Haaland. Chelsea did have a couple of chances but Ederson had an easy game. Phillips had a few minutes on the pitch when he subbed Rodri with 4 minutes to go.
It looks like Lewis is going to be a regular after yet another good performance. Foden was well off his best and De Bruyne made too many passing errors. The first half team organisation did not work so who will start on Sunday in the cup will be interesting.

An easy win for City against a poor Chelsea side and considering Pep made 7 changes from the last league game against Chelsea it was a very good performance.
The opening minutes saw a lot of City pressure but we had a worrying moment when Rodri was injured on 8 minutes. Fortunately he was OK. A few minutes later a Mahrez cross was saved and then Foden shot just wide. On 18 minutes Palmer had a good break but alas he shot over the bar following a corner.
On 22 minutes Mahrez was brought down and he took the free kick himself cracking the ball into the top corner to give City the lead. Brilliant effort!!!
There was even better to come. City got a corner and Havertz put his hand up and dear old VAR
did a check for a hand ball. The result was a penalty to City and Alvarez took the kick just beating Kepa and the sky blues were now two up - surely game over!
Five minutes later Alvarez had another chance but his effort was saved. Then Benardo was fouled on the edge of the penalty area but this time the free kick taken by Mahrez was saved by the keeper for a corner.
A minute or so later a great City move ended in goal number three - Mahrez passed to Walker and his first time pass was shot home by Foden from close range. Surely game over now!
Just before half time City almost made it four but at a corner a cross by Foden was caught by Kepa.
On 54 minutes Rodri got a yellow card for a silly foul and shortly after Pep subbed Rodri for Phillips and Cancelo came on for Gomez. After Cancelo was fouled by Gallagher the Chelsea player got booked and on 70 minutes Benardo actually got a yellow for a silly trip.
A couple of minutes later Mahrez shot just wide. Then Chelsea actually got a corner conceded by Akanji but they failed to benefit from it and on 83 minutes Foden was brought down in the penalty area and it was so obvious VAR did not have anything to do. Mahrez took the kick and scored easily to make it four nil
Pep then brought on Lewis for Benardo and just before full time Cancelo was booked for a another silly foul. Overall it was a controlling second half for City who had already won the game in the first half. So now it will be Oxford or Arsenal in the next round. Unless there is a great surprise it is likely Arsenal will be our next cup opponents.

A terrible first half performance by City against bottom club Southampton saw them knocked out of the EFL Quarter Final. With an important league game against United coming up on Saturday Pep rested several key players. He made 4 changes from the Chelsea game with Cancelo, Phillips, Gundogan and Grealish starting.
An early misplaced pass by Cancelo was an sign of what was to come and on 5 minutes Gundogan shot wide after Palmer had won the ball. 2 minutes later Laporte gave a corner away with a late tackle and Ortega had some work to do. As the game progressed I could not believe the terrible City passing - so sloppy - giving the ball away to opponents so many times.
On 22 minutes Gomez gave the ball away and a break by Southampton ended with Lyanco passing to Mara who shot past Ortega to give the Saints the lead - City one down.
Six minutes later Djenepo spotted that Ortega was well out of his goal and shot over his head from 30 yards. What a terrible goal to concede.
Walker at centre back was having problems as was Gomez at left back and Philips making his first start looked too vulnerable.
It was no surprise that Pep realized his experiment was not working and he made three changes at half time - De Bruyne, Ake and Akanji came on for Palmer, Walker and Gomez.
We saw a difference in the first minutes of the second half when Kevin DB put a through ball to Alvarez but alas his shot went wide. There was certainly an improvement in City's play and on 55 minutes on came Haaland for Grealish and 7 minutes later Rodri was on for Phillips.
Despite several City attacks the sky blues failed to get a shot on target all game - terrible!
Lets hope the performance is much better against United at the weekend.

Offside - offside - offside - this will be the talking point of this derby game. There was a slight improvement in City's game from the Carabao Cup disaster with City making many changes from the Southampton match.
City did not have the best of starts with Walker making 2 bad passes in the first 5 minutes. Then a poor pass by Benardo let in United and the attack ended with Fernandes shooting just wide - a lucky escape. On 19 minutes City managed a corner which was cleared.
On 23 minutes Haaland had his first shot (perhaps touch) blocked and a couple of minutes later De Bruyne gave a good pass to Foden but alas he was offside.
On the half hour United defender Malacia goes down supposedly injured but is fine two minutes later. Perhaps 'injured' players should have to stay off the pitch for at least 5 minutes.
City did have a lucky escape a minute or so later when Ederson making his 200th appearance for City rushed out to stop Rashford but he was beaten and Rashford shot at the empty goal but luckily for City Walker cleared to save the situation.
Just before half time Walker did have a shot from long range but alas it went just wide.
Three minutes into the second half Benardo had a shot blocked and after another City attack broke down Grealish came on for Foden who had not been at his best.
After Grealish had won a free kick on the left Mahrez passed to De Bruyne who went to the goal line and crossed and up jumped Grealish to head home and City were one up on 60 minutes - an excellent goal.
On 78 minutes came the controversial moment. Casemiro passed to Rashford who was well offside and before the law changed the linesman would have raised his flag and City would have had a free kick. Oh no not now - because Rashford never actually touched the ball which ran on for Fernandes who scored. The linesman did raise his flag and the 'event' went to VAR. A goal was given despite the attention and reaction that both Ederson and Akanji would have had when Rashford was so offside.
A few minutes later we had another disaster when Rashford scored from close range and despite 7 extra minutes City were unable to get a goal so that is two losses on the run.
Although City are having a lot of possession their goal scoring chances are becoming much too rare and Pep will have to make some tactical changes.
With De Bruyne well below his best and Haaland getting less of the ball City will have to improve a lot to catch Arsenal.

What a comeback by City! Magnificent! With City making several changes from the United loss including the surprise decision to drop De Bruyne to the bench and the inclusion of Alvarez to help Haaland who had not found the net recently we wondered whether the sky blues would give Arsenal something to worry about.
After a couple of early Spurs attacks a cross by Lewis was just too high for Haaland. On 18 minutes Gundogan shot wide and a bit later Alvarez had an effort blocked following a corner.
On 21 minutes a silly foul by Mahrez earned him a yellow card. Then Rico Lewis who was playing well forward was fouled and a minute or so later Romero got a yellow for a foul on Akanji. City continued to attack winning several corners but failing to get a decent shot on goal. On the half hour Hojbjerg got a yellow card for a bad foul on Lewis who was really playing well.
On 35 minutes Ederson actually had to make a save - from a header and shortly after Kane had a shot blocked. At the other end Lewis tried a shot from outside the penalty area but alas it was saved. On 42 minutes Haaland got a pass from Ake but his effort was saved and shortly after his header just went over the bar. It was looking like a goal-less first half.
Then disaster struck on 44 minutes when Ederson passed to a marked Rodri and Kulusevski scored an easy goal to give Spurs the lead - It was obvious that it was a terrible error by the City keeper and worse was to come. A minutes or so later Kane won the ball in the box and when he shot from a narrow angle Ederson pushed the ball to Royal who headed home to make it two nil to Tottenham - unbelievable!
Early in the second half Alvarez shot well wide but he made up for this on 51 minutes. Lewis passed to Mahrez who dashed down the right wing and fooled a defender by using his right foot to cross and Alvarez was able to score from close range. A minute later it was two all!
Incredible - Haaland scoring from close range with a header thanks to Mahrez!
It was Mahrez again in action a couple of minutes later when he just shot wide. Spurs came back on 59 minutes and Kane launched an attack but just when it looked like Peresic would score Lewis saved the day deflecting his effort onto the bar and away.
On 63 minutes a long pass by Rodrigo reached Mahrez who beat a defender - dashed down the wing and scored with his right foot from a very narrow angle - amazing - we are leading
3-2. Spurs made 5000 changes but City remained on top and made a couple of changes - Benardo came on for Gundogan and after a negative VAR shout for a City penalty Walker came on for the injured Lewis.
On 89 minutes a long kick by Ederson ended with Mahrez taking advantage of a defensive error and scoring to make it 4-2 - amazing after that first half.
Both Mahrez and Lewis had great games. Haaland at last scored again but was not at his best .Grealish down the right did well and once made a defensive tackle deep on the other wing.

City made just 2 changes from the Spurs win - De Bruyne returned as did Laporte and the sky blues were attacking very early Mahrez winning a corner on 2 minutes. After a scuffle it was cleared. There was a slight worry when Gundogan was fouled by Kilman 8 minutes later and was down for several minutes. He recovered and Kilman got a yellow card.
A few minutes later Lewis is brought down and this time it is Lemina who got the caution. City were putting on the pressure and on 18 minutes Sa has to save from Haaland.
On 25 minutes Rodri was booked but City were well on top and Grealish had an effort saved and a Gundogan header was too high.
Just when it looked like we were going to have a goalless first half Mahrez passed to De Bruyne who then crossed brilliantly to Haaland who scored with a good header. At last a Haaland goal - his 23rd league one
City might have made it more before the break but for some brilliant clearances by Collins on the line.
Wolves made 3 changes at half time and City brought on Ake for Lewis.
The visitors actually won a corner early in the second half but then on 49 minutes Gundogan is brought down by Neves in the penalty area and the ref gives a penalty - no need for VAR this time.
Haaland sends the keeper the wrong way and scores his second goal of the afternoon - his 24th League goal - City two up
Four minutes later the Wolves keeper passes to Mahrez instead of a colleague and Mahrez passes to Haaland who completes his hat-trick from close range - City three up and game over. It was Haaland's 25th in the league and 31st in all games - incredible.
This enabled Pep to take Haaland off and bring on Alvarez. Bringing on Ake enabled Laporte to partner Stones in central defence with Akanji moving to right back.
It looked like Mahrez had scored number 4 for City on 66 minutes when put through by De Bruyne but alas VAR said his toe was offside so no goal.
Wolves did try to score and Ederson did have a save to make. Alvarez almost scored but the keeper saved with his toe!
City made a couple more changes - bringing on Phillips for Rodri and Benardo for Kevin DB and a little later Palmer for Mahrez.
On 80 minutes Gundogan should have scored with a header from a pass by Benardo but it went over the bar.
It will be interesting to see who Pep picks for the Cup game against Arsenal on Friday!!

A tough game against the Premier League leaders who had made several changes from their regular side. City only made two changes - the main one being Ortega coming in for Ederson.
On 2 minutes Haaland shouts for a free kick but it goes the other way and a minutes later Rodri shoots from outside the area but alas it goes wide. On 5 minutes Ortega has to make a really good save from Tomiyasu following an Arsenal attack down the left wing.
Haaland tries an acrobatic effort on 9 minutes but a defender on the line blocks the shot.
City are not settled at all and Arsenal are pressing City all the time. On 21 minutes Ortega has to save from Trossard. A few minutes later De Bruyne shoots just wide after a good move On 28 minutes Haaland gets an elbow on the head and goes down but no free kick - VAR must be having a tea break!
Arsenal miss another chance when Niketiah shoots wide. 5 minutes later Haaland shoots over the bar and then a few minutes later he is fouled by Holding who gets a yellow card.
Just before half time John Stones pulls a muscle and has to go off and is replaced by Laporte.
City improve a bit in the second half and a Lewis shot hits the side netting on 52 minutes. The Arsenal keeper has a slight injury when saving from De Bruyne and then on 58 minutes City made two subs. Alvarez replaced Mahrez and Walker took over right back from Lewis.
Shortly after Viera has a chance for Arsenal but shoots wide.
The vital moment came on 64 minutes when Alvarez hit the post with a good shot from outside the area. The ball came across to the other wing and good work by Grealish ended with him slipping the ball to Ake who passed the ball into the far corner of the goal with the keeper beaten - One nil to City - at last!!!
Shortly after Zinchenko came on for Arsenal and Benardo replaced De Bruyne who was a bit below form.
City then had to keep Arsenal out and there were two good saves from Ortega and good defending by Laporte.
We now have to wait until Monday to find out who we will beat in the next round!

Just when Arsenal drop points giving City a chance to catch up what do City do - lose at Tottenham. The team that Pep had chosen was a little odd - De Bruyne was on the bench and there was no sign of Foden. In addition Lewis was at left back with skipper Walker back at right back. However it was likely Lewis would be going forward a lot in midfield.
City won a couple of corners after 4 minutes but City efforts were blocked. I did notice that Haaland was coming deeper and once got the ball from Ederson.
Disaster struck on 15 minutes and a bad pass by Rodri led to Kane scoring his 267th goal for Spurs - a record beating Jimmy Greaves' total.
On 19 minutes a shot from Benardo alas goes right at the keeper who saves. A few minutes later Bentancur got a yellow card for a bad foul on Lewis. Three minutes later and it was Romero's turn to get a yellow for a foul on Haaland.
There was a delay to attend to injuries to Grealish and a Spurs player. Rodri did have a shot on goal from outside the area but it was easily saved by the keeper but the best effort by a City player came just before half time. Mahrez banged in a shot with his left foot of course and it hit the bar. Just an inch or so lower and it would have been a goal.
No changes at half time and we hoped City would speed up their efforts. Many City players were guilty of taking the extra touch instead of shooting. There seems to be no plan B if things are not going their way.
On 57 minutes De Bruyne came on for Mahrez but alas it made little difference to the situation and when Spurs broke they sometimes had a man over - 4 against 3 City defenders.
On 83 minutes Gundogan came on for Benardo and 3 minutes later we had a dispute and Romero got a red card for his second yellow!
I cannot remember Haaland having a header or a shot all match - incredible. Rodri for once had a poor game and now that's the third away game on the trot that City have lost.

A much better performance by City especially in the first half when they went three ahead.
City made 3 changes from the Spurs game and it was good to see the return of Dias. Villa actually won a corner in the first minute but it was cleared, At the other end City won a corner on 4 minutes and a cross by Mahrez was headed home by Rodri who had made a good run towards the near post. It was an excellent goal and Rodri had made up for his error against Spurs.
On 10 minutes Gundogan had a shot which was saved by the keeper and 3 minutes later City scored again but it was disallowed for a clash between Haaland and the keeper.
City continued to press and after De Bruyne won a corner Grealish had an effort deflected for another corner. Haaland shot over the bar - when will he score again?
On 29 minutes we saw Walker defending well on the left. With City playing three at the back it was difficult to decide who was playing where! After 37 minutes Digne got a yellow card for a foul on Mahrez. A minute later City scored again - a defensive error enabled Haaland to take the ball to the goal line and cross with his right foot to Gundogan who made no mistake shooting into the net - 2-0 nil - game over - not quite.
5 minutes before the break Dias got a yellow card when City were appealing for a foul.
Then just before half time Grealish was brought down in the penalty area by Ramsey and Mahrez scored from the spot and it is three nil to City - now it is game over!
With the vital game coming up on Wednesday City made 2 important changes - Alvarez for Haaland - possible injury - and Akanji for Dias.
Rodri had a shot saved on 48 minutes after help by Alvarez and later Alvarez himself had a shot which was blocked. Villa made 3 changes and on 61 minutes they scored a goal thanks to Watkins and an error by Benardo. Two minutes later Konsa got a yellow card for a foul on Alvarez.
City had really gone into second gear in this second half and on 69 minutes Foden came on for Grealish and with five minutes to go Ake came on for Mahrez to boost the defence.
So in the end it was a comfortable win for City and it was good to see such a terrific performance from Rodri . If City can beat Arsenal on Wednesday they go top of the league - mission not impossible!

We are back on top again after this vital win against leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. City raised their game in the second half and were worthy winners.
City made just one change from the Villa win Ake replacing Laporte in defence.
Arsenal put early pressure on City but the sky blues kept them at bay and they did cause a problem for the home side on 15 minutes when keeper Ramsdale appeared to be injured following good work by Haaland and Mahrez. On 22 minutes Arsenal had a good chance when Zinchenko crossed but Nketiah headed wide.
However 2 minutes later a back pass by Tomiyasu was brilliantly read by Kevin De Bruyne and he chipped the ball over the onrushing keeper and into the goal to give City the lead.
On 27 minutes Tomiyasu shot over the bar and after Ake did well defending Walker was injured trying to head clear and a few minutes later first Walker was booked for a foul and then Ederson was given a yellow card for time wasting!
Shortly after came disaster time! On 38 minutes we thought defenders had cleared the ball off the line from a close effort by Nketiah but alas the ref gave a penalty as Ederson fouled Nketiah after he shot. Saka made no mistake from the spot sending Ederson the wrong way. There were 6 extra minutes and the Benardo Silva got a yellow card for a foul on Saka. Just before the break Rodri had a header blocked and then Ake hit the bar at a corner.
On 58 minutes a through ball by Walker found Haaland who was brought down and we thought it was going to be a penalty but alas dear old VAR found Haaland's foot was offside so the penalty was ruled out.
City made a important change bringing on Akanji for Mahrez. This allowed Ake to go to left back and Benardo to right wing as he had already got a yellow card in defence!
City had improved a lot in the second half and efforts by Akanji, Rodri and Haaland were either blocked or saved.
On 71 minutes a move involving Haaland and Gundogan ended with Grealish scoring to put City in the lead. A excellent move. A few minutes later Grealish was fouled and injured and was replaced by Foden.
We did not have to wait too long for another great moment - De Bruyne passed to Haaland who scored to make it 3-1 - game over!. It was Haaland's 26th league goal of the season and he had played really well. As did Grealish and Dias. City earned the three points despite only having just 36% of possession!!!

Unbelievable! How on earth did City miss all those chances! They had all the play and the failure to win may have cost them the Premiership title especially after Arsenal managed to beat Villa.
City made two changes - Laporte for Ake and Foden for Mahrez.
After just 8 minutes Grealish put in a good strong shot but alas it was blocked. A minute later Walker had to make a block at the other end at a rare Forest attack. On 14 minutes Grealish is fouled by Worrall who gets a yellow card but the free kick taken by KDB hits the wall. Lots of City pressure but no goals. After Grealish was once again fouled an effort by De Bruyne went wide. On 32 minutes a header by Rodri goes just wide and then 7 minutes later Benardo shot just wide. However a couple of minutes later Grealish passed to Benardo Silva and he whipped in a shot from well outside the penalty area that beat the keeper and gave City the lead - at last! So with 84% possession City were ahead at half time.
City should have gone two up early in the second half - Foden broke and was one to one with the keeper and Haaland was to his left. However he hesitated and his possible pass to Haaland was poor and cleared. On 52 minutes a header by Laporte was well saved After Forest made a couple of changes on 58 minutes we had a situation when it looked like Haaland was fouled in the penalty area VAR said no pen and Pep was booked for his reaction to no penalty!
A few minutes later Haaland had two chances - the first following a save by Navas the ball came out and Haaland hit the bar and when it came back he hit the ball over the bar. What a miss!! On 72 minutes City got a free kick and Gundogan had his effort well saved by Navas. Not long after Forest had made their 5th change a shot by KDB went wide and then on 84 minutes disaster struck. Forest broke and the attack ended in Wood - the last sub - shooting home from close range to level the scores. VAR checked for possible offside but the goal stood and despite 4 minutes being added City could not notch a winner and it was two points lost.
KDB did not have a good game as far as his shooting was concerned but at least Foden showed some better form. The defence had little to do with Benardo covering lots of the pitch. Not a game to remember!

City should have won this game in the first half when they dominated play with the home side hardly troubling the City defence. The second half saw a completely different home side and they missed some good chances before equalizing.
City made three changes - Akanji, Ake and Mahrez coming in for Laporte, De Bruyne and Foden.
It was a fairly quiet start and Grealish had to wait until the 9th minute before winning his first free kick! On 12 minutes Walker won a corner following a cross and a Dias header was easily saved.
On 16 minutes Grealish won a free kick but the kick taken by Mahrez was blocked by the wall. A little later a first time shot by Rodri went well over the bar. His chance came from a pass from Benardo who was covering lots of ground.
Walker was almost playing on the right wing with Mahrez playing more infield.
On 27 minutes City scored! Grealish won the ball and played it to Mahrez who dashed forward and shot past the keeper. Three minutes later City almost made it two but a header by Rodri at a corner just failed to reach a waiting Haaland.
Grealish was injured after a foul but soon recovered and his efforts put the home side under pressure.
Just before the interval Ederson actually had to make a save - his first.
The second half saw a different home side. They were quicker and more powerful.
They missed a very good chance on 53 minutes when Henrich headed over the bar and a minute later the same player shot just wide when he should have scored. On 63 minutes Ederson had to smother an effort by Silva and shortly after the home side brought on their star striker Nkunku.
At the other end Haaland shot wide and then came the blow. Following a corner a cross by Halstenberg was headed by Gvardiol past Ederson from close range - one all.
Should have Ederson come out to punch the ball away I wonder. In added time City thought they should have had a penalty for hand ball but perhaps VAR had gone to sleep!
Not the best second half performance by the sky blues - letting the home team take over the game.

Despite the home side playing five at the back they were unable to stop City scoring four and keeping up their record against Bournemouth. City made three changes - Foden, Lewis and Alvarez coming in for Walker, Mahrez and Benardo.
City won a very early corner when a shot from Grealish was blocked but we had to wait until the 6th minute before we saw a shot - a long range effort by Rodri which went wide.
We did not have to wait too long for the first goal. It started with an excellent tackle by Lewis who won the ball and after good work by Foden and Haaland hitting the bar Alvarez cracked the ball home from close range to give City the lead.
City continued to attack and Haaland had a shot deflected and then following a corner Dias headed wide.
Just before the half hour Ake passed to Gundogan who crossed and Foden managed to get the ball to Haaland who scored his 27th Premier League goal to give
City a two goal lead.
Shortly after Gundogan hit a free kick wide and then at the other end Lerma shot well over the bar. Bournemouth had a bit more of the play and Ederson was kept busy.
On 40 minutes a Foden cross was headed by Alvarez straight at the keeper. Just before the interval Lewis did well in defence and City had a gift! A poor defensive pass went straight to Foden who marked his 200th City game by scoring to make the score three nil. There was a good start to the second half for the sky blues! On 46mins 48 seconds Grealish won his first free kick! Was this a world record!
A few minutes later a shot by Alvarez was deflected by Mepham into his own goal to make it four nil to City and game over!
So now we had the changes and Phillips was on for Rodri and Gomez for Gundogan. Ake had a shot saved and Alvarez an effort blocked and both Phillips and Akanji got yellow cards before the home side put pressure on City. On 72 minutes City made 2 more changes - Perrone made his debut replacing Haaland and Mahrez on for Grealish.Then Walker came on for Ake - De Bruyne staying on the bench.
On 83 minutes Bournemouth who had improved in the second half got a consolation
goal Lerma beating Dias and scoring .There were a couple of late efforts by Gomez and Mahrez that went wide but the score stayed at 4-1 and the battle against Arsenal is back on. It was good to see such a better performance by Foden and Lewis did well too. It was a very good first half display by City but they took it easy in the second half with all the changes.

A tough game well won by a changed City side. The sky blues made five changes for this cup tie. As expected Ortega came in for Edison and Phillips for Rodri. Back came De Bruyne, Mahrez and Benardo.
Phillips made his presence felt in the very first minute when he shot from outside the penalty area and the ball hit the bar. What a start that would have been!
Mind you we did not have to wait too long for a goal. On 7 minutes De Bruyne passed to Mahrez who crossed and in ran Foden to crack the ball past the keeper to score for City. An excellent goal by a player who had been off form.
City were a bit lucky on 10 minutes when Lewis was fortunate not to have given away a penalty. However 4 minutes later Ortega injured his hand when he saved from Bell who was offside. He was able to save a shot by Scott on 19 minutes.
City continued to attack and the home side managed to block efforts by De Bruyne and Mahrez. A little later an effort by De Bruyne went well wide and high.
Bristol City manage to keep City's lead to one goal at half time.
Ederson replaced the injured Ortega at the interval and we panicked a bit when two minutes into the second half Ederson himself was hurt saving from Bell. Luckily he was able to continue - who would have had to go in goal I wonder!
City were beginning to lose the plot a bit and Foden got a yellow card for a silly foul.
On 71 minutes Grealish came on for Mahrez so Foden switched wings.
City improved and after Dias won a free kick Kevin DB passed to Ake who crossed to Alvarez and he gave the ball to Foden who shot and the ball ended in the back of the net via a deflection off a defender. So at last City had a two goal lead and we could relax a bit.
On 79 minutes Grealish had a run and shot which was saved by the keeper and a minute later De Bruyne shot from well outside the box and beat the keeper to make it City 3 nil.
Game well over now and on came Palmer and Gomez for Foden and Ake.
There was a silly confrontation between Benardo and Williams just before the end that led to both players getting a yellow card. Pep then subbed Benardo with Perrone.
So it is on to round 6 now.
An excellent performance by Phil Foden and Dias did well in his defensive role.

A tough game against a difficult side that had a good defensive record. City made six changes from the cup tie against Bristol City - Back came Ederson, Haaland, Walker, Rodri, Gundogan and Grealish. It was good to see Stones and Laporte back on the bench after injury.
City had an early chance when a Grealish cross was headed over the bar by Gundogan in the first minute. Alas just a bit too high! A minute later and Ederson was guilty of a poor kick and the visitors won a corner which ended with a goal kick. City were not playing at their best with passes going astray. Pope the Newcastle keeper was kicking long there was plenty for the City defence to deal with.
On 11 minutes City won a free kick on the edge of the penalty area when Gundogan was brought down. Alas the free kick taken by De Bruyne went wide and high.
Then on 15 minutes we had a great goal. Rodri gave a long pass to Foden who cut in and went for goal dribbling past several defenders before cracking the ball past Pope to give City the lead. Foden's excellent form is continuing!
A minute or so later Ake made a very good block at the other end. City had a couple of efforts by De Bruyne and Foden blocked Then Haaland headed just wide from a cross by Kevin DB.
Then City had an escape when Wilson shot wide so at half time City led one nil.
Early in the second half De Bruyne was guilty of another poor pass and then Grealish shot wide when the ref allowed play to go on after a bad foul by Linton who was booked.
5 minutes later Ake was also booked for a foul and shortly after Haaland shot wide.
After 65 minutes Benardo Silva came on for De Bruyne and a couple of minutes later he took a pass from Haaland and scored for City. What a great sub by Pep! City two up against a difficult Newcastle side.
With 15 minutes to go Grealish was brought down and Haaland started a stupid melee that ended with Haaland and Burns getting booked. I did not spot any handbags in the event!
City did have a late chance on 86 minutes but the shot by Foden was well saved by Pope. So the City defence kept Newcastle from scoring and Ederson was able to celebrate his 100th clean sheet in the premier league.
So Foden was easily man-of-the-match and as the day went on we thought we had caught up with Arsenal but alas they managed to win in added time despite being two down earlier.

A tough game as expected but City managed to get three points and keep the pressure on Arsenal. Crystal Palace who are just above the relegation zone defended well but failed to have a shot on target so Ederson was able to read several pages of his book!
City started with 4 central defenders - Stones ( at last he is back) Akanji, Dias and Ake. Up front Foden, Grealish and Haaland started and De Bruyne was on the bench.
City started well and won a corner in the first minute. This was followed by a good effort by Rodri that was saved. After a good dribble by Grealish his shot just went wide a minute or so later. Then Haaland had a shot blocked and Akanji went close with a shot from well outside the box.
On 27 minutes City had a good chance when Ake crossed but the effort by Haaland went a bit too high. City piled on the pressure but no goals alas. Then we had the first yellow card when Rodri was fouled by Milivojevic on the half hour.
Shortly after we actually saw a shot from Zaha which was blocked. There were no more efforts by City before the break
Ten minutes into the second half and City won a free kick just outside the penalty area but the free kick taken by Foden was saved by the keeper. Foden was then subbed by Alvarez. Foden had not been up to his recent form. Then Rodri had another long shot blocked and shortly after Dias got a yellow card.
On 59 minutes Alvarez took a pass from Benardo and shot but alas the ball went just wide.
6 minutes later it was Ake's turn to get a yellow card for a foul. Alvarez had another shot but alas the keeper saved
Luckily for City on 76 minutes we won a corner and following this short corner a silly foul on Gundogan by Olise in the penalty area won City a penalty. Haaland was the taker and he fooled the keeper who dived the wrong way and the ball went into the left corner.
At last City were ahead - one nil!
Kevin De Bruyne then came on for Benardo.
On 81 minutes Stones and Zaha had a battle - then Haaland had a header that went too high. City managed to hold out for the remaining minutes with Walker coming on for Stones late in the game.
Not the most exciting of games but at least Haaland got his 28th goal in the Premier League.

Goals Goals Goals - An amazing result against an on form Bundesliga team. City were back at their best with Haaland and De Bruyne at their very best. Kevin DB was the only change coming in for Foden.
There was an unusual start at kick-off when the ball was passed back to Ederson who belted it up field! City were attacking early on and Gundogan shot over the bar on 3 minutes after taking a cross from De Bruyne. On 11 minutes a good pass from Ake was taken by Haaland who had his shot saved by the keeper. Little did we know what was to come! Shortly after Grealish had an effort blocked. City won a corner and after a header by Rodri was blocked VAR came into action and lo and behold City won a penalty!
Of course Haaland took the kick and shot past the diving keeper to put City one up on 22 minutes. After their good start City deserved to lead.
Applause had hardly died down before De Bruyne put in a good shot which hit the bar and following up Haaland headed in the rebound.Two nil to City and 2 for Haaland.
He nearly made it 3 on the half hour when Grealish passed to him and he had his shot saved by the keeper.
City were a bit lucky a few minutes later when Ederson came racing out to stop a break by the visitors and it looked like he fouled a player. Werner got booked for moaning to the ref! Then Rodri made a poor pass and the visitors missed a good chance.
City got more chances and Gundogan shot over before having another effort saved.
In added time at the end of the first half City won a corner and a header by Dias looked like it was going over the line but just to make sure up rushed Haaland and scored from very close range to complete his hat-trick and City were three up - game over!
Three minutes into the second half City made it four nil - Grealish passed to Gundogan who shot past the keeper and it was really game over!
On 53 minutes Akanji and Haaland had efforts saved but from a corner Haaland first had a header saved before following up he hammered the ball into the net and it was five nil.
Pep then made some changes - Foden on for Grealish and Mahrez for Gundogan.
On 57 minutes Akanji has a shot saved and the ball ran to Haaland who banged in number 6 - his 5th goal - a record. He is the third man in Champions league history to score five goals in a game - Messi and Adriano being the others. It was his 39th goal of the season and he beat Tommy Johnson's record in 1928-29 season for most City goals in a single campaign.
A few minutes later Pep made three more subs and off came Haaland to immense applause. Alvarez took his place and Phillips was on for Rodri and Gomez for Stones.
Kevin De Bruyne who had been brilliant all game then finished things off in added time by cracking the ball into the top corner from 25 yards - he fully deserved his 6th goal of the season. The City fans were very good and back was the Poznan.
City are now in the Champions League quarter final draw. They equalied their other big win - against Schake04 in 2018-2019 - pics HERE - The first goal then was also a penalty taken by Aguero - remember him!

Despite the absence of Haaland on the field City ran riot over Liverpool with a masterly display that keeps them in touch with Arsenal. It was one of the best City performances so far this season and Liverpool were fortunate it was only 4-1!
Early on there were two fouls by Fabinho on Grealish and a few minutes later there was another foul by him but no yellow card.
On 10 minutes Rodri had a shot but it was saved by Alisson. Three minutes later De Bruyne was brought down just outside the area but alas the free kick taken by Mahrez just went wide.
After two shots by Liverpool were blocked on 15 minutes the City defence was caught napping on 17 minutes and Liverpool went ahead with a goal by Salah assisted by Jota. There was a VAR check for offside but the goal stood and disaster had struck.
A few minutes later Salah got a yellow card and this was followed by two misses by Gundogan and Mahrez.
Just after a City corner Liverpool broke and Salah was away with Jota to his right. Back raced Jack Grealish and he managed to cut out the cross - a brilliant bit of defending.
A minute later City were level. De Bruyne passed to Mahrez who gave it to Gundogan who found Grealish and his pass found Alvarez who scored. One all and City were starting to dominate. ' right back' Stones was playing mid-field and causing problems for the visitors.
On 33 minutes Rodri got a yellow card for a foul and a minute or so later was penalized again and Liverpool players wanted a red card but the ref said no - thank you!
So it was one all at half time but what a start for the second half. There was a delay to the start as the ref's communication had a problem but in the first minute Alvarez hit a great cross field pass to Mahrez who crossed for De Bruyne who made it 2-1.
A few minutes later a good team effort ended with Alvarez having a shot blocked and there was Gundogan in the right position to blast the ball home and it was 3-1.
On 59 minutes Alisson was busy again saving from Grealish and on 70 minutes Liverpool made 4 changes! It made little difference and City made it 4-1 4 minutes later when Grealish scored from De Bruyne's cross.
Late on Milner came on for Liverpool and Benardo for Rodri and City had a few shots which Alisson had to save. With only a few minutes to go Palmer came on for Grealish who got a terrific response from the City fans. Grealish certainly had his best performance for City and he really deserves this left wing position. Others stars today were Alvarez, Mahrez and De Bruyne. Stones too had a great game while Haaland helped by jumping up and down in the stand!

This easy win by City at Southampton was their 8th on the run in all competitions and will be remembered by an incredible goal by Haaland who had recovered from injury and was the only change for City.
City's first effort came on 5 minutes when Grealish took a pass from Gundogan and shot but alas the keeper saved. City did get a few corners and from one of them Southampton broke and Ederson had to make a save from Sulemana to prevent an early disaster!
On the half hour there was a City shout for a hand ball but nothing given. A minute later at a corner Gundogan had a header easily saved and the rather boring first half continued.
John Stones got a yellow card for a late challenge on 36 minutes but a few minutes later City won a corner but the header by Haaland went wide.
As half time approached the home side had a chance but the shot went wide and then City broke with a good team goal which ended with De Bruyne crossing and Haaland heading home from close range. City one up just on half time. It was De Bruyne's 100th assist!
City did win a corner early in the second half and a Gundogan shot went just wide followed by an effort by De Bruyne which was blocked. We were shocked to see Haaland booked for a foul!
Then Pep made two changes - Benardo on for Mahrez and Walker on for Stones. Two minutes later City scored. Grealish took a pass from De Bruyne - who else - and shot but the keeper saved and as the ball came off the keeper Grealish cracked the rebound into the net with his right foot - an excellent goal - City two nil.
On 67 minutes Benardo had a shot saved but then the ball ran to Grealish who crossed and Haaland scored with a brilliant over- head kick with his back to the keeper. What an amazing goal - his 44th in 38 games in all competitions. He was then subbed by Alvarez - no doubt to rest him for the game on Tuesday. Three nil and game over - or was it!
Four minutes later and we actually conceded a goal. A good dribble by Djenepo ended with Mara scoring to make it 3-1
However a minute or so later De Bruyne was brought down in the penalty area and it was a penalty to City. Alvarez took it and thumped it down the middle into the net to make it 4-1 and definitely game over!
Pep then made more changes Gomez replaced Ake and Phillips came on for Rodri.
City's three main stars - De Bruyne, Grealish and Haaland did the business once again so we hope they can repeat the performance against some team from Munich on Tuesday!

A wonderful team performance has given City an excellent chance to move to the semi-final of the Champions League when they beat Bayern M by three goals at the Etihad Stadium. The return game next week is not going to be easy but the City defence at this game were brilliant.
City had an early chance on 5 minutes when Haaland shot wide but it was from a tight angle. Two minutes later a Gundogan header went wide and high. Both chances came from De Bruyne's crosses.
On 13 minutes Haaland nearly got the better of keeper Sommer in a close encounter and then at the other end 12 minutes later Dias made a terrific block from a shot by Musiala.
A minute later Benardo Silva passed to Rodri who was outside the penalty area and he took a magical shot which curled into the top corner and at last City had scored. A great shot and so important.
7 minutes later City nearly made it two but the leg of Sommer deflected a Gundogan effort. From the corner Haaland shot wide.
In added time danger man Sane had a chance for the visitors but luckily for City the shot just went wide and so at half time the sky blues were one up.
Early in the second half Ederson had to make a good save from Sane and Ake completed the clearance. Shortly after Benardo got a yellow card for a bad foul! This was followed by a save from Sane by Ederson who was having to work overtime today!
On 49 minutes Davies was booked for a bad foul on De Bruyne and City had several efforts blocked. We were a little worried when Grealish was injured and then Ederson had to make yet another save from Sane.
Ake had a shot saved and from the corner City piled on the pressure and an effort by Stones was blocked. De Bruyne had suffered several fouls and was subbed by Alvarez on 68 minutes.
Two minutes later City scored again - Benardo Silva headed the ball in from a pass from Haaland. Yes - he headed it! City ahead two nil and looking very good.
On 75 minutes Alvarez had a shot saved and then following a corner Stones passed to Haaland and Lo and Behold Haaland cracked in number three for City and quarter final over - I hope.
It was his 45th goal in 39 matches - giving him the record of the highest scorer in all competitions in a single season.
Muller and Cancelo came on for Bayern - the latter getting some boos from City fans.
On 81 minutes Alvarez just shot wide and a little later a header from Rodri was saved for a corner - shame we could not make it four nil.
There were no main stars today - all players did really well - especially the defence and I am sure Pep is over the moon - the blue one !
Hope the rain stops before christmas!

City had a comfortable win against Leicester and had City not had a vital game on Wednesday and a Wembley game next weekend Pep would not have made 5 changes in the second half. As it was Pep made three changes from the Bayern Munich win bringing in Walker, Mahrez and Laporte.
City had a good start on 5 minutes. Mahrez won a corner and Rodri headed the ball back to Stones who hammered the ball past the keeper to put City one up.
A few minutes later City had a penalty shout following a corner. The ref gave a corner but VAR informed him that a defender had blocked the ball with his hand - penalty.
We did not have to guess who was going to take it! Up came Haaland to shoot into the bottom right hand corner. Not the very best of shots but it beat the keeper and City were two up in ten minutes.
Mahrez was fouled a couple of times but nothing came from the free kicks and then on 20 minutes Leicester actually got into our penalty area - but not for long!
On 25 minutes De Bruyne won the ball and put a great through ball to Haaland who beat a defender and shot past the keeper to make it game over at three nil.
It was Haaland's 32nd Premier goal and his 47th in all games.
Leicester did try to come back but failed to trouble Edison and just on half time Benardo got a harsh yellow card for a foul
For the second half Pep made two changes - Key players Haaland and Stones were subbed by Alvarez and Akanji.
A few minutes into the second half Phillips was on for Rodri and a minute or so later Grealish shot over the bar. On 60 minutes Mahrez had a good effort saved Then Palmer came on for De Bruyne and Gomez for Grealish so obviously Pep was saving the 'stars' for the next games and City just had to play out the game with five 'reserves'!
Alas it did not quite go to plan as ex City player Iheanacho who had come on at half time scored from close range on 75 minutes. The save by Edison from a header at a corner had dropped to Iheanacho who made no mistake.
City then had to keep the score at 3-1 and we nearly had a disaster on 91 minutes when Iheanacho hit the post with a shot.
City are now just three points behind Arsenal and have a better goal difference and we play them on the 26th April.

 

As expected City now play Real Madrid in the semi-final of the Champions League after the fiery second leg in Munich. Although City had a three goal lead from the first game Pep still put out a strong team and it was good to see Foden on the bench following his operation.
There were no early chances and it was 50-50 after 5 minutes. There were fouls on De Bruyne and Grealish in the next few minutes and Stones was fouled on ten minutes. A minute later and Cancelo - remember him - got a yellow card for a bad foul on Benardo.
An error by Diaz gave the home side a break and Sane thankfully missed - the ball going wide.
On 18 minutes City broke and Haaland was brought down by Upamecano who got a red card but VAR worked out that Haaland's toe was offside so no red card!
Sane tried a long range shot but Ederson saved for a corner and a little later Goretzka had a couple of efforts - one saved by Ederson - the other missing the goal.
On 35 minutes a Gundogan cross was handled by Upamecano in the penalty area so it was a yellow card and a penalty. this was a great chance to really finish the tie but alas Haaland shot the penalty kick well over the bar - oh dear!
Bayern had a few chances before half time but they failed to beat Ederson who got a yellow card for taking his time on a goal kick. There was also a 'battle' between Gundogan and Kimmich and they both got yellows. So the first half ended with the score at 0-0.
More battles early in the second half and there were yellow cards for Ake and Utreich. Then on 55 minutes Haaland had a shot saved but a couple of minutes later on a City break De Bruyne passed to Haaland who cracked the ball past the keeper to give City the lead. It was a great long ball by Stones that started the break. It was Haaland;s 48th goal this season - amazing!
A few minutes later Grealish was fouled and Pavard got booked. On 66 minutes Ake pulled a muscle and was subbed by Laporte. After lots of Bayern pressure there was a penalty conceded by City after a VAR hand ball decision against Akanji. It was not an obvious hand ball but Kimmich beat Ederson to make it one all on 80 minutes.
City then subbed Haaland with Alvarez and on 85 minutes Laporte got a yellow card for a foul on Coman.
With only a few minutes to go Walker came on for De Bruyne and City survived the final added five minutes to draw the game and move onto the semi-final.
It was not the very best City performance but with vital games coming up it was good enough.

 

.

City reached the FA Cup Final at Wembley with the expected easy win over Sheffield United.
With more big games coming up Pep made 6 changes resting several key players especially after the tough second leg in Munich.
Very early on with barely a minute or so from the start City reserve keeper Ortega had to make a good save from Ndiaye. City gradually took control and soon forced some corners.
We did have a goal by Haaland from 3 miles out but the referee had already given a free kick for a foul!
A minute later and Sheffield took advantage of errors by Gomez to give the City defence a problem but on 23 minutes Alvarez had a shot saved for a corner and though City had most of the possession there seemed to be an absence of urgency. They were missing the vital passing of De Bruyne!
Sheffield were defending in depth so it was difficult for City to break through and then on 40 minutes Mahrez was fouled and following the free kick Benardo was brought down in the box by Jebbison. After Haaland had missed a penalty in the last game it was back to Mahrez for the kick and he did the business shooting in the corner to give City the vital one goal lead.
So at half time City who had 80% possession were in front with their only major shot of the first half!
Early in the second half Walker had an effort blocked and then Gundogan just missed with a shot from outside the box. On 56 minutes just after Gomez had a shot blocked Haaland came near to scoring. Then Alvarez shot well wide and very high . A few minutes later Mahrez won the ball on the half way line and charged forward beating defenders and ended up shooting past the keeper to give City a two goal lead. A brilliant effort.
Five minutes later Grealish put in a very good pass to Mahrez who hit it first time past the keeper to complete his hat-trick - stunning!!!!
Three nil to City and the first hat-trick in a FA Cup semi-final since 1958. As it was certainly game over Pep made 2 changes bringing on Foden and Palmer for Haaland and Grealish. A little later Phillips replaced Gundogan and Lewis came on for Benardo.
City comfortably played out the rest of the game with some good runs from Palmer. City have yet to concede a goal in the FA Cup this season so I hope a new record awaits in June whoever we beat!
Oh yes we have to beat some team from London on Wednesday - can't wait!!!

We were expecting a tough match but it turned out to be a master class by City who slaughtered Arsenal and now are in position to win the league. With 2 games in hand and now only 2 points behind Arsenal City just need to win all their remaining games and the treble is on.
The great link between De Bruyne and Haaland was a key factor but the whole team played their part.
After a dubious free kick decision against De Bruyne on 2 minutes City hit back 5 minutes later. A long clearance went to Haaland who passed to De Bruyne and he ran forward and shot past Ramsdale to give City that vital early lead.
City continued to attack and Benardo had an effort saved on 21 minutes. A few minutes later Gabriel headed wide for Arsenal. Back came City and then De Bruyne had a good effort blocked. Then near the half hour Haaland had a couple of shots saved. On another day they might have beaten the keeper. City were dominating but we needed that second goal.
Partey did have a shot for Arsenal but the ball went wide. Then Haaland broke but his shot went just wide. On 41 minutes Arsenal had a corner when Dias headed away and Ederson had to punch the ball away.
Then just before half time Haaland was brought down and De Bruyne took the free kick aiming for the far post. Up dashed Stones who headed home but alas the flag had gone up for offside. However the team at VAR started a forensic examination of the position of the toes of Stones and a defender and the result was a goal to Stones and City - Two nil - great!
After De Bruyne failed to worry Ramsdale early in the second half Ederson actually had to make a save at the other end. Benardo won a corner on 48 minutes and a few minutes later Haaland should have scored but Ramsdale saved,
Then on 53 minutes Haaland passed to De Bruyne who shot through the legs of a defender and into the goal to make it three nil and game over!
Arsenal made 2 changes as the Poznan swept around the stadium. Then Gundogan hit a poor effort well over the bar and he was replaced by Mahrez on 72 minutes.
There was a slight delay when Stones was injured and shortly after there was a battle between Grealish and Partey and both were booked.
On 79 minutes Saka shot over the bar from a free kick and Alvarez came on for De Bruyne.
On 85 minutes Arsenal won a corner and it ended up with Holding scoring past Ederson to make it 3-1.
Foden came on for Grealish and Rodri got a yellow card for a foul. In the last minute of the 5 minutes added on Foden passed to Haaland who scored at last to make it 4-1.
It was his 49th goal for City and he has broken the record for most goals in a 38 game Premier League season with his 33rd beating Salah's 32 in 2017-2018. There are 7 games to go so he might make it 50!!!!!
A great team performance with De Bruyne the star.
Will Erling Haaland go on to beat all scoring records?

Not the most inspiring game but the three points took City to the top of the league for a few days. City were not quite up to their best in creativity and was the absence of Kevin De Bruyne to blame. There is no truth in the rumor that De Bruyne was in Sheffield giving hints to a certain player in the Crucible !!!!!
Benardo was also absent so in came Mahrez and Alvarez. The latter was soon in action and after a minute or so he was brought down in the penalty area by Ream. Who is going to take it - Mahrez or Haaland???. Haaland of course and he cracked the ball past the diving keeper into the bottom right hand corner - the power of his left foot doing the business. So City one up in the opening minutes. It was his 50th goal of the season and his 34th league goal.
On 14 minutes Grealish had a chance but his shot was easily saved. Then a minute later disaster struck. A header by Wilson found Vinicius who cracked the ball past Ederson. Should Dias have read the situation better.
One all - we did not expect that. There was then an injury to Ream who was subbed.
Haaland did put a difficult effort just wide from a narrow angle and a minute later Grealish almost scored - the keeper just pushing the shot wide. His next effort was not so good and it was an easy save.
On 35 minutes Alvarez too a pass from Mahrez and after moving into a better position just outside the penalty area he smashed a great shot into the top corner to give City the lead.
It was a wonderful goal and it gives Pep a few selection problems when De Bruyne returns.
Not a lot happened for the remainder of the first half.
Just 2 minutes into the second half Haaland nearly scored but the keeper made a brilliant save. Then Alvarez had a shot saved for a corner and then he failed to dribble past 12 defenders!!
Then we had a long delay when a clash between Akanji and Pereira ended with both players on the ground and the Fulham player had to be stretched off.
On 64 minutes we almost had another disaster but Ederson managed to clear the ball.
Then Grealish and Tete had a battle which ended with both players getting yellow cards.
Both Haaland and Rodri had headers which failed to find the net and late on Pep made 2 subs - Foden on for Mahrez and Benardo Silva on for Alvarez.
In the final 8 added minutes both Walker and Ederson got booked but City managed to hold on and get the vital three points.

City went back to top of the league after their second half display against West Ham. The highlight was a goal by Haaland which was his 35th league goal and it is now a record beating the 34 by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole. It was also his 51st in all competitions so he he is on track to beating the 63 by Dixie Dean.
City made 3 changes from the Fulham win. Ederson, Gundogan and Akanji were on the bench and it was good to see the return of Ake. No sign of De Bruyne on the pitch or on the bench!
In the first minute or so Alvarez put in a shot which was easily saved by Fabianski in the West Ham goal. On 9 minutes Mahrez had a shot saved but Ake headed over from the resultant corner. City were not playing at their best with little creativity. On 23 minutes Haaland had half a chance with a header from an angle but it went wide.
West Ham almost scored on 28 minutes when Bowen broke down the touch line and Ortega given a rare appearance in the league made a good save.
A minute or so later Grealish just missed with his shot and then Rodri hit the post and the ball ran along the goal line before being cleared. A lucky escape for West Ham.
At a City corner Stones headed just missed and we were a little worried with no goals from City at half time. West Ham had defended well and were well organized.
Our luck was about to change early in the second half. Grealish was fouled by Downes who got a yellow card and Mahrez took the free kick. It sailed over the defenders and there was Ake at the far post to head in from close range. At last City one up!!!!!
There was a delay when Coufal was injured and he was subbed by West Ham. The visitors won a couple of corners and Ortega had to punch away one of them. On 68 minutes Alvarez had a shot saved and then a minute or so later on a City break Grealish passed to Haaland who cracked the ball past Fabianski to make it two nil and we could relax a bit. It was a record goal and well deserved.
Pep then made a couple of changes - Foden for Alvarez and Akanji for Ake. A minute later Stones shot over the bar as City continued to press - playing better than the first half.
With five minutes to go City got a corner and when the ball came to Foden outside the area he cracked the ball at goal and it deflected past Fabianski into the goal to make it three nil - game over!. It was City's 1000th goal under Pep's management.
With a minute or so of added time to go Pep subbed Rodri with Phillips !
At full time the City players and backroom staff formed a guard of honour for Haaland when he came off the pitch. Well deserved!!!!!

Despite having huge possession against Leeds City only managed to win 2-1. Three points gives them a 4 point lead against Arsenal who have a tough game against Newcastle which if they fail to win City will be favorites for the Championship.
With a game on Tuesday in Madrid Pep made 7 changes - back came Ederson, De Bruyne, Foden, Gundogan, Lewis, Akanji and Laporte. Several key players were rested.
In the first minute or so Haaland took a shot from distance but it went over the bar. On 6 minutes Akanji headed over the bar at a corner and later De Bruyne had an effort blocked.
Then Alvarez went too high with a shot and Haaland had a shot saved by the keepers feet. City were well on top but few real chances yet.
On 19 minutes came the moment we were waiting for . Mahrez put in a perfect pass to Gundogan and he hit the ball into the corner to give City the lead. 6 minutes later a shot by Haaland just went wide after getting a good pass by De Bruyne. That should have been number 2.
A few minutes later Haaland passed to Mahrez and guess what - he crossed again to Gundogan who netted once more to give City a two goal lead.
Leeds came back quickly and Ederson had to save a header by McKennie at a corner.
On 31 minutes the Leeds keeper dropped the ball but he managed to save from Alvarez.
We had a moment to remember when Haaland who had a very good chance actually missed his kick! Just before half time Mahrez was brought down and Gnonto got a yellow card.
Early in the second half City won a few free kicks and on 52 minutes Haaland had a header saved from a cross by Alvarez. There was a slight delay when Ake was injured and he was subbed by Walker. Not good news with the Real Madrid game coming up. After Leeds made 2 changes Ederson had to be on the ball to clear a break. On 62 minutes Haaland hit the post again after taking a pass from Lewis and 5 minutes later Mahrez had a shot blocked. Then Akanji headed wide at a corner. On 71 minutes Mahrez had a shot from an angle saved by the keeper.
Leeds were defending in depth as expected so we were delighted when Foden was brought down in the penalty area - time for a penalty three nil and Haaland to score - but no - that did not happen. Haaland gave the ball to Gundogan to complete his hat-trick - his first!
Alas the kick from Gundogan hit the post and the ball was cleared. Pep was furious!!!
A minute later Leeds scored - an error by Akanji giving Rodrigo the chance to shoot past Ederson to make it 2-1. Benardo came on for Alvarez and City decided on an episode of 'corneritis' in the added 4 minutes to secure the win.
Not the best of games for Haaland who missed several good chances and should have taken the penalty. Lewis worked hard in mid-field and Mahrez did well. It was also good to see De Bruyne back in action and he did not disappoint.

Real Madrid 1-1 Champions L Semi-final

An excellent result for the sky blues and well deserved. After the home side had gone ahead in the first half which City had dominated the equalizer by De Bruyne has given City a great chance to reach the final of the Champions League next Wednesday. The treble is still a possibility!
As expected Pep made six changes from the Leeds win bringing back his star players but the injury to Ake meant that Akanji had to switch to the left.
City were early on the attack and Haaland was fouled on 2 minutes and after a shot by Gundogan was blocked an effort by De Bruyne was well saved by Courtois on 8 minutes.
This was followed by shots by Rodri and Haaland that were saved and a header by Haaland at a corner went straight to the keeper. City continued to attack dominating the game and keeping the vast crowd fairly quiet.
On 19 minutes it looked like Stones was fouled but the referee let play continue as City still had possession but the attack ended with Gundogan shooting well over the bar. Dias did well to clear a City error which almost gave the home side a chance. We then had a short delay with an injury to Gundogan who was able to continue. However on 36 minutes we had a disaster! A run down the left wing by Camavinga ended with Vinicius Junior cracking in an amazing shot that gave Ederson no chance to save. Real were ahead with almost their first effort of the game!
In added time of the first half Kroos got a yellow card for a foul on Gundogan.
Real Madrid had more of the play in the early stages of the second half but after a shot by De Bruyne was saved a Haaland shot was deflected for a corner but nothing came of it.
Real were starting to dominate a bit and they won a few corners and the City defence had some work to do.
Then on 66 minutes a Rodri shot was blocked and moments later Gundogan passed to Kevin De Bruyne who cracked the ball past Courtois from outside the box to level the scores. A great effort to give City that vital goal. Madrid manager Ancelotti was booked for his reaction to the goal.
On 70 minutes Gundogan got a yellow card for a foul on Carvajal. Luckily the free kick went over the bar. On 77 minutes Ederson had to make a good save from Benzema.
Benardo got a yellow card for a silly foul on Vinicius on 86 minutes. Despite several changes by the home side City managed to keep the score to one all. Pep made no changes.
We did not see the best of games by Haaland - hope he is saving a few goals for next week!
De Bruyne and Ederson were best players for City.

With the return game against Real Madrid next Wednesday Pep made several changes - resting De Bruyne, Stones, Grealish and Benardo Silva. With Everton just above the bottom three fighting for relegation it was not going to be easy for City.
The ref had an early word with Haaland - I doubt he was asking for his autograph!
Everton got an early corner off Walker which was cleared by Rodri. A poor clearance kick by Ederson nearly let in Everton after 6 minutes and after Mahrez was fouled and the free kick cleared Walker made an excellent tackle after a super sprint.
City were high in possession but no shots on goal yet. In the early 20 minute period City won several corners piling on the pressure
On 25 minutes Ederson actually had some work to do as he punched a free kick clear. We still wondered whether Haaland had touched the ball yet!
After a Mahrez effort went over the bar Haaland actually touched the ball on 29 minutes.
4 minutes later Walker used his pace to save the day for City yet again when Everton broke.
Following an Everton corner Holgate had a chance from close range but fortunately for City the ball went wide.
On 34 minutes Rodri took a shot from long range which was saved easily and 2 minutes later came the vital moment. Mahrez crossed and Gundogan in the box flicked the ball past Pickford to give City the lead. It was a great goal requiring a lot of skill.
A couple of minutes later City were two up! A cross by Gundogan was met by Haaland's head and ended up in the net .It was Haaland's 36th league goal and 52nd in total.
There was not much action in the rest of the half so at half time City were leading two nil.
A few minutes into the second half and Foden was brought down just outside the penalty area and Garner responsible for the foul got a yellow card. When Foden recovered from his injury Gundogan took the free kick and brilliantly placed the ball into the top left hand corner to make it three nil. What a curler!!! Surely City cannot let Gundogan go at the end of the season!
With a three goal lead it was time for the sky blues to calm things down a bit as Everton made some changes and attempted to reduce the arrears.
Haaland did have a chance on 60 minutes after taking a pass from Foden but alas no goal.
A few minutes later Everton got some corners and Ederson had to make a save from a header.
Haaland had a clash with Pickford on 74 minutes which I thought might have resulted with a penalty but nothing given and a few minutes later Grealish came on for Haaland and Benardo for Gundogan. Not a lot happened for the rest of the game and Pep brought on Phillips for Rodri and Gomez for Dias in the final minutes.
Star of the game was skipper Gundogan who City MUST retain for next season!
Walker too played well his speed being vital in several situations.
With Arsenal losing to Brighton at home it means that City can win the league if they beat Chelsea next week ooops sorry - City will win the league when they beat Chelsea!!!

City easily overpowered Real Madrid in the second leg of the semi-final of the Champions League and now will play Inter Milan in Istanbul. It was a brilliant display by the sky blues particularly in the first half.
As expected Pep brought back De Bruyne, Grealish, Stones and Benardo so apart from Ake - still not fully fit - it was a very strong City team.
On 3 minutes Walker took a long range shot but it sailed well wide and high and 4 minutes later Rodri miss hit an effort which went wide. We saw a couple of fouls by Benardo as City dominated the first ten minutes. Then Stones shot from outside the box which went wide.
A minute later Grealish gave Haaland a heading chance but alas Courtois made a brilliant save.
On 17 minutes Gundogan won a free kick and De Bruyne took a shot when a cross was expected but the ball just went wide. At a corner a header by Akanji went to Haaland and Courtois somehow managed to save Haaland's effort from close range -
Courtois 2 Haaland 0 !!!!
A minute or so later De Bruyne passed to Benardo Silva who cracked the ball past Courtois to give City the deserved lead - City 1 Real Madrid 0
Real actually got into our half and Walker had to use his speed to clear danger and then Ederson had to be quick to clear. On 35 minutes Kroos hit the City bar following a corner so we were very happy a minute or so later when a lofted defensive clearance fell to the head of Benardo Silva and ended up in the back of the net to give City a two goal lead!
City 2 Real Madrid 0 - is it game over - not yet - we need more. Despite more City pressure the sky blues could not manage another goal in the first half. City at this stage have had 72% possession and a 13-1 shot ratio!
Real Madrid did start the second half with more effort and Dias got a yellow card for a foul on Vinicius and Ederson had to save from Alaba. At the other end Grealish was brought down and a yellow card to Carvajal. Grealish was dangerous down the left wing and he was brought down a few times but nothing came from the free kicks.
On 61 minutes Gundogan fouled Vinicious and got a yellow card and a few minutes later Real started their substitutions and off went Modric one of their key players. A few minutes later off went Kroos.
On 72 minutes Haaland had a shot saved following a pass by Gundogan. Nothing came from the corner. Three minutes later Grealish was fouled again by Camavinga who got a yellow card and from the free kick taken by De Bruyne the ball ended up in the net via a header by Akanji which was deflected by Militao for an own goal. VAR checked it but it was OK. - City 3 Madrid 0 - game over
The Poznan started - of course and Pep soon started to make changes - Mahrez coming on for Gundogan was the first.
Then surprise surprise Ederson had to make a couple of saves from Ceballos and Benzema. More changes for City followed - Foden on for De Bruyne and Alvarez for Haaland. As added time started Grealish got a yellow card for a foul and moments later City won the ball back and Foden made a terrific pass to Alvarez and he beat the keeper to make it four nil and seal this amazing win over Real Madrid .
It was an excellent team performance with Benardo and Grealish getting top marks. The defence did well with Ederson keeping a clean sheet and Walker keeping Vinicius Junior under control. Even Haaland might have scored but for the saves of Courtois who was their only good player on the night.
So the treble is now in sight - a win against Chelsea - United at Wembley and then Inter Milan in Istanbul.

It was interesting to see how 'the reserve side' played in this game. Obviously it was very similar to those sitting on the bench and Peps tactic of playing a 'defender' in midfield has given opponents many problems. After the period of hidden centre forward the arrival of Haaland needed a slightly different attacking approach but the amazing Pep sorted that out and he must easily be the top manager in the world. I hope he continues as I cannot remember a team winning 2 trebles in succession!!!!!

Oh dear! City did not win by five goals! Well the winning run had to come to an end some time and with Brighton fighting for inclusion in the Europa League next season it was never going to be an easy game. Pep made 6 changes with several new names on the bench. There were several first team defenders missing and it was strange to see Rodri in the back three.
City had a good chance on 5 minutes but Haaland headed over a cross by Foden. Brighton were soon at the other end and a shot from Welbeck was blocked. Then Ortega had to make a save from a free kick and on 18 minutes after a foul by Gundogan the free kick taken by Welbeck hit the post. A minute later Foden and Haaland broke and Foden passed to Haaland who looked certain to score but alas his bad touch was saved.
Surely Haaland has not lost his touch!
A few minutes later City took the lead. After a good chip by Mahrez Haaland passed to Foden who made no mistake and notched his 11th Premier goal this season.
City then came under a lot of pressure and Ortega had to make a good save from Buonanotte. On 38 minutes we saw one of the best goals of the season when Enciso took a shot from well outside the penalty area and it flew into the top right hand corner of the goal to level the scores. Ortega had no chance and I doubt Ederson would have stopped it.
On 40 minutes Benardo got a yellow card for a foul and just before half time Foden hit the bar with a header.
A couple of minutes into the second half a cross from Benardo found Haaland who tried an overhead kick but alas the ball did not behave and ended up high and wide!
From a corner Lewis took a shot but it was a simple save for the keeper.
On 50 minutes Pep made a change taking off Foden and bringing on Palmer who was soon in action having a shot saved.
With City guilty of several defensive errors Brighton put City under pressure and Pep made another change bringing on Alvarez for De Bruyne.
Ortega had to make a good save from Mitoma and Haaland just missed when fed by Alvarez. On 76 minutes we thought City had scored.
Alas Haaland's headed goal from Palmers cross was ruled out by VAR as he pushed a defender to get into position for the header.
Stones was then injured and was subbed by Gomez and Phillips replaced Benardo.
Foden was easily City's best player but what the team will be at Brentford with the injury situation and the vital games against United and Inter Milan to come is anybody's guess!!

Not the best of results in the final league game but not entirely expected with Pep making 7 changes from the last match with two rather important games to come against United and Inter. Stones, Gundogan, Rodri, Benardo and Haaland were on the bench but no sign of Grealish, Dias and Akanji.
The game was not on TV as all eyes were on the relegation battle so I had to listen to the commentary on Radio Manchester.
It was good to see the return of Ake after injury and the back four of Walker, Ake, Laporte and Gomez were sure to have a busy day. Phillips made only his second start for City in front of the back four.
Palmer had the first City chance on 4 minutes but the keeper made a good save and 4 minutes later Phillips tried a shot from outside the box but it went wide.
Palmer and Alvarez had some efforts blocked and at the other end Ederson had to make a good save from Mee but there were few exciting moments in the first half which ended without a goal.
City had a bit of luck ten minutes after the break as Brentford had a couple of penalty shouts - a foul by Gomez and a hand ball by Lewis - but both were turned down - good old VAR!!
On 63 minutes Shea Charles made his first team debut subbing Ake. Charles has played twice for Northern Ireland.
Several Brentford got yellow cards for fouls but on 85 minutes disaster struck. Following a headed pass by Mbeumo Pinnock shot past Ederson to give Brentford the lead.
Palmer almost leveled the scores a few minutes later but both of his shots were blocked and the game ended with Brentford doing the double over City. It was City's first loss in 26 games but as City had already won the Premier League it was not the end of the world!
This was City's 1,000 Premier League game and it was not the best of games but luckily nobody was injured.
Haaland won the PL Golden Boot for most goals -36 and Kevin De Bruyne won the Playmaker Year award for the third time.
Oh by the way Leeds, Southampton and Leicester were relegated and Everton survived - just!

As I expected City beat United at Wembley to win the Final and number 2 in their journey to a treble. Pep only made 10 changes from the Brentford game!!!! Walker kept his place but all the 'injured' stars were back to face the team in red.
There was an extraordinary start to the game. The kickoff pass was put back to Ortega who banged it up field towards Haaland. The ball then went to a dual between De Bruyne and Lindelof and finally the ball got to Gundogan on the edge of the area who volleyed the ball into the net in just 12 seconds - the fastest ever in a FA Cup Final. Incredible !! I wonder how many City fans missed it!
City continued to attack and Rodri just headed wide from a free kick on 4 minutes. A couple of minutes later Grealish shot wide and even Haaland had a shot saved.
On 20 minutes Haaland shot over the bar following a header from Rodri.
We then had a disaster 9 minutes later. Grealish was in his own penalty area and the ball hit one of the nails on one of his hands and according to the change in the rules VAR said that was a penalty. It was certainly not deliberate and no United player shouted for a penalty.
Fernandes took the kick and scored to make it one all. United were very fortunate.
This gave the team in red some hope and they actually got into our penalty area a few times before the half time break.
It did not take long for City to get back on track. On 49 minutes Fred fouled De Bruyne who then took the free kick passing to Gundogan outside the penalty area. He shot and the ball flew past several players and beat the diving keeper to put City back in front again - brilliant!
Then Stones was fouled and City won a corner but the end result was a save by de Gea from De Bruyne. Stones shot over the bar just after United made their first change - Garnacho for Eriksen.
After Rashford shot over the bar and Haaland had an effort saved City scored again but alas Gundogan was well offside so no hat-trick I am afraid.
On 76 minutes Foden came on for De Bruyne who was looking tired. Then Fred got a yellow card for a foul on Grealish and following the free kick Benardo had a near miss. With full time approaching City made a further change Ake coming on for Grealish. Just on 90 minutes Rodri got a yellow card for a hand ball as United were becoming desperate to score and Ortega actually had to make a save from a close range header. With moments to go Walker was injured and was subbed by Laporte.
After 7 minutes of added time the final whistle came and City had won the FA Cup.
Gundogan was the star scoring twice and surely City must resign him for at least two more seasons. He is such an important part of the team.
Rodri played well as did Stones in his midfield role. Ortega had hardly a shot to save so well did the defence keep United at bay. The only worry is that Haaland did not score - maybe he is saving another three for Inter next week!

City made just one change from the United win - Ake coming in for Walker.
City were first to attack and on 2 minutes a through pass by De Bruyne to Haaland ended with a miss but anyway the offside flag had gone up!
Three minutes later Benardo shot just wide but on ten minutes a kick by Ederson went straight for a throw-in - most unusual for him.
Inter did have a couple of shots which went wide but they had a good chance on 25 minutes when a 'pass' by Ederson ended up with Darmian and fortunately for City his shot at an empty goal went wide - a lucky escape!
A minute or so later Haaland had a shot saved by the keeper. Then De Bruyne had a deflected shot saved but there was a minor disaster as Kevin appeared to be injured and Foden was warming up. On 36 minutes De Bruyne was subbed by Foden so City had lost their most creative player.
Just before half time Akanji had a shot but it went high and wide.
The first half had been a tactical battle between the two sides with the sky blues not at their best.
On 52 minutes Grealish was fouled but the free kick taken by Foden was much too long. A few minutes later Dzeko was injured and subbed by Lukaku. At least we knew Dzeko would not score against his old team!
On 58 minutes Ederson had to make a save following a Akanji error.
Two minutes later Dias headed over following a free kick for a foul on Foden.
Barella got a yellow card for the foul.
Just after City got a free kick for a foul on Stones Akanji passed to Benardo who passed with his right foot to Rodri just outside the penalty area. A brilliant Rodri shot flew into the net and City had scored.
City had not been playing at their best but were one up so defending was so vital. Inter went near when a header by Dimarco hit the bar and Ederson had to make a save.
On 77 minutes Foden had a shot saved and a few minutes later Stones was injured and Walker replaced him. Such a shame as Stones had been excellent.
With two minutes to go Ederson made a brilliant save at a corner. The defensive battle continued into the 6 minutes added time until the referee from Poland blew for full time and City had won the match and the special treble - The Premier League, the FA Cup and now the Champions League -
What an achievement - last won by United in 1999.
Ederson made up for his errors early on by making brilliant saves Stones and Dias were also very good.

The last time Sheikh Mansour was at a City game City v Liverpool August 2010 City won 3-0