Not much news in the transfer market. Only Mateo Kovacic has arrived to take the place of Gundogan

The first of three pre-season games took place in the National Stadium in Tokyo and ended with a win with some good play by City and a chance to see most of the City squad.
City started with this team - Ortega, Walker, Stones, Akanji, Ake, Phillips, Kovacci, McAtee, Palmer, Grealish and Alvarez.
Though City put on some early pressure Lopes scored for Yokohama on 27 minutes after Ortega had saved his first effort. It was disaster ten minutes later when Matsubara made it two nil. Fortunately for City just before half time a good team effort ended with John Stones scoring with a great shot taking a pass from Alvarez to make it 1-2 at half time.
City only made ten changes at the interval only Ortega keeping his place! Ederson could carry on reading his book!!
team - Ortega, Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Gomez, Lewis, Rodri, Benardo, Foden, Bobb and Haaland
It did not take too long for Haaland to score - a couple of touches on 52 minutes .Two minutes later Foden nearly scored and Rodri went near with Bobb showing a lot of his skills as City dominated. We had to wait until the 72nd minute for the next City goal - a shot by Rodri
On 73 minutes Perrone came in for Benardo and ten minutes later we had a mini disaster when Lewis and Ortega had a mix-up and gave Inoue the chance to make it 4-3. However as added time started Haaland took a pass from Cancelo and netted to make it 5-3. Game over!!
A good game with some excellent play by City in this first tour game.

The second of the pre-season friendlies was also played in the National Stadium in Tokyo and ended in another win against a regular pre-season team from Germany. We were expecting 2 City teams today and the first eleven had Ederson in goal, Walker, Stones, Dias and Ake in the back four and Lewis, Benardo, and Kovacic in midfield and up front we had McAtee, Grealish and Alvarez.
City started well with Stones shooting wide on 4 minutes but Bayern had to make City defend well and Ederson and Dias did well to keep a clean sheet. Ake too is busy in defence and we almost had a disaster when a shot from Sane (remember him!) at a free kick hit the bar with Ederson beaten!
A minute or so later City scored! Lewis did well down the right wing - he cut the ball back to Alvarez who shot - Sommer saved but he ball went to McAtee who scored easily from close range.
It was his very first goal for City - alas it won't count as it was pre-season!
On 26 minutes we had a worrying moment when Ake was injured and to be on the safe side Pep replaced him with Akanji.
Just before half time Ederson had to save with his feet from Comans and Lewis almost got number two after a mistake by Sommer so half time came with City leading one nil.
City only made 8 changes this time at the interval.
The team now was Ederson, Cancelo, Laporte, Rodri, Akanji: Phillips, Benardo,Gomez, Bobb, Foden and Haaland
Bayern who had won their previous friendly 27 nil made 11 changes!!!!!
City were in command in the second half having much more possession but rarely shot so just as the game was going dead Rodri had to be alert stopping a rare break by Mane.
On 70 minutes Perrone came on for Benardo and we were stunned when on 81 minutes Bayern scored.
A good cross was parried by Ederson and Tel scored from close range to level the scores.
We did not expect that so City had to wake up and Haaland almost scored and Laporte had a header saved at the corner. Luckily for City a few minutes later the sky blues had a corner and Perrone passed to Foden who shot and the rebound from the keeper fell to Laporte who made no mistake this time and put City ahead again.
So now it's off to South Korea for the final friendly against Atletico Madrid.
Well I hope Haaland has a better game and scores a few!

The third game in the pre-season tour was delayed by 40 minutes because of the very heavy rain storms in Seoul. There was to be no injury time to be added after each 45 minutes and with City on a tight schedule I was expecting a balloon to land on the pitch at full time to get City back to Manchester!
The City team was stronger than usual for the first half - Ederson, Walker, Stones, Dias, Laporte, Rodri, Benardo, Foden, Alvarez, Haaland and Grealish.
City started brightly getting a free kick for a foul on Grealish - who else!. Alvarez had an early shot but it went over the bar. Then Benardo had an effort blocked and Haaland had a shot saved. It was a frantic start to the game with lots of City pressure but no goals.
On 16 minutes Azpilicueta got a yellow card for another foul on Grealish. Shortly after Rodri did get the ball in the net but the keeper had been fouled so no goal alas.
On 29 minutes Atletico should have scored but a header by Morata from close range went over the bar. A minute later Foden shot just wide of the far post. On 34 minutes Lemar had a good chance but Ederson foiled him. With Haaland well marked City were finding it difficult to finish and the half ended with no goals.
There was only one change at the interval - Ortega coming on for Ederson. Early in the second half Ortega has to make a good save from a header by Lino. On 52 minutes Walker hit the bar with a great shot from 30 yards. What a smashing goal that would have been.
Then came 8 City changes so the team was now - Ortega, Cancelo, Dias, Akanji, Gomez, Phillips, Kovacic, Lewis, McAtee, Bobb, Alvarez.
City almost scored straight away but the final effort by Kovacic went over the bar. For some unknown reason Gomez got a yellow card seconds after coming on!!!
On 60 minutes Atletico made 10 changes and five minutes later they went ahead!
Dias was robbed of the ball and moments later Depay shot past Ortega to make it 0-1.
Five minutes later Dias gave the ball away again and luckily Cancelo saved the situation.
City had another escape when Depay shot over the bar from a rebound by the City keeper.
However it did not take long for Atletico to add to their score. Carrasco flew past Lewis and then shot past Ortega to make it 2-0 - disaster.
Phillips made a late challenge and got a yellow card and City were generally being outplayed.
With just 5 minutes to go City did manage to score. A corner taken by Gomez was headed home by Dias to make it 1-2 . I bet the City players will be glad to get home and get some rest before they clatter Arsenal at Wembley in a week's time.

For this game at Wembley City made several changes from the game in South Korea -
Ortega, Walker, Stones, Dias, Akanji, Rodri, Kovacic, Benardo, Alvarez, Haaland and Grealish.
All eyes will be on new signing Kovacic and will De Bruyne come on at some stage.
The sun was shining and they had mown the lawn at the Stadium!
There was a early yellow card for Partey for a foul and kicking the ball away. On 14 minutes Rodri got a shot on goal but it got a nick and went wide for a corner which came to nothing.
There was a bit of a surprise on 17 minutes when Arteta was booked for shouting for Rodri to get a yellow for a foul on Havertz!
Then Alvarez shot wide in another City attack and they were having a lot of possession. However 6 minutes later the City defence had something to do - first Ortega had to save from Havertz and then John Stones had to use his chest to block an effort by Martinelli.
Then Havertz was booked for a foul on Stones and a few minutes later Alvarez got a surprise yellow card for putting the ball out of play in the wrong spot!!!!
Arsenal were showing better form now and won two corners. Following the second of these Saka had a shot but it went well wide.
Five minutes before the break Havertz had a shot saved by Ortega and two minutes later Rodri
took a shot from just inside the Arsenal half to try and catch Ramsdale out but alas it landed on top of the net. So it was goalless at half time.
There were no changes at half time but just after the restart Dias was injured but was ok to carry on. On 52 minutes City got a corner and a header by Stones was saved by the keeper.
On 58 minutes Grealish who had not done a great deal was subbed by Foden. After a free kick taken by Rice went high and wide on came Kevin De Bruyne at last for Kovacic and Palmer came on for Haaland who had hardly touched the ball!
Arsenal won a couple of corners and Gabriel got a yellow card for impeding Ortega. On 70 minutes Palmer had a shot blocked and City won a couple of corners. Then following an Arsenal attack Foden made a run into the Arsenal half and passed to De Bruyne who headed the ball down to Palmer who took a terrific left footed shot into the Arsenal goal to give City the lead - an excellent effort by Palmer.
On 81 minutes Foden had a good chance but the keeper saved and then he made an excellent save from a Rodri header at a corner. City were denied adding to the score.
Apparently there are new rules and 8 minutes were added at full time.
Three minutes into added time Walker and Partey had a clash of heads and there was more delay and both ended up with bandages round their heads.
On 101 minutes there was disaster for City. Following a corner Trossard shot and the ball was heavily deflected by Akanji past Ortega and into the goal to level the scores!
Two minutes later the whistle went for full time and because there was no 30 minutes extra time it went to penalties.
It was at the Arsenal end and they had first shot. Odegaard took the first kick and easily scored. Then De Bruyne hit the underside of the crossbar and Arsenal were ahead.
Trossard then put Arsenal further ahead and Benardo made it 1-2 . Saka made it 3-1 but alas Rodri then had his shot saved so all Viera had to do to win was to score and he did.
So City failed to win another Community Shield - yet again but there are much more important games ahead. Both Haaland and Grealish were below form but De Bruyne and Foden were better. Now for Burnley on Friday.

There were several missing players when the team was announced - no Stones or Dias so the back four were Walker, Akanji, Ake and Lewis. At least De Bruyne was in midfield with Rodri and with Foden and Benardo wide and Alvarez and Haaland up front. Both new signings were on the bench as was Grealish!
City made a great start. A short corner led to Rodri heading a cross to Haaland who hit the ball into the net and the sky blues were one up in 4 minutes. So Haaland is off the mark - another 50 to come!!!!!
A few minutes later De Bruyne shot wide from outside the box and after Foden was fouled Haaland shot wide from a difficult angle. On 15 minutes Burnley actually had a chance but Koleosho shot high and wide and a minute or so later Ederson had to make a save.
City's worst moment came on 20 minutes when Kevin De Bruyne seemed to have a hamstring injury and Pep took him off nd replaced him with Kovacic.
A few minutes later Burnley had another chance but the shot by Foster went wide.
Then on 35 minutes City scored number two. Good work by Walker and Foden led to Alvarez passing to Haaland and he cracked a first time shot into the goal for his second of the evening. A terrific goal!
Burnley did try to come back but City were really in charge and in the first minute of five minutes of added time Foden nearly made it three but his effort was saved.
Early in the second half Haaland had a shot blocked and then Rodri had a couple of efforts saved as City put on the pressure. Alvarez shot wide and Rodri had a shot blocked but we had to wait for the 75th minute for our third goal. A City free kick was not cleared by the Burnley defence and there was Rodri to shoot home from close range to make it three nil and game over!
Pep then made three changes - Palmer on for Haaland, Laporte on for Ake and new signing Gvardiol on for Lewis.
On 86 minutes Alvarez had a shot saved and 2 minutes later Foden just shot wide.
We all waited with baited breathe for the amount of added time to be announced - 10 minutes, 15, an hour - no just 6 minutes.
However a couple of minutes into added time Walker made a dash down the right and was brought down by Zaroury and he got a yellow card but VAR stepped in and gave him a red one!
Laporte ha a header saved from a cross by Alvarez and on 9 minutes the ref blew his whistle and the game was over.
Haaland, Foden, Rodri and Walker were the best City players. Lewis playing mainly on the left made too many errors for once and we did miss Stones and Dias.

City added yet another trophy to the famous Treble by beating Sevilla on penalties. Pep had chosen a fairly strong side with a full debut for new signing Gvardiol. No Kevin though with him being out for several months. The team was Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol, Rodri, Kovacic, Palmer, Foden, Grealish, Haaland.
On 6 minutes Palmer had a shot saved and shortly afterwards Ake had a header saved at a corner and then Rodri had a shot blocked.
On 11 minutes Gvardiol shot well wide and high but on 16 minutes Grealish had a good shot well saved by keeper Bono.
Disaster came on 24 minutes - a long kick by Bono ended on the right wing and Acuna crossed for Nesyri to head past Ederson to give Sevilla the lead. If Dias and Stones had been playing I don't think he would have been able to get to the ball.
On the half hour Lamela had a shot but it missed thank goodness and a couple of minutes later Haaland was fouled and Bade got a yellow card, The free kick hit a player - Jordan -who was injured but recovered.
Despite the hot and humid conditions City continued to attack and Rodri had a header blocked at a corner. Just before half time Grealish won a free kick and Akanji had an effort blocked.
So at half time City were a goal down and had a lot to do.
Early in the second half Walker was guilty of a foul but the free kick was cleared and then Ederson had to make a good save following a counter attack by Sevilla.
On another break a shot went wide and City were not playing well. However on 60 minutes luck changed. After another good save by Ederson Ake won a free kick and Lamela got a yellow card. An excellent Rodri cross found the head of Cole Palmer and the ball flashed into the net to make it one all!
9 minutes later Palmer a had a shot saved and it was now all City as they tried to get a winner. Chance after chance - block after block but no goal. Pep then brought on Alvarez for Palmer who had a very good game.
On 90 minutes Gvardiol was fouled and Sanchez was given a yellow card. Following the free kick a header by Ake was saved but alas no goal so the game went to penalties.
Haaland scored number 1 -low into the bottom right hand corner.
Ocampos made it one all .
Alvarez cracked it into the top right hand side to make it 2-1.
Mir made it two all and then Kovacic put City ahead 3-2
Rakitic mad it 3 all but Grealish put City ahead once more 4-3
Montiel made it 4-4 and then Walker almost had his shot saved but City went 5-4 ahead and then Gudelj hit the bar and City had won - Hurrah !!!!!
Newcastle to come on Saturday so will Palmer keep his place! Haaland hardly had a kick all game - saving his goals for Saturday perhaps !
New signing Gvardiol played much more forward than I expected. Ederson had a good game and had no chance with the goal and penalties.
City are having to extend the stadium to contain the increase in trophies!!!!

City made just two changes Alvarez coming in for Palmer and Dias returned for Ake. The team was Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Rodri, Kovacic, Foden, Alvarez, Grealish and Haaland.
The early minutes saw City in control and Grealish had a shot blocked and on 13 minutes Akanji had a go but his effort went well over the bar. Kovacic was doing well in mid-field but then Newcastle got into our half but the shot was blocked and then Dias was fouled and Gordon was booked. City continued to attack and efforts by Grealish, Kovacic and Foden were blocked.
However just on the half hour Foden passed to Alvarez and he cracked the ball past Pope to give City a deserved lead - an excellent strike. One nil to City - at last!
A few minutes later Foden was brought down and Tonali got a yellow card.
On 40 minutes Haaland shot just wide and City did manage to win a corner before half time and only three minutes added!
Early in the second half Alvarez got a yellow card for a really stupid foul and Newcastle suddenly realized they were a goal down and they started to put some pressure on City.
On 47 minutes Gordon had a shot blocked and then he shot well wide from another attempt.
Two minutes later Ederson made a long kick forward for Haaland to chase but his shot was saved by Pope.
On 52 minutes first Dias was fouled then Foden was brought down and Joelinton got a yellow card. Newcastle then made two subs taking off yellow carders Joelinton and Gordon!
Then Walker was fouled and Barnes got a yellow card.
Haaland then had a couple of chances - his first went just wide and 2 minutes later Pope managed to save from Haaland with his foot.
Newcastle made two more changes - nothing yet from Pep.
On 69 minutes a really poor pass from Rodri gave Barnes a chance but Ederson saved - his first in the game!
A couple of minutes later Foden was fouled once again this time by Guimaraes who got booked for the bad foul.
In the final minutes Foden had a couple of chances - his first was blocked and his second was saved by Pope. Not a great deal of added time for once and Pep had made no changes.
So City won their 17th home win on the trot and star player was Phil Foden who was excellent and it looks like he is going to be a good deputy for De Bruyne in attack.
Kovacic did well too and looks well settled in the team.
The last time Newcastle beat City at home was in September 2000 some pics HERE
Some bloke called Shearer scored their goal!

City went top of the Premier League by winning their third game but it was not an easy win against Sheffield United at Bramall lane. With Pep away in Barcelona recovering from his back operation assistant boss Lillo took over and although City dominated the game having nearly 80% possession the home side defended well and rarely got near the City penalty area.
The team was Ederson, Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol, Rodri, Kovacic, Benardo, Alvarez, Grealish and Haaland. So no Foden or new signing Doku in the starting eleven.
Haaland had an early header that just missed and another which was saved and shortly after he had a shot blocked.
City did get the ball in the net on 19 minutes but Rodri was offside Then a few minutes later Kovacic had a shot blocked and shortly after Alvarez had an effort saved. Many chances but no goals yet!
City won corner after corner but then on 34 minutes a hand ball by Egan was just in the penalty area so City had a penalty and up came Haaland to take it .
Disaster - Haaland hit the post and the ball was cleared! Unbelievable! He missed it!!!!
Just before half time Rodri had a go from outside the penalty area but it was easily saved by the keeper so at half time it was goalless.
Early in the second half Rodri had a couple of shots but alas they were well away from goal.
Haaland had a shot on 50 minutes but it just went wide. City continued to dominate having several corners and shots but alas no goals.
Then on 63 minutes just when we were getting really frustrated Grealish crossed and at the far post Haaland rose into the air and headed a great goal for the sky blues. At last we were ahead!
Sheffield had made several changed but City had not made any so far.
The home side now started to attack a bit now they were a goal down so the defence had some work to do Dias having to make a good block following a long throw.
Just after Kovacic had a shot saved Sheffield broke and Walker trying to clear back heeled the ball to a United player and a couple of passes later the ball went to Bogle who cracked the ball past Ederson to make it one all - disaster!!!
Immediately Foden came on for Kovacic and straight away he passed to Alvarez whose shot went too high. A minute later Walker won the ball on the right wing - passed to Foden who deflected the ball to Rodri and the move ended with Rodri smashing the ball into the net to give City the lead again - Wow. At least Walker made up for his earlier error
City then had the 7 added minutes to hang on to this lead. City were not at their very best but got the three points.

City made just three changes from the last game - Foden and Akanji returned after illness and Grealish was injured so Doku made his debut. The other late signing Nunes was on the bench. City have a very good record against Fulham so we were expecting yet another win.
It was not the best of starts for the sky blues and there was little action in the Fulham penalty area. Fulham had to make an early change when Cairney was injured Harris replacing him. On 25 minutes Foden did well and he put in a great cross but nobody was there to score.
However on the half hour just after Haaland shot wide Kovacic passed to Haaland who crossed to Alvarez and he shot into the right hand corner to give City the lead 1-0
At last a goal after pretty average City play earlier.
Then disaster hit us - a minute or so later Fulham struck back. They went onto attack and won a corner from Ake. After an attempt on goal was saved by Ederson the ball went to Ream who scored from close range to make it one all - unbelievable!
On 41 minutes Rodri got a yellow card for a foul on Harris. A couple of minutes later Doku was brought down on the edge of the box and Diop got a yellow card.
There was a delay when Tete was injured when he headed clear the free kick.
There were five added minutes and just after Robinson got a yellow card for a foul on Akanji City won a corner. From the kick Ake headed from 10 yards into the net but in an offside position was Akanji and the ball went under his legs. Was it offside ??? VAR said goal and City were back in front but Fulham were not very happy about the decision.
So at half time City were ahead 2-1 despite them not being at their best.
Two minutes into the second half Fulham had a chance but the shot went well wide. On 58 minutes the Haaland Alvarez partnership did the business. Alvarez put a great pass through to Haaland who calmly shot into the goal to make it 3-1 and game over we hoped!
On 60 minutes Ederson had to make a good save from Harris. Four minutes later Alvarez had a shot blocked but a little later Diop brought down Alvarez in the penalty area and a penalty was awarded. Up came Haaland to take the kick so surely he would score this time Yes he did - cracking the ball into the top left hand corner to make it 4-1 .
Fulham did try to come back and Ederson had to make a good save from Jimenez.
Then City made some changes - Benardo replaced Rodri, Gomez replaced Doku and a little later Phillips replaced Kovacic. Then just on full time Bobb ( his senior debut) replaced Foden and Lewis replaced Alvarez.. There were 6 minutes of added time and with a minute to go Gomez did well on the wing and crossed to Haaland who completed his hat-trick and made it 5-1.
What a score - you would not have thought it possible at half time but City did play better in the second half and City were back on top. Haaland and Alvarez were very good and Kovacic was excellent. It was Haaland's 7th hat-trick for City and he is now the quickest player to reach 40 Premier League goals.

For the first Champions league game of the season City put out a strong side despite having a number of players injured. Nunes made his full debut and Doku was on the bench.
There were early attacks by City but no goal after 43 seconds!
City won several corners taken by Alvarez but no goals . Foden had one shot deflected and he did try an overhead effort but that went wide. We had to wait until the 14th minute for a save by the keeper from a shot by Rodri. Two minutes later Alvarez had an effort saved. Then Haaland missed with a poor header. On 23 minutes Rodri got a yellow card for a high foot foul.
A minute later Foden passed to Haaland and his header hit the bar.
On 28 minutes Walker had a shot saved and from the corner Ake had a good header saved.
On the half hour Nunes was fouled and Rodic got a yellow card. It was all City but many shots were just blocked. On 40 minutes Foden had a header well saved and soon after he had a shot blocked. We needed a goal badly now and just before the break Pep made a surprise change taking off Benardo and bringing on Doku!
Just on 45 minutes Red Star broke and Bukari took a through ball and he raced forward and scored to give the away side the lead. The linesman raised his flag - hurrah - he's offside - oh no VAR came in and decided that he was just onside so the goal stood and City were a goal down at half time.
We now needed a 43 second goal by Doku but we had to wait 2 minutes to score this time!
It was Alvarez who scored taking a pass from Haaland and he put the ball in the net from close range. It was a very good goal and well deserved. Now things would change and a few minutes later City scored again but alas Walker was offside. Then Dias got a yellow card for a foul on Bukari. Soon after City almost scored but efforts by Alvarez and Haaland were saved. Then Pep made another strange change - taking off Gomez who had done well down the left wing and he brought on Akanji. However this enabled Doku to switch to the left.
On 59 minutes Nunes won a free kick on the left wing and Alvarez took the kick which with a little help from the keepers hand ended up in the top corner to give City the lead - brilliant!
A minute later Ederson had to make a rare save but it was mainly the sky blues on the attack and on 73 minutes Foden passed to Rodri who shot past the keeper from just inside the penalty area. 3-1 to City and game over. So City were able to take it easy and they made three more changes - Bobb for Foden - Phillips for Rodri - Lewis for Dias.
Alvarez and Rodri were the City stars with help from Foden and Walker. Alas no goal from Haaland who missed several good chances. Maybe he is saving a hat-trick for Notts Forest!

Notts Forest 2-0 home

City put out a strong side to keep their winning run going. Newcomer Nunes made another start with Kovacic injured. Grealish was on the bench after injury. There were three changes from the Red Star game.
City won an early free kick in the 2nd minute for a foul on Haaland but the free kick taken by Alvarez was saved by Turner. Forest packed five defenders at the back and 4 in front defending. However on 7 minutes a great team passing movement ( 46 passes) ended with Walker passing to Foden who lashed the ball into the net and City were one up - GREAT!!!!
There was even better to come 7 minutes later. Nunes crossed to an unmarked Haaland who headed home to make it two nil to City - magic!!!
So were City to get a huge score - alas there was bad news ahead!!!
Four minutes later Akanji got a yellow card for a bad foul as did Pep !
A few minutes later it was the turn of Tavares to get a yellow card for a foul on Doku. On 26 minutes Foden passed to Alvarez but his shot was saved. With City only having 89% possession we only had 2 goals!!
Alvarez had another effort blocked a little later as City piled on the pressure.
On 28 minutes Tavares was injured and was replaced by Montial. On 40 minutes Doku won a free kick but the shot from Alvarez was deflected for yet another corner.
Forest managed to keep out City until half time.
There was a terrible start to the second half. There was a clash between Rodri and Gibbs-White. A meeting of foreheads ended with Rodri putting his hands near the opponents neck and disaster struck when Rodri got a red card. Gibbs-White got a yellow but City were down to ten men and one of their key players would miss three games! Gibbs -White made it seem worse by throwing himself to the ground.
A few minutes later City made a special change - Phillips coming on for Doku. On 57 minutes Ake came on for Alvarez to add to the defence. A minute later Ederson lost the plot when he clashed with Awoniyi and both got yellow cards. The rest of the game was a defensive battle by City with Ederson making a couple of good saves.
It looks like Phillips will have to replace the suspended Rodri for a few matches - Wolves, Arsenal and Brighton. City players must learn to control their negative emotions.

 

 

 

City made many changes from the tough Notts Forest game -the team - Ortega, Akanji, Gvardiol, Ake, Lewis, Phillips, Gomez, Bobb, Kovacic, Grealish, Alvarez.
It was strange to see Gomez on the right wing but with important games coming up with the City injury problem it was vital that Pep rested several regular first team players.
On 10 minutes there was some good defending by Gvardiol and we had to wait until the 17th minute for a shot on goal - an effort by Alvarez was saved following good work by Bobb. On 26 minutes Kovacic tried a shot from outside the area but it was blocked.
Two minutes later Alvarez had another go from a narrow angle but his shot just missed the far post.
On 32 minutes City won a corner - the first of the game - and a header by Gvardiol was blocked. A second corner was cleared and 7 minutes later a shot by Lewis from well outside the area was blocked. It was pretty all City so far but not many shots. Then on 41 minutes a City error gave the ball away and Murphy had a good chance but his shot was saved.
So at half time it was goalless.
The second half was different. Newcastle made some changes and they were a different side.
Phillips did have a go from distance but it was well wide. He then made a bad pass and on 52 minutes disaster struck. A Newcastle attack ended with Isak scoring from close range from a pass from Joelinton. The home side had another effort blocked and seemed to be well on top. City did get a chance when Bobb was fouled and from the free kick a header by Akanji was blocked . A few minutes later Akanji was yellow carded for a foul and this was followed by a yellow card for Phillips shortly after. Pep then made some changes - Doku replaced Kovacic and Nunes replaced Ake.
On 73 minutes Foden came on for Alvarez and a couple of minutes later Grealish shot from outside the box but it was easily saved.
Gomez appeared to be fouled and Pep got a yellow card. He obviously disagreed with a no foul situation! On 82 minutes Foden was brought down and just on 90 minutes Doku passed to Lewis but his shot just went wide. There were 6 added minutes but City failed to score but I don't think Pep will be too worried about the result with the present injury situation with games against Wolves and Arsenal soon.
It was not a great City performance but we saw some good work by Bobb and Kovacic.

Back to the league now and City made 7 changes from the Newcastle game. Pep was not on the bench as he had been suspended for one game having got three yellow cards. At least he could keep dry in the stand with all the rain!
In the 2nd minute Akanji had a wild strike which went too high and as soon as Nunes touched the ball he was booed by the crowd - he had just come to City from Wolves!
After a near miss by Haaland when a cross by Nunes was nicked away by Dawson a shot from Doku was blocked and went for a corner.
We then had a bit of a shock. Neto burst down the right wing and crossed and disaster struck when the ball hit the leg of Dias and flew past Ederson to give Wolves the lead. The lack of pace by Ake gave Neto the chance to cross.
A few minutes later Walker was booked for a foul and then a shot by Doku went wide.
On 24 minutes Akanji was fouled by Hee-Chan who got a yellow. Perhaps it should have been a red!
City were having a lot of possession but Haaland and Doku were closely marked and we needed more shots on goal. On 40 minutes Doku shot well wide and high.
There were three added minutes and just before half time Dias had a header saved by the keeper from a cross by Foden.
At half time Bobb replaced Nunes who had been loudly booed by the home fans. On 49 minutes Dias shot well over from outside the box and two minutes later Haaland actually got a shot in but it was saved.
On 55 minutes a shot from Alvarez was saved and two minutes later Bobb was fouled just outside the area - Neto was booked and Alvarez took the free kick.
He cracked it into the top corner to level the scores 1-1 Hurrah at last.
A minute later Kovacic got a yellow card for a foul and this was followed by a yellow card for Alvarez. On 65 minutes Phillips came on for Kovacic Then Akanji had a shot saved but on 66 minutes Wolves scored the winner. Cunha passed to Hee-Chan who shot past Ederson to make it 2-1 -disaster - should he have been on the field !!!
On 75 minutes at a corner Phillips shot just wide and five minutes later Grealish replaced Ake. Wolves were defending in depth and even though 6 minutes were added the sky blues could not get in a decent shot.
City stay on top despite ending their run of league wins. At least United lost as well and it was the first time both Manchester clubs have lost on the same day since Oct 2019 - City lost to guess who - Wolves 0-2
Two City players who normally play well -Ake and Kovacic were poor today and Haaland hardly touched the ball. No star players today!

Very sad news came today with the death of Francis Lee who was one of the greatest City players ever.
I was at his first game against Wolves on October 14th 1967 at Maine Road. City won two nil -Young and Doyle scoring.
He also played a part in the famous win at Newcastle at the end of the seaon scoring a goal in the 4-3 win which won them the league. I was there but alas no pic!
The pic on the left shows Franny shooting in a game against Spurs in 1971.

After the two recent defeats it was back to action in the Champions League and City made several changes - 5 in fact. Benardo, Grealish, Lewis, Gvardiol and Rodri coming in. Rodri still has one more match suspension so he will miss the Arsenal game.
Lewis started well and he won a free kick on 5 minutes - but his free kick was not good.
On 7 minutes Foden had a shot blocked and City won a free kick a few minutes later when Akanji was fouled.
On 14 minutes City had a good chance when efforts by Lewis and Foden were blocked and Benardo missed a sitter. City were on top and on 19 minutes Foden shot just wide.
Then on 24 minutes just after Lewis was fouled Benardo passed to Lewis who cut the ball back to Foden who hit it first time past the keeper to give City the lead - a great goal and well deserved. A few minutes later more good work by Lewis gave Foden another chance but his effort was blocked. Then Haaland - remember him - shot just wide from a very narrow angle. Haaland did have another effort saved just before half time.
Disaster struck a couple of minutes after the interval. On a swift break Openda caught the City defence napping and ran through to the penalty area and shot past Ederson to make it one all.
What a terrible start to the second half!
On 51 minutes Grealish won free kick and a couple of minutes later passed to Haaland who just missed scoring - yet again! A minute or so later Foden crossed but Haaland could not score. Just after City won a corner Benardo was brought down and Foden took the free kick which hit the bar before going wide. On 63 minutes Haaland had another go but his shot was saved by the keeper. On 65 minutes Akanji got a yellow card for a foul and after Leipsig made a couple of changes - City too did - Ake came on for Grealish and Doku for Akanji. On 77 minutes Benardo won a free kick and Raum got a yellow for the foul.
A couple of minutes later Alvarez came on for Foden and a few minutes later Doku passed to him and Alvarez curved the ball into the top corner to give City the lead - brilliant.
Just what we wanted and there was more to come.
As the home side attacked with numbers to try to score City had a clear break and Haaland passed to Alvarez who passed to Doku who cracked the ball past the keeper for his first Champions League goal for City and in added time City were 3-1 up - game well over!
Will Lewis play against Arsenal ? He did really well in this game and deserves to keep his place in the team. Perhaps Haaland is saving a hat-trick for Arsenal!

Pep made 3 changes for this important clash with Arsenal. In came Ake, Kovacic and Alvarez.
In was a strange set-up with Benardo playing deep in midfield behind Lewis and Kovacic.
On 4 minutes following a corner an effort by Gvardiol was headed off the line and then Ake missed a golden chance shooting wide. On 8 minutes Arsenal got a corner but a header went wide.
On 11 minutes Foden was fouled and Jorginho was booked. Six minutes later Alvarez nearly caught the keeper out but alas no goal. On 22 minutes Benardo Silva got a yellow for a silly foul and a few minutes later a defensive error gave Nketiah a chance but he shot wide.
On 27 minutes Kovacic went in hard on Odegaard and got a yellow. 3 minutes later he fouled Jesus but no yellow card thank goodness!
On 33 minutes Alvarez shot well over the bar but alas it had not been the best of first halves and there were just two minutes of added time.
Arsenal made an important change at half time bringing on Martinelli for Trossard.
Arsenal got an early corner and it ended with Odegaard shooting over the bar. A minute or so later Ederson has to make a save from Martinelli but the rather boring game went on with very little creativity from either side. On 55 minutes Lewis scores but the whistle had already gone for a foul on him seconds earlier!
After Arsenal had missed a few chances City made three changes on 68 minutes - Doku was on for Alvarez, Nunes on for Kovacic and Stones for Lewis.
The lack of creativity continued but Arsenal had a bit of luck on 86 minutes. A shot by Martinelli was deflected by Ake past Ederson and into the net and Arsenal were ahead - disaster!!.
It was not a good performance by City - Haaland hardly had a shot all game - no creativity so we certainly need the return of Rodri and De Bruyne.

Pep made several changes after the international break. Ortega made a rare appearance in goal , Rodri was back after suspension and Dias, Ake, Lewis and Kovacic were on the bench. ex City player 37 year old James Milner was playing for Brighton.
On 5 minutes good work by Foden gave Doku a chance but alas the ball just went wide.
However two minutes later a run by Doku led to him cutting the ball back to an unmarked Alvarez who curled the ball over the head of the keeper to give City the lead - terrific!!!
On 11 minutes Gvardiol had a shot from 25 yards out but it was saved by keeper Steele.
A minute later there was some rare action at the other end when Mitoma had a shot saved.
Two minutes later Brighton had to make a change when Welbeck had to go off.
A few minutes later City made it two nil! An error by Baleba gave Haaland the ball and a few seconds later he cracked the ball past the keeper with his left foot to get back to his scoring routine.
On 26 minutes Doku had a good chance but shot wide. Milner was under pressure!
10 minutes later Foden was fouled and March got a yellow card. Then it was the turn of Rodri to get a yellow card - for kicking the ball away - he was not wasting time in the first half!
Four minutes were added on 45 minutes and then we learnt about the sad death of Bobby Charlton. I first saw him play in December 1956 against Leicester City - he scored in a four nil win. I was in the RAF then and stationed in Norwich so only managed to watch the odd game. I also saw him play for England. So a sad time with the death of two great goal scorers Lee and Charlton.
After a first half dominated by City Brighton made a vital change taking off Milner and bringing on Veltman. On 52 minutes Brighton had a chance but Pascal G shot just wide.
On 58 minutes City won a free kick when Stones was fouled but the free kick taken by Alvarez went over the bar.
On 63 minutes Akanji got a yellow card for a foul and shortly after Julio got a yellow for a foul on Rodri. Three minutes later the excellent Foden gave Haaland a chance but his effort was saved. A minute or so later it was Ortega's turn to make a save - from Mitoma.
Brighton were having much more of the play and it was no surprise when they scored on 73 minutes - on a break Fati beat the City keeper after Akanji pushed the ball out to him.
On 75 minutes Grealish came on for Doku and a few minutes later got booked!
When the game went into 5 minutes extra time Akanji got a second yellow and now he misses the United game.
City managed to keep Brighton out and win the three vital points. City were very good in the first half but lost the plot in the second allowing the visitors to cause many problems.
Doku had a good game as did Foden and Haaland was back to scoring

Pep made 7 changes from the Brighton win with the United game coming up on Sunday. Back came Edison and he was involved in the first minute when he had to deal with a cross/shot from Ugrinic.
Doku won a corner and it ended with Rodri heading just wide. A minute later Doku was fouled and Monteiro got a yellow card. After a great cross by Grealish - Nunes shot well wide.
City continued to attack and on 18 minutes Kovacic had a shot blocked. Five minutes later it was Haaland's turn to have an effort blocked. A minute later Doku had a good shot well saved after good work by Grealish.
Nunes was not having the best of games and Ederson had to save from Itten on 29 minutes.
A minute or so later Haaland had a shot saved and City were a bit unlucky when Young Boys managed to prevent several attempts on goal.
On 37 minutes Ake saved the day pushing the ball for a corner when Young Boys had a break. From the corner a shot hit Dias and went for another corner. The incident ended with Itten's header going over the bar.
Just before half time Doku had a shot well saved and then Rodri had a shot saved.
A minute into the second half Nunes had a shot diverted for a corner.
On 48 minutes City took the lead when a Dias header hit the bar and following up Akanji scored from close range. But the delight did not last for long. After a Haaland shot was saved Young Boys went on a break and Elia inches onside scored past Ederson to make it one all.
We did not need that!!!
More confidence by Young Boys now and they won a corner but the header by Lauper went wide.
On 61 minutes a shot from Nunes went wide and then Ederson had to save from Itten.
Three minutes later Grealish is fouled and Camara got a yellow card. A minute or so later Camara fouled Rodri in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot. Penalty to City and guess who is going to take it. Yes up comes Haaland and he cracks he ball past the keeper who dived the right way but failed to stop it and City were ahead 2-1 - at last!!!!
4 minutes later a Doku cross got to Haaland but his shot was just wide. Then Pep made two changes Benardo for Nunes and Alvarez for Doku.
Alvarez made an instant impact scoring but alas VAR cut it out for a handball!
On 78 minutes Haaland had a good chance but missed and shortly after Grealish had a shot saved and Benardo shot just wide.
However Haaland scored an excellent goal on 86 minutes. He took a pass from Rodri and cracked the ball into the top corner. 3-1 and game over. Pep thought so too and made more changes - Gomez on for Haaland - Phillips on for Rodri .
Alvarez almost made it four but for a very good save by keeper Racioppi who had an excellent game keeping the score down.
Grealish had a good game and it was so good to see Haaland back to form.
City now have 9 points at the top of group G. Considering the weather - heavy rain - and an artificial pitch City did well to have a comfortable win.
No injuries either so an interesting team selection for the United game!

The slaughter of United was only saved by the brilliant saves by their keeper Onana. It was an excellent display by City with only a few errors.
Pep made 6 changes from the last game as expected so it was a strong team to battle at Old Trafford.
However there was a strange start to the game when United actually attacked and in the first minute or so McTominay had a shot saved by Ederson. After a bit of end to end football City nearly scored when a Foden header was well saved and then United managed to stop the ball from crossing the line and conceded a corner.
A poor pass by Grealish gave United a break on 12 minutes and two minutes later a poor foul by Dias gave United a chance to get into our half . On 15 minutes Rodri took a pass from Benardo but his shot went well over the bar.
After City won a corner Grealish took a pass from Stones but his effort went wide.
Then on 21 minutes Foden was fouled and although the ball was cleared suddenly VAR leapt into action and the ref gave a penalty for a foul on Rodri as the ball came in from the free kick. No guesses as to who was going to take it! Up came Haaland who cracked the ball into the bottom right hand corner with the keeper diving the wrong way. That was the first penalty City had won at Old Trafford since April 1992!!
So City were ahead one nil on 26 minutes - excellent.
Onana got a yellow card - presumably for trying to put Haaland off.
United then got a chance when a pass from Foden went astray - the shot from Fernandes went wide.
On 37 minutes Grealish was fouled and the free kick taken by Alvarez was saved.
Five minutes later Foden was fouled and emotions got the better of him and Amrabat and both got yellow cards.
Four added minutes were added and in the first one Ederson had to make a good save from
McTominay. United got two corners but a missed header by Maguire ended the United pressure. Just before half time Haaland had a good chance thanks to Benardo but Onana once again made a very good save so at half time it was one nil to City.
United made one change at the interval - Mount replacing Amrabat.
Ederson had to make a save early in the second half from Fernandes and this was followed by a miss by Foden at the other end.
However on 49 minutes a pass out by Ederson ended with Benardo crossing to Haaland who headed home for his 11th Premier League goal of the season.Good team passing and movement put City two up.
On 57 minutes Grealish had a shot saved as City dominated the game. Benardo had a go on goal but his effort was saved. United made another couple of changes on 73 minutes but it made little difference to the way the game was going. As the rain came down on 80 minutes City decided to finish it all and a good move ended with Haaland passing to Foden who made it three nil from close range - Game Over!!!
A few minutes later City made two changes - Kovacic for Alvarez and Doku for Grealish.
it had been an excellent display by City who had really dominated the second half with Benardo Silva playing brilliantly. Ederson made some good saves and Rodri, Foden and Grealish played well. Good to see Haaland back scoring and he might have had two more but for saves by Onana.

After the win against United and with City's record against Bournemouth we thought there would be some changes and Pep made 4 - Dias, Foden, Grealish and Gvardiol were on the bench.
City won an early free kick when Haaland was fouled and shortly after Alvarez had a shot but it went over the bar. It was all City and on ten minutes following a corner Benardo shot just over the bar. 4 minutes later Rodri had a go but the keeper saved.
2 minutes Doku wanted a penalty but nothing given. Then he gave Rodri a chance but the shot went just wide. On 19 minutes Doku himself had a go but his effort was blocked.
In the next few minutes Haaland a couple of chances but both were blocked and he hit the post with a header.
After Alvarez had a shot blocked Benardo went close and just when we were wondering whether City would actually score along came goal one - Doku made a run - slipped the ball to Rodri who pushed the ball back and Doku shot past the keeper to give City the lead -at last!!!! One nil on 30 minutes.
A minute or so later Haaland was fouled - Billing getting a yellow and then Doku passed to Benardo who scored number two - suddenly City were two up!
On 37 minutes Doku had a shot from outside the penalty area but that one missed but he soon made up for this by shooting at goal again from the edge of the area and the ball hit Akanji on the back and it went into the net. Amazing - City three up on 37 minutes.
Just before half time Bournemouth did get into the City penalty area and one of their players Scott was injured and had to be subbed.
So at half time it was three nil with City having 73% possession and 9 nil on corners!
We had a surprise change when Foden came on for Haaland. Was he injured?
Bournemouth started the second half with some pressure on City and they did get the ball in the net but Solanke was offside. On 56 minutes City won a corner and Kovacic shot over the bar. Two minutes later Foden had an effort blocked and at the other end Solanke hit the bar. City needed to get on top again and on 64 minutes Doku showed his magic again and passed to Foden who scored to make it four nil - surely game over.
It was time for more City changes and Phillips replaced Rodri - Nunes replaced Alvarez and Lewis replaced Stones.
However before the new players could settle Bournemouth scored. A break gave Sinisterra a chance from a pass from Aarons and he took it shooting past Ederson to make it 4-1.
I don't think Pep was pleased!! The visitors had another chance but the header from Solanke went wide thank goodness.
We then had another bit of magic from Doku. On 83 minutes his long pass found Benardo Silva and he scored to make it 5-1. It was a delightful chip over the keeper and he got plenty of cheers when he was subbed by Bobb a minute or so later. A few minutes later Bobb put in a good cross following a corner and Ake scored number six with a diving header. it was their 13th straight league win against Bournemouth.
The stars were Doku and Benardo and the only worry was the injury to Haaland so we hope his ankle is Ok for the Chelsea game next Sunday.

As expected Pep made several changes - 6 in fact - and there was an extra change when Akanji hurt himself in the warm-up so Walker took his place.
We had a shock in the first minute or so when Ederson had to catch the ball from a cross - it was probably his only catch all game!
After Kovacic had a shot blocked on 6 minutes Lewis had a go as well but his effort was also blocked. Then Stones shot from outside the box but that was blocked too.
On 11 minutes Haaland did try a very narrow angle shot but this was saved.
It was all City and on 15 minutes Kovacic was fouled by Benito just outside the area and Benito got a yellow card.
Walker took the free kick but his shot was saved as was the follow-up by Foden when the keeper pushed the ball out. Then Grealish was fouled and Lauper got a yellow card.
A few minutes later Nunes was brought down by Lauper in the penalty area and guess who took the penalty! Yes up came Haaland who cracked the ball into the net sending the keeper the wrong way and giving City the lead they deserved.
Haaland might have scored again on 36 minutes when he went for a Walker cross but alas he got his feet mixed up and the keeper saved.
City continued their pressure but we had to wait until the first minute of added time for the next vital moment. A great crossed pass by Grealish to Foden ended with Phil scoring a great goal from a tricky angle following a dribble and left foot shot. City two up and game over - maybe!
There was bad news at half time when Ake replaced Stones. With important games to come shortly this was not ideal at all.
Just after the start of the second half Nunes had a run but his shot missed. Then Lewis was fouled and shortly after he passed to Haaland who moved to the left and cracked the ball past the keeper to make it three nil - game really over! It was his 15th for the season.
On 53 minutes Ake was badly fouled by Lauper and he got a second yellow and then a red so the visitors were down to ten men.
There were several more attempts by Foden and Grealish to add to the score but on 60 minutes it was no surprise to see Haaland replaced by Bobb and Phillips for Walker. Plenty of City attacks but no goals and on 80 minutes on came Doku for Kovacic. More attacks and shots but no more goals. So City move into the Knockout section for the 11th successive season. Their run of successive home wins in all competitions in 2023 is now 23.

City made one change from the Chelsea game - Ake coming in for Gvardiol.
Stones was on the bench but Grealish was absent - ill.
There was an early attack by Doku but his cross was blocked and on 11 minutes Foden had a shot after an error by Alisson but it was not the best of efforts.
Four minutes later Ederson had to make a save from a header by Nunez and another attack by Liverpool was blocked and cleared. On 26 minutes Foden's shot from outside the penalty area was saved but a minute later in another City attack Ake rushed forward after collecting a poor kick by the keeper and passed to Haaland who cracked the ball past Alisson. City were ahead - at last!!!
It was his 50th Premier League goal and he became the quickest player to score 50 goals in the Premier League.
A few minutes later Doku took a pass from Benardo and shot but the ball was deflected for a corner which was cleared. At the other end Liverpool had a chance after a defensive error but nothing came from it.
Just before half time Foden had a shot saved so after a huge one minute added time the whistle came with the sky blues one up.
City had played quite well in the first half and deserved more goals for their 63% possession.
There were no changes at half time and at the start of the second half Liverpool put pressure on the City defence and Ederson had some work to do.
On 52 minutes Doku had a good run but when Alvarez took a pass from him he shot over the bar. After Liverpool made two changes both Haaland and Foden had chances but alas no goal.
On 65 minutes there was a good shot by Rodri but the ball was deflected by Gravenberch and City thought it might have been handled but no luck and no penalty alas.
Then a little later City thought they had scored when Dias netted but it was ruled out for a foul by Akanji on the keeper. Liverpool made more changes and we had the first yellow card when Nunez fouled Foden.
On 79 minutes Doku had yet another run down the left wing and passed to Haaland but his shot was saved.
A minute later disaster struck. A Liverpool attack ended with Alexander- Arnold shooting past Ederson to level the scores. One all !!!!!!
Liverpool made more changes and despite the 8 minutes added time City tried hard to get a winner but no more goals. Just before the final whistle Haaland had a chance and it went very near so City had to be content with just one point.
Doku was at his best for City and Ederson had a good game too but Alvarez was below form and Foden was not at his very best.

RB Leipzig 3-2 home Champions League

City made 4 changes from the Liverpool draw - Ortega came in for Ederson, Gvardiol for Ake, Lewis for Alvarez and Grealish for Doku.
After just 5 minutes there was a good chance for Leipzig when Xavi shot just wide - an early warning for City.
Leipzig were looking dangerous on the break and they usually passed the ball out from the keeper to near defenders but on 12 minutes their keeper made a long kick and Opandi beat Akanji near the halfway line and went on to shoot past Ortega to give the visitors the lead - disaster!!
On 16 minutes Grealish was fouled but from the free kick Dias headed over.
Five minutes later Haaland had a chance but his poor effort was saved. City were not playing well and Leipzig were much more comfortable on the ball.
On 21 minutes Dias got a yellow card for a bad foul and a few minutes later Grealish was injured but he was OK. On 29 minutes Lewis had a good chance but shot well over the bar.
Then disaster struck again on 32 minutes. On a fast break Openda got his second goal.
He shot past the City keeper after he took a pass from Xavi
So Leipzig were two up - incredible.
Shortly after Haaland tried to reduce the arrears but his shot went over the bar. Then when Rodri was fouled a header by Dias following the free kick went wide.
Just before the break Rodri hurt his toe but he was OK. Four minutes were added and the visitors won a succession of corners. City survived these and just before half time Dias fouled an opponent once more and was lucky not to get a second yellow!!!!
That was an awful display by City. I think Pep will have a lot to say in the dressing room.
It was no surprise to see Ake replace Dias at the interval. On 47 minutes Grealish was brought down. He never tries to dash down the wing - no plan B!
On 54 minutes Pep made two more changes - Alvarez replaced Walker and Doku was on for Grealish.
Almost straight away City scored. A good through pass by Foden found Haaland who beat a defender and shot past the keeper to lift the hearts of City players and fans. Now we had some hope of improving that 1-2 score line. Haaland is the fastest player to reach 40 goals in the Champions League.
On 67 minutes Akanji was fouled and from the free kick Ake headed wide. City were now playing much better so it was no surprise when Gvardiol passed to Foden who scored an excellent goal to level the scores.
Leipzig came back and Ortega had to save from Sesko. 4 minutes later they did score but a player was offside so we could relax again!
On 85 minutes Haaland had a header saved from a cross by Foden. With just three minutes to go Foden took a pass from Doku and passed to Alvarez who scored the winning goal. It was a great move and well deserved.
After such a poor first half City were back to their best in the second and will progress through to the last 16.