There was a really dramatic end to the City win over United at Wembley and Pep will be pleased especially with the team he put out. There were several vital players missing from the team which was - Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Kovacic, O'Reilly, McAtee, Bobb, Doku and Haaland. At least De Bruyne, Benardo, Ake and Savinho were on the bench.
The United defence were kept busy in the opening 4 minutes or so and then City won a couple of corners but no shots yet!
There was a friendly collision between Haaland and Maguire on 14 minutes and both were OK.
On 17 minutes there is a good run by Doku but his cross just fails to find a City player.
Two minutes later and a good run by Lewis ends with his cross not quite finding Haaland and then Bobb shoots well over the bar. Plenty of pressure but the United keeper has not had to save anything!
However on 23 minutes City almost scored. Bobb finds McAtee who curls in a shot but it hits the post!
On 29 minutes United had a chance but Diallo shoots wide.
A minute or so later they had another chance on a break but they failed to get in a shot.
Then a shot from Fernandes hits Dias on the head who has to have some treatment but is OK.
On 35 minutes another United attack ends with Rashford shooting wide.
5 minutes later and City are at last back on attack down the left wing but Maguire clears for United. Then just before half time Doku has a go at goal but the ball just goes wide and he claims it was deflected but the ref gives a goal kick. Two minutes were added but it was goalless at half time.
On 53 minutes Fernandes did get the ball in the net but the flag is up for offside so no goal thank goodness! Two minutes later McAtee shoots wide .
Shortly after United won a corner when Lewis headed a cross over the line. Then United made 4 changes - nothing by City yet.
On 61 minutes Gvardiol has a good effort but his shot goes just wide.
Then City did make 2 changes - Savinho making his debut came on for Doku and Nunes on for O'Reilly.
Savinho's opening few minutes look promising while Nunes gets a yellow card for a foul!
On 68 minutes Fernandes shoots straight at Ederson and five minutes later on a break Rashford hits the post when it looked like he was going to score!
On 78 minutes Unites won a corner and there was a good chance for McTominay but he fails to find the net. Benardo Silva comes on for McAtee.
Alas a few minutes later and United scored - Garnacho cut in from the right and shot past Ederson - disaster!!!!
On 85 minutes Benardo fouls Garnacho and gets a yellow card!
A few minutes later Benardo scores for City. A great cross by Bobb finds the head of Benardo and it is one all - HURRAH!!!!
As the five added minutes start on come Kevin De Bruyne for Bobb and Ake for Gvardiol
So it is penalty time and Fernandes gives United the lead .
Then disaster as the shot from Benardo is saved by Onana and United are ahead. Dalot makes it 2-0 but back come City with De Bruyne making it 2-1. Then Garnacho makes it 3-1 and Haaland replies with a goal to make it 3-2 .
Then a great save by Ederson from Sancho and a goal by Savinho makes it 3-3
Casemiro puts United ahead but along comes Ederson to make it 4-4. McTominay puts United ahead again but Nunes cracks in a great effort to make it 5-5.
Martinez makes it 6-5 for United but Dias rolls it home for 6-6.
Then Evans shoots over the bar to miss for United and up strides Akanji to blast the ball home to make it 7-6 to City and the sky blues win the Community Shield for the first time since 2019.

The first league game of the season and the City team lacked several vital players. However new signing Savinho made his debut and some of those important players were on the bench. Alas Bob was injured in training and will be out for a while. Key player Rodri is also missing and City rarely do well when he is not playing - so we wait with baited breath!
In an early City attack a cross by Doku went over the bar and 2 minutes later Gvardiol had to tackle Gusto to stop a Chelsea attack. On 8 minutes an effort by Benardo is blocked following good work by Savinho. A little later Chelsea got a corner and that ended with a shot from Fofana going over the bar. A minute later and and a shot from Doku went wide.
On 14 minutes Dias was fouled by Jackson and then Doku won a free kick. On 17 minutes City scored. Doku passed to Benardo who passed to Haaland and he beat a defender and clipped the ball past the keeper to put City one up. It is Haaland's 100th game for City and that was his 91st goal for the club.
A few minutes later Savinho passed to De Bruyne but his shot goes just wide. After Akanji won a free kick thanks to a foul by Nkunku play went down the other end and Ederson had to catch a cross from Palmer. Then there was a shout for a penalty against City but the ref said NO!
On 36 minutes Sanchez had to save a good effort by Doku. 4 minutes later and he had to save again - this time from Benardo . Then Savinho was injured and had to go off so City were down to ten men. Chelsea did score just before half time but the flag had gone up for offside so at the break City were still one up!!
Foden replaced Savinho and on 52 minutes Haaland had a shot saved - his second touch since he scored! A minute or so later Haaland was fouled and Chelsea made a change. Then we saw some good defending by Lewis who conceded a corner. Chelsea failed to cause Ederson any problems and then Lewis scored for City but the goal was disallowed for a foul by Haaland who got a yellow card!
Chelsea made more subs and De Bruyne shot just wide following good work by Benardo.
On 84 minutes City made the result safe. Kovacic who had replaced Rodri ran past several defenders and cracked the ball past the keeper from 25 yards to make it two nil -
GAME OVER!!!!!
Chelsea had a couple of goes at the City goal but the sky blues managed to hold out and the three points were well deserved.
Considering the missing players City did quite well. The defence were kept quite busy but kept a clean sheet and the debut of Savinho looked promising. Lewis and Benardo worked their socks off. Full marks to Kovacic who scored against his old club and did well in his role in front of the back four.

No change in the City team from the Chelsea win. Good to see Gundogan on the bench but no Foden. Ipswich had 2 ex City players - Muric and Delap.
There was a surprise start to the game. After a couple of fouls and free kicks a through ball by Johnson found Szmodics on a swift break and his shot was partially saved by Ederson but the ball ended up in the net to give the visitors a one goal lead - disaster!!!
Three minutes later Savinho dashed down the right wing and was brought down by Davis near the goal line just inside the penalty area. The ref said no penalty but City wanted VAR to check it and glory be the ref changed his decision and it was a penalty. No guesses who was going to take it. Yes and up strode Haaland who shot past Muric into the corner to make it one all in the 12th minute.
Two minutes later Savinho tackled Muric - won the ball which ran to De Bruyne who shot into the goal from well outside the penalty area. City two one ahead - miracle!!!
A minute later and it was three one. De Bruyne passed to Haaland who beat Muric with his head and shot into the net from a narrow angle. Gosh was this going to be a world record score!!!!! Alas no .
City continued to attack and following a run by Doku on 27 minutes Lewis hit the bar from a good position. Shame he did not find the net.
A minute later De Bruyne took a shot from well outside the area and that hit the bar. A shame
- i it could have been 6-1!!!!!!
Then De Bruyne shot just wide and Haaland's header went wide and City piled on the pressure. Morsey got a yellow card for a foul on Savinho. The free kick was blocked
Haaland had a couple of chances just before half time so the score remained at 3-1 at the break.
Just after half time Kovacic was fouled and he went off injured. On came John Stones to take his place. On 55 minutes Szmodics was booked for a foul on Lewis and a few minutes later it was Dias's turn to get a yellow card! The crowd got excited when Gundogan started warming up on the touchline. On 64 minutes De Bruyne crosses to Haaland and his header is brilliantly saved by Muric. City win several corners but no goals yet. Then Gundogan comes on for Doku and Grealish replaces Savinho. City continued to attack winning corners but we had to wait until the 88th minute for a goal. Yes it was City who scored and it was Haaland who completed his hat-trick from outside the area with a left footed shot. 4-1 at last and it was his 10th hat-trick for City. He was then subbed by McAtee and Nunes came on for De Bruyne.
5 minutes of added time and Grealish was booked for simulation.
So City went to top of the league on goal difference and with luck it might have been more. After a quiet summer Haaland looks pretty hot and more hat-tricks to come. Lewis had a good game. Savinho looks dangerous and Benardo worked his socks off as usual. De Bruyne is getting back to top form and we have Foden to come.

It was sad to hear about the passing away of ex City manager Eriksson recently. I had visited Carrington where City trained and had a brief conversation with this gentleman before taking a number of images. You can see the images from the Carrington visit in 2008 HERE - in the september notes.

2 important players missing from today's team at West Ham. Foden is still ill and Savinho injured. Rodri and Gundogan were on the bench. It was Akanji's 100th game for City
The sky blues have a good record against West Ham away so we were hoping our good start would continue.
West Ham were quick to attack and Bowen had a shot saved in the early minutes. The ball was soon at the other end and a cross by Benardo was headed over the bar by Haaland after good play by Grealish and De Bruyne. A few minutes later a shot by De Bruyne was blocked.
After City won a corner a header by Gvardiol went wide but moments later West Ham lost the ball and Benardo passed to Haaland who shot past the keeper to give City the lead.
Two minutes later following a corner Areola had to save from De Bruyne. On 17 minutes Kevin DB hit the post and the follow-up by Grealish went wide.
Then came a disaster! On 19 minutes West Ham went on a fast break and a cross by Bowen hit Dias and was deflected past Ederson to level the scores 1-1.
City came back strongly wining a couple of corners. At the first a header by Gvardiol was saved and there was a hand ball by Benardo at the second.
City continued to press and on 30 minutes a great move involving Grealish, De Bruyne and Lewis ended with Haaland cracking the ball past the keeper to give City the lead -2-1 great stuff!!!
City continued with the pressure and Lewis shot over he bar. We also saw Haaland dash back to help the defence!
After Doku had a shot blocked City won a corner and a header by Dias went wide. Just before half time De Bruyne got a yellow card for a foul and then Haaland was fouled but alas the free kick taken by De Bruyne went just over the bar.
At half time there was an unusual change by West Ham - goalkeeper! Fabianski came on for Areola.
On 49 minutes following a corner a header by Benardo went too high. Then City had a lucky escape. A fast West Ham break ended with Kudus hitting the left hand post. The home side were now putting a lot of pressure on City and several efforts went close.
On 61 minutes Emerson got a yellow for a bad foul and a minute or so later Kilman got a yellow for a foul. On 68 minutes Pep made his first change bringing on Gundogan for Doku. Benardo moved to the right wing and following a corner Dias shot just wide. After a West Ham header went wide at a corner City made another change Nunes coming on for Grealish.
On 75 minutes Kovacic was fouled by Rodriguez who got a yellow card. 4 minutes later Soucek missed for West Ham and then City won their 11th corner!
However we did not have to wait for that vital third goal. On 83 minutes Nunes put a through ball to Haaland who ran forward and dinked the ball over the keeper to make it 3-1 - game over - at last.
It was his 8th premier League hat-trick - 11th for the club and has scored 70 in 69 games - he is racing towards the 100 mark!
City made two late changes -Walker for Gvardiol and Ake for De Bruyne. There were five minutes of added time and Akanji managed to get a yellow card for a foul. No more goals and City went back to he top of the league as the good start continued. De Bruyne and Grealish did well but Haaland - wow - what a player.

City made several changes with Savinho returning to the wing and Gundogan started. There was a very strong bench which included Foden,Dias, Benardo and Doku.
Brentford were the last team to beat City at the Etihad but we did not expect the disaster in the first minute of the game. After just 23 seconds Stones and Ederson failed to clear a header and there was Wissa heading into the goal to give Brentford the lead - unbelievable!
Brentford continued to attack and a shot from Mbeumo was blocked by Lewis. On 8 minutes the visitors got a corner and following a cross Ederson had to make an instinctive save from Collins.
4 minutes later Grealish won a corner but the header by Gundogan from a cross by De Bruyne went wide. Then City started to wake up and won a couple of corners.
On 19 minutes City leveled the score. Good play by De Bruyne and Walker ended with Haaland shooting past the keeper with his right foot. It was his 98th goal for City and most of the 52,000 attending enjoyed that!!!
6 minutes later Lewis passed to De Bruyne but his shot went wide. Then Brentford returned to the attack and won a corner. Ederson had more work to do and made some saves. He then had an assist when he belted the ball down the field and Haaland who was just inside the City half chased it and ended up clipping the ball over the keeper to give City the lead - great stuff!!!!!
He had used his skill and power to beat Pinnock and then Flekken. It was his 9th of the season and 99th for City.
On 34 minutes following a corner a shot by Savinho hit Collins who had to have some treatment.
A minute or so later Savinho had a shot saved and then following a corner Grealish had an effort blocked. It was all City now.
On 42 minutes Kovacic fouled Wissa and got booked.
Wissa was taken off and replaced by Schade in the first minute of the five minutes added.
At half time City made two changes - Rodri was on for Kovacic and Gvardiol for Lewis.
two minutes into the second half Savinho got a yellow card for diving - how stupid was that!
At a City corner Haaland just could not get his head to the ball - so no hat-trick!!!!
On 65 minutes Savinho shot well over the bar and then the keeper made a good save from Grealish. A few minutes later the keeper made a great save from Haaland. City were well on top and trying for that third goal. On 72 minutes Walker shot over the bar following yet another City corner. Gvardiol had a great run down the middle but no goal alas.
After Brentford made two more changes De Bruyne had an effort blocked and then Savinho had a shot saved and then he shot just wide.
On 81 minutes Haaland almost got his hat-trick as his shot hits the post. He then has an effort blocked and finally the keeper saves from him.
A few minutes later and City made 2 more changes - Benardo replaced Grealish and Dias came on for Stones.
There was only two minutes of added time and in that Nunes came on for Savinho.
So City remain on top of the league but it was a tough game with Haaland very good and Ederson did well too. Not so good were Stones and Walker so the defence need a bit of organizing!

City made 4 changes from the Brentford battle - Savinho returned and it was good to see Rodri back. Haaland was chasing his 100th goal for City but Foden was on the very strong bench.
There was an early City attack but a Haaland shot was blocked. Inter soon hit back and Ederson had to save from Thuram. Inter continued to attack but City caught them offside a few times. On 16 minutes an Inter break saw Thuram shooting wide and two minutes later yet another fast Inter break ended with Calhanoglu firing wide and high.
Then on 19 minutes a Savinho cross saw Haaland head for goal .. but alas straight at the keeper. A minute later Inter won a corner and following a cross a header by Acerbi went high and wide.
On 24 minutes an effort by Savinho went high and wide and his next shot was blocked. Benardo was caught offside to stop the next City attack and then a shot from De Bruyne went just wide. City then had to block several Inter efforts as the tactical battle continued.
Ederson had to make a good save following a free kick. On 32 minutes Dias was booked for a foul and then Haaland took a pass from Grealish but his shot just went wide.
Then disaster struck. Just before half time De Bruyne had an effort blocked by the keeper but he appeared to be injured in the incident. With only one minute added time City managed to survive efforts by Agusto and Barella.
City made two changes at half time - Gundogan replaced the injured De Bruyne and Foden was on for Savinho.
Foden had an early shot on goal from outside the area but the ball went wide and a bit too high alas. Inter missed a good chance when on a break - a player back heeled the ball to a City player - thank you!
Then Grealish was injured by Thuram and won a free kick for the foul. He was able to continue. Foden had a shot blocked as City found it difficult to beat the well organized Inter defence. Inter had a break on 55 minutes but the shot by Zielinski went wide.
On 65 minutes Inter made a couple of changes and then Grealish was fouled and an effort by Foden was saved.
Then efforts by Gundogan and Grealish failed to fine the net. Will we ever score!!!
After Inter made two more changes Akanji headed wide following a cross by Foden after a free kick.
Mkhitaryan shot over on 76 minutes and a minute or so later a shot from Gvardiol was saved following a pass from Foden. On 83 minutes Ederson had to save from Martinez. Two minutes later Rodri's shot went wide and then Sommer had to save from Foden. Lots of City pressure but no goals!!!
On 88 minutes a header from Gundogan from a cross by Gvardiol went straight to the keeper.
Four minutes were added and in the final minute a cross by Doku who had just come on for Benardo was headed by Gundogan but it failed to find the net so the game ended without a goal.
Against this strong Inter Milan side City failed to find the net and Haaland must wait for the Arsenal game to get his 100th goal for City.
No real stars today alas - perhaps they are saving it for Arsenal!!!!
I just hope De Bruyne is OK for the Arsenal match.

City made 3 changes from the inter game. De Bruyne was out injured and Lewis and Grealish were on the bench.
At the kick-off there was a disaster for City when Rodri was injured in a 'collision' with Havertz. It took several minutes before he was able to continue. On 5 minutes Haaland fouled Saliba and gave away a free kick. A few minutes later Gundogan managed to get in a shot but it went wide. A chance lost perhaps!
Then came the moment we had been waiting for. Savinho put a great through pass to Haaland who took a few strides and shot past the keeper for his 100th goal for City. A great moment - it was his 105th appearance for the sky blues and City were one up!
On 13 minutes we nearly got number two - Savinho was fouled just outside the penalty area and the free kick taken by Gundogan hit the post.
A minute or so later City got a corner and Rodri was hurt when marked by Partey and a few minutes later he was replaced by Kovacic - not a good sign as Rodri is so important to City.
Then we had a disaster. There was a free kick to Arsenal near the centre circle and the ref spoke to Walker. As he started back to a defensive position Arsenal took the free kick and following the break Martinelli passed to Calafiori who cracked the ball past Ederson and it was one all. An error by Referee Oliver who should have waited before allowing the free kick to be taken. Pep was not pleased with that goal!!!
On 29 minutes Walker has a go from distance but the keeper had an easy save.
4 minutes later Trossard got a yellow card for a foul on Savinho. On 36 minutes Arsenal won a corner and a header by Gabriel went over the bar.
Just before half time Arsenal get another corner and this time Gabriel did not miss the target heading into the City goal to give Arsenal the lead. It looked like two Arsenal players blocked off Ederson but VAR gave the goal alas. City protested and Dias got a yellow card.There was 6 minutes added to the half.
Partey got a caution for fouling Savinho and then Trossard got a second yellow and a red so Arsenal were down to ten men.
The visitors made a change for the second half White was on for Saka.
Kovacic had a go on 48 minutes but his effort was well wide. Two minutes later Savinho is brought down but the free kick taken by Benardo is very poor.
Arsenal are defending in depth so it is going to be very difficult for City to break through.
On 58 minutes Haaland has a header saved and the ball runs to Benardo who shoots wide alas. Two minutes later a Walker shot is deflected for a corner and then the Arsenal keeper makes a great save from Gvardiol. There was an unusual yellow card on 64 minutes when Arsenal sub Lewis-Skelly got one while warming up - must have said something!!!
On 69 minutes Foden came on for Doku and Benardo went to the right wing. It is all City now with the ball rarely entering the City half.
On 78 minutes City made two more changes - Stones on for Walker and Grealish for Savinho.
City are just not passing the ball quicker enough to beat this Arsenal defence. On 86 minutes Gvardiol ha a go but the keeper Raya makes another good save. 7 minutes of added time is announced so City still have a chance.
Just before time City win a corner but the keeper saves but moments from the end a scramble in the penalty area ends with John Stones scoring from close range to save the day for City and the game ends two all - Phew!!!!!!! That was tight!
What a battle with Arsenal. No real stars for City - Stones saved us at the end but the main concern is the injury to Rodri who perhaps was targeted and how long will De Bruyne be out of the side. At least Haaland got his 100!!!

Watford 2-1 home Sept 24th League Cup

As expected City made many changes for this game. Only Walker and Doku remained from the Arsenal battle. There was a debut for 16 year old defender Kaden Braithwaite. As expected Ortega came in for Ederson and there were places for McAtee and O'Reilly. Foden led the forward line with Grealish and Doku on the wings.
City were soon on the attack and in the first minute Grealish passed to McAtee who
miss - kicked and the chance was lost.
However City soon were back and a poor back pass allowed McAtee to pinch the ball - pass to Grealish who passed to Doku who scored - City one up after just 5 minutes.
Watford tried to come back but Walker was quick to deny a chance and then a good run by Doku nearly gave City another chance but the ball was cleared. On 12 minutes Nunes had a shot well saved for a corner and five minutes later Foden shot just wide from outside the penalty area.
City continued to dominate and win several corners but a few efforts by the sky blues were blocked. On 32 minutes Foden was fouled just outside the area but his free kick hit the defenders wall.
Then on 38 minutes Lewis passed to Nunes who shot past the keeper from just outside the penalty area to make it two nil. It was his first goal for City.
TWO nil to City and game over - perhaps!!!
Just before half time Watford had a good chance but a header by Bayo went wide - Phew!!
City made a change at the interval Savinho came on for Doku.
After City won three corners a shot from Foden is blocked. Following yet another corner Foden has another effort blocked.
After a Watford miss following a rare Watford corner City were soon back at the other end and Bond the Watford keeper had to make a couple of very good saves.
On 64 minutes a shot by Nunes goes wide as City are desperate to get that vital third goal.
Then Watford went on a fast break but the shot from Baah went just wide. On 70 minutes Grealish put Nunes through but his shot was saved. Then a minute later a shot from Savinho hit the post. City made a change Wright coming on for O'Reilly.
On 75 minutes Braithwaite was injured and he was replaced by Gvardiol. Four minutes later Savinho had a shot deflected by Lewis wide!
Then disaster struck on 86 minutes - a shot from Ince from outside the penalty area went into the top corner so it was 2-1 - oh dear!!!
Four minutes were added and thankfully City hung onto their lead to go into round 4.
Only Lewis and Savinho had good games. City had 6 academy players doing their bit to get a result. There seemed to be problems with both TV and Radio overage of this game!!

Pep made 6 changes from the Newcastle game. Ortega came into goal - Foden, Doku and Savinho were back. Gundogan was in front of the back 4 who were Lewis,Stones, Akanji and Gvardiol. Nunes in mid-field and Haaland up front.
City got a corner in the first minute following a cross from Doku. Then Slovan went on a break and a shot from Tolic went wide.
On 3 minutes Haaland's shot just missed but 4 minutes later after a shot by Savinho was blocked Gundogan cracked the ball into the net from outside the penalty area to give City the lead - excellent!!!
Even better 7 minutes later - Doku passed to Foden who hit his first goal of the season. What a start by City who pretty well dominated the early play.
2 minutes later and Haaland has a shot saved. City then won a run of corners and on 23 minutes their keeper has to save from Lewis and a minute later Doku hit the bar!!! Shortly after an effort by Foden is well saved by the keeper pushing it onto the post.
On 28 minutes Nunes shot well over the bar and then Foden shot wide from outside he area - all City and on 39 minutes a shot from Gundogan hit the bar!!! Before half time both Doku and Foden had attempts that missed. So at half time it was only two nil - it might have been 5 or 6 on another day.
Early in the second half Doku gave Lewis a chance but his shot was saved. A minute later Haaland had a shot blocked and then three minutes later Nunes crossed and the header by Haaland was a bit too high alas.
However on 57 minutes Lewis put through a great pass to Haaland who timed his run perfectly and he dashed round the keeper and shot into the goal to make it three nil - game well over!
It was Haaland's 11th goal so far this season.
Then City made some changes - Pep decided to give Haaland a rest and replaced him with James McAtee. Dias came on for Akanji.
On 68 minutes Doku had a shot saved and two minutes later Lewis had a great chance from a Nunes cross but the keeper saved.
On 73 minutes Foden passed to McAtee and he scored his very first goal for City to make the score four nil.
City made two more changes Walker replaced Gvardiol and Grealish replaced Foden. Grealish was obviously going to play more central than normal.
City continued to press with efforts by Stones,Gundogan and Walker being saved but it was still four nil at full time.
A much improved City dominated all game and Doku did well on the right wing but his final pass needs to improve and Foden was getting back to his best form. Lewis too had a very good game.
It was strange to see so few passes to Savinho on the left wing. So despite he absence of Rodri and de Bruyne we won!!!!!!!!!

Fulham 3-2 home Oct 5th

City made 5 changes - Ederson returned in goal as expected - Dias in defence, Kovacic in midfield, and Benardo and Grealish on the wings. City have won their last 16 games against Fulham and are unbeaten in their last 29 Premier league matches. Fulham are doing well at the moment so it is not going to be an easy game.
City won a very early corner but the result was a free kick to Fulham with a foul by Akanji!
On 3 minutes Gundogan had a go but his shot went wide.Then a minute later Haaland has a shot but alas it goes just wide. On 8 minutes Foden gives Haaland another chance but his shot is easily saved. Two minutes later and Dias fouls Jimenez and Fulham have a free kick. They then win a corner but Jimenez heads wide. On 15 minutes City get a corner but the header by Haaland is saved. A minute or so later Fulham go on a very quick break and Traore had a great chance but Ederson made a great one-on-one save.
Although City won a few corners there was always danger when Fulham broke - not an easy game for the sky blues.On 23 minutes Kovacic has a go but his shot is blocked and so was one by Gvardiol.
Then there was disaster! On 25 minutes a back heel by Jimenez gave Pereira a chance and he took it from close range to give Fulham the lead - ouch!!!!!!
It could have been 2 nil shortly after. Another fast break ended with Traore shooting over.
Then we had a spot of luck. City won a corner and it was only half cleared. The ball came to Kovacic who cracked it into the net to level the scores -1-1 at last.
City deserved to score and a couple of minutes later Benardo gave Foden a chance but his shot from outside the box was blocked. City went on the attack to add to the score and efforts by Lewis, Kovacic, Gvardiol and Dias were blocked.
A break by Fulham ended with a corner after a shot from Jimenez was blocked.
Just before half time Grealish crossed but the header by Benardo was close but missed the goal.
There were no changes at the break but City did well 2 minutes into the second half.
It was a great move - Grealish gave the ball to Foden down the left wing who crossed to Benardo who took it on his chest and passed to Kovacic who cracked it past the keeper to give City the lead. Who would have guessed Kovacic was going to score twice - amazing. 2-1!!!!!
3 minutes later and Benardo is fouled but nothing comes from the free kick. Then Fulham broke but Dias manages to block a shot from Jimenez. On 58 minutes Foden has a go but his effort goes wide. On 60 minutes City made two changes - Walker came on for Akanji and Doku for Grealish.
A few minutes later Foden was pulled back and Bassey got a yellow card. On 68 minutes Fulham broke again and it is rare to see Walker outpaced!!! Fortunately Ederson made a great save from Traore. A very open game and we do miss Rodri so much. Gvardiol had to make a great block to prevent another Fulham goal and then Stones came on for Foden. Pep obviously trying to boost our defence.
Then on 82 minutes Lewis passed to Doku who cut in and cracked a great shot into the goal to make it 3-1 - game over !!!!! - he should do that more often!!!!!
On 87 minutes Haaland passed to Benardo but his shot is saved. Then disaster struck again - A Fulham attack ended with Nelson passing to Muniz who scored to make it 3-2.
With five minutes added City had to survive and Ederson was booked for time wasting. However City managed to survive and at last we got three points. A good game by City but I think Pep has some work to do on our defence. Very good performances by Ederson, Gvardiol and Kovacic.

Another tight game ending in another three points for City. When the team was announced it was a surprise to see both Foden and Grealish on the bench. Perhaps they were being rested for the game on Wednesday. Anyway Doku and Savinho were on the wings with Haaland up front. The back four of Lewis,Stones ,Dias and Gvardiol should keep Wolves at bay but there was a lack of creativity in midfield with the absence of De Bruyne and Foden.
It was mainly City on the attack in the opening 3 minutes and an early City corner was cleared. On 5 minutes Doku shot over and then a minute later disaster struck.
Wolves made a break on the right wing - Semedo took a pass and dashed into the City half and made very good cross to Larsen who made no mistake from 8 yards. Wolves were ahead - amazing!!
To be a goal down after just 7 minutes to the bottom club in the league was staggering!!!!
Pep must do some organizing to avoid breaks when City are attacking at the other end.
City did try to reply straight away and Benardo had a shot well saved by the keeper Sa.
On 14 minutes Savinho was fouled by Gomes who got a yellow card. The free kick was blocked twice so no goal for City and a few minutes later Wolves went on another break and Ederson had to make a very good save from Semedo with help from Gvardiol. It would have been incredible if the sky blues had gone two down!!!
A minute later Semedo got a yellow card for pulling back Savinho. On 26 minutes Doku is fouled by Gomes on the edge of the penalty area. The free kick is cleared and Wolves are kept busy defending.
On 29 minutes Doku put in a dangerous cross but alas no City forward able to get to it. Then on 33 minutes City scored - Gvardiol took a pass outside the box and cracked the ball into the top corner to level the scores. It was a great goal and it was the 7th goal City have scored from outside the box this season.
2 minutes later City took a short corner but the shot by Savinho goes into the stand! He then fouls Cunha and gets a yellow card! He did try to make amends just before half time but his good effort from the edge of the area was really well saved by the Wolves keeper. Although City have dominated Wolves are defending well and Haaland has hardly touched the ball!
Wolves made a change at half time and on came ex City player Tommy Doyle for Andre.
Pep made a tactical change switching wings for Doku and Savinho.
On 53 minutes Dias has a go from outside the area but Sa manages to push the ball for a corner.
After Doku shoots over the bar another break by Wolves ends with Cunha shooting wide. Then City got another corner but the keeper saves. On 61 minutes Kovacic was brought down on the edge of the area. There was some trouble at the free kick and Gomes got a yellow card. The free kick taken by Gundogan was blocked by the wall and yet another City corner was cleared.
On 67 minutes Foden came on for Doku Three minutes later Savinho shot well over the bar after taking a pass from Benardo. Then Pep made another change Grealish coming on for Savinho. Shortly after Benardo had a face injury but he was ok after treatment. On 85 minutes Nunes came on for Kovacic. Three minutes later Grealish has a shot saved by Sa.
Four minutes were added and City won a succession of corners as they tried to score.
Then came the moment we were waiting for. This time the City corner was headed home by John Stones but alas had the referee disallowed it for offside on Benardo. VAR was called for and the ref had to look at the pitch monitor. Thankfully Benardo was not in the keepers line of sight and the goal was given so City won 2-1 - Phew!!!!!!!!!
Not the best of displays by City. Gvardiol was very good for City and Ederson made a good save. However we do miss the creativity of De Bruyne and Foden must try to get better. Haaland hardly had a kick today.

Pep made 5 changes from the last game. Out went Ederson, Gvardiol, Dias, Doku and Kovacic. So Ortega was in goal - There was a strong back 4 with Lewis, Stones, Akanji and Ake. Up front we had Nunes, Foden, Savinho and Haaland. Gundogan and Benardo in midfield. Good to see Ake back.
We had a great start - after just 2 and a half minutes Akanji passed to Foden who took a few steps towards the penalty area before shooting past the keeper to give City the lead - brilliant !!!!
4 minutes later Gundogan had a go but his effort was blocked. Then Stones had an early yellow card for a foul on Haraslin.
On 10 minutes Haaland had a header saved by the keeper following a cross by Benardo. 7 minutes later Sparta had a break and a long shot by Preciado went well wide. He took the chance as Ortega was well out of goal.
City continued to attack and on 22 minutes after good work by Lewis Haaland had an effort saved.
A few minutes later City won a corner and Haaland had a header saved and the Akanji had a shot blocked. On 26 minutes after Haaland had a header blocked Sparta went on a break and Ortega had to make a save from Birmancevic. Sparta then had a few minutes of possession and they missed a couple of chances.
On 35 minutes Foden had a shot saved and 2 minutes later Savinho had a go but the ball just went wide. Following a corner Foden had yet another go from outside the box but the ball went just wide.
So City led by just one goal at half time.
Early in the second half Gundogan had a shot deflected and following a corner Ake got the ball into the net but alas VAR said he was guilty of hand ball so the cheers died down!
On 56 minutes Foden had a shot blocked and then after Haaland had a couple of efforts saved and blocked a cross by Savinho was met by Haaland who acrobatically got a foot to the ball and it shot into goal to make it two nil. A wonderful goal - fantastic - made up for his recent gap in scoring!
He was almost upside down when his foot hit the ball - goal of the season!
8 minutes later and City made it three nil. Following a corner a cross by Nunes was headed home by Stones. Gosh he's scored again!
Four minutes later a great attack by City was started by Lewis - then Foden - then Nunes and then Haaland who went on to shoot past the keeper to make it four nil - game well over!
Pep then made some changes - Kovacic came on for Gundogan and McAtee for Benardo Silva and Gvardiol for Ake.
Then Dias replaced Stones and O'Reilly for Haaland. So City had four ex Academy players on the pitch - Foden, Lewis, McAtee and O'Reilly
With three minutes to go City won a penalty when Nunes was brought down by Preciado who got a yellow card. Nunes took the kick himself and scored to make it 5 nil .
An easy win in the end and good to see Haaland scoring again. Excellent play by Nunes and Foden and great to improve the goal difference in the Champions League.
No doubt Southampton will be a little worried coming to the Etihad on Saturday!

With so many injuries City made just 2 changes from the midweek win. Ederson was back in goal and Kovacic came in for Gundogan.
City had an early attempt when Dias had a go from outside the box after 4 minutes but the keeper saved. So we had to wait a full minute before City scored! Nunes crossed to Haaland who banged the ball into goal as he was falling to give City the lead. It was his 74th goal in 75 games in the Premier League and it was his 11th league goal of the season and his 14th in all competitions.
4 minutes later and after good work by Benardo Savinho had a shot but it was easily saved.
A few minutes later Nunes had a shot from outside the box the ball going just wide. On 18 minutes Foden was fouled but the free kick was too hard and went well wide.
Shortly after Southampton had a break but a good header by Gvardiol cleared the danger. On 23 minutes Kovacic had a shot blocked by Harwood-Bellis! Then Fernandes managed to stop a run by Savinho. On the half hour City won corner after corner putting lots of pressure on the Saints defence. Ten minutes later Gvardiol got a pass from Nunes but his shot went high and wide.
Then Haaland had a chance when Lewis stopped a break but his shot was blocked.
On 42 minutes Benardo was fouled and Downes was given a yellow card. A minute later Kovacic took a pass from Gvardiol but his shot was saved for a corner. From the corner Haaland had a chance but his header missed.
Just at the start of the added minute Southampton had a very good chance to score but fortunately for City the shot from Archer hit the bar and went wide.
City started the second half with a fast break and Savinho fed Foden but his shot went just wide.
A minute or so later Nunes was fouled and Armstrong got a yellow card. This was followed by a block and a save from efforts by Haaland eager to add a goal.
At the other end Armstrong had a shot saved but it was all City and after a shot from Kovacic was blocked Haaland again just missed scoring - he could have had a hat-trick with that!!!!!
On 55 minutes Lallana got a yellow card for dissent and five minutes later Nunes missed under pressure. Then a cross from Savinho finds the head of Haaland but no goal alas.
City really need that second goal to make the result certain but nothing yet. City won more corners and then Foden had a shot blocked. Armstrong did have a chance for Southampton but his shot was too high. With 4 minutes to go City made a change - Gundogan coming on for Nunes.
Then Kovacic got a yellow for a foul and following the free kick Ederson saved a header from Onuachu.
6 minutes were added so City still had some work to do and they brought on Stones in the final minute or so.
Southampton made it very difficult for City with a well organized defence and we do miss the creativity of De Bruyne. At least City went top of the league for a day!

With such a high injury list it was not surprising that Pep made several changes for this game. Things got worse before the kickoff when Akanji was injured in the warm-up! So Dias came in the back 4. No Haaland today so invisible centre forward!
We almost had a disaster in the opening minute when a defensive City pass went astray. However it did not take long for Spurs to go ahead. A break down the right wing and a good cross by Kulusevski found the foot of Werner who cracked the ball past Ortega to give Spurs the lead. Lewis tried to intercept but he was a few seconds late!
City won a few free kicks for fouls on McAtee and Lewis but no shots on goal yet.
Then Van de Ven was injured for Spurs and was subbed by Udogie. On 14 minutes Werner had another chance but his shot was saved. A few minutes later O'Reilly was injured but he was able to continue. Spurs won a corner and the shot by Kulusevski went well over the bar.
Then Savinho was fouled and Sarr got a yellow card. Then disaster struck again!
Spurs won a corner and following the kick Sarr took a shot from about 25 yards and it flew past Ortega to give the home side a two goal lead - disaster squared !!!!
A minute or so later Ortega had more work to do saving a shot from Johnson. On 32 minutes Nunes was fouled but the free kick taken by Gundogan went over the bar.
It was then Foden's turn to get fouled but the free kick was cleared. On 40 minutes Savinho had a go but his shot went wide. A few minutes later an effort by Foden just missed. Just before half time McAtee was brought down but the free kick taken by Foden was a bit too high alas.
The ref added 4 minutes and just before he blew his whistle for the interval Savinho crossed and there was Nunes to score for City and give them a chance. A good goal and well deserved.
City made two changes for the second half - Gvardiol came on for Dias and Kovacic for Gundogan.
On 48 minutes Savinho had a go but his shot just went wide. Then Spurs went on a break and Johnson had a shot saved. Another break ended with Werner's shot going just wide - thank goodness!
On 53 minutes O'Reilly was fouled and Bissouma was booked. Shortly after Ortega made a good save from Kulusevski and then Werner shot high and wide.
On 57 minutes Benardo came on for Foden and then Savinho was injured and replaced by Jacob Wright. Ten minutes later and Wright nearly scored but his shot just went wide. City continued to press and Nunes had a shot saved. On 74 minutes City made another change - on came Simpson-Pusey for his debut replacing Ake. he joined O'Reilly, McAtee, Wright and Lewis as ex Academy players.
Despite having a few more chances City were unable to level the scores but I don't think Pep is too concerned as with his big injury list there are more important competitions to think about.
Considering the players chosen for the game City did not play too badly and did not deserve to lose.

Bournemouth 1-2 away Nov 2nd

With Newcastle beating Arsenal in the early game there was a good chance for City to go 8 points ahead. Considering the huge injury list it was a reasonable side today. There was a return for Walker and good to see De Bruyne on the bench. Both Savinho and Doku were also on the bench. No sign of Stones though.
In the first minute or so Ederson had to make a save from Semenyo. Shortly after he had to make another save - this time from Kluivert. On 6 minutes Foden was fouled and there was an early yellow card for Christie.
On 9 minutes disaster struck. Kerkez dashed down the left wing chased by Foden - he passed to Semenyo who scored from close range. So City a goal down already!
Bournemouth continued to attack and had a shot blocked. City did have a chance on 12 minutes but after some inter passing a shot by Ake was too high. City did win a corner which was cleared and Foden was fouled but the home keeper has not had to make a save yet!
On 27 minutes Kovacic had an effort blocked and City won a couple of corners but no goal.
Then Kluivert had a shot on a break by Semenyo but fortunately for City the ball went wide.
A couple of minutes later a good run by Nunes ended with Benardo having a shot but the effort was blocked. Then on 38 minutes a cross by Nunes went to Haaland but his shot went just wide. Haaland appeared to be injured but after a short delay he was able to continue.
Just before half time Foden was fouled by Senesi but no yellow card!
There were no changes at half time. In the first minute of the second half Ederson had to make a brilliant save from Evanilson who took a pass from Semenyo.
At the other end a couple of minutes later a header by Haaland went wide. Then Nunes fed Foden but his shot went just wide. Several City players were warming up so who was going to come on!!!
On 56 minutes Haaland was injured once more and had to have treatment. No card again !
He was back on the pitch shortly after. 4 minutes later and Semenyo had a shot blocked and deflected for a corner by Gvardiol.
On 63 minutes Nunes was fouled by Smith and following the free kick Kovacic shot wide.
Then disaster struck once more. A Bournemouth break ended with Kerkez crossing to Evanilson who shot past Ederson to make it two nil to the home side. Our unbeaten record was going away today!!!
On 67 minutes it could have been worse as a shot from Tavernier hit the post from outside the penalty area and then Smith missed an open goal from the rebound following a Bournemouth break.
A couple of minutes later Ederson had to save from Kluivert. Then Walker got a yellow card for a foul on Semenyo. City then made a change Lewis coming on for Ake.
Foden then had a couple of shots but both went just wide. Not his day today!!
After a Bournemouth break ended with a shot into the side netting Haaland had a shot saved at the other end.
On 82 minutes following a City corner Gundogan crossed to Gvardiol who put in a brilliant header into the top corner to give City a chance at 1-2. Then Doku came on for Gundogan to put more pressure on the home side.
On 89 minutes Doku had a shot saved for a corner and City put on lots of pressure in the added 6 minutes but alas they failed to score despite 2 last second efforts by Haaland so their record of 32 unbeaten games in the league ended.
It was the very first time Bournemouth had beaten Man City and they deserved it. They were dangerous throughout and City were well below their best. Several players looked very tired and there are some tough games coming up.

Pep made 3 changes from the Bournemouth game. The big surprise was the debut of Simpson-Pusey in central defence. With no sign of Dias or Stones and Ake on the bench Pep was really feeling the injury problems.
City had a good start winning a corner in the first 20 seconds and another a few minutes later. Then a defensive error gave a chance to Foden who shot past the keeper from the edge of the penalty area to give City the lead. What a start - brilliant .
On 6 minutes City won another corner but Kovacic's shot was blocked. A minute or so later Ederson had to make a save from Gyokeres. Shortly after Haaland had a shot saved.
Lewis won a corner for City which ended in a goal kick.
On 14 minutes Nunes put a long pass through to Haaland but his shot just went wide.
5 minutes later City won a free kick when Haaland was fouled and a few minutes later Savinho had a go at goal but it was deflected for a corner - from which Gvardiol headed over the bar. City continued to attack and won a couple of corners.
On 27 minutes Foden won a corner and then his cross was met by Haaland but the effort was blocked and shortly after another effort by Haaland was saved.
After some good passing by City Benardo shot just wide. Two minutes later disaster struck.
A break by Sporting had Quenda pass to Gyokeres who shot past Ederson to level the scores. Should Simpson-Pusey have done better to tackle the scorer?
Two minutes later Sporting had another break and the shot by Trincao went very wide.
On 40 minutes Nunes had a go from outside the area but it went straight to the keeper.
Just before half time Kovacic got a yellow card for a foul on Morita.
There was a terrible start to the second half. A quick break saw Pote putting a pass to Araujo who then beat Ederson to give Sporting the lead.
It got even worse a minute or so later when Gvardiol fouled Trincao and a penalty was given.
Gyokeres took the penalty sent Ederson the wrong way and it was 3-1 to Sporting -
Unbelievable!!!!.
Then a couple of players were injured so there was a short delay. On 55 minutes Lewis was fouled on the edge of the penalty area - Pote getting a yellow card. The free kick taken by Foden was deflected for a corner. On 59 minutes Savinho shot over the bar. Then following another City attack VAR was called into action for a possible hand ball from a Benardo shot.
So on 68 minutes Haaland was up to take the penalty - surely it was going to be 3-2 .
Oh no !!!!!! Haaland's shot from the spot hit the bar and went over !!! he missed - !!!!!
What is happening today! Then Savinho shot at the keeper and Foden had an effort blocked.
Savinho was fouled and Araujo was booked. Savinho then pushed Araujo and he was booked too. From the free kick Foden shot just wide.
City made a couple of changes - on came Gundogan for Benardo and Doku was on for Savinho.
On 78 minutes disaster struck again. Nunes made a silly foul in the penalty area bringing down Catamo. He got a yellow card and gave the home side another penalty!!!
Gyokeres beat Ederson to make it 4-1 and completed his hat-trick!!
De Bruyne came on for Kovacic and it was good to see him make some good passes but alas no goals and it ended with City losing their heaviest loss since Sept 2020.
The battle against injuries goes on and a lot more work is needed on the defending errors and when City are attacking so much breaks by the opposition are causing great problems.

Pep made 2 changes from the last game with Walker in for Akanji and Gundogan in for Benardo.
After a quiet start Brighton won a free kick for a foul by Gvardiol and after 9 minutes Savinho put in a poor cross. After a couple of offsides against Brighton forwards Savinho had a good chance but his shot was saved for a corner. After Nunes won a free kick Haaland had a shot following Foden's free kick but it went wide. On 18 minutes Foden was fouled and Ayari got a yellow card.
On 22 minutes City went on a break and Kovacic found Haaland with a good pass and he managed to get the ball in the net after an initial save to give City the lead. At last a goal and City were ahead.
A few minutes later he got another chance at a corner but the shot was saved for another corner and the header by Haaland went wide and too high.
It was almost all City and on 30 minutes Kovacic had a shot saved and then efforts by Haaland and Foden were blocked. After a City corner was saved by the keeper Brighton broke and Welbeck had a shot blocked. Then Estupinan missed with a shot.
On 36 minutes Welbeck was fouled by Lewis who got a yellow card. Welbeck took the free kick and fortunately it went wide. Brighton were starting to get more of the play and looking more dangerous.
Just before half time Haaland was fouled by Julio who get a yellow card. Only a couple of minutes were added so City led one nil at half time.
There was a short delay at the start of the second half when a Brighton player was injured.
On 52 minutes Ederson had to make a good save from a header by Hinshelwood following a good cross. The Brighton player was injured shortly after and was subbed by O'Riley.
Just before the change Haaland had a shot blocked.
On 63 minutes Savinho tried to curl the ball into the net but it missed alas. A few minutes later Ederson saved at the feet of Mitoma. Moments later Pedro shot wide. Brighton are taking over!
Then City make 2 subs - Benardo comes on for Gundogan and De Bruyne is on for Savinho.
On 77 minutes Simpson-Pusey gets a yellow card for an earlier offence and then disaster struck.
There was a scuffle in the City goal box between a group of players and suddenly Pedro shot past Ederson to level the scores - oh dear - one all.
There was even worse to come. 5 minutes later Pedro put through a pass to O'Riley who shot past Ederson to give Brighton the lead - disaster squared.
City were being outplayed in the second half and City seemed to have lost the plot!
De Bruyne did have a go on 89 minutes but his shot went wide and there was a bit of hope when the ref gave 9 added minutes.
Foden just missed with a good effort and then Gvardiol had a good chance with a header from a cross by Walker but alas it went wide. Just before the final whistle there was a scuffle between Haaland and van Hecke and both got yellow cards. City were really poor in the second half.
So City lost their 4th game on the trot - a first for Pep. The last time City lost so many successive games in the league was in 2005-2006 season losing to Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Spurs, and West Ham. Some pics here