For once City were unchanged from the last game with Foden Savinho and Haaland up front hoping for goals! Still no Ederson or Stones so Ortega had Lewis, Akanji, Ake and Gvardiol helping him keeping a clean sheet.
West Ham had an early attack and Gvardiol had to block a Kudus effort. Then after a Foden cross failed to reach its target Kudus had another go and his shot went into the side netting.
Then a few minutes later West Ham had another chance - Kudus dashed down the wing passed to Soucek who failed to hit the ball correctly and it went wide.
On 9 minutes Savinho went down the left wing and his cross/shot hit Coufal and to the City fans delight the ball went into the West Ham net to give City the lead - Savinho enjoyed the moment but it went down as an own goal.
5 minutes later Savinho was pulled back by Fullkrug who got a yellow card.
On 22 minutes City were lucky. Akanji was caught in possession by Summerville but the ref blew for a free kick so the good opportunity was lost. The West Ham boss was yellow carded for his protests.
On 29 minutes Kovacic got a yellow card for a foul on Summerville. Ortega managed to save from Paqueta. Then Haaland did well and Savinho had a shot saved. On 32 minutes the West Ham keeper had to make a save from Benardo following a good City move.
Then West Ham had yet another break and luckily for City Kudus shot well wide. City are certainly not having all the possession with West Ham just defending.
On 37 minutes Lewis has a strong shot from outside the area but Areola makes a good save. After some good defending by Akanji Savinho dashed down the left wing and put in a great cross to Haaland who headed into the net to give City a two goal lead. It was his first home goal since the win against Southampton in October.
There was only one minute added to the first half so City had a two goal lead at half time.
Early in the second half Ortega had to make a save from Coufal. At the other end a City break ended with Haaland being tackled so no goal. Then West Ham made a change when Todibo was injured.
On 55 minutes Savinho put an excellent pass through to Haaland who beat a defender and clipped the ball over the keeper to make it City three West Ham nil!!!!
Excellent play by Savinho and Haaland.
A minute or so later it got even better. A defensive error by Kudos after a number of defensive passes gave the ball away to De Bruyne who passed to an unmarked Foden who had the easy job of shooting into the goal to make it four nil - game over!!!
City then made two changes - Walker for Ake and Gundogan for Kovacic.
Walker did not have the best of starts - he was booked for a foul on Summerville on the edge of the box. Fortunately Paqueta's effort landed on the roof of the net.
On 65 minutes Ortega has to save from Soucek and 6 minutes later West Ham actually scored! An error by Benardo led to a break by the away team and a cross by Soucek was easily scored by Fullkrug to make it 4-1.
Ortega was injured in a collision but he was ok to continue. On 76 minutes Bissaka shoots well over the bar and then McAtee comes on for Savinho. 4 minutes later and Summerville shoots well over the bar and shortly after at a West Ham corner Soucek misses a golden chance. Grealish came on for Haaland on 83 minutes and he did have a go at goal but it was deflected for a corner. Six minutes were added and De Bruyne had an effort saved in the final minute. West Ham had 17 shots and could have made it difficult for City who were not at their best.
Savinho and Haaland were the best players but we must improve that midfield area to cut down on the breaks.

Pep only made 9 changes for this third round tie. Many of the first team had to wear umpteen scarf's on the bench!! Only Ake and Savinho remained from the West Ham win.
Not many defenders in the chosen team - only Ake and Simpson-Pusey and O'Reilly at the back in front of the return of Ederson. Nunes, McAtee, Gundogan and Grealish in mid-field and Savinho and Doku on the wing and Mubama making his debut up front.
After a quiet start on 5 minutes O'Reilly shot over the bar from distance.
However we did not have long to wait for the first goal. After a good pass by Nunes to Grealish Doku took a pass from Grealish and scored a very good goal to put City one up on 8 minutes.
A minute later Salford had a chance but Lund headed a cross by Garbutt over the bar. Then Savinho hit the side netting following a pass from McAtee. A couple of minutes later Doku shot just wide. City continued to attack and both Simpson-Pusey and Grealish had efforts blocked.
On 18 minutes Doku was badly fouled but play went on and a couple of minutes later Savinho passed to Nunes who crossed to Mubama who had the easy task of scoring to end a great City move and it was two nil. Shephard then got a yellow card for his earlier foul on Doku.
After a short break for the Salford keeper to get treatment Kouassi went on a good run for the visitors and Ederson had to save his final shot.
On 38 minutes Savinho shot well wide but five minutes later City netted a third goal.
Doku passed to O'Reilly who did well to score and make it three nil to City - game over.
Three minutes were added but no more goals - yet!
City made a change at half time Akanji came on for Ake.
Early in the second half a poor back pass by a defender let City in and the situation ended with Grealish being brought down in the penalty area. With no Haaland to take the kick Grealish sent the keeper the wrong way to make it City 4 Salford 0.
On 55 minutes Foden came on for Savinho and Salford made several changes.
On 59 minutes Mubama was fouled and Tilt got a yellow card.
A minute or so later a good pass by Nunes found Doku who went on a run and passed to McAfee who scored his first Etihad goal to make it City 5 Salford 0.
City continued to dominate and a few minutes later Foden passed to Doku who shot and Tilt handled the ball giving City a penalty. As VAR was on holiday the ref's decision was final and Doku took the penalty kick to make it six nil - game well over!!!
On 72 minutes Doku passed to Foden who shot and the ball went to McAtee who scored his second goal to make it 7 nil to City.
Then Kovacic came on for Doku. The City fans were enjoying this and the Poznan returned.
McAtee completed his hat-trick on 81 minutes making it eight nil to City. He took a cross from Grealish to score past Young in the Salford goal.
Gundogan had a shot saved in the last minute and the ref did not bother with any extra time!
A good performance by a much changed City team with McAtee and Doku having good games. Nunes also had a good game.
Another 8 nil was in September 2019 when City beat Watford 8-0 - citsep19.html - plenty of pics there.

Tony Book was both a manager and a player for City. He played his first game in August 1966 and I saw his first home game on August 24th against Liverpool. The team was Dowd, Book, Kennedy, Pardoe, Heslop, Oakes, Summerbee, Bell, Murray, Crossan and Young. City won 2-1. He became captain of the team and when he 'retired' in 1974 he became manager until 1979.

As expected Pep made 8 changes from the cup game bringing back some of the regulars so it was a strong team. Interesting that Ortega was in goal
City won a corner on 2 minutes but eventually the keeper saved an effort by Foden. On 6 minutes there was a corner at the other end following a break down the right wing. A shot by Wissa went wide. On 7 minutes a shot by Gvardiol was saved and on 14 minutes Ortega made a great save from Mbeumo. Brentford are certainly causing City plenty of trouble and a few minutes later Wissa had a chance but shot wide.
On 23 minutes De Bruyne puts in a good cross but Haaland heads into the side netting. A little later a Lewis-Potter cross was dangerous but City manage to clear. On 27 minutes City break and after a good pass by De Bruyne to Nunes the attack ends with Savinho shooting wide. On 33 minutes City win a corner and Kovacic shoots wide from distance.
On 38 minutes De Bruyne passes to Haaland but his shot is saved and at half time it was 0-0.
Early in the second half Collins headed wide and then Foden has an effort blocked.
On 49 minutes Savinho goes on a great run down the left wing -shoots - and hits the post - so unlucky!!
Then Mbeumo shot over the bar and at the other end Haaland heads straight at the keeper.
On 54 minutes Foden fails to get in a shot and then Savinho shoots into the side netting. Plenty of action - at both ends!!
On 65 minutes Brentford did score but the offside flag went up so no goal.
Then moments later a great cross by De Bruyne is met by Foden who manages to stick it into the net with his boot. A good goal and City are one up - at last a goal!
On 69 minutes Ake does really well blocking a shot from Wissa after Ortega had gone to block Mbeumo. A lucky escape for City.
On 78 minutes City scored again - Savinho had a shot saved and the ball came out to Foden who made no mistake to make it 2-0.
Then on 82 minutes Wissa scores for Brentford so it is going to be a difficult last ten minutes.
Two minutes later Savinho has a shot saved and shortly after McAfee comes on for Foden.
Five minutes were added and in the second added minute Norgaard scored for Brentford to make it two all .
Not the best of ends for City - two points dropped. At least De Bruyne looked to be almost back to his best.

Denis Law has died aged 84. He played for City from 1960 to 1961 before a season in Italy and then Man United from !962 to 1973.
He then rejoined City for a season.
The pic on the left shows him giving me a thumbs up at the final game at Maine Road.in May 2003 pics
I saw his debut for City against west Ham U on March 30th 1960. City won 3-1 and Law scored.
Trautmann,Leivers,Branagan: Barnes,McTavish, Oakes: Barlow, Law, McAdams, Hayes, Colbridge.

Pep made a few changes from the Brentford match. Back came Ederson in goal. Also returning was Dias in the back 4. Benardo, Lewis and Savinho were on the bench.
A poor defensive header to Ederson gave away a corner to Ipswich and after this was partially cleared the home side won another corner but City cleared this too.
On 8 minutes ex City player Liam Delap had a chance but his shot was blocked. On 14 minutes Haaland had a good chance. A good pass from Kovacic put him through but the keeper saved his shot which was not strong enough. Following a corner Doku took a pass from De Bruyne and shot but the keeper saved. Then a shot from Kovacic was too high as City continued to press.
A couple of efforts by Foden were blocked then at the other end Delap was fouled and a shot by Hutchinson was blocked for a corner and Ederson saved a header from O'Shea.
Then City scored - Doku dashed down the left wing passed to De Bruyne who crossed to Foden who scored from close range. At last a goal for City who go one up.
Then a minute or so later Doku passed to Foden who passed to Kovacic and guess what he shot past the keeper from outside the box to make it two nil - great stuff!!!
On 36 minutes a shot from De Bruyne went too high after taking a pass from Foden.
A few minutes before half time De Bruyne won the ball in midfield and passed to Doku who dashed down the wing pushed a pass to De Bruyne who crossed once again to Foden to make it three nil game over!
Excellent football by City who were getting near their best!. So at half time it was three nil to City.
On 49 minutes Ederson had to save from Johnson who came down the right wing.
Then a minute later Doku went on another run down the left wing - cut in - and finally shot past the keeper via a deflection to make it four nil to City. He had taken a pass from - guess who - De Bruyne!!
A few minutes later a very poor defensive pass by a defender gave Doku the ball and he passed to Haaland who easily scored to make it 5 nil . About time he scored !!!!!
Two minutes later and Haaland had a shot saved. Then City won a couple of corners before Pep made some changes. Grealish, McAtee and Mubama came on for Foden, De Bruyne and Haaland.
On 68 minutes a good pass by Kovacic found the head of McAtee who scored his first Premier league goal. So City led six nil and Pep made two final changes - O Reilly for Akanji and Lewis for Kovacic.
City then played for time - passing the ball around - enjoying the big win!!!. McAtee nearly made it 7 in added time his header just going wide.
It is not often a team wins six nil away from home in the Premier League. We last did it against Watford in 2017-18 season.
It was much better from City with Doku, Foden and De Bruyne playing really well. The return of Dias in defence helped too to keep a clean sheet so City improved their goal difference and moved up the league a bit. Some tough games to come!!!

City made just two changes from the Ipswich game so it was a strong side for this vital game. Benardo and Savinho returned and Stones was on the bench.
In the first minute Benardo was fouled and the free kick was followed by a corner a minute later.
However play was soon at the other end and Ederson had to make a save from Doue.
On 7 minutes Akanji did well and had to concede a corner which was headed clear.
On 9 minute Dias got a yellow card for a foul - not ideal so early in the game. The free kick was headed over the bar by Neves. On 12 minutes a shot by De Bruyne was saved and 6 minutes later at the other end Ederson had to save from Hakimi.
On 20 minutes Foden crossed but the header from Haaland went straight to the keeper. Then Benardo won a free kick and a minute or so later Mendes got a yellow card for a foul on Nunes.
On 25 minutes City had a lucky escape. Following a corner Gvardiol had to clear off the line to prevent a goal.and a little later a header by Neves went wide. The home side were dominating and City were being outplayed.
However on 39 minutes Savinho took a pass from Foden and his shot was saved for a corner.
Just before half time City were very lucky. Hakimi scored for PSG but VAR checked for offside and his knee was offside so at half time it was 0-0.
City made two changes at half time. Grealish replaced Savinho and Lewis replaced Dias who had been booked early in the game.
There was an amazing start to the second half. A great run by Akanji down the right wing ended with a defensive error which gave the ball to Grealish who smashed it into the net to give City the lead. A minute or so later a Grealish cross was deflected to Haaland who scored from close range to make it two nil to City - amazing!!!!!
But alas PSG came back quickly and on 55 minutes Barcola passed to Dembele who scored to make it 2-1. A few minutes later Barcola shot over the bar and then Doue hit the bar with a good effort and the ball went to Barcola who scored - two all - terrible.
On 62 minutes a shot from Neves is blocked and at the corner a shot from Barcola goes over the bar. PSG continue to attack and Gvardiol conceded a corner.
Then City made 2 more changes. McAtee replaced De Bruyne and Gundogan replaced Kovacic.
On 69 minutes Dembele hit the bar with a strong shot from the right wing.
On 78 minutes Stones came on for Nunes. Almost immediately PSG scored!
An unmarked Neves scored with al low header following a free kick so PSG had gone into the lead 3-2 - disaster squared!!!!
City did try to come back but a header from Haaland went wide and a shot from Gundogan was too high.
Then in added time PSG scored again - Ramos scored with the last kick of the game via VAR.
City must win next week against Brugge to avoid elimination from the Champions League.
Under the pouring rain in Paris City just fell apart after going ahead with the home side dominating the game. No stars tonight but at least Grealish showed some form!

Pep made 3 changes from the Paris disaster and there were debuts for 2 new signings - Marmoush and Khusanov. It was a surprise to see De Bruyne on the bench!
After an early offside decision against Marmoush there was a disaster at the other end.
A high Chelsea clearance down the right wing ended with Khusanov attempting to head the ball back to Ederson but alas it was a poor header and Jackson passed to Madueke who scored to give Chelsea the lead. What a start for Khusanov!
A few minutes later he got booked for a foul on Palmer. He won't forget his debut!
He was in action again on 8 minutes blocking a shot from Sancho. A minute later Foden hit the post with a good effort.
After several City players were caught offside a shot from outside the box by Khusanov was blocked. Then Gvardiol shot over the bar following a corner and Colwill was given a yellow card. On 28 minutes Palmer shot right at Ederson who had to save from Jackson shortly after.
A few minutes later Kovacic won a free kick but the final header by Foden went wide after a cross by Marmoush. Then efforts by Gundogan, Haaland and Kovacic failed to find the net.
City piled on the pressure and a shot from Gvardiol just went wide but on 42 minutes Gundogan passed to Nunes who shot and when the keeper pushed the ball out there was Gvardiol in the right place to put the ball into the net and level the scores.
On 51 minutes Haaland had a shot saved and at the other end Cucurella shot over the bar. Stones had replaced Khusanov in defence. Caicedo was given a yellow card - too many fouls! On 67 minutes Marmoush had a go from outside the box but it went just wide - a promising debut!
A minute later a long ball from Ederson - more please - found Haaland who scored from outside the penalty area after the keeper came too far out. It was his 18th premier league goal and City were ahead 2-1 - at last!!!!
After a Chelsea corner was cleared City made a change - De Bruyne coming on for Marmoush.
On 83 minutes Kovacic got a booking for a foul on Palmer With only a few minutes to go a pass from Ederson found De Bruyne who passed to Haaland and he got the ball to Foden who raced away and scored for City to make it 3-1. He has scored in his last 4 games.
So City moved up to 4th in the league. Good work by Gvardiol, Haaland ,Foden and Ederson. I hope the latter player uses a long pass more often!!

 

 

Pep made two changes from the Chelsea win. De Bruyne and Stones came in for the new signings - Marmoush and Khusanov. So it was a fairly strong side for this game that City had to win to qualify for the next stage of the Champions League.
There was a dangerous situation in the third minute and Gvardiol had to make a good block to stop an early break by the visitors. City defenders are going to have to get their act together when teams go on a break.
On 5 minutes Ederson has to take a cross from the right wing and two minutes later City win a corner but it comes to nothing. Brugge are defending in depth and City are not quick enough in their passing. Nunes is almost on the right wing and Stones is well forward too
On 13 minutes Foden has a go at goal but the ball goes wide alas. Haaland has hardly touched the ball yet! City did score through Gundogan on 16 minutes after a good City attack but he was offside so no goal. 4 minutes later a defensive error nearly gave City a chance but Haaland's header was a pass and not at goal!
On 23 minutes Benardo shoots wide and a minute later De Bruyne goes on a run and blasts the ball wide of goal. Then a Foden cross goes straight to the keeper. On 37 minutes Ederson has to head clear and then kick the ball clear in midfield!
Just before half time disaster hit City. a counter attack down the left wing saw Jutgla beating Nunes and crossing to Onyedika who cracks it past Ederson to give the visitors the lead.
Oh dear City are out of the Champions league if they fail to fight back.
At half time Savinho came on for Gundogan and he wins a corner straight away but it is cleared. A minute or so later a cross by De Bruyne following another corner is headed wide by Stones. He should have scored - what a miss!!!
Foden shoots wide on 51 minutes - then a minute or so later Stones passed to Kovacic who goes on a run past several defenders and shoots past the keeper to level the scores !!
A great run by Kovacic and a well taken goal.
A couple of minutes later Tzolis gets past Gvardiol to cause danger but he was off aide and Pep got a yellow card for his protests that play should have stopped when the linesman put up his flag.
On 16 minutes Brugge have a chance but Tzolis shoots wide. Then at the other end De Bruyne shoots wide but a minute later Savinho made a good pass to Gvardiol who dashed down the wing crossed and the ball hit Ordonez and went into the net for an own goal - City were ahead - good play by City and they are back in the Champions league!!!
Mind you City may then play Real Madrid in the next stage.
On 63 minutes City win a free kick when De Bruyne is fouled and then a cross from Savinho is taken by the keeper as City try to add to the score.
Brugge made three changes but City continue to dominate and on 72 minutes Haaland wins the ball from a defender and shoots but his effort is saved. The ball comes out to Savinho but his shot is blocked on the line by Mechele.
4 minutes later City make the result safe with a third goal. An excellent long pass from Stones to Savinho who cracks the ball into the net to make it 3-1. Game over!!!!
Lewis came on for De Bruyne on 81 minutes and City kept possession with 4,000 passes in the final minutes - Well it was a lot!!
Looks like City will play either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.
Savinho was the star tonight!!

Pep made three changes for this match. Ortega came into goal for Ederson who apparently was not fit. Also in were Savinho and Marmoush for Gundogan and De Bruyne.
Vital defenders were still injured so the back four of Nunes, Stones, Akanji and Gvardiol were going to be very busy.
There was an early save from Ortega within a minute from a shot from Havertz from outside the penalty area. Then we had a disaster........
Shortly after Stones played a defensive pass out to Akanji who lost the ball Havertz passed to Odegaard who scored to give Arsenal the lead. City's short defensive passing out is costing them dearly. You must have a plan B.
A few minutes later Arsenal scored again but luckily for City the offside flag was up - phew!!!
On 16 minutes Ortega has to dash out to take the ball before an Arsenal player can get to it.
A minute later Marmoush tries a shot but it goes well over the bar.
On 22 minutes City win a corner following a cross by Nunes. The keeper makes a very good save from a header by Gvardiol and the ball hits the post before being cleared.
On 24 minutes Timber gets a yellow card for a foul on Savinho.
A minute later Arsenal miss a great chance. Ortega passes out to a marked Kovacic and is tackled and Havertz shoots wide when he should have scored - lucky City. Yet another poor defensive pass out!!!
On 31 minutes Foden wins a corner but Arsenal keeper Raya takes the cross.
2 minutes later Nunes loses the ball on the right wing but no break by Arsenal.
Haaland has hardly touched the ball so far !!!!!!!
On 41 minutes a good cross by Gvardiol causes problems and Raya does well to keep the ball away from Benardo. Just before half time Raya is in action again keeping out Savinho's deflected effort. So it was one nil to Arsenal at half time.
After an early City attack ended with a goal kick Foden won a free kick which was cleared and then City got a goal.
Savinho crossed and there was Haaland leaping high to head past the keeper to level the scores. However City's elation did not last long. A pass from Foden went straight to Partey who shot from distance and the ball was deflected off Stones and into the City net.
2-1 to Arsenal - disaster again - It was a big deflection !!!
A few minutes later and it is Arsenal 3 City 1 - Lewis-Skelly was just outside the box when he turned and hit it into the City net - disaster squared!!!!!
On 67 minutes Ortega has to save from Martinelli and Benardo Silva is lucky not to get a yellow card for a foul on Trossard.
However on 70 minutes a foul is given against Odegaard and he does not like the decision and gets a yellow card for his trouble!
City then make a couple of changes - On come De Bruyne for Foden and McAtee for Marmoush.
Alas on 76 minutes Arsenal scored once more. A break saw Martinelli pass to Havertz who scored to make it 4-1. There was even worse to come - just before the final whistle a young 17 year old substitute Nwaneri scored thanks to a good pass from Rice.
So 5-1 to Arsenal and City remain in 4th place but their goal difference takes a battering!
I am afraid Pep has a lot of sorting out to do before the Real Madrid game.

Leyton Orient 2-1 Feb 8th FA Cup R4

As expected Pep made several changes from the Arsenal disaster. Ortega remained in goal and the back 4 were Lewis, Reis, Dias and O'Reilly. Gonzalez and Gundogan were in mid-field and up front were Savinho, McAtee, Grealish and Marmoush. Foden and De Bruyne were on the bench. No Haaland!
On 3 minutes City won a free kick when he was fouled by Currie but Grealish shot wide following the free kick. A few minutes later City won a three corners and on 9 minutes there was a good chance for Gundogan but he shot wide from a cross by Savinho. On 14 minutes Ortega has to save from Kelman Then Grealish was fouled and a shot from Marmoush was blocked. Then there was disaster a long shot from Donley caught Ortega too far out and as he dashed back the ball hit the bar and bounced down to hit Ortega and go into the net for an own goal and Leyton Orient were one up - amazing!!!
McAtee tried to level the scores but his effort was saved. Then City had to make a change. Gonzalez was injured and he was replaced by Benardo Silva. Then a Savinho cross hit Jaiyesimi in the face and he needed some treatment. On 30 minutes Lewis won a corner and a header by Dias is saved.
On 35 minutes Savinho was fouled and City won a corner and alas a good effort was blocked. Two minutes later a header by Gundogan was blocked. Plenty of City attacks but no goal for the sky blues yet!
Leyton did get a break on 41 minutes and the shot from Perkins went high and wide. On 42 minutes McAtee got a yellow card for a foul. There were 6 minutes of added time.
On 47 minutes Marmoush had a good effort brilliantly saved following a cross by Savinho.
A minute later Ortega has to save from Donley so City were a goal down at half time.
City made two changes at half time Stones came on for Dias and Khusanov replaced Reis.
There was danger for City two minutes into the second half but a good cross was saved by Khusanov. There was an early effort by Marmoush that was saved. Then Gundogan had a shot blocked and a shot by Lewis went high and wide.
On 56 minutes City had a spot of luck. Following a corner a Lewis shot was deflected by Khusanov into the Leyton goal to level the scores - at last City had a goal!!!
A few minutes later Leyton had a chance following a free kick but the effort by Kelman went wide. The home side continued to threaten the City defence so it was a tough game for City.
After a shot from outside the box by Gundogan was saved and a header by Marmoush was blocked City made two vital changes. On came De Bruyne for O'Reilly and Foden for McAtee.
On 75 minutes Ortega had to save from Kelman and shortly after Cooper was given a yellow card for a foul on Marmoush.
On 78 minutes came the moment we were waiting for. A good pass from Grealish was taken by De Bruyne and he nicked the ball past the keeper to give City the lead. A really good goal and fully deserved.
Both teams had the odd chance in the final minutes but it was City who went through to the next round. Not the best of City performances but Leyton Orient played well and were difficult to break down.

City made 8 changes from the FA cup game - Ederson, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol, Stones, De Bruyne, Benardo, Savinho, Grealish and Haaland. Foden was on the bench.
After just 3 minutes Grealish won a free kick on the left wing. The free kick taken by De Bruyne was headed over by Valverde for a corner which was cleared.
Dias defended well against Mbappe who had a problem with his boots.
On 10 minutes City had an escape when Vinicius broke and was brought down in the penalty area by Ederson and the ref pointed to the spot. However the flag had gone up for offside - thank goodness.
Two minutes later Ederson had to save from Mbappe. Then more good play by Real Madrid ends with Ake making a vital block to stop Mendy scoring. Then Grealish won a corner and Savinho shot well over the bar.
On 19 minutes City took the lead. Grealish passed to Gvardiol who chested the ball to Haaland who scored. It was his first ever goal against Real Madrid and he enjoyed it!
Alas we the had a 4 hour wait for VAR to check for possible offside - well 4 minutes !!!
The result - a goal - hurrah City were one up!
Following a City corner which went straight to the keeper and at the other end Vinicius had a chance but his effort hit the bar via a touch by Ederson.
On 30 minutes Grealish is subbed by Foden. It looks like Grealish is injured - great shame he has been playing well.
On 35 minutes Foden has a shot and Courtois has to make a good save. Then Haaland wins a corner and the header by Gvardiol clips the bar.
After 43 minutes a shot from Valverde hits the bar and there are 4 added minutes. On 47 minutes an effort by Mbappe is deflected by Ake for a corner to the visitors. A minute later a shot from Mbappe goes over the bar.
It looked like Akanji was injured too so it was no surprise for him to be subbed at half time by Lewis.
Early in the second half Haaland hit the bar. Shame - a two goal lead would have been great!
On 49 minutes a shot from Gvardiol goes for a corner and at the other end a header by Bellingham following a cross by Vinicius goes wide. 2 minutes later Ederson has to save from Mbappe. On 60 minutes Benardo gives away a free kick which was initially blocked but put back by Ceballos and the ball came to Mbappe who scored to level the scores.It was a miskick by Mbappe which fooled Ederson - disaster!
Then Kovacic came on for Ake and on 64 minutes Valverde takes a pass from Mbappe and shoots wide. Three minutes later Ederson has to save from Bellingham.
On 70 minutes an effort by Savinho goes for a corner which is cleared.
Then on 77 minutes Foden is brought down in the penalty area by Ceballos and the ref gives a penalty. Foden is injured and has treatment.
Haaland scores from the spot and City are ahead once more - miracle !!!!
City then made 2 changes - Gundogan for De Bruyne and Marmoush for Savinho.
Then disaster struck again for City. Ederson made a poor kick and pushed a shot from Vinicius away but the ball redounded to Diaz who scored -two all
Three minutes were added and in the final moments Bellingham scored the winner for Real Madrid.
It is going to be tough next week . Shame as City did not play badly

Pep made 6 changes from the Madrid disaster - a new look defence with the back four - Lewis, Khusanov, Stones and Gvardiol. Gonzalez and Gundogan were in mid field and up front helping Haaland were Foden, Savinho and Marmoush.
City won a couple of free kicks in the early minutes and a corner on 5 minutes but scrappy play so far. On 16 minutes a shot by Marmoush goes wide.
Then three minutes later Ederson takes the ball outside of the penalty area and passes a long ball forward to Marmoush who beats the defender and clips the ball over the keeper to give City the lead - a great goal - well done Ederson - a long pass!!!
It was soon to be two nil to City. Marmoush won a free kick and a minute later Gundogan passed to him and Mamoush moved the ball to his right foot and cracked the ball past the keeper to score again. An excellent goal.
4 minutes later Savinho had a shot saved and on the half hour a defensive error gave Newcastle a chance and Isak's shot was deflected for a corner.
Then after Foden won a free kick in the City half Savinho went on a run down the right wing crossed to Marmoush and he cracked the ball past Dubravka to make it three nil and game over - I hope!!!
That was a 14 minute hat-trick for Marmoush - looks like he was an excellent January signing.
On 36 minutes City won a corner which ended as a goal kick and at the other end Newcastle won a corner and a header by Guimaraes went too high.
4 minutes later following a corner a cross by Foden was headed wide by Haaland. There was only a minute of added time given and so City were three up at half time.
Newcastle made two subs for the second half but no City changes.
On 50 minutes Savinho was fouled and Guimaraes got a yellow card. Then City conceded two corners as Newcastle tried to reduce the arrears.
On 54 minutes Savinho had a go from outside the area but his shot was saved and three minutes later Haaland had a header saved at a corner.
On 60 minutes Ederson had to make a save at the other end - from Miley. City had eased off a bit now and then Newcastle made two more changes. A few minutes later Pep made two changes - Doku came on for Marmoush who got a big reception and McAtee came on for Foden.
On 83 minutes Savinho had a shot blocked and City won a corner. When the ball came in Haaland got his head to the ball and guided it to the feet of McAtee who volleyed the ball into the net to make it four nil - game well and truly over!!
There was a slight worry as Haaland appeared to be injured following his header. Hope he is fit for next Madrid game.
City made three changes - Nunes replaced Haaland, O'Reilly replaced Gvardiol and Kovacic replaced Gundogan.
There were only 4 minutes of added time and City had improved their goal difference and moved into 4th place.
Stones had done well in defence and Marmoush and Savinho in attack. Good to see City getting back to their best.

Real Madrid 1-3 away Feb 19th Champions League

City made 2 changes from the Newcastle win - Dias and Benardo were in for Lewis and Haaland. Both De Bruyne and Haaland were on the bench. Could the new signings save the day for City.
Alas there was a disaster in the first three minutes. A long through pass found Mbappe who beat Dias and scored past Ederson who had come out from his goal. Dias should have done better too. Game over in the first few minutes!!
A few minutes later Stones goes down injured and he had to be replaced by Ake on 8 minutes.
2 minutes later Gvardiol did have a go but his effort was blocked. On 14 minutes Real won a corner and a header by Bellingham went wide. 2 minutes later Foden was fouled by Ceballos On 18 minutes Mbappe won a corner when his shot was blocked. Following a corner a header by Bellingham went wide. Real continued to attack and Ederson had to punch away a corner.
After a foul by Marmoush Gundogan got a yellow card for a foul on Rodrygo. On 28 minutes Ederson has to save from Mbappe.
On 32 minutes disaster struck again - Mbappe took a pass from Rodrygo and shot past Ederson to make it two nil - he is so good.
City managed to win a corner which was cleared and on 37 minutes Bellingham fouled Foden and got a yellow card.
There was only 2 minutes of added time and so real Madrid were two up at half time - tie over!
2 minutes into the second half Gonzalez got a yellow card for a stupid foul on Vinicious Junior. Rodrygo shot over the bar from outside the penalty area. After Dias gave away a corner a shot from distance by Rodrygo was saved by Ederson.
After City won a corner which was cleared Real scored their third goal. A pass by Valverdewent to Mbappe and he completed his hat-trick by shooting past Ederson to make it three nil.
On 66 minutes Foden shot from distance and the ball sailed over the bar. Real had a couple more attempts that went wide. and on 73 minutes Ederson had to save from Vinicious. Then efforts by Foden and Savinho were saved and blocked. Benardo had a go too but the ball went well over the bar.
City then made 2 changes - Kovacic came on for Gundogan and McAtee for Foden.
In the added two minutes City won a free kick on the edge of the area when Marmoush was fouled by Camavinga. The free kick hit the bar and came down and Nico Gonzalez scored from the rebound to make it 3-1.
Not the best of City displays - perhaps saving it for Sunday!!!

Pep made 4 changes from the Madrid match. In came Lewis, De Bruyne, Ake and Doku.
No sign of Haaland - still injured so Marmoush would be leading the attack.
There was an early Liverpool attack in the first minute but Gvardiol managed to rescue the situation.
City won a corner on 3 minutes thanks to a cross by De Bruyne and the Liverpool keeper punched clear and he caught the next City corner. Some good City attacks via Doku but no shots yet!.
City won a free kick on 7 minutes when Foden was fouled and shortly after Foden shot straight at the keeper from outside the penalty area.
On 13 minutes disaster struck. Liverpool won a corner and a special move found Salah near the penalty spot and his deflected shot beat Ederson to give Liverpool the lead.
After City won a corner which was cleared Marmoush took a shot from distance which was easily saved. On 24 minutes Savinho was brought down and 4 minutes later he is fouled again but the free kick taken by Foden goes straight at the keeper.
On 29 minutes City do score but alas Marmoush was offside so no goal
City are having lots of possession but no plan B to beat the Liverpool defence.
On 34 minutes Liverpool get a corner which Ake gives away but luckily the corner is cleared. However a few minutes later disaster strikes yet again.
A swift Liverpool attack ends with Salah passing to Szoboszlai who easily scores. Where were the City defenders!!!!!!! City are two down with terrible defending.
Just before the interval Doku wins a corner but the ball is headed clear. It did not reach a City player!!! Only 2 minutes added and City are two down at half time.
No changes at half time. On 46 minutes City win a corner but the ball is headed over the bar.
On 56 minutes Liverpool score again - an easy task for Jones from a pass by Szoboszlai but VAR are checking it for offside and thank goodness the goal does not stand.
On 60 minutes Liverpool get a corner and Robertson shoots well over the bar.
Three minutes later Ederson has to save from Diaz. Then City made a change - off goes De Bruyne who had not been at his best - well below in fact. On came McAtee.
On 71 minutes Doku who had been City's best player today had a go at goal but the keeper saved. Then 4 minutes later good work by Savinho gave Lewis a chance but the ball went into the side netting.
Pep then made three changes - on came Kovacic, Dias and Gundogan for Gonzalez, Ake and Marmoush. No doubt saving them for Spurs in midweek.
Not much more action from City as Liverpool with the three points just defended in depth.
If City are going to end up in the top 4 they are going to have to make some changes in the way they play.

City made 4 changes from the Liverpool game. Haaland returned and in came Nunes, Kovacic and Dias. Both De Bruyne and Foden were on the bench.
On three minutes City won a free kick when Nunes was fouled. A couple of minutes later Spurs won a corner and Ederson has to make a save following a cross by Maddison.
A minute or so later Haaland had a shot saved following good work by Savinho and Nunes. On 11 minutes City scored. Doku passed to Haaland who had the easy task of beating the keeper for his 28th goal of the season in all competitions - glad you were back!!!!!!!
On 17 minutes Spurs won a corner and a few minutes later Doku shot from outside the penalty area but his effort was saved. Ten minutes later and it should have been two nil, A great pass by Doku found Savinho in a good position but his shot was miss hit and the ball sailed over the bar. Doku was really dangerous down the left wing.
A couple of minutes later and Haaland had a shot saved following a pass from Doku.
Then Nunes was fouled and Bentancur got a yellow card. Then Savinho had an effort blocked as City dominated the game.
On 33 minutes Marmoush is brought down but his free kick is blocked.
Just before half time a cross by Porro is headed by Danso and Ederson has to make a save.
Early in the second half Marmoush wins a free kick but Doku shoots wide following the free kick. On 53 minutes Gvardiol gives Savinho a chance but his shot is blocked.
Then City are lucky when a cross by Porro gives Odobert a chance but the ball just goes wide.
On 57 minutes Savinho is fouled and Maddison gets a yellow card. 2 minutes later and Ederson has to save a header by Danso. Spurs are having more of the play now and putting pressure on City.
Then Ederson has to save again this time from Odobert. Then Spurs win a corner and Ederson saves from Bentancur. After a shot from Savinho is blocked Spurs start to make changes.
On 67 minutes a header by Johnson goes too high and Ederson does not have to make a save.
Then City make some changes. Foden comes on for Marmoush and Silva replaces Gonzalez. On 83 minutes Son has a shot saved by Ederson as Spurs tried to level the scores Then Foden was fouled by Sarr who got a yellow card.
Just before 90 minutes McAtee came on for Savinho and then in the 4 minutes added time City made more changes - Grealish for Doku and Gundogan for Kovacic
Haaland did score in the final seconds but after umpteen minutes of VAR the goal was disallowed for hand ball.
A better performance by City with Ederson and Doku the best players and Haaland was pretty good too.

Plymouth A 3-1 home March1st FA Cup

City only made 11 changes for this cup tie!!!!! There were starts for McAtee. O'Reilly and a debut for Reis. A strong bench - just in case Plymouth gave us a shock!
It looked like Bernardo and Grealish were on the wing with Foden at centre forward.
Not ideal!
It took almost 4 minutes for City to get their first shot in and one by Grealish was blocked. On 11 minutes City won a corner won by Foden and Grealish had a shot blocked. Following the corner it was Foden's turn to have an effort blocked
On 13 minutes a header from Gundogan went wide from a cross by De Bruyne.
City continued to press and efforts by McAtee and Gundogan failed to find the net.
On 21 minutes Plymouth actually came into our half!
Then City won a couple of corners and on 27 minutes Gundogan hit the post with a shot and the ball was cleared. Ten minutes later and Plymouth won a corner when Reis had to clear a cross. Disaster then struck. In came the ball following the corner and up jumped Talovierov to head into the goal to give Plymouth the lead. Ortega had stayed on his line and no City player jumped with the scorer.
A poor goal to give away
On 40 minutes De Bruyne had a shot blocked and from the corner Foden crossed and Reis tried a header which just went wide.
Three minutes later a shot from De Bruyne was well saved for a corner. Ake's header from the corner was close but no goal. Just on 45 minutes McAtee was fouled and in the added one minute the great free kick by De Bruyne was headed into the goal by O'Reilly to level the scores. Hurrah!!1 At last City scored.
At half time Dias replaced Ake who was injured. On 50 minutes a good City attack by Gundogan ended with Benardo having a shot saved.
6 minutes later Lewis shot well over the bar. Lots of City pressure now and shortly after Haaland came on for McAtee.
On 60 minutes Foden shot wide and then De Bruyne was injured and Plymouth made 3 changes. De Bruyne was soon back in action and had a shot saved.
City were really putting on the pressure now and efforts by Foden and Haaland failed to find the net.
City continued to win corners and Lewis did have a go from outside the box but his effort was blocked. Then on 75 minutes Haaland almost scored from close range.
This was followed by a shot from Benardo which was blocked. Then a header from Dias from close range following a corner was blocked.
On 75 minutes following a corner a cross by Foden was met by O'Reilly and he netted the ball to give City the well deserved lead. 2-1 to City - at last!!!!!
On 83 minutes City made another change Gonzalez coming on for Foden. Then on 90 minutes Haaland had a shot saved following a break and taking the rebound from the keeper Haaland passed to De Bruyne who had run into a good position and Kevin scored from close range to make it 3-1 and game over. It was De Bruyne's 10th goal in the FA Cup.
There were five added minutes but no more goals so City move on towards Wembley yet again!
A difficult game for City as Plymouth defended in depth for most of the game.
O'Reilly had a good game and De Bruyne showed much better form.

Pep made 9 changes from the Plymouth cup tie. Only Foden and Benardo remained in a strong side to take on Forest in third place.
An early foul on Savinho won a free kick for City but a minute later Nunes gave away a corner to the home side. On 7 minutes Haaland had a chance but his effort just went wide. 7 minutes later Gonzalez hits the post from outside the box. Then Haaland shot just wide from outside the penalty area.
On 26 minutes Doku is fouled by Gibbs-White who is booked. On 31 minutes Ederson has to rush out and head the ball clear.
Then Gonzalez gets a yellow card for a foul on Dominguez. It is not the most exciting games alas and City are not at their best.
On 34 minutes Benardo shot well wide and a few minutes later Gvardiol won a free kick and the City attack ends in a goal kick.
On 39 minutes Gibbs-White shot over the bar and a few minutes later Doku has an effort saved. After Ederson had an easy save there was a delay when Nunes was injured. So no score at half time and it was not the best of first halves to watch.
There was an early save for Ederson to make from a shot from Dominguez. On 49 minutes Khusanov won a free kick for a foul by Wood. Then at a Forest corner Gibbs -White headed wide. On 56 minutes at a City corner Benardo had a shot blocked.
Then Nunes got a yellow card for a bad foul. 5 minutes later City made 2 changes - Kovacic for Gonzalez and Lewis for Nunes.
On 67 minutes Ederson had to make a very good save from a shot from Hudson-Odoi. After Doku had a shot blocked City made 2 more changes - De Bruyne for Foden and Marmoush for Savinho.
On 76 minutes Marmoush was fouled and Yates got a yellow card. The free kick taken by De Bruyne was saved.
Then disaster arrived. A long pass from Gibbs-White went to Hudson-Odoi who cut in and shot past Ederson at his near post. i think he should have saved it. So Forest were ahead and City failed to cause any major problems in the remaining minutes so the move to third place failed.
Not the best of games to watch with no City stars!!!!

City made 4 changes from the Notts Forest game. Ederson was injured so Ortega was in goal. Foden, Benardo and Nunes were on the bench. With Savinho, Doku, and Marmoush helping Haaland up front it was an attacking team. City had a very good home record against Brighton with ten wins on the trot so we were hopeful.
However it was not the ideal start as an early 3 minute attack by the visitors led to a cross by Mitoma going to Pedro who missed with his shot.
2 minutes later Brighton scored but the goal was disallowed for hand ball -thankfully!!
Then City went ahead! Haaland passed the ball to Marmoush who ran forward and was brought down by Webster on the edge of the goal box. Penalty to City and Haaland sent the keeper the wrong was to give City the lead. It was his 100th Premier League goal incident - in 94 games - 84 goals and 16 assists.
On 15 minutes Brighton won a corner off Gvardiol but no great danger for City. Then Mitoma got a yellow card for a foul on Savinho. A little earlier both Savinho and Pedro had been booked too.
On 20 minutes Nico fouled Rutter on the edge of the area and from the free kick taken by Estupinan the ball went into the City goal via the post So Brighton were level and should Ortega have done better ?
On 23 minutes Savinho had a shot saved by the keepers feet!
3 minutes later Doku was fouled and Baleba got a yellow card. Then Brighton got a corner and following a cross by Estupinan the header by van Hecke went wide.
At the other end Haaland shot over the bar and then Savinho shot wide after good work by Marmoush.
Brighton were very dangerous going forward and on 35 minutes Minteh shot wide luckily for the sky blues.
After a miss by Gundogan on 38 minutes a minute later Marmoush took a pass from Gundogan and cracked the ball into the Brighton net to give City the lead again. Hurrah!!!!!
Then Brighton hit back and there were chances to Gomez and Pedro which went just wide.
So at half time City were ahead 2-1 and needed that third goal. It was a very open goal with Brighton doing a lot of attacking.
There was an early disaster for City when at a corner a shot by Webster went to Hinshelwood and then Khusanov and into the City goal for an own goal!! 2 all!
On 50 minutes a shot from Baleba went wide and 8 minutes later Benardo came on for Savinho. Then Doku got a yellow card for simulation - obvious !!!!
On 62 minutes Ortega has to save from Mitoma and a few minutes later Marmoush shot wide following a free kick for a foul on Benardo.
Haaland had a chance on 74 minutes after a cross from Benardo but alas it went wide.
Then Benardo was injured and was replaced by Foden. 4 minutes later Nico hit the post with a header and on 81 minutes City had a let off when Baleba shot over the bar when he should have scored. De Bruyne came on for Marmoush on 86 minutes but the score remained the same and City failed to get the vital three points.
Doku and Marmoush did well but the defence were giving too much room to the opposition with players often failing to run back quickly on a break by the opposition.