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.

Bournemouth 2-1 away March 30th FA Cup

For this vital game Pep made 6 changes - Ederson returned to goal - no Lewis and Nico in defence and no Doku and Savinho in attack. So the team was Ederson, Nunes, Khusanov,Dias, Gvardiol: Benardo, Kovacic, Gundogan: Foden, De Bruyne and Haaland.
Bournemouth put on early pressure and won a corner on 3 minutes. They failed to take advantage of it and then 2 minutes later Gundogan fouled Semenyo and on 8 minutes he brought down Adams. Luckily for City the free kick taken by Kluivert sailed over the bar.
On ten minutes Haaland had a chance but his header from a cross from Nunes went wide. A minute or so later a pass by Benardo Silva hit the outstretched arm of Adams and the ref awarded a penalty to City. Haaland took it as usual but alas he failed to find the corner with enough power and Kepa dived in the right direction to save it - disaster - what a miss - we did not expect that!
On 14 minutes Ederson has to punch away a free kick taken by Kluivert. Then Haaland goes on a break but his effort goes over the goal .
4 minutes later and Semenyo gets the ball off Nunes and breaks but luckily for City he shoots wide. Then disaster struck - Nunes made a poor crossfield long pass - straight to the opposition and Brooks crossed and Kluivert passed to Evanilson who scored.
So instead of being a goal up City were a goal down !!!!
On 22 minutes Kepa had to save from Gundogan and a few minutes later he saved from Nunes. On 36 minutes Khusanov brings down Kluivert and gets a yellow card - the first of the game. Just before half time De Bruyne shot over the bar.
Not the best of City in that first half - several chances missed alas.
City made a change for the second half - on came O'Reilly for Khusanov. Gvardiol has gone to the centre and O'Reilly to left back
On 47 minutes Foden has a go but his shot is easily saved. Then a minute later City scored. O'Reilly dashed down the left wing - crossed to Haaland who scored from close range to level the scores - great stuff - what a sub!!!!!
It was Haaland's 30th goal for City this season. Then on 56 minutes Haaland crashes into the adverting boards following a tackle by Cook. He returned to the pitch for a short time and then he was subbed by Marmoush.
On 63 minutes Christie got a yellow card fro pulling back Kovacic. Then City took the lead.
O'Reilly passed to Marmoush who shot past the keeper to make it 2-1 for City.
It was Marmoush's first touch!!!! A few minutes later he nearly scored again when his header was cleared off the line. On 68 minutes Grealish came on for Foden and almost straight away he is fouled by Cook who got a yellow card.
On 82 minutes Gundogan hit the post with a shot and was subbed shortly after by McAtee and Gonzalez came on for Kovacic.
Despite 7 added minutes City held out to win and now have their 7th consecutive Wembley cup semi-final to look forward too - against Notts Forest.
It was a much better second half performance by City and they deserved to win.
I hope Haaland is back soon.

City made 6 changes from the cup game. The team was Ederson, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly: Nico, Gundogan, Savinho, Grealish, Doku, Marmoush
Obviously no Haaland ( injured - will miss 5 weeks) and good to see O'Reilly at left back after his recent performance.
With the United game coming up on Sunday both De Bruyne and Foden were resting on the bench.
In the first minute a cross by Doku was headed by Marmoush and saved by the keeper. Then a minute later City scored!
Doku won the ball - passed to Savinho who passed to Grealish who shot past the keeper to make it one nil. It was his first goal for almost 16 months and well deserved. No Pep on the touchline as he was suffering a one game suspension!
Lillo was 'the boss' on the line.
A load of City fans also missed the goal. They had been protesting about possible ticket prices etc.
On 7 minutes Gundogan won a free kick for a foul as City continued to attack but we had a bit of a shock 8 minutes later when Leicester got into our half and Khannouss shot just wide and Ederson had to dive!!
Then on 29 minutes City scored again - Dias passed into the penalty area and the Leicester keeper made an error and Marmoush took advantage and shot into the net to make it two nil . A few minutes later Marmoush had another shot blocked.
Then Vardy was booked for foul on Marmoush. City piled on the pressure and a shot by Savinho was really well saved by Hermansen.
No more goals alas by City before half time. 38 year old Vardy was subbed by Skipp .
Early in the second half Grealish had a go but missed and then he gave O'Reilly a chance but his shot was blocked. Leicester made a couple of changes as the City pressure increased.
On 70 minutes Justin was booked for a foul on Marmoush and a few minutes later Thomas got a yellow card for a foul on Savinho. Then City made a sub - McAtee came on for Doku and he soon had a chance but his shot went wide.
On 80 minutes Nico got a yellow card for a foul on Pereira.
There was a big cheer when Oscar Bobb came on for Savinho - his first game this season since breaking his leg pre-season.
City made 2 very late changes - Reis for Gvardiol and Lewis for Gundogan.
An easy three points as expected for City. Shame only two goals but Leicester defended in depth to keep the score down.
City move into the 4th place and we hope that Spurs will beat Chelsea on Thursday.

This must have been one of the worst games between City and United I have ever seen!! It is not often I make a comment at the start of my match report but there was such a lack of good football, energy, effort and feeling.
Anyway back to the usual! Pep made 4 changes bringing in Foden, Benardo, Kovacic and of course De Bruyne as skipper. No Savinho and Doku - both on bench.
O'Reilly kept the left back position.
There was almost a disaster in the first minute when Dias brought down Garnacho right on the edge of the penalty area. United wanted a penalty but VAR said no but Dias did get a yellow card. Not ideal in the first minute with City's lack of defenders at the moment. Anyway Fernandes took the free kick and it was deflected for a corner.
On 11minutes Foden tries a shot from distance but the ball goes wide. Shortly after Foden is injured but he is soon OK. On 18 minutes De Bruyne tries a shot but it is too weak and easily saved by the keeper. A minute later United miss a chance. A good cross by Dalot reaches Garnacho who fails to score On 26 minutes Dorgu takes a pass from Fernandes and shoots well over the bar.
On 38 minutes we see a shot! This time its from Gundogan from miles out and it goes a yard wide.
Shortly after Ederson has to make a save - an easy one from Fernandes .
There are 2 added minutes but nothing happens and the boring first half ends goalless.
In the first minute of the second half a stupid foul by Benardo earns him a yellow card. Don't they teach players how to tackle nowadays!!!
On 47 minutes Marmoush passed to Foden who was in a good position to score but he was tackled by Mazraoui from behind.
5 minutes later De Bruyne has a shot but alas it's a tame one right at Onana. Then Ederson has to punch away a cross
On 57 minutes Doku came on for Foden and Lindelof for Maguire
Then 4 minutes later Dias makes a great block from a low cross from Dorgu. He used his body to block as he was on the ground. United shout for a penalty but VAR says no - thank goodness!
On 64 minutes City got a free kick and Onana has to save from Marmoush. 2 minutes later and Dalot fouled Doku and got a yellow card. Shortly after Onana has to make a save from a strong effort by Marmoush.
On 70 minutes Ugarte hits a volley just wide.
Then City made 2 changes Grealish and Lewis came on for Gundogan and O'Reilly.
On 75 minutes Benardo is tripped by Mount who gets a yellow card. A minute later Ederson has to make a very good save from Zirkzee. There is another yellow card on 83 minutes when Marmoush is brought down This time its Yoro who gets the yellow card.
there were 4 minutes added but very little happened so the game ended goalless.
A match easily forgotten. No real stars on either side.
I was hoping to see a better performance by De Bruyne but alas he was not at his best today.
The battle for the Champions League goes on and City must start winning every game.

Pep made 4 changes from the terrible game at United. The team was Ederson, Lewis, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly: Nico, Kovacic, Gundogan, De Bruyne, McAtee and Marmoush. Grealish, Doku and Savinho were on the bench. Foden was out - ill.
There were a few early offsides and then on 4 minutes Kovacic passed to McAtee and his shot was easily saved.
Then there was an early disaster ! Munoz passes to Sarr and his cross was easily met by Eze who scored to give the visitors the lead after just 8 minutes. Where were the defenders??
On 13 minutes De Bruyne made a good pass to Marmoush whose shot was saved. Then De Bruyne had an effort blocked and there was a penalty shout but it ended with a corner which went straight to the keeper.
City won a few free kicks but on 20 minutes Palace won a corner and in the well filled goal area Richards headed into the City goal from close range. Ederson appeared to be blocked but the goal was given and Palace were two up - unbelievable!!!!!!!
4 minutes later De Bruyne hit the post with a shot from outside the area.
After a shot from Sarr went over the bar Eze scored again but luckily for City his big toe was offside - very close indeed!!!
On 30 minutes Nico was fouled and Kamada got a yellow card. The free kick outside the area was taken by De Bruyne and the ball flew into the net to make it
2-1. A great free kick A few minutes later a header from McAtee from a cross by Marmoush went wide.
On 35 minutes McAtee crossed the ball to De Bruyne who headed to Gundogan who failed to control the ball but luckily the ball ran to Marmoush who cracked it into the net to level the scores. Magic!!!!!!!
Before half time Nico got a yellow card for a foul on Mateta and in added time De Bruyne had a shot which went over the bar.
Well that was an exciting half - what a change from last week.
Palace made one change at half time and City gave Hughes the sub a great welcome by scoring a goal! On 47 minutes O'Reilly passed to De Bruyne who passed perfectly to Kovacic and he cracked the ball into the Palace net from outside the penalty area. So City had gone into the lead after being two down - amazing!
A minute or so later Marmoush passed to McAtee who should have scored but alas he missed.
City then won several free kicks one of which got Lacroix a yellow card. Then on 56 minutes came a great moment. Ederson took a very long kick and it reached McAtee who managed to control the ball beat the keeper and shoot into the empty goal to make it 4-2 . Incredible - he did a summersault to celebrate.
This was a different City from the one against United and much better from the first 20 minutes of this game.
On 60 minutes City had several efforts - Marmoush had a shot saved, Gundogan had a shot blocked and finally a McAtee header went wide.
8 minutes later McAtee got a yellow card for a foul on Lerma. Then City had to make a sub. Ederson appeared to have a problem so Ortega came on.
On 78 minutes a defensive header came to O'Reilly who scored his first Premier League goal and the score - 5-2 for City - after being two down - amazing.
City then made changes. Savinho came on for McAtee and Bobb for Marmoush.
Crystal Palace made some attacks and Ortega had to make a save.
City then made 2 more changes - Doku for Kovacic and Grealish for De Bruyne who got a big cheer.
Kevin De Bruyne had been back to his best form and I just hope he does not go at the end of the season.
There were 7 minutes added but no more goals for City. So City move into 4th position after this excellent performance.

Pep made 4 changes from the last game. In came Ortega, Nunes, Savinho and Benardo. There was a strong bench as well with Grealish, Doku, Foden and Kovacic waiting for the right moment. City were in their maroon shirts today. It was not going to be an easy game as Everton had been in good form recently.
O'Reilly made an early dash down the wing but Everton cleared the danger. On 8 minutes there was an Everton threat when Harrison failed to get to a cross from Mykolenko. 2 minutes later City won a free kick when O'Reilly was fouled by Harrison.
On 11 minutes Marmoush gives Tarkowski a push and it's a free kick to Everton.
Three minutes later we have a shot on goal by Nunes and Pickford has to make a good save - City corner - ball is cleared but there is a shout for a penalty by Savinho!
Lots of passing but not much action for keepers. Then on 29 minutes Dias gives away a corner and Tarkowski hits the post with a header and City manage to clear.
in the remaining minutes of a very dull first half City won a few free kicks and De Bruyne had a shot blocked and Nico shot high and wide. No added time said the ref !
No changes at half time by either side.
Two minutes in and Ortega has to save a header by Branthwaite - it was a very good save. City then had to block a couple of shots. Then Everton suffered a blow when Tarkowski was injured and was replaced by Keane who got a yellow card a few minutes later!
On 61 minutes Ortega has to save from Doucoure. Then Savinho is fouled by Gueye who gets a yellow card. After Everton made a substitution - Beto for Broja - City had several efforts blocked.
Then after a miss by Marmoush Gundogan had a shot saved easily by Pickford. Dias is kept busy in the City defence as Everton increase pressure.
On 72 minutes Savinho has a shot saved after good work by Marmoush. 4 minutes later and Pep makes 2 changes - Doku for Savinho and Kovacic for Nico Gonzalez.
Ten minutes later Marmoush makes a long pass but his shot is saved. Following the cornier City attack again and Benardo passes to Nunes who crosses and there is O'Reilly to score from close range. A vital goal to give City the lead.
On 86 minutes Doku is fouled and Iroegbunam gets a yellow card. 2 minutes later after Marmoush just misses the goal City made a late change Akanji coming on for De Bruyne.
There were 5 minutes of added time and on 92 minutes Kovacic made it two nil taking a pass from Gundogan and shooting past the keeper.
Not the best of games with O'Reilly the best player. De Bruyne was off form alas so we hope he is back to form on Tuesday with the important game against Villa.

Pep made 2 changes for this vital game. With Ederson still out injured Ortega continued in goal. The back four were Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol and O 'Reilly. Kovacic and Gundogan were in midfield and up front were De Bruyne, Benardo, McAtee and Marmoush. So no wingers - interesting!
There was almost a disaster in the first minute! Tielemans put the ball through to Rashford whose shot hit the far post and bounced to Ortega - what an escape after just 18 seconds!!!
Then City won a corner after a run by Marmoush but it was easily cleared. Then on 7 minutes City took the lead. Marmoush dashed down the left wing - cut into the box and crossed and there was Benardo who shot with his right foot and despite the efforts of the keeper the ball found the back of the net and City were one up - brilliant.
On 15 minutes Ramsey goes down after a tackle by Dias but the ref says play on but alas Mr VAR tells the ref to look at his screen and lo and behold a penalty is given. Pep is given a yellow card for his protests.
Rashford takes the penalty and sends Ortega the wrong way so Villa level the score.
On 22 minutes a cross by Marmoush is headed straight at the keeper by De Bruyne.
Three minutes later Kovacic shoots from 20 yards out but it's an easy save for Martinez.
City then have a couple of long throw-ins to deal with before wining another corner. Gvardiol fails to control his header which goes wide. On 35 minutes De Bruyne is fouled and Digne gets a yellow card.
A couple of minutes later O'Reilly crosses but the header by Marmoush is well wide.
On 39 minutes Ortega manages to get the ball off Rashford. 4 minutes were added to the first half but not much action and it remains one all.
4 minutes into the second half and O'Reilly burst down the middle but is brought down by Rogers who got a yellow card.
City won several corners putting pressure on the visitors but no good chances. On 60 minutes City go close - a good pass from De Bruyne finds McAtee who just fails to find the net with his looped effort.
After De Bruyne was fouled a shot from Kovacic was saved and then Rashford had a chance at the other end but his shot hit the side netting.
On 65 minutes O 'Reilly squares the ball to McAtee but alas the City forward fails to make contact. Then another cross by O'Reilly but the header from Gvardiol is well wide. After a foul on Tielemans Gvardiol gets a yellow card
Then City make a change - Doku is on for McAtee and Villa make changes including Watkins for Rashford.
Nunes is booked for a foul on McGinn and Marmoush then scores but alas he is offside so no goal.
After a couple of yellow cards for Watkins and Benardo Villa win a corner which ends with an easy save for Ortega.
5 minutes are added and City win their 9th corner. A Dias effort is saved but shortly after a dash down the left wing by Doku ends with a dangerous cross which is met by Nunes who cracks it into the goal to City victory. Wow what a way to win a vital game. It was Nunes' first Premier League goal. Pep went mad and celebrated.
So City move to third place and there is more hope for a Champions League place.

City made three changes for Wembley. In came Grealish, Lewis and Savinho. To the bench went De Bruyne, Gundogan and McAtee. Interesting team with Foden and De Bruyne on the bench.
There was a great start for City - just before 2 minutes Kovacic passed to Lewis who took a shot from the edge of the penalty area. The ball flew into the corner past the keeper and City were a goal up - incredible!!!!!. Lewis was given room to take his shot and it had a very positive result. That silenced the Forest fans!!
On 9 minutes City claimed Danilo handled to block a shot but VAR said NO. On 13 minutes City win a free kick but the kick taken by Marmoush goes straight to a defender - pity!!
City are well on top and on 16 minutes Marmoush shoots well wide. 2 minutes later and City win a corner but that ends with a Benardo cross to the keeper.
On 23 minutes Forest get a free kick after a foul by Dias and the ball gets into the City box but up goes the offside flag so that attack is over.
4 minutes later and O'Reilly gets past two players but his shot is wide. Forest try to get back into the game but the offside flag goes up yet again.
A few poor passes by City are giving Forest a chance to attack . On 34 minutes O'Reilly is fouled but the City attack is blocked yet again. Three minutes later and Savinho has a go at goal but the legs of a defender block his effort.
Just before half time Marmoush is brought down by Abbott and Toffolo has to head away the Benardo free kick. Only a minute is added to the first half.
There was hardly a Forest shot in the first half and City had 75% possession.
Forest made a change for the second half - Elanga is on for Danilo.
There was an early Forest attack in the second half and a dangerous cross came to Elanga and thankfully for City he shot went wide.
On 47 minutes City got a free kick and City shouted for a penalty after Sels saved from Nunes but a corner was given and Marmoush took it. Lo and behold up rose Gvardiol to head past the keeper to make it two nil to City! A great header!
Game over? I hope so!
On 54 minutes a high boot by Grealish earns him a yellow card. City continue to attack and an effort by Marmoush is tipped over the bar. Then on 66 minutes City escape disaster when a good volley by Gibbs-White bounces off the crossbar.
It was odd that he then got a yellow card - maybe using naughty words!
Then a few minutes later Gvardiol loses the ball and Gibbs-White has another good chance but while he rounds Ortega his final effort hits the post and comes out - Wow - another escape for City - their lucky day.
On 70 minutes City make a change Gundogan comes on for Grealish. After Ortega made an easy save from a cross O 'Reilly got himself booked for a foul on Elanga.
City clear the free kick and then they have yet another lucky escape.
Awoniyi hits the post and Ortega has to make a good save from Gibbs-White.
Then City make two more changes. On come Foden and Doku for Savinho and Marmoush
With a minute to go City make a final change Nico Gonzalez comes on for Kovacic who had played really well.
The City fans do the Poznan as the 4 minutes added time starts. Forest win a few corners but City clear and on a break Doku is fouled by Sosa who is booked.
So City are through to the final once more - this time against Crystal Palace.
A good team performance by City with good defending and a good decision to play Lewis.

Pep made 4 changes - Ederson was back in goal - De Bruyne for Grealish - Doku for Savinho and Gundogan for Lewis. It was Benardo's 400th game for City and it was good to see Haaland on the bench.
After the usual quiet start City upped the tempo and Dias had a go at goal from outside the penalty area but his effort went wide.
On 3 minutes Wolves went on a break following a poor City pass and luckily for City the shot from Cunha went well wide. On 6 minutes Wolves won a corner but it was over hit and the ball went for a goal kick.
On 10 minutes Nunes is fouled and City get a free kick. Benardo takes it but the ball ends up with the keeper.
2 minutes later Wolves get a free kick when Kovacic fouls Gomes. On 19 minutes De Bruyne goes down the right wing and crosses but the result is Marmoush shooting over the bar.
On 21 minutes Wolves miss a great chance. Andre passes to Bellegarde who should be shooting himself but he passes to Munetsi who fails to get to the cross.
6 minutes later and City have another escape. Wolves attack dow the left wing and Ait-Nouri hits the post and the ball comes out and he has another go but Gvardiol clears off the line.On 28 minutes City win a corner but it is cleared. Then O'Reilly has a go but his effort goes wide.
Just when we were getting worried about scoring along came Kevin De Bruyne to cheer us up. Gundogan passed to Doku and he passed it back to De Bruyne who cracked it into the Wolves net to give City the lead - Great stuff - at last!
It was soon half time with City having most possession but Wolves having the best chances.
On 51 minutes Marmoush is injured after a tackle by Gomes but he comes back on so no Haaland yet!
Then O 'Reilly loses the ball twice and Cunha hits the City post with Ederson beaten - lucky City yet again. Pep then makes a sub - off comes O'Reilly and on comes Akanji.
On 62 minutes De Bruyne wins a corner but the keeper catches the kick. After a couple of corners by Wolves an excellent run by Doku ends with Marmoush firing high and wide.
On 69 minutes Kovacic takes a pass from Benardo but his shot is poor. On 82 minutes City made three changes - Foden came on for De Bruyne, Lewis for Gundogan and McAtee for Marmoush.
As extra time started City made a final change Gonzalez for Kovacic and in the final minute Wolves got a corner and their keeper rushed up to help . City cleared it so they got the three points and moved to third position for a few hours.
Not the best of games with the best players being Benardo Silva and Doku.

City made 5 changes from the Wolves game. In came Lewis, Foden, McAtee and the return of Akanji and Haaland. So no wingers ! That might be a problem.
At least Haaland was back since his last game in March.
City got a corner in the first minute but that was cleared. Then on 7 minutes De Bruyne won a free kick for a foul by Ugochukwu. The keeper saved the shot.
5 minutes later City won a corner given away by defenders -almost an own goal. It was cleared for a throw-in.
On 15 minutes Kovacic had a shot blocked. 5 minutes later there was a bit of a surprise when Southampton won a free kick - a foul by McAtee!
It was all City with the home side defending in depth. On the half hour De Bruyne was pulled back outside the box but his free kick went just over the bar.
On 37 minutes there was a short delay for an injury to Akanji and surprise surprise the home side actually had a shot which was blocked.
On 40 minutes efforts by Dias were blocked and saved. A few minutes later Kovacic was fouled by Ugochukwu who got a yellow card.
Following the free kick a header by Akanji went wide of the goal. In the 2 minutes added City went close again at a corner but alas no goals at half time.
It was no surprise that Doku came on for McAtee for the second half.
After a short delay for injuries to 2 Southampton players Kovacic won a corner when his shot was deflected. The keeper punched the ball away and two minutes later Foden was fouled by Downes who got a yellow card.
After Gvardiol won a free kick a shot by Foden from outside the box is close but no goal alas!
A few minutes later a shot from Benardo is deflected for a corner. Southampton did have a shot which was blocked by Dias for a corner which was cleared by Akanji.
On 69 minutes City got a corner and a header by Akanji was saved by the keeper.
Then City made two more changes - Savinho for Foden and O'Reilly for Lewis.
On 78 minutes Akanji just misses with a shot from outside the penalty area.
City pile on the pressure but just cannot score. On 83 minutes Savinho gets a headed pass from Haaland but alas the effort goes wide.
Then City make another change - Marmoush comes on for Kovacic.
On 87 minutes a shot from De Bruyne from outside the box is saved. 7 minutes are added to the second half so there is still time for City to score.
In the first minute of added time Marmoush has a great shot but alas it hits the bar
City failed to find the net in the closing minutes so two vital points were lost.
The battle for a top 5 finish goes on. Haaland was hardly in the game. Benardo too was off form - as was De Bruyne.
Were they all getting ready for Wembley next week ?????

City made 5 changes so the team for Wembley was Ortega, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly Benardo, De Bruyne, Savinho, Marmoush, Doku and Haaland. So it was a strong attacking side. Was it going to be Kevin De Bruyne's final game for City? In 32 Cup games he was scored 10 goals and 18 assists. City were in their 14th Cup final and had won 7 times.
In the first minute Gvardiol was injured in a head clash but was soon OK. A few minutes later danger man Eze was fouled by Akanji. Then on 6 minutes a good cross by De Bruyne finds Haaland but his shot is well saved by Henderson. A minute later an error by Henderson gives City a corner but that was easily cleared.
City are dominating play but hardly a shot at goal! On 11 minutes another City corner ends with Gvardiol's header being saved by Henderson. A couple of minutes later a cross by Benardo wins a corner which is headed over the bar by Akanji.
Then on 15 minutes we had a disaster . For the first time Palace went on a break and Mateta passed to Munoz who dashed down the right wing and crossed. There was Eze who shot past Ortega to give Palace the lead. It was only the second time they had been over the halfway line.
On 19 minutes another break nearly gives them number two but Ortega manages to save from Sarr.
Then on 22 minutes Haaland went on a break taking a long pass from Gvardiol. However he was thwarted by Henderson who had come rushing out from goal. Then VAR became involved. Henderson did handle the ball just outside the penalty area. Would that be a red card!!!!!!
Luckily for Crystal Palace Henderson stayed on the field so no red card.
On 32 minutes Benardo is brought down in the penalty area by Mitchell so the ref gives a penalty to City. VAR are checking it and Haaland is holding the ball . When the penalty is confirmed by VAR the ball is passed to Marmoush. He takes the penalaty shooting to the left corner but Henderson dives across and saves the shot and also the rebound.
What a miss! Why did Haaland not take it ???? Well he has missed 3 of 7 penalties this season!
Just before half time Doku curls an effort towards goal but Henderson makes a good save.
Early in the second half Savinho has a couple of good crosses cleared and then a third one ends in Doku shooting wide. On 49 minutes a long throw ends with a shot from Eze being blocked. Then Guehi has to have treatment for a blow to his head and then Henderson puts a cap on - wow maybe the sun has come out!!!!
On 55 minutes Doku makes a good run - passes to Benardo but his cross is deflected for a corner.
The corner gets to Haaland but his 2 efforts fail to find the net.
On 57 minutes another long throw causes problems in the City defence and alas Palace score a goal but hurrah VAR have stepped in and said no goal because Sarr was offside.
On 65 minutes O'Reilly gets a yellow card for a foul on Munoz. The Palace win a corner and kamada shoots over the bar
On 71 minutes De Bruyne shoots at goal but the ball hits Whartons head. Then De Bruyne passes to O'Reilly but his effort is blocked. Plenty of City pressure but alas no goals
On 75 minutes Benardo gets a yellow card for a foul on Mateta.
Then Pep makes some changes. Foden is on for Savinho and Echeverri for Marmoush. Echeverri a 19 year old is making his debut - at Wembley!!!!
On 80 minutes City win a corner but the header by Haaland is wide. Echeverri has an effort saved and the there are two more yellow cards for City players - Dias and De Bruyne.
Gundogan came on for Benardo on 88 minutes and then ten minutes were added. Plenty of time for City to score!!!!!!
There is a late yellow card for Echeverri and In the final seconds a poor effort by Doku goes wide.
So Crystal Palace win the Cup - their first major trophy. They defended in depth and kept City at bay alas. City failed to have a plan B yet again. Lots of possession but few shots at goal.
No real stars in the City team today. City must win their last 2 league games!

Pep made 4 changes from the Wembley disaster - as expected Ederson returned to goal - O'Reilly, Doku and Savinho were replaced by Nunes, Kovacic and Gundogan. So no wingers and more defenders - plan23 !
Bournemouth caused an early problem with a long throw from Senenyo but Ederson got to it first. Then Ederson was busy a minute or so later when he saved a shot from Kluivert. Shortly after Benardo should have shot at goal but tried to pass to Marmoush. On 7 minutes Kovacic tries a shot from distance but it goes wide.
Then De Bruyne makes a good pass to Nunes but the diving keeper prevents a shot.
On 13 minutes City took the lead. Marmoush got the ball from Kovacic well out from goal. He cracked in a great shot that swerved past the keeper and into the goal via a post. A terrific shot and his 7th league goal of the season.
On 21 minutes a cross by De Bruyne goes to Haaland but his effort is saved by Kepa. Shame - Haaland has not scored for ages!!!
A minute or so later De Bruyne should have scored. A pass from Marmoush found him unmarked in front of goal but his shot hit the underside of the bar and came out and was cleared - oh dear!!
On 32 minutes the visitors almost scored. A cross by Tavernier found Evanilson and his shot hit the post - a lucky escape.
On 36 minutes Gundogan was fouled by Huijsen who was booked. Then a couple of minutes later City scored again. A strong City attack ended with Benardo Silva taking a pass from Gundogan and scoring from close range. So City were two up in this open game.
On 39 minutes a defensive error almost gives City a third chance but the ball is cleared.
Then just before half time Araujo is given a yellow card for a foul on Gvardiol. A shot from Gundogan is saved by Kepa. Only two minutes added but no more goals.
Two minutes into the second half a header from Evanilson from a cross by Kerkez goes wide. After a City free kick a shot from Nunes goes high and wide from 25 yards out.
On 54 minutes a shot from De Bruyne is blocked and ends with Dias shooting wide. A few minutes later an effort by Semenyo goes very wide. Then Benardo won a free kick and then a corner and Marmoush had a long shot blocked.
The crowd notice Rodri is warming up on the touchline - will he come on?????
Then disaster for City - Kovacic is given a red card for a foul on Evanilson ! Ederson gets a yellow card - no doubt for something he said!!
City then made a sub Gonzalez coming on for De Bruyne. On 72 minutes Cook badly fouled Gonzalez and got a red card so both teams down to ten men. On 79 minutes Haaland is fouled by Smith but the free kick taken by Marmoush goes just too high.
Then Rodri came on for Haaland and got a huge welcome by the City fans.
Tavernier got a yellow card for a handball and the City scored again. Nunes passed to Nico Gonzalez who curled the ball past the keeper to make it three nil - game over!!!!
There was 6 minutes added and City made more changes. Doku Grealish and Bobb came on for Marmoush,Gundogan and Benardo.
There was a mini disaster in the final final minutes when Jebbison shot past Ederson to make it three one.
So City moved up to third position to get nearer a Champions League place next season.
Shame we are losing Kevin De Bruyne. He was given a huge goodbye and deserved it for his brilliant displays for City since his debut.

City needed at least a draw at Fulham to be certain of qualifying for a Champions League place. Fortunately City had a good record against Fulham - winning 17 games in all competitions on the trot.
Pep made a couple of changes bringing in Nico and Doku for Kovacic (suspended) and De Bruyne. So the final league side was Ederson, Nunes, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol: Nico, Gundogan, Benardo, Marmoush, Doku, Haaland.
On 5 minutes Doku is fouled and Marmoush takes the free kick but his shot misses the top corner. Then City won a corner but a shot by Doku goes wide. Nearly all City at the moment.
On 14 minutes Gundogan is fouled by Tete on the left wing - then Doku tries to break through.
A few minutes later there was a clash of heads of Tete and Doku but both were Ok.
Then on 21 minutes Nunes dashed down the right wing swung in a cross which was only half cleared by the keeper. The ball came to Gundogan who scored with a brilliant overhead kick from 10 yards out. Incredible !!!! A great goal and just what City wanted on this special day.
There was the usual VAR check but the goal stood so City were one up.
4 minutes later Marmoush has a go but he missed. Then Ederson is brought into action.
He has to save from Wilson and then Dias has to block a shot from Traore.
After a City corner was cleared at the other end Ederson was quick to collect a loose ball but Fulham continued to attack and Cairney had an effort blocked.
On 40 minutes Marmoush had a shot blocked after they had won a corner. Then back came Fulham and Ederson had to save from Wilson. City did have some half chances just before half time. So City led one nil at the interval
On 48 minutes City got a corner and a header from Gvardiol was saved by the keepers face!
There was a slight delay for some treatment to the keeper Leno. On 53 minutes a header by Akanji following a corner just missed, Shortly after a shot from Haaland is blocked.
On 59 minutes Nunes wins a free kick and Gundogan passes to Haaland but his header is wide.
After City won a free kick Fulham made 2 changes and after a Fulham free kick Jimenez shot high and wide - where was Ederson!!!!!
On 69 minutes Gundogan is brought down by Lukic in the penalty area and City have a penalty.
Haaland takes the penalty and sends the keeper the wrong way as he fires the ball into the net. So City lead by two nil - game over - I hope!
City then make a change - Savinho coming on for Doku. The City fans do the Poznan - what else!!!!!
On 76 minutes a shot from Haaland is too high alas. Then Fulham attack and Gvardiol and Dias have work to do to keep a clean sheet. On 82 minutes Foden comes on for Marmoush.
A few minutes later and Pep makes 2 more changes - De Bruyne comes on for Gundogan and Echeverri is on for Haaland.
The ref adds just 4 minutes and after he was injured Ederson makes a good save from Berge.
So City sealed their third place in the Premier League and Champions League games next season.
The two best players today were Gundogan and Ederson and it's a fond farewell to Kevin De Bruyne

This competition in the USA gave City to give debuts to new players. The team Pep picked was Ederson, Lewis, Reis, Ake, O'Reilly: Reijnders, Foden, Cherki, Savinho, Doku, Marmoush.
So a strong team and a very good bench too!
There was an amazing start for City. After some inter passing Doku ran down the wing chasing a long pass. He crosses to Foden who passes to Savinho who crosses but the keeper manages to push it away but straight to Foden who cracks it into the net with his left foot and City were ahead in the first minute or so. Great stuff!!!!
City almost made it two nil on 8 minutes but a shot by Marmoush just went wide. 2 minutes later Wydad had a good chance. A break ended with Lorch just failing to reach a cross.
On 14 minutes Lorch intercepts a pass and tries a long shot from the half way line. Fortunately Ederson managed to get back to his goal and catch the ball. On 16 minutes Savinho is fouled by Mailula who got a yellow card. Foden's free kick is headed over for a corner City continue to pressure Wydad and at another corner a header by Ake goes wide.
City will have to be careful as Wydad are dangerous when they break.
On 27 minutes Marmoush has another go but the ball goes wide. 4 minutes later and Ederson has to save from Mailula.
On 37 minutes Cherki passes to Foden but his shot is well saved by the keeper. It's a City corner which Foden takes and the ball reaches Doku at the far post and he shoots into the goal to make it two nil to City.
3 minutes were added but no more goals so City lead at half time.
No changes for City in the second half who attacked in the first minute but the keeper manages to beat Marmoush to the ball.
A minute later Moufid shot wide from distance for Wydad. Then at a City corner a Reis header goes wide, When the keeper lost possession City had a chance but Doku fails to take advantage.
On 60 minutes City made 3 changes. On came Haaland, Rodri and Bobb for Foden, Doku and Cherki. Good to see Rodri play again.
9 minutes later and Gundogan comes on for Marmoush. It really is very warm and the game had slowed down a lot. On 74 minutes Lewis passed to Haaland but his shot went wide.
Several red flares appeared in the stand and the ref stopped play for a minute or so.
With only a minute or so to go there was a disaster for City. Lewis went to tackle Obeng - he took the ball but in the follow up he appeared to collide with Obeng who was injured and the ref gave Lewis a red card.There was a long delay while VAR investigated the tackle but he was penalized for the follow up. Nunes then came on for Savinho.
In added time Haaland failed to score when he had a chance but no more goals so City start in the USA with win.
Foden did well and after his average season so far it was good to see him back to normal.

Pep made 11 changes from the last game in this competition. Ortega came into goal with a back four of Khusanov, Akanji, Gvardiol and Ait-Nouri. Gonzalez took over the midfield while Nunes, Benardo, Gundogan and Echeverri were behind Haaland .
City had a great start. They had a corner and the ball reaches Gundogan. He beats a defender and 'crosses' from the edge of the penalty area. The ball goes over the head of the keeper and into the goal for number one. Just he start City wanted.
A few minutes later Gonzalez lost possession and Ain attacked down the right flank and Ortega had to save from Chadli,
On 15 minutes Echeverri is injured but seems to be Ok after treatment. It's all City at the moment and on 21 minutes City win a free kick but nothing comes from it. On 24 minutes City win another free kick on the edge of the area and Zabala gets a yellow card.
The defenders line up in an unusual way - 2 groups of 4 with a space in the middle so the keeper can see the free kick. However Echeverri takes the kick and curls it over the wall and into the net via a clip on the bar! Two nil to City!
Almost immediately Haaland almost scores as he rounds the keeper but he can't find the net. On 30 minutes City win a corner and a header by Gvardiol hits the post and the rebound is headed over by Akanji. 2 minutes later Ortega has to rush out to collect a corner. A few minutes later he even has to head a pass!!!!
On 40 minutes Haaland took a pass from Benardo but alas he shot wide.
Just before half time City won a penalty when Akanji was fouled at a corner. It needed good old VAR to tell the ref it was a foul and Haaland scored from the spot sending the keeper the wrong way so City were 3 up at half time.
So Haaland has now scored 32 this season!!! more please!
Foden came on for Echeverri at half time. Nouri is playing well at left back but Haaland could not reach his good cross early in the second half.
City win a couple of corners but no more goals yet. On 57 minutes Khusanov gets booked for a late foul. Then City make more changes - Rodri and Bobb replace Gonzalez and Khusanov.
On 63 minutes Haaland has more goes at goal but the keeper saves well. A few minutes later the keeper has to save a header by Haaland. Then City score yet again. Benardo puts a great pass to Gundogan who scores past Eisa the keeper. 4 nil to City!
City then make their final changes - Dias and Cherki are on for Gvardiol and Benardo.
On 83 minutes Bobb cuts in and easily beats the keeper to make it five nil Good work by Cherki to set up the goal.
Then a poor pass by the keeper giving it to Gundogan who passes to Cherki ends up as goal number six
We needed 7 but alas a shot in the final minute was saved so City end up with a six nil win and a tough game against Juventus in a few days.
A very good display by City and Gundogan and Nouri.

As expected Pep made changes from the last game. Ederson returned to goal . Nunes, Akanji, Dias and Nouri were the back four and it was good to see Rodri start in front of them. Savinho and Doku were on the wing and Benardo and Reijnders helped Marmoush up front. So no Haaland was a surprise but he was on the bench.
City were quick to put pressure on the Juventus defence and on 4 minutes City nearly scored when a cross by Nouri was met by the head of Benardo and the keeper managed to save with his legs.
However it did not take long for City to score. On 9 minutes Ait-Nouri put a great pass through to Doku who cracked the ball into the net to give City the lead.
Shortly after at the other end Vlahovic had a good chance but his effort went wide. Then a minute later a terrible error by Ederson - passing the ball out to Koopmeiners who had the easy task of scoring and it was one all - disaster .
On 17 minutes City won a corner but the ball is cleared and down comes the heavy rain!
A few minutes later Juventus won a corner thanks to Nunes tackling Kostic but the ball is cleared, On 22 minutes Rodri is fouled and Marmoush takes the free kick. His shot hits a player on the head and he has to have treatment.
On 25 minutes Nunes puts in a cross and Juventus defender Kalulu passes the ball into his own goal to give City the lead. What a bit of luck!!!
It's all City now but Marmoush shoots right at the keeper on the half hour. Savinho has an effort saved as City try to add to the score. as the rain comes pouring down Nouri has a shot saved and soon it was halftime and City had been playing more like their best but need more goals.
As expected Haaland came on for Marmoush for the second half and in the first few minutes he just failed to reach a cross from Savinho. On 50 minutes Doku goes on a run but his shot goes wide.
On 51 minutes Reijinders passes to Nunes who crosses to an unmarked Haaland who has the easy task of putting the goal into the net to make it 3-1. It was his 300th career goal and 33rd this season.
On 57 minutes Juve sub Yildiz shoots just wide. Then City get free kick but the ball is cleared. On 63 minutes Reijinders is fouled and Kalulu gets a yellow card. Not the best of free kicks taken by Benardo!
Then City made 2 changes - Rodri and Doku are replaced by Foden and Gundogan. On 66 minutes Ederson had to dash out of goal to stop Vlahovic from scoring.
Two minutes later Ederson sends a long ball to Haaland who tries to pass to Foden. The ball gets to Savinho who rounds the keeper and Foden shoots into an empty net to make it 4-1 to City.
On 73 minutes Haaland has a shot blocked following a corner. Then City make two more changes - Cherki and O'Reilly are on for Nouri and Benardo.
Three minutes later and after the keeper saved from Haaland the ball came out to Savinho who cracked the ball into the net from 20 odd yards out. A great shot and City were now winning 5-1.
Juventus did get a consolation goal on 83 minutes when Yildiz passed to Vlahovic who beats Ederson. VAR had to decide on a possible offside but the goal stood so the game ended 5-2 to City who now play Al-Hilal next Tuesday at 2-00 am!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This was City at their best - a controlled performance.

City put out a pretty strong side for this game - the team was Ederson Nunes, Dias Gvardiol, Nouri: Gundogan, Reijnders, Benardo, Savinho, Doku and Haaland.
On 3 minutes their keeper Bono has to save a deflection from a cross by Benardo. City win a corner a couple of minutes later and a header by Dias goes straight to the keeper.
On 9 minutes Leonardo shoots but Ederson saves a deflection.
A minute later and City took the lead. A cross by Nouri gets 2 deflections and ends up with Benardo shooting into an empty net A bit lucky but City lead one nil.
There were shout for hand hall but Mr VAR said GOAL - thanks.
On 20 minutes ex City player Cancelo tries a cross but he hits it too hard!
3 minutes later Doku crosses but alas nobody there to shoot. The Savinho gets in a shot but the keeper saves. On 27 minutes Gvardiol gets a yellow card for a foul.
Then Bono is in action again saving first from Gundogan and he tips the ball over the bar from a Gvardiol header at the corner. On the half hour there is a drink break but I doubt it is whisky and gin !!!!!
On 37 minutes Savinho crosses but the shot from Doku goes straight to Bono. A minute later Nunes gets a yellow card for a foul on Harbi.
No more major chances before half time but very early in the second half disaster struck.
A cross from Cancelo is half saved by Ederson but the ball gets to Leonardo who scores
One each - oh dear !!!!!!!
On 51 minutes there is another disaster - Cancelo passes to Malcom who breaks and goes on a run from the half way line - and he shoots past Ederson to give Al-Hilal the lead -
City then make 3 changes - Rodri, Ake and Akanji are on for Nunes, Gvardiol and Gundogan.
On 54 minutes City get a corner and Haaland scores from close range to level the scores - 2-2 .
A few minutes later there was a penalty shout for a foul by Dias but luckily for City the offside flag was up.
Shortly after Doku had a couple of shots but no goal alas. On 74 minutes Doku heads over and 5 minutes later at the other end a header by Kannu is saved.
On 81 minutes Haaland heads just wide and 2 minutes later Akanji hits the post and Haaland almost got the rebound.
So the game went to extra time at 2 all.
City then made 2 changes - Marmoush for Haaland and Cherki for Rejoinders.
Four minutes into extra time and disaster struck once again. a corner by Neves was headed past Ederson by Koulibaly to make it 2 - 3.
On 100 minutes Foden comes on for Rodri. Sub for a sub - a bit unusual.
Three minutes later and Foden scores for City - a cross from Cherki gave him the chance - three all - will it go to penalties.
Alas that did not happen - on 112 minutes a header by Savic was parried by Ederson and the ball ran to Leonardo who scored.
So 3-4 and City can now concentrate on next season!
A reasonable display by the sky blues but the defence still needs sorting.