In an early morning clash at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City were able to pick up an important three points in a 2-1 victory over Swansea City in the Barclays Premier League.
City was coming off a 4-2 victory earlier in the week over Borussia Monchengladbach in their final UEFA Champions League group-stage match.
Swansea City were coming into this game with Alan Curtis taking over as interim manager of the club, after the club parted ways with former-manager Garry Monk on Wednesday.
Wilfried Bony gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute, as Jesus Navas‘ corner kick found the Ivorian in the box for a free-header goal. It was the first goal Bony had scored against his former side since he joined Manchester City in 2014.
Throughout the first half, Manchester City didn’t seem to be playing their best football but they were able to defend well-enough in the back.
In the second half, City were looking to hold onto their lead and possibly add an insurance goal. Fabian Delph came on at halftime for Raheem Sterling to bring some fresh legs into the game. Sterling was coming off a two goal performance in midweek.
Swansea continued to look for an equalizer and it came in the form of Bafetimbi Gomis. The French striker came on the pitch in the 83rd minute, and tied the game 1-1 in the 90th minute with a blistering shot that beat City keeper Joe Hart at his near-post.
Two minutes into second half stoppage-time, Kelechi Iheanacho played hero again as his deflection from Yaya Toure‘s shot gave City a game-winning goal. The final score finished 2-1, and Manchester City were able to go back to the top spot in the BPL table, at least until tomorrow’s fixtures.
The 19 year-old Nigerian, scored his second game-winning goal of the season. He scored the winner earlier this season against Crystal Palace in a 1-0 City victory.
According to The Guardian, Swansea interim manager Alan Curtis believed his team “were excellent and thought they would earn something from the game for their performance.”
It wasn’t Manchester City’s prettiest game of the season but they did have 53% of the possession in the game, and 13 total scoring attempts. Swansea had 47% of the possession, and forced Joe Hart to make six saves in the game.
Manuel Pellegrini will definitely be happy to have earned the three points, but will now prepare his team for a clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on December 21st.