Manchester City Hit Three Goals Past Wolves

Manchester City eased past Wolves at the Etihad in a game where they exhibited total control.

City started the game with Bernardo and David Silva operating in a midfield 3 with Fernandinho. Jesus was preferred upfront to Aguero and Sane and Sterling were deployed on the wings. Perhaps the only surprise in the starting line up was that Danilo was selected as left back, with Guardiola seemingly sending a clear message to Delp after his return from his most recent ban.

The game started at a brisk pace in the cold weather, with City seeking to find an opening from the off. Wolves seemed set to spend much of the game defending but leaving outlets with willing runners to chase long balls into the channels. Such an approach requires a lot of both teams. Wolves need to make their few chances count and City would need to defend solidly especially in midfield. In this match the latter happened.

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The first goal came from a fantastic thirty yard pass by Aymeric Laporte who sent a curling ball for Sane to run onto. He whipped in a cross through the six yard box and Jesus slid in to finish the move. This simple move was City under Guardiola personified.

Wolves were reduced to ten men when Boly was rightfully dismissed for a lunge on Bernardo. It was a badly timed tackle which connected with his shin and the outcome was never in doubt, other than to Boly who seemed to try and profess his innocence. The craziest thing about the challenge was the area of the pitch where it took place. Bernardo was not causing any danger to Wolves and the tackle was just unnecessary.

If anything Wolves looked better after going down to ten men. They seemed tighter and more organised, almost as though it motivated them. Their tenacity and willingness to stick to their managers tactical plan was there for all to see.

The second City goal came from a penalty won by Sterling who was brought down clumsily by Ryan Bennett in the box. Sterling just nipped in front of Bennett as they raced to goal and the decision was cast iron. Jesus stepped up with an assured penalty with his trademark stuttering run up.

From this point on City changed their personnel around a little. Gundogan and De Bruyne came on and we spent almost all of the game in the Wolves half. Wolves changed their system bringing on Traore to run at us and he provided a useful outlet to them.

The third goal eventually came from De Bruyne. He struck a sweet cross/shot curling in to the area and it seemed to catch the thigh of Connor Coady on its way into the net. The result of this game from never in doubt from kick off and City did little to move out of third gear.

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There were numerous highlights in this match as a spectator. Laporte’s pass for one, but my favourite moment is the joy of watching Ederson out of his area. Not playing as a sweeper like some lesser keepers can do, but he was beyond his defence. Exchanging passes in midfield. My goalkeeper who already has more assists than most this season. Lovely.

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