Norwich 3 Manchester City 2 : Player Ratings and MOTM

In the grand scheme of things in the galaxy, it is unlikely this defeat will register too highly. However, against Manchester City performances in the last 3 seasons it ranks as one of the most insipid.

When a team achieve as much as the current Manchester City side has then two things tend to happen. Firstly, you tend to become the team everyone else wants to play and beat. Consequently the great sides have to weather that expectation every single game. Secondly, to stay at the top of your game you must remain hungry and focussed. You cannot sit back and expect the plaudits of past performances to carry you through.

When looking back on the defeat to Norwich it is difficult to see beyond the general lacklustre display. City were stopped fairly easily from playing and could not muster the application to find a way back.

All teams, even great teams can have an off day, where the performance levels can drop. We have seen enough of the Guardiola way to know this is a blip and the team will come through. Nearly 200 points in two seasons tells us – despite temporary bits of poor form – that class is permanent.

Still, today we are left with the task of reviewing the player performances and somehow have to select a City Man of the Match. Most weeks this task is somewhat easier. Let us start by turning to look at the players who comprised the defence.