Shakhtar Donetsk 0 Manchester City 3 : Job Done

After the defeat at the weekend there was pressure on Manchester City to perform and they did so with commitment and professionalism.

Shakhtar are runaway leaders at the top of the Ukrainian League and played like Champions, full of running and confidence with a high press and brimming with belief. Manchester City also clearly set up on the front foot, determined to protect a makeshift defence by punching from the front.

It was refreshing to see Kevin De Bruyne running at full pelt, closing down the opposition and playing as the highest player up the pitch. If only we had been so cavalier away at Tottenham last season then things could have been so different.

Guardiola sprang a few surprises in the line up. Starting with Gabriel Jesus leading the line supported by Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling. De Bruyne, Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan made up the midfield with Fernandinho lining up in central defence as expected.

More from Man City Square

• Rodri believes City can have even more success this season
• Grealish, Stones, and Kovacic will NOT play tomorrow
• My Manchester City UCL Group Stage predictions
• After Injury Guardiola is back in Etihad
• Phil Foden Scores Opener for England Against Scotland

City took the lead in the 23rd minute thanks to some good work. A well struck curling shot from Gundogan came back off the post and landed at the feet of Mahrez who smashed the ball home. Everyone checked VAR as there was a lingering suspicion of offside but it was not to be an issue today.

Shakhtar pressed hard for an equaliser and nearly drew level, luckily Ederson stood up strong kept out a goal bound shot as they were through on goal. Within minutes City had a second goal. This time it was Mahrez bursting through the midfield and claiming the assist as he released Gundogan at speed to crash the ball into the net.

By now the crowd had quietened and other than those moments where Taison looked to create, City were dominating.

The second half was a more subdued affair as though the intensity had evaporated from the match during the team talks. To try and liven things up, Ederson decided to go walkabout, but even this did not result in a meaningful attack for Shakhtar.

City conspired to miss another gilt edged opportunity as Sterling lashed a shot at the post when the goal was open. But rather than fretting over the missed opportunities, instead I took the time to marvel at the way in which City were moving the ball around and pressing.

Gundogan was thwarted  from claiming another goal. Otamendi had a bicycle kick goal overturned for offside. This was the perfect antidote to the poor performance away at Norwich and bodes well for the weekend.

Jesus got the third goal to finish the tie. De Bruyne hit Shakhtar on the counter attack and had the luxury of two players to choose from to pass to, selecting Jesus who hit the shot with his left foot firmly into the corner past the hapless keeper.

Wisely Guardiola took off De Bruyne and put on Bernardo Silva to see out the match. Pep then decided to cement the “training ground” feeling of the last 10 minutes by bringing on both Cancelo and Mendy.

There were lots of positives in this display, not least of which was the sight of Fernandinho winning every aerial battle. Watford may prove to be sterner tests on Saturday but all we can do is beat the side we face. Today we did that task with aplomb.