Manchester City wasn't supposed to have an easy match against Paris Saint-Germain in Champions League play on Wednesday. After all, PSG have been the kings of Europe for the last two years. Their winning a third straight time wouldn't be out of the question.
They proved that by walloping City early and then often. PSG led 2-0 in the 15th minute and was clearly in control of the match. City played better in the second half, but only relative to the first half, which was one of the uglier displays in recent seasons.
Erling Haaland had two more goals and had a few more chances, too. Ultimately, it was all a lost cause, but the drive to never give up, losing only 4-2, was impressive.
Manchester City shows grit in loss to PSG and other takeaways
Erling Haaland is the best player on the planet
At one point in the second half, Haaland began to act out what was basically the film 300. His club was going to lose, but dang it if Haaland wasn't going down without a brutal fight to the end. The 3-0 score in favor of PSG became 3-1, and then 4-1 became 4-2. PSG was better, but Haaland was the best player on the pitch. Haaland now has 61 goals in 60 Champions League matches.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was atrocious
One might wonder if another goalkeeper had been in goal for City; the Blues might have at least had a chance to get a draw. On PSG's fourth goal, Donnarumma allowed the ball to go behind him after he had knocked the ball into the air. It was an embarrassing display by someone who should be a top-notch keeper.
Iliman Ndiaye should have played for Rayan Cherki
Part of the reason that City fell behind in the first half was that Cherki, who is normally excellent, played with zero energy. He didn't track back on PSG's third goal, and he gave up all the space needed. When Ndiaye substituted for Cherki in the second half, his energy changed the narrative of the match, though ultimately in a losing cause, and he might have earned the start in the next match.
PSG was better but Manchester City fans have a reason to feel proud
The first half was ugly. Manchester City lacked focus and was thoroughly outplayed. They could have wilted and lost 7-0, but they didn't. Playing catch-up against Paris Saint-Germain is an empty and fruitless task, but while the score might have been 4-2, the match was actually closer than that.
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