- Man City wins away at Stadion Wankdorf, Bern
- Erling Haaland scores twice in spite of not playing well
- Pep Guardiola’s team is 16 matches unbeaten in Champions League
Manchester City is on the verge of reaching the knockout stages in the Champions League after defeating Young Boys Wednesday night. This was their third consecutive group victory.
Erling Haaland’s two goals, including one penalty kick, were the difference in a game that was not exactly flawless from the European Champions. City had taken the lead in the second-half through Manuel Akanji, but Young Boys responded with Meschack Elia.
The game’s unfolding
In a lively start, both sides created early opportunities. Ederson saved a strong strike by Filip Ugrinic while Rodri came close to giving City the lead at the opposite end with a low headed shot that went just wide. Matheus nunes, who was in the middle of his box, also missed the target.
Young Boys’ bright start soon turned into a containment strategy as City started to make chances after chances in the second half.
Haaland lit up as he saw himself in the goal. But Young Boys’ goalkeeper Anthony Racioppi quickly closed the angle, and got the slightest touch to deflect his shot. Jeremy Doku, who appeared to stumble as he shot and gave Racioppi a good chance moments later should have been able to score.
Young Boys threatened briefly on the break before City came agonizingly close. Racioppi misjudged a Jack Grealish effort and Nunes scrambled towards the goal was pushed off. Racioppi was much more impressive just before the half by parrying Doku’s left-handed curling shot and saving with his legs Rodri’s volley after a corner.
A set-piece broke the Swiss’ resistance just moments after halftime. Racioppi’s acrobatic save on Ruben Dias was only averted by Akanji, who reacted quickest and turned the ball in the net after the rebound.
Just as City appeared to be cruising towards victory, their hosts struck immediately. Elia was able to lift the ball above Ederson with ease after a single pass in the middle.
Young Boys were boosted by the goal, but City’s advantage was restored with one quarter left in the match when Grealish made a jinking move infield that caused panic. Rodri ended up being overturned in the penalty area. Haaland scored a penalty that was not too harsh, but was still likely to stand.
VAR intervened when it was spotted that the ball had accidentally struck Grealish in the build-up. Haaland’s momentary hesitation cost him the goal that he would likely have scored in last season. The Norwegian did not let his poor finish define his night. He smashed the third City goal with his right weaker foot into the top left corner, at a time when the Young Boys defense was tired.
Man City Player Ratings (3-2-4)
Jack Grealish asked plenty of questions for Man City / Christian Kaspar-Bartke/GettyImages
Ederson, GK – 6/10Made fewer saves than expected.
Manuel Akanji, CB – 7/10 At the right spot at the right moment to give City the advantage. Defensively solid.
Ruben Dias, CB – 7/10Tried to pass more than defend.
Nathan Ake, CB – 7/10 Alert to danger as Young Boys attempted to counter City’s left.
Rico Lewis, DM – 7/10Gave an excellent account for himself but was arguably responsible for the goalscoring goal because he tried to play offside instead of tracking the scorer.
Rodri, DM – 8/10 Rodri controlled the game in the middle and made sure that Young Boys only attacked on the break.
RM Jeremy Doku – 6/10 – Made Racioppi make two great saves. He should have seized the first opportunity. Didn’t quite happen for him.
Matheus Nunes, AM – 6/10 Had a good first half but was just a goal line clearance away from scoring.
AM : Mateo Kovacic 5/10 – Didn’t appear to have done much that actually made a difference.
Jack Grealish, 8/10 Provided consistent creativity by cutting from the left. He was less effective on the left, but was still heavily involved.
Erling Haaland, ST – 7/10 Not at his best yet still managed to score two goals. Frustrated throughout the match, but kept his composure from the spot. He also scored the third.
Substitutes
Bernardo Silva (7/10)
SUB: Julian Alvarez (72′ for Nunes) – 7/10
SUB: Sergio Gomez (90′ for Haaland) – N/A
Sub: Kalvin Philips (90′ in place of Rodri). – N/A
Subs Not Used: Ortega, Carson, Stones. Foden. Bobb.
Manager
Pep guardiola – 7/10 – This was not a City night at its best, but Guardiola was able make adjustments in the second period that allowed his team to be on the offensive rather than defend the lead.
