/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69913718/1342622324.0.jpg)
It’s time to turn the page from the weekend win over Chelsea FC to Manchester City’s Tuesday tilt with PSG. But before we do, let’s look back at Sunday's news.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester City: Match Analysis - Petec21 - Bitter and Blue
Petec21 has a last look at the statement win at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea had enjoyed an unbeaten start and an enviable home record against the blues, and with Romelu Lukaku in good form, and pundits already crowning them as champions, it looked a tough order for the blues to take anything from the match. City were boosted by the return of Aymeric Laporte to partner Ruben Dias in defence, and Joao Cancelo slotted in at left back as the blues took on their familiar 4-3-3 shape.
The home side packed the midfield, with Reece James and Marcos Alonso operating as wing backs as they tried to counter the pace of Kyle Walker and Cancelo, both of whom get forward at every opportunity.
City were by far the better team in the opening exchanges and continually pinned the home side to their own half. Brief scurries forward by Chelsea were easily snuffed out by the rock-solid defence, that has not conceded a league goal since the opening day defeat to Spurs.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester City: Match Analysis https://t.co/jf32D7gZqu
— Bitter and Blue (@BitterandBlue1) September 26, 2021
GUARDIOLA PRAISES ‘EXCEPTIONAL’ BERNARDO - George Kelsey - ManCity.com
The boss thinks Bernardo is back at his top form.
For Guardiola, Bernardo is hitting the same heights as a standout 2018-19 campaign, when the midfielder made the PFA Team of the Year and won the Etihad Player of the Season award as the Club secured an unprecedented domestic clean sweep.
“Against Norwich he was exceptional, against Arsenal he was exceptional.
“How good he played today wasn’t a surprise. How many times have we seen it, (he was) an incredible signing for us because he’s an exceptional person.
“I’ll never forget the second Premier League we won with 98 points (2018-19), he was the best player in England.
Man City enter the race for RB Leipzig midfielder Nkunku and more transfer rumours - Liam Wood - Manchester Evening News
Nkunku raised the eyebrows of the City braintrust. Might he sign for the Mancunians soon?
RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku scored a memorable Champions League hat-trick against City - albeit in a losing cause - during a 6-3 defeat for the German outfit earlier this month.
Nkunku has three years left to run on his contract and has attracted interest from across Europe.
Indeed, the 23-year-old - who progressed through the academy ranks at Paris Saint-Germain - is thought to be on the radar of key figures responsible for transfers at Liverpool, Bayern Munich and PSG themselves.
According to Fichajes, those big-hitters could have further competition for his signature now that City have taken note of his talents. Nkunku, yet to be capped at full international level by France, has scored 18 goals and provided 30 assists in 92 games for the Bundesliga side.
We'd love to see Christopher Nkunku at the Etihad again but in a City shirt https://t.co/g8nydeS3Vx
— Manchester City News (@ManCityMEN) September 26, 2021
Gabriel Jesus Thriving in No-pressure Zone - Emmanuel Odey - Bitter and Blue
Gabby has the weight off and looks to be reaching new heights for the Blues.
There are goalscorers spread across the City front line and midfield. From Riyad Mahrez to Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Ferran Torres and Phil Foden, anyone can come through with the match winner on a difficult day.
The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva also contribute their fair share. Oftentimes that blows teams away as has happened in several games this season. The result is that the pressure to be the go-to man for goals is taken off Gabriel Jesus’ shoulders.
The Brazilian’s recent performances show that is proving to be liberating. He can now operate from the wings thus evading media scrutiny. The one-time heir apparent to Sergio Aguero is no more the focal point when talking about Man City’s goal-scoring efforts.
With the weight of expectations lifted from his shoulders the 24-year-old now plays freely and contributes even more to the team’s success. He has been one of the outstanding players in the team this season with both goals and assists. His performance has drawn praise from his manager.
Guardiola has been particularly impressed with his work rate and sang his praise after the Chelsea game. Jesus’ well taken strike settled the encounter at Stamford Bridge taking the team to second place on the league table.
CITY FALL TO SHARP-SHOOTING GUNNERS - Caroline Oatway - ManCity.com
A tough one for the Women as they were shorthanded again on the weekend.
With ten players sidelined through injury – captain Steph Houghton the latest to be ruled out – the prospect of facing the sharp-shooting Gunners without a host of key names was always a tough prospect in the first game back after the international break.
The visitors started well – the first real chance of the game falling to the returning Caroline Weir, who drove Ellen White’s lay-off straight at Manuela Zinsberger.
City enjoyed the majority of possession in the early exchanges – looking dangerous on the left flank – but were hit by a hammerblow on 10 minutes when Beth Mead latched onto Alanna Kennedy’s under-hit backpass, poking the ball past Karima Benameur Taieb and squaring for Miedema to take a touch and smash into the back of an empty net.
Arsenal Women 5-0 Man City Women: Vivianne Miedema on song as Gunners go top of WSL - Ron Walker - Sky Sports
The Gunners never let up against the Blues.
Having beaten last season’s winners Chelsea on the opening day and then putting four past Reading without reply, Arsenal went on to add a third impressive performance, and victory, to their account, and Kim Little doubled their lead inside half an hour with a powerful drive that Karima Benameur could only palm into the top corner.
Katie McCabe, better known for her assists than her goals, added a spectacular third after half-time, firing high past Benameur to seal a wonderful victory for Jonas Eidevall’s team, who then showcased their dominating performance through a Little penalty late on, and Leah Williamson’s injury-time headed fifth.
Spanish referee Carlos del Cerro Grande will take charge of Man City’s trip to Paris Saint-Germain - Colin Cranmer - City Report
And finally, UEFA announce the officials for PSG v Man City.
Spanish official Carlos del Cerro Grande was last involved in a Manchester City game when he was fourth official in the Champions League final defeat to Chelsea last season, but last refereed a Blues’ game as City progressed to the semi-final earlier on in the season beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at Signal Iduna Park - awarding City a penalty in the match - which Riyad Mahrez converted. The experienced Madrid born official has taken charge of five City games in Champions League ties dating back to 2018 - including two last season (also vs. Olympiakos) - and the blues have won all five matches under his watchful eyes. So, a good omen going into a massively humongous European away tie against one of the continent’s fiercest opposition.
Official: Carlos del Cerro Grande will referee PSG vs. #ManCity in #UCL. Read more:
— City Report (@cityreport_) September 26, 2021
That’s it for today. Are we all ready for matchday against the Parisiennes? Make sure to follow @bitterandblue1 for all the build up, and check back in with SBN tomorrow for the final word before kickoff.
Loading comments...