Manchester City took a big step towards the last-16 of the Champions League by claiming a second successive victory over Belgian champions Club Brugge, winning 4-1 at the Etihad on Wednesday night.
Phil Foden’s opener (15) was immediately cancelled out by John Stones’ bizarre own goal (17), but Riyad Mahrez’s header restored City’s lead (54).
Man City weren’t at their best, perhaps at 50 or 60 per cent, and while the defensive vulnerability that led to three Brugge shots on target in the opening period will give Manchester United confidence, this was without Ruben Dias who will return at the weekend.
The manager wasn’t happy at half-time and you have to take his advice,’ Foden said. ‘He changed things and we were much better in the second half. Once we got our rhythm the chances started opening up.
It will interest you to know that, Club Brugge have lost all four of their UEFA Champions League matches against English opponents by an aggregate score of 14-3 – Riyad Mahrez has scored in every single game against them (two games for Leicester, two games for Man City).
Phil Foden celebrates after scoring the opening goal
Foden scored his seventh Champions League goal for Manchester City – only Wayne Rooney (nine) has scored more goals aged 21 or younger among English players than Foden’s tally of seven.
Foden told BT Sport: “I thought we were sloppy in the first half and let them get back into the game. We got in at half-time and spoke about what was going wrong.
“We changed it in the second half and played better. We looked a bit heavy. The manager wasn’t happy [at half-time]. You have to take his advice. We changed a couple of things and were better in possession and hurt them a lot more.
“Once we get the rhythm, we play our lovely football. I’m delighted with the second half. I’m really happy for them [Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling]. It’s important for attacking players to score”.
“I’m scoring a lot of goals. I’m just enjoying it. It was a really important win today and puts us in a good position.”
Manchester City have won their last nine home UEFA Champions League matches – the only English side to have a longer home winning run in the competition is Manchester United between September 2006 and April 2008 (12 in a row).
Anyways, Manchester City will travel to Old Trafford on Saturday to face their fierce rivals Manchester United.
Source: SkySports.