Champions League: Shakhtar Reaction

It has been quite a while since I last sat down at the computer to write something about Manchester City. An increased work load combined with other issues led to the absence which, despite this piece, may continue. I did feel that I needed to write about Manchester City's victory over Shakhtar last night in the Champions League.

Firstly, after the initial defeat against Lyon on match day one, City have cruised to the top of Group F and look good to progress with a victory in France at the end of the month securing top spot. Analysis of the demolition of the Ukranian side by our boys in blue was somewhat brushed under the carpet in favor of a critique of Raheem Sterling.

City Champions League: Player Ratings

I spoke in a previous article about the game last night. Manchester City's defeat at home against Lyon was not the start we would have hoped for or expected, yet the night felt strange from the start. The result, in isolation, is not that devastating. How the side reacts in the coming games will let us know if this game is something we needed to be concerned about.

Heading to Cardiff on Saturday, Pep will be looking for a much better performance from the defending Champions. That said, it would be very hard for a performance to be worse from the Blues. Not many of the players who started the European fixture came out with positives, and my player ratings reflect that.

Champions League: City Tamed By Lyon

It wasn't the result many expected from Manchester City in their opening fixture in this seasons Champions League. Defeat at the Etihad has been very rare for the Blues over the last few seasons, yet from the first whistle it never felt quite right in the stadium.

It was not so much the defeat, although not great, but the manner in which the Blues started their European campaign which would be most disappointing for City fans. Pep Guardiola was, of course, a spectator for the opening fixture. A ban carried over from last season for his particular seat for this game.

A few supporters have come down very hard on their side, but is that justified? Certainly Lyon deserved to get points from the game with City very lethargic for large portions of the game. Even the referee, who booked Aguero for arguing a decision, then agreeing with him by reversing the decision, cannot shoulder much blame. It was just one of those nights and it will tell us much of the side with how they respond in Wales at the weekend.

Manchester City v Lyon: Foe Remembered

International breaks, especially this early in the season, are never a welcomed thing for fans. The Premier League is only four games old, clubs are just starting to get their legs, and it all stops. Fortunately the Premier League will restart again this weekend as Manchester City welcome newly promoted Fulham on Saturday.

For now though, and not something I really enjoy doing, I wish to look beyond that and to the first Champions League game against Lyon. The beginning of the top European club competition is always an exciting time, with the owners making no secret of their desire to lift the trophy. This first game though allows both sides, and both sets of fans a unique opportunity.

Manchester City Champions League Group

Manchester City fans will surely be quite pleased with the Champions League draw which recently took place in Monaco. With Manchester City in Pot One, they were already certain to miss the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG.

While certainly there is no suggestion that this is an easy group for the Blues, I would argue it could have been tougher. From Pot B we found ourselves going head to head with Shakhtar Donetsk, our foes from our last group stage. Avoiding the likes of Roma, and a reunion with Edin Dzeko and Aleks Kolarov, along with Borussia Dortmund.

Manchester City: Champions League Group F

Only a few hours after Manchester City were drawn away from home in the Carabao Cup to a Premiership side, we sat down again to watch yet another draw. With the 4:15 am League Cup draw providing yet another away tie, it is fair to say City fans were feeling a little 'same old'.