Manchester City beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 in UEFA Champions League Group A on Wednesday with Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus securing top spot for Pep Guardiola's men.
Kylian Mbappe had put the French giants ahead against the run of play five minutes into the second half after City did everything but score in the first before Sterling finally hit the net after 63 minutes and Jesus put them in front on 77.
Keylor Navas made numerous key saves as PSG found ways to keep the hosts out to threaten a draw at Etihad Stadium before the Premier League titleholders made their dominance count late on.
All eyes were on Mauricio Pochettino as he is linked with Manchester neighbors United and this was hardly the most convincing of auditions for the Old Trafford gig from the Argentine.
Some takeaways.
It finished 2-1 to City but it could and probably should have been much, much more with the hosts' first half chances alone reflective of their dominance. Pochettino's setup was very clearly to absorb pressure and to hit on the break which only occasionally threatened to work as Guardiola's mastery was too great.
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Wasteful City
Presnel Kimpembe, Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos all made brilliant first half blocks while Ilkay Gundogan also hit the post. On another night, City could have had two or three goals by half-time and PSG would have been unable to complain too much. While the final score was not necessarily reflective of the game, the victory was merited.
It might have come as a surprise to some, particularly with so many eyes on Pochettino, but this is merely confirmation of what has been forming for months. PSG are now a counterattacking team which is totally unsuited to the immense talent in their squad. even if it does create some memorable (or forgettable) moments.
There was no real game plan in place and the midfield appeared to be an afterthought. The only discernible stretegy was to keep the likes of Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi upfield and to try to find them. At this level, not nearly good enough from a supposed master tactician.
City win it 2-1 and totally deservedly too. Sterling and Jesus recover from Mbappe's opener and that is that in Group A. Both go through with Guardiola's men top and Pochettino's second. The big question now is what happens next with the Argentine as United links linger.
City ahead through Jesus. Is there to be one final twist in this one?
Sterling pokes home towards the back post as home pressure finally tells. Is there a winner? No less than deserved for City while PSG still look dangerous on the counter.
