City made several signings this summer - Reijinders from Milan, Nouri from Wolves,
Cherki from Lyon, Trafford from Burnley, Nypan from Rosenborg and Bettinelli from Chelsea

A very unusual friendly game that City easily won with 22 players!!! Pep made ten changes at half time to give his huge squad a bit of time on the pitch. The starting team was -
Trafford, Lewis, Khusanov, Stones, Ait-Nouri, Gonzalez, O'Reilly, Bobb, Cherki, Marmoush and Haaland.
Rodri, Kovacic and Foden were still injured so they were not on the bench. It was good to see Bobb back after his injury and Trafford was making his debut after his move from Burnley. He was an ex City academy player.
The pre game entertainment delayed the start by 15 minutes as the singer - Rose Villian kept singing!!
There was a big crowd -over 50,000 on a very hot night.
Palermo had an early chance at a corner when a header went wide but then City took control and
won a series of free kicks. On 38 minutes Lewis passed to Haaland who shot past the keeper to give City the lead.
At half time Pep made ten yes ten changes - Haaland being the only player from the first half. The team was - Ederson, Ake, Dias, Akanji, Nunes, Benardo Gundogan, Reijinders, Savinho, Doku , Haaland.
Haaland was subbed by Musaka on 60 minutes.
City added to their score on 59 minutes when Reijinders dashed into the area and shot past Gomis to make it two nil.
Palermo tried to get back but their efforts went wide. With 8 minutes to go Musaka passed to Savinho who passed to Reijinders who scored his second goal and City were three nil ahead - game over!.
So City won the Anglo Palermitan Trophy and best City player was Dutch international star Reijinders

Wolves 4-0 away August 16th 2025

City did not make many changes from the Wolves game. The team was Trafford: Lewis, Stones, Dias, Nouri: Gonzalez, Reijnders, Cherki, Bobb, Marmoush, Haaland. Both Foden and Rodri were on the bench.
Not a good start by Lewis as he fouls Spence in the first three minutes. Then a poor pass by Marmoush when he takes a long pass. City are already under pressure and there are fouls by Nico and Haaland. However City did have a chance on 9 minutes but a shot by Marmoush missed the far post. A few minutes later Marmoush had an effort saved. Then Nouri was injured On 16 minutes Marmoush had a shot saved following good work by Bobb.
On 22 minutes Nouri is subbed by Ake. 5 minutes later Haaland passed to Marmoush who failed to beat the keeper from a good position - a bad miss!. On 32 minutes Johnson fouls Bobb and gets a yellow card.
A minute or so later disaster struck ! A cross by Richarlison found Johnson who scored to give Spurs the lead. We had to wait as VAR checked for offside but alas the goal stood.
7 minutes were added to the first half and a couple of minutes into added time Spurs scored a second goal. It started when Trafford made an error passing to a marked player and it all ended with Palhinha putting the ball into the net so another disaster.
City won some corners and Haaland missed with a header. So City ended the first half two down.
Ake had a go at the goal early in the second held but it was blocked. Shortly after at the other end Trafford had to save a header by Sarr. Then City made 2 changes - Benardo Silva came on for Cherki and Doku was on for Marmoush.
There were some delays with injuries to Richarlison and Lewis, On 58 minutes a tackle by Stones saved City from yet another disaster.
3 minutes later a header by Richarlison at a free kick went wide. On 67 minutes Bobb was fouled and Romero got a yellow card and a few minutes later both Gonzalez and Richarlison got yellow cards. On 75 minutes City made 2 more changes - Foden for Bobb and Rodri for Gonzalez.
Then at a corner Rodri had a header which went straight to the keeper. On 82 minutes Benardo's header was close and Foden had a shot saved.
In the 4 minutes of added time Trafford had to make 2 good saves to keep the score at 2!!!!
The Spurs defence were just too good for City who had more possession but failed to beat the keeper when well placed. The second Spurs goal was a result of a poor pass out by the keeper. Surely City must have a plan B !!!! Spurs were much more organized and the passing quality of City was well below their best.

City made 5 changes from the Brighton game. There was a debut in goal for our new signing Donnarumma and in came Doku, Foden, O'Reilly, Gvardiol. The team was Donnarumma, Khusanov,Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Rodri, Reijnders,Foden, Benardo,Doku and Haaland.
Before the game there were special tributes to Ricky Hatton who has died aged 46. He was a life long City supporter and boxing icon.
We almost had a great start but Haaland just shot wide on 18 seconds !! Wow what a start that would have been. Then at the other end on 4 minutes City debut keeper had to make his first save from Sesko's shot which was not all that strong thank goodness.
Three minutes later and the United keeper almost lost the ball to Haaland. On 9 minutes Benardo fouls Dorgu and United have a free kick.
On 17 minutes Doku dribbles into the penalty area and has 2 goes of crossing the ball. After the first one was blocked his second found the diving head of Phil Foden and the ball flew into the net to give City the lead - Great Stuff!!!!!!!
After City won a corner on 21 minutes and shortly after Doku passed to Reijnders but his first time shot goes straight to the keeper.
City were on top and on 28 minutes Haaland just fails to control an over hit Benardo cross.
A minute later Mbeumo missed a great chance for United but luckily for him the offside flag had gone up.
On 34 minutes the City keeper has to save from Sesko and shortly after he easily catches a United free kick. 5 minutes later O'Reilly shoots well wide. Just as the injury time started Haaland heads a United free kick clear. So City led at half time.
United won an early corner as a cross is blocked and guess who - Haaland does a good job in defence heading the ball clear !
United are putting the City defence under pressure. Then on 53 minutes Foden passes to Doku who then slips the ball to Haaland who dinks the ball over the keeper to make it two nil to City!!
A good move and just what we needed. It was his 7th goal in the derby game.
On 54 minutes he nearly scores again. United give the ball away and Doku passes to Haaland who fails to find the net after rounding the keeper. His shot hit the post!!!
On 61 minutes Donnarumma makes a great save from a strong volley from Mbeumo. Two minutes later a cross by Benardo finds Haaland but his shot is straight at the keeper.
On 67 minutes a pass by Benardo finds Haaland on his own just in the City half. He charges forward and shoots past the keeper to make it three nil - game over !!!!!!
That's 11 goals in 6 games for City and Norway - good work indeed!
On 72 minutes Ugarte shoots well wide and 3 minutes later Haaland passes to Reijnders who beats the keeper but the ball goes just wide. City then made a couple of changes - Savinho and Gonzalez were on for Doku and Rodri.
On 80 minutes Mbeumo shoots over the bar.
With a few minutes to go City made more changes - Bobb was on for Haaland and Ake for Benardo.
When the final whistle went it was strange that there had not been any yellow cards in the game - in a derby as well - amazing. United had lost the plot despite having more possession !
For City Haaland was excellent in attack and defence ! Doku and Foden were pretty good too. It was also good to see the new keeper have a clean sheet and a wonder save. City are not at their very best but are improving.

Pep made no changes from the team that thrashed United! There was a big welcome to an ex City star Kevin De Bruyne who now plays for Napoli.
On 4 minutes Dias takes a long shot after a City attack broke down but alas it went wide. Just after Doku gave a free kick away with a foul on Politano. On 8 minutes Doku passed to Reijnders but his shot was well saved by the keeper for a corner. Shortly after the keeper almost lost the ball to Foden and the Doku had a shot blocked.
On 14 minutes Doku won a corner but the cross by Foden was headed wide by Haaland.
A minute or so later at the other end Donnarumma had to save a header by Beukema.Then came a vital moment in the game. Haaland broke down the middle and was fouled by Lorenzo on the edge of the box. The ref said no free kick but in came the great VAR and it ended with Lorenzo getting a red card and a free kick to City. The free kick taken by Reijnders was blocked for a corner which ended with Haaland heading over the bar.
Then Napoli made a change - taking off De Bruyne and bringing on Olivera.
On the half hour Foden had a shot saved and Gvardiol had an effort blocked. It was nearly all City but no goals yet. Napoli did get a corner which was caught by Donnarumma.
On 40 minutes O'Reilly had a header saved - then Savic has to save from Gvardiol.
City had several more goes at goal before half time so the added 4 minutes ended with the ten man team surviving City's efforts.
City made early attacks and there was a near miss by Foden following a corner. Then on 51 minutes Doku was fouled by Politano who got a yellow card. He was subbed straight away as they could not risk going down to 9 men!
A minute later City scored. Foden made an excellent chip forward to Haaland who headed the ball into the goal - at last !!! A few minutes later City made a change subbing Rodri for Gonzalez.
On 62 minutes Gonzalez headed wide following a corner.
A couple of minutes later Doku scored a great goal - he dribbled past several defenders before finding the net. So City were now two up so Doku was subbed by Savinho .
Not much action now so City made 3 more subs - on came Bobb for Haaland - Ake for Gvardiol nd Lewis for Reijnders.
The ref only gave 2 minutes of added time so it ended a comfortable win for City.
Haaland became the quickest player to reach 50 goals in the Champions league. Doku, Foden and Haaland were best players for the sky blues

Pep made no changes for the third game in a row and after last seasons result it was going to be a tough game.
O'Reilly had to make a good tackle on 4 minutes and then this was followed by good work by Khusanov and Gvardiol to keep Arsenal at bay!
Then on 9 minutes we had a great surprise. Breaking from defence Reijnders ran forward with the ball and passed to Haaland who beat a defender and cracked the ball past the keeper to give City the lead. This season Haaland now had 12 goals in 8 matches for City and Norway!
It was an excellent goal and the Arsenal fans must have been stunned.
On 17 minutes Arsenal won the first corner of the game and it is cleared by City. 3 minutes later Arsenal gift the ball to Haaland but the shot from Reijnders is saved. Shortly after Reijnders was injured but he was soon Ok. On 26 minutes Arsenal won another corner but the fist of Donnarumma gets the ball clear.
On 33 minutes a long throw ends with a header by Madueke going wide. 4 minutes later Benardo gets a yellow card for a foul on Gabriel. He keeps on getting cards for silly fouls.
On 39 minutes good work by Doku ends with Rodri lifting a first time shot over the bar.
A goal ahead City are comfortable keeping Arsenal under control. Then on 41 minutes a cross reaches Madueke but his shot is deflected by Doku for a corner. which ends in a goal kick. The ref adds 4 minutes to the first half. A minute into added time Donnarumma has to make a good save from Madueke. There was a minor dispute between Benardo and Trossard just before half time.
Arsenal made two changes for the second half bringing on Saka and Eze.
City made one change - Nunes replacing Khusanov at right back who was injured.
In the first minute Timber got a yellow card for a bad foul on Doku. On 48 minutes Zubimendi shoots wide. Two minutes later Donnarumma has to make a good save from Eze. All Arsenal now with City well down with possession for once!
On 56 minutes Arsenal win a corner. City clear and go on a counter attack- Doku breaks and passes to Haaland but his shot is saved.
At the other end Arsenal win a corner but efforts are blocked. Then on 68 minutes City made their first change - Ake came on for Foden - to make a back five.
On 74 minutes Arsenal won another corner and Donnarumma has to fist it away and then Haaland heads away a further cross. A minute or so later Haaland is subbed by Gonzalez.
Then the City keeper is booked for taking too long for goal kicks.
On 81 minutes Arsenal brought on Martinelli for Timber. A minute later Doku almost scored but his shot just goes wide.
On 87 minutes Stones comes on for O'Reilly and Savinho for Doku. 7 minutes are added to the second half. Arsenal won a corner but City clear.
In the third minute of extra time disaster came. Eze puts a terrific pass through to Martinelli and with Donnarumma too far off his line he dinks a shot over the keeper and into the goal to score. Oh dear it is one all and two points lost.
For once City had less possession than the opposition and after that early Haaland goal it was defend defend defend !
Haaland and Doku had good games - as did Donnarumma and Khusanov who had a foot injury and had to come off at half time.

Huddesfield Town 2-0 away Sept 24th League Cup

Pep as expected made 9 changes from the Arsenal game There was a debut for Musaka - the team - Trafford, Nunes, Stones, Ake, O'Reilly, Gonzalez, Lewis, Foden, Bobb Savinho, Musaka.
There was an early problem after 2 minutes when Trafford almost lost the ball!
City won a corner on 10 minutes and a header by Musaka was saved by the keeper. 5 minutes later Lewis was fouled but the free kick taken by Foden ended with a throw-in!
Then on 18 minutes Musaka passed to Foden who beat 2 defenders and cracked the ball past the keeper to give City the lead - a good goal.
City continued to attack and when Musaka was fouled the free kick taken by Foden went well over the bar. City continues to attack using their inter passing method but Huddesfield defended in depth and efforts were blocked.
Huddesfield did have the odd break and on 33 minutes a shot from Redmond went too high. Shortly after there was a short delay when Redmond was injured. On 43 minutes a cross by Savinho was blocked and City won a free kick just before half time but no more goals in the first half.
In the first minute of the second half City won a free kick when Nunes was fouled which the keeper saved. Then there were efforts by Musaka and Savinho which were blocked. On 53 minutes O'Reilly had a shot saved as City piled on the pressure desperate for that vital second goal.
On 53 minutes after a foul by O'Reilly a shot by Redmond went over the bar. 7 minutes later a shot by Musaka was saved by the keeper. Huddesfield then made 2 changes.
After a foul by O'Reilly the free kick ended with Wallace heading over the bar. 2 minutes later a shot from Bobb was saved. Then over the next few minutes there were blocks to efforts by Foden, Musaka and Nunes. All City - desperate for that second goal.
Then on 74 minutes Foden passed to Savinho who cracked the ball into the net via the bar to make it 2-0 - at last !!!!!!
City the made 2 changes - Reijnders replaced Foden and Jaden Heskie came on for O'Reilly.
On 79 minutes Savinho had a shot blocked winning a corner and a few minutes later Gonzalez shot over the bar. City the made 2 more changes Phillips for Gonzalez and Reigan Heskie for Savinho. On 88 minutes Ashia hit the right hand post for Huddesfield from outside the penalty area. Wow - that was close. Three minutes were added and in the final minute Reigan Heskie had a good effort saved. Not the most exciting of games with Foden the star.A good performance by a changed City side.
City will be playing Swansea in the next round . I went to see them play there in May 2016 - pics HERE

As expected Pep made 6 changes from the Huddesfield game. The team was Donnarumma ; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly: Gonzalez, Foden, Savinho, Doku, Reijnders and Haaland.
ex City player Walker was on the Burnley team.
City won a very early corner but it was cleared. Then City had to clear a long throw by Walker.
On 5 minutes Gvardiol had a shot blocked. Following a scuffle there was a shout for VAR but no penalty alas!! On 10 minutes O'Reilly had a shot from outside the box but it was blocked for a corner. Savinho just missed the far post following the corner.
Then shortly after City took the lead. It looked like Foden had scored from close range but it was an own goal by Esteve. A cross from Doku was pushed out by the keeper and the ball rebounded into the net by Esteve.
On 20 minutes a shot by Reijnders was blocked after good work by Doku. Three minutes later at the other end Walker had a shot blocked.
On 24 minutes City won a corner and Gonzalez headed the ball to Haaland but his effort went wide. A few minutes later Savinho was fouled and Hartman got a yellow card.
On 30 minutes Burnley had a couple of shots blocked. Then Foden was fouled and Walker got a yellow card.
On 38 minutes there was a disaster. A cross by Hartman went to Anthony who shot past the City keeper to level the scores. We did not expect that!!!
On 40 minutes Haaland shot over the bar after a cross by Gvardiol. City got a corner just before half time but the Nunes shot went wide.
just after the interval Gvardiol had a shot blocked Then Savinho won a free kick and a header by Haaland was blocked. On 55 minutes Donnarumma had to make a good save from Hartman. 4 minutes later and Reijnders took a shot following a corner .
Then two minutes later City scored! Haaland made a headed pass to Nunes who cracked the ball past the keeper to make it two one - at last.
City then made a change Bobb replacing Savinho. 2 minutes later Anthony got a yellow card for a foul on Doku.
Two minutes later Doku passed to Foden to Nunes to Bobb and the ball ended with another own goal by Esteve to make it 3-1 to City. On 69 minutes a Haaland header went wide.
Then City made another change Ake replacing Gvardiol.
On 82 minutes Foden got a yellow card for a foul on Ogochukwu. and then City made more changes - Lewis for O'Reilly and Benardo for Reijnders. On 86 minutes Haaland had a shot saved.
Then on 89 minutes Haaland took a pass from Doku and scored to make it 4-1 and a minute or so later the Burnley defence gave the ball away and there was Haaland to make it 5-1. Haaland has now 15 goals in 9 games !!! Doku once again had a very good game and City moved upto 6th place

Pep made 3 changes from the Burnley win - In came Rodri, Stones and Benardo so it was a strong side for this European match. The team was Donnarumma: Stones, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly: Rodri, Benardo, Foden, Reijnders, Doku and Haaland:
In the first minute Doku was fouled by Vanderson but the free kick ended with a throw-in. Monaco then went on the attack and on 7 minutes at a corner O'Reilly blocked a cross.
On 11 minutes Foden passed to Reijnders but his shot went high and wide.
Three minutes later Gvardiol clipped a pass forward and Haaland read the pass well and dashed forward and used his left foot to crack the ball past the keeper to give City the lead.
Alas the lead did not last long - a minute or so later an attack by Monaco ended with a cracking shot by Teze from just outside the penalty area.
There was then an injury to Vanderson who was subbed by Quattara. On 24 minutes Benardo had a shot saved by the keeper and a few minutes later Rodri headed to Reijnders but his shot just went wide.
On 32 minutes a good shot by Foden hit the bar and bounced down the wrong side of the line!
A minute or so later Rodri had a go from outside the box but the ball went wide. On 37 minutes
O 'Reilly had a shot saved. Not much action from Doku at the moment.
There was a surprise when the City keeper was booked - presumably for time wasting !!!! -in the first half !!!!!
On 42 minutes Haaland could not quite finish a City attack and from a narrow angle he hit the side netting.
Then a minute or so later a cross by O'Reilly was headed home by Haaland to give City the lead .There was only one minute of added time so City lead 2-1 at half time.
Doku was caught offside early in the second half and on 50 minutes there was nearly an own goal following a cross by Doku. 4 minutes later and Balogun shot wide following a corner conceded by Stones.
Rodri got a yellow card on 56 minutes to stop a Monaco break. On 58 minutes Donnarumma had to save from Akliouche. City then made 2 changes Savinho came on for Doku and Gonzalez was on for Rodri.
On 63 minutes Diatta got a yellow card for a bad foul on Savinho. After an effort by Benardo was blocked Teze shot high and wide for Monaco.
Then City made another change Nunes replaced Stones. On 72 minutes Reijnders hit the bar after a pass by Savinho. Then a shot by Haaland was saved. City continued to attack and Gonzalez had an effort blocked and then a miss!
Monaco then made 3 subs and on 84 minutes at a Monaco free kick City cleared the danger but alas VAR decided that the high foot of Gonzalez was too near the head of Dier and the referee eventually gave a penalty. Both Benardo and Gonzalez got yellow cards.
Dier scored from the spot to level the scores and then the ref gave 7 added minutes.
City did try to win but Savinho got a yellow card and Haaland failed to score a third goal!!!
Doku was not at his best but it was good to see Rodri have some time on the pitch after his long absence. Not quite the best of City - not quick or positive enough.

Pep made 3 changes from the Monaco game. Nunes, Savinho and Bobb came in for Stones,Doku and Bernardo. The team was Donnarumma: Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly:Rodri, Reijnders, Foden, Bobb, Savinho, Haaland.
After an attack by Reijinders on five minutes a minute or so later Foden had a shot blocked for a corner. At the corner Gvardiol had a header saved by the keeper.
Then on 9 minutes a long pass by Gvardiol found Haaland who beat two defenders and shot past the keeper to give City the lead. A brilliant effort by Haaland for his 94th Premier League goal.
On 14 minutes Reijnders took a pass from O'Reilly and shot but the ball went over the bar.
4 minutes later Foden shot from outside the box but the keeper saved and then we had a disaster. Rodri appeared to be injured yet again and after some treatment he was subbed by Nico Gonzalez. I just hope he will be back soon - he is so important to the team.
On 24 minutes City got a free kick when Nico was fouled and a couple of efforts by Foden were blocked. 6 minutes later a free kick taken by the Brentford keeper went right to the other end to Donnarumma!
Then good work by Bobb led to Foden's shot just going wide. There was always danger when Brentford had a throw-in as Kayode was able to throw the ball into the goal box.
On 35 minutes a shot by Thiago from distance was blocked. A few minutes later the Brentford keeper had to make a terrific save from Reijnders following a cross by O'Reilly.
Just before half time Schade got a yellow card probably for shouting at the ref after he was fouled by Dias.
So City lead at half time with 73% possession.
Brentford started the second half with attacks and the City keeper had to save from Thiago.
City had a lucky escape when a poor header by Gvardiol lead to Thiago only having to beat the city keeper but Donnarumma made a good save.
On 52 minutes Bobb had a shot blocked and 5 minutes later a header by Kayode went over the bar. Brentford were having more of the ball and City really needed that vital second goal.
On 67 minutes Brentford made 2 changes but none by City yet.
3 minutes later Henderson got a yellow card for a foul on Foden. Then the home side made 2 more changes and on 75 minutes Doku came on for Bobb and Benardo for Reijnders. 2 minutes later Haaland won a free kick in defence!
On 83 minutes O'Reilly got a yellow card and shortly after Ouattara got a yellow card'.
There was 4 minutes of added time but nothing much happened. City had not played all that well in the second half but at least they got the three points and moved up a few places.

Pep made 3 changes from the Brentford game - in came Ake, Doku and Nico. The team was -
Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Ake, O'Reilly, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Foden, Savinho, Doku and Haaland.
There was a short delay early on when an Everton player was injured. On 5 minutes City won a free kick when Reijnders was fouled. 2 minutes later Haaland in defence headed clear a cross by Ndiaye.
Then City won a corner but it was cleared. On 10 minutes O'Reilly shot from outside the area but the ball went just wide.
On 13 minutes City had an escape when a cross by Ndiaye just missed the boots of Beto. A couple of minutes later Pickford has an easy save from Savinho. A minute later a shot from distance from Nunes went wide alas.
On 18 minutes a shot by Reijnders is blocked and he had another effort blocked minutes later.
Not the best of games with City well off their best. On 23 minutes a corner by City nearly got a goal for the sky blues but O'Brian headed against his own bar.
On the half hour City attacked with Doku and Savinho but a shot by Reijnders was deflected wide. On 39 minutes Garner got a yellow card for a foul. A couple of minutes later Donnarumma had to make a good save from Ndiaye. Then at the other end Doku had a shot saved by Pickford. Just before half time Ake headed wide at a Foden corner. 2 minutes were added and Savinho had a shot saved but the crowd of 52,498 had little to celebrate in the poor first half.
No changes for the second half and early an effort by O'Reilly had a shot scrambled clear. It did not take long for City to wake the crowd. On 57 minutes a cross by O'Reilly was met by Haaland and his downward header beat Pickford to give City the lead - at last!!!
City then made 2 changes - Bobb and Benardo for Doku and Reijnders. Everton did have a penalty shout when the ball hit the arm of Benardo but VAR said no!
Shortly after City made it two nil - Foden passed to Savinho who passed to Haaland and he shot past Pickford.
It was his 14th goal for City and 23rd overall !!!
After Nunes won a free kick a shot by Foden went over the bar. Then there was news about the score at Palace so City go top of the league - for a short spell no doubt!
On 81 minutes City made more changes - Lewis, Cherki and Kovacic came on for Savinho, Nico and O'Reilly.
The ref gave 7 added minutes and Haaland should have got his hat-trick but he missed several chances to score.
City were better in the second half and the best players were Nunes , O'Reilly and of course Haaland.
However why are other players not scoring ???????

City made 4 changes from the Everton win. In came Lewis, Benardo, Gvardiol and Stones. The team was
Donnarumma, Nunes, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol, Nico, Lewis,, Benardo, Savinho, Doku and Haaland.
In the first minute City almost scored. Savinho passed to Doku but his shot was saved. Shortly after Gvardiol committed a foul on Pepe. Then on 3 minutes a cross by Benardo was headed over by Haaland.
A minute later Doku was fouled but the City free kick was cleared. On 8 minutes a shot by Lewis was blocked. Three minutes later Nunes was fouled and Pedraza got a yellow card.
Then on 16 minutes Savinho passed to Lewis who cut the ball back to Haaland who cracked the ball past the keeper to give City the lead which they deserved as they had dominated play. Haaland had netted for the 12th game in succession for City and Norway.
On 21 minutes Benardo fouled Mourino in the home penalty area and he got a yellow card. He thought his high foot was trying for a goal!!!
On 28 minutes there was a surprise at the other end when Gueye shot from distance but the ball went wide.
5 minutes later Villarreal had another chance but Donnarumma saved from Comesana from close range.
On 40 minutes City scored again - this time it was someone other than Haaland !!!! A good cross by Savinho was met by a well timed run by Benardo who headed past the keeper to make it two nil.
We were expecting a stronger show by the home side but City were two up and playing well.
Just before half time Doku was fouled yet again and Mourino got a yellow card.
There was early good work by Stones in the second half and the Doku was a couple of free kicks -
he is the target!!!
On 54 minutes Gonzalez was injured and he was subbed by Kovacic - back from injury. After Doku won a free kick for a foul on 56 minutes he had a shot at goal but the ball went wide. A minute later a shot from Savinho is saved for a corner and the keeper is injured. Eventually Dias gets a yellow card for a foul.
City are taking it easy now and Villarreal manage a couple of efforts which are blocked.
On 70 minutes the City keeper has to make a good save from Gueye.
City then made 2 changes - Bobb replaced Doku and Reijnders replaced Lewis.
On 80 minutes a shot from Haaland is saved and he has another go 3 minutes later and his shot is saved again. City made two more late changes - Marmoush replaced Savinho and Cherki came on for Haaland.
After a good first half City took it easy in the second half but fully deserved their important win ending their winless away run in the Champions League. Nunes, Stones, Savinho and Benardo had good games.

Pep made a few changes for this game - the team was Donnarumma:, Nunes, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol: Reijnders, Benardo, Bobb, Foden, Savinho and Haaland.
In the first minute Gvardiol made a poor pass - I hoped this would not continue. Then we had the first long throw by Villa and a shot by Buendia went too high. On 6 minutes a shot by Reijnders from just outside the area went too high. On 16 minutes Villa won a corner when an effort by Digne was deflected wide. Following the corner Buendia passed to Cash who cracked the ball into the net from outside the penalty area - early disaster - Villa were a goal up . A shame as City had played well in the opening 15 minutes and suddenly we were a goal down,
On 21 minutes Haaland had a shot saved by the keeper. I think he should have done better with the chance.
On 26 minutes Buendia was injured and was subbed by Sancho. Villa had more of the play now and a shot from McGinn was deflected for a corner. Then attempts by Watkins were blocked Then Nunes won a free kick but Benardo was caught offside. On 38 minutes a foul by Savinho on Rogers earned him a yellow card. Nothing much happened before half time with Villa ahead.
Villa won an early free kick following a foul by Gvardiol Then Foden had a shot blocked after a pass from Stones. Then Dias had a header blocked as City tried for an equalizer. On 48 minutes a pass by Foden led to a break by Reijnders but his shot went wide. On 53 minutes Reijnders fouled Watkins and got a yellow card.
Then City won several corners but efforts by Dias and Savinho were blocked. On 61 minutes a header by Gvardiol from a cross by Foden went just over the bar.
City then made 2 changes O'Reilly replaced Stones and Gonzalez replaced Benardo and Doku came on for Bobb. A few minutes later Gonzalez got a yellow card for a foul on McGinn
On 67 minutes following a corner a header by Gvardiol went wide.
On 70 minutes a header by Haaland from a cross by Foden went straight to the keeper. 6 minutes later City made another change - Cherki coming on for Reijnders.
On 80 minutes Foden got a yellow card for a foul on Guessand. After a shot by Foden was blocked there was a delay for an injury to Onana.
Then City brought on Marmoush for Savinho. The ref gave 6 minutes of added time and Haaland did get the ball in the net but alas the flag had gone up for offside.
In the final seconds Haaland had a header saved by the keeper.
Not the best performance by City.and no real stars today. Villa had a well organized defence and City only had Reijnders in midfield.
Apparently Villa have a problem with Sancho who came on as a sub and was later subbed!!!!!

Swansea C 3 - 1 away Oct 29th League Cup

As expected Pep made many changes for this game - 10 in fact . Bobb was the only player to stay. The team was - Trafford: Lewis, Khusanov, Ake, Nouri: Gonzalez, Musaka, Bobb, Cherki, Doku, Marmoush.
There was an early Swansea attack but Tymon was caught offside.
After a free kick against Lewis for a foul on Inoussa there was a surprise disaster. On 11 minutes a shot by Franco from well outside the penalty area ended in the top corner of the goal to give the home side the lead. It was a very good shot and Trafford had no chance.
3 minutes later Cherki had a shot blocked as City tried to level the scores. On 16 minutes Nouri got a yellow card for a foul on Widell. After City won a corner 3 minutes later Marmoush had an effort blocked. Then on 22 minutes Nico was fouled and Idah got a yellow card. 2 minutes later a Swansea corner was cleared and following City corner a cross by Cherki was good but no City players there!
Then on 30 minutes a poor defensive pass gave Widell a golden chance but Trafford managed to dive and finger tip the ball for a corner
A few minutes later Cherki had a shot blocked following good work by Doku. On 37 minutes City nearly scored when Cherki hit the post after good work by Bobb.
However we did not have long to wait for a City goal. A pass to Doku by Nouri ended with a run by Doku and him cutting in and shooting via a defender - Burgess - into the net - one all - at last!
Marmoush had a go at goal just before half time but it missed and efforts by Doku and Lewis failed to add to the score so at half time it was one all.
After Cherki had been fouled early in the second half his shot was blocked and there were misses by Marmoush and Mukasa. Then Bobb had a couple of shots but both were blocked. City were really well on top now. After a delay for an injury to Franco Swansea made 2 subs.
On 61 minutes a shot by Nouri went too high and shortly after City made their first changes - Gvardiol for Nouri - Foden for Mukasa and Stones for Khusanov.
5 minutes later Nico shot over the bar from distance and shortly after a header by Gvardiol went wide from a cross by Cherki following a corner. Swansea made 2 more subs as City piled on the pressure.
City won several corners and from one of them Gvardiol had a shot saved in the top corner.
Then on 77 minutes Cherki passed to Marmoush and he cracked the ball into the net from a tight angle to give City the lead - at last !!!!!
On 84 minutes Foden passed to Doku but his effort is blocked. A few minutes later a Nico shot is saved and soon it is 90 minutes. However in the 6 minutes of added time City notched their third goal. Gvardiol passed to Cherki who scored an excellent goal to make it 3-1 to City.
Cherki who was excellent deserved his goal and now City play Brentford in the next round.
After the first 20 minutes the much changed City team got their act together and played well.

Bournemouth 3-1 home Nov 2nd

As expected Pep made 8 changes from the Swansea game. The only ones to remain were Doku, Cherki and Nico. the team was Donnarumma: Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O 'Reilly: Benardo, Gonzalez, Foden, Cherki, Doku, Haaland.
It was Foden's 200th game and he is the youngest to reach that number .
There was nearly a very early disaster for City in the first minute. Kroupi put the ball in the net but luckily for City he was offside when he took a pass. On 4 minutes a cross from O'Reilly was cleared On 5 minutes City win a corner from a Foden shot and then a second City corner ended with a break by the away side and Nunes had work to do. On 11 minutes Cherki passes to Haaland but his effort is saved. Then on 17 minutes Cherki heads the ball to Haaland who is on the half way line .Haaland dashes forward beats the keeper and scores. A great goal - City are ahead. It was his 12h Premier League goal this season
Almost another goal for City on 22 minutes when Doku linked with Benardo and the keeper had to save at Benardo's feet.
Then disaster came. Bournemouth got a corner and Donnarumma failed to punch the ball cleanly and Adams scored for the visitors. A bad mistake by our keeper - very unusual!!!
City hoped VAR would give a foul on the keeper but no alas it was one all!
In fact Donnarumma got a yellow card for his moaning!
A few minutes later City have a shout for a penalty following a cross by Benardo but both the ref and VAR say no.
On 31 minutes City won a corner but it was cleared and then a minute later City went ahead. Haaland takes a pass from Cherki and dashes towards the goal. He rounds the keeper and scores from a tight angle to give City the lead 2-1 - hurrah!!!!
On 37 minutes City almost score again. O'Reilly goes round the keeper but a defender is able to clear off the line. City are playing quite well today.
A minute later Haaland has another go but the keeper saves for a corner. Then just before half time Cherki has a go and the keeper has to save well. Foden got a yellow card for a silly pull back just before the interval.
Then Foden was fouled and the Cherki free kick was saved so City led 2-1 at half time.
Early in the second half O'Reilly crossed to Haaland but his header went wide. On 50 minutes an attack by the visitors ended with Kroupi shooting into the side netting. Then a minute or so later Donnarumma had to make a good save from Kroupi. Bournemouth trying their best to get back into the game now.
On 56 minutes Doku is fouled once again but no foul given by the ref. Maybe Doku did not send him a Christmas Card! He is not playing on the wing today!
Then on 59 minutes City scored. Foden passed to O'Reilly and he shot into the net to make it 3-1. Game over !!!! I hope! I am sure Pep was very pleased with that goal.
On 64 minutes Foden was fouled and Truffert got a yellow card. On 75 minutes City made 2 changes - Savinho replaced Doku and Reijnders came on for Cherki.
6 minutes later and City made another change - Marmoush came on for Haaland so no hat-trick for him today!
City continue to control the game and on 90 minutes they made 2 more changes - Rodri and Nouri came on and Foden and Benardo went for a sit down.
5 minutes were added but nothing much happened so City move into 2nd place - excellent.
Haaland and Cherki had good games - as did Foden and o'Reilly. Much better by City today - they are getting back to their better form

Borussia Dortmund 4-1 home Nov 5th Champions League

Pep made 3 changes bringing in Stones, Reijnders and Savinho. The team was Donnarumma: Nunes, Stones. Gvardiol. O'Reilly, Nico, Reijnders, Savinho, Foden, Doku, Haaland.
After an attempt by Adeyemi went wide Savinho won a free kick but a Foden cross was cleared.
Shortly after Foden has a shot saved but the off side flag is up. On 13 minutes after City won a free kick in defence when Nunes was fouled Savinho was badly fouled and Svensson got a yellow card.The free kick was taken by Foden but his effort was saved by the keeper Kobel.
Shortly after City won a corner and a shot by Reijnders went wide. On 19 minutes Nico tried a shot from distance but it was blocked.
However we did not have to wait too long for a goal! On 21 minutes Reijnders passed to Foden who cracked in a shot from outside the box to make it one nil to City - great stuff - a well taken strike.
A few minutes later Reijnders was injured colliding with the keeper. He looks to be ok thankfully.
On 25 minutes Gvardiol wins a free kick in defence and shortly after Haaland burst down the middle and passed to O'Reilly who almost scored but the keeper managed to save the effort for a corner.
From the corner Doku passed to Haaland who cracked the ball past the keeper to make it two nil - excellent play. It was his 54th Champions League goal in 52 games - what a player!!!1
BD tried to get back into the game and won a couple of free kicks, On 32 minutes Reijnders had a shot saved by the keeper. Then a header by Haaland went wide as City tried to add to the score.
On 38 minutes a header from Nico following a corner went wide and the City keeper had to make a save from Adeyemi. Just before half time Haaland has a shot from outside the penalty area saved so at the interval City led 2-0. A very good first half performance by City.
Early in the second half Savinho had a shot saved .A minute later Nmecha shoots over the bar for BD. On 51 minutes a run by Savinho wins a corner but the header by O'Reilly goes wide.
On 54 minutes a good City move ends with an effort by Haaland going wide.
A couple of minutes later Reijnders passes to Foden who surrounded by three defenders beats them and shoots into the bottom corner to make it three nil - game over! - I hope.
After Doku won a free kick a shot by Savinho goes high and wide.
On 64 minutes Donnarumma has to save from Guirassy as BD start to dominate. After the visitors made 4 subs a shot by Adeyemi went wide. On 71 minutes BD won a free kick and a cross by Ryerson was hit into the City goal by Anton first time. Oh dear it was now 3-1 with plenty of time to go and BD were dominating the game. The City defence had to be on the ball now.
On 77 minutes Savinho got a yellow card and then Pep made changes - Benardo replaced Savinho, Cherki replaced Doku and Dias came on for Reijnders.
On 85 minutes O'Reilly got a yellow card for a foul and Pep made 2 more changes - Marmoush for Haaland and Nouri for O'Reilly. City now had to defend in depth but as extra time started we had a bit of luck. Cherki managed to get the ball - went on a run into the BD half and shot past the keeper to make it 4-1 - game really over now!!!!
A good display by City especially in the first half and then good defending to keep the visitors at bay.
Foden had a terrific game and should be in the English squad!!!

Pep made three changes from the midweek game Out went Stones, Reijnders and Savinho and in came Dias, Benardo and Cherki. The team was Donnarumma: Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O 'Reilly: Benardo, Gonzalez, Foden, Cherki, Doku, Haaland. It was Doku's 100th game for City, For Pep it was his 1,000 game as a manager. The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain except when it comes to the Etihad Stadium ! heavy rain today
After City did some defensive passing O'Reilly went on a run but he was fouled by Gravenberch.
On 5 minutes Doku caused problems as he dribbled past 2 defenders but his pass to Haaland was blocked. 2 minutes later Liverpool manage to control Foden. On 8 minutes Doku breaks through yet again and as he rounds the keeper he is brought down!!! Penalty surely but the ref does not blow so VAR steps in and gives City a spot kick. Surely City should go ahead now as Haaland takes the kick but alas the shot was not strong enough and the keeper dives and saves.
A chance lost!! Apparently City have missed 4 of their last 5 penalty kicks against Liverpool.
Bring back Aguero!!!!!!
City continue to attack and a shot by Cherki is deflected. On 20 minutes City have to clear a Liverpool attack - wow that was different!!!
2 minutes later O'Reilly is injured but it looks like he is able to continue and mark Salah.
Just after Doku has a shot saved by the keeper we had the first yellow card and it was a City player guilty - Nico fouling Wirtz.
On 29 minutes City scored. A cross by Nunes on the right wing finds the head of Haaland and then the back of the net. A great header by Haaland and a good cross. His 99th Premier League goal for City. Many City players were involved in the build-up to the cross.
On 30 minutes Doku has a shot saved and a few minutes later Doku is fouled and MacAllister gets a yellow card. On 37 minutes Liverpool win a corner and Van Dijk thinks he has scored with a header but the flag is up for offside so no goal. Robertson was stood right in front of the keeper!
On 42 minutes Benardo gets a yellow card for a foul on Wirtz
The ref added 6 minutes to the first half and three minutes in City score number two. From outside the penalty area Nico Gonzalez took a crack at goal and the ball was deflected off Van Dijk into the back of the net so City were two up - great stuff - City were the better team and deserved the lead.
A minute in and there is almost another chance for City but O'Reilly just fails to find Doku.
A little later Liverpool shout for a penalty but City win a free kick for a foul on Dias.
On 52 minutes City made a change - Cherki went off and Savinho came on. Liverpool made 2 changes.
7 minutes later Gakpo has a chance but he shoots wide. Then on 62 minutes O'Reilly passes to Doku who cuts in and cracks the ball into the top corner to make it three nil and game over I hope!
It was his first league goal this season.
On 73 minutes City make a change - Doku is replaced by Marmoush. Despite the pouring rain Doku gets a huge ovation when he leaves the pitch - he is definitely Man-of-the-Match!!!!
On 75 minutes Donnarumma makes a good save from a drive by Szoboszlai.
City are taking easy a bit but on a one attack Savinho was pulled back by Jones who got a yellow.The Ref only gave 3 extra minutes so City ended with a 3 nil win and look to be back to their best. Dias was good in defence and O 'Reilly played well.
City move to second in the league so pressure is now on Arsenal

Newcastle U 1-2 away Nov 22nd

Pep named an unchanged team for this game - The team was Donnarumma: Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O 'Reilly: Benardo, Gonzalez, Foden, Cherki, Doku, Haaland
There was almost disaster in the first minute when Donnarumma passed to a marked defender and the City keeper had to make a good save from Barnes. Then on 2 minutes City had a break and Doku passed to Haaland who alas failed to find the net from outside the box - his effort going wide. City won some corners but no goal alas. On 7 minutes a shot from Cherki was saved by Pope.
5 minutes later Donnarumma had to save a header by Woltemade following a cross by Murphy.
On 16 minutes City had a penalty shout. Doku passed to Foden who shot just wide but he was fouled seconds after he shot. Went to VAR - but no penalty alas!
There was another VAR shout for a penalty when a shot by Doku hit the hands in front of a defenders body
Doku continued to trouble the home side but no chances and then at the other end Donnarumma had to save from Woltemade on 25 minutes.
5 minutes later Barnes had an open goal to score but he shot wide - lots of chances but no goals yet. City won a couple of corners with Cherki shooting wide following one of them.
On 34 minutes Haaland took a pass from O'Reilly but his shot was saved by Pop's chest!!
A few minutes later Haaland was helping in defence! On 41 minutes a fast City break ended with a pass from Cherki to Foden but his shot went just wide. Just before half time a shot by Haaland went too high.
So at the interval it was goalless but it easily could have been three all!!!!!
On 48 minutes a shot from Benardo went high and wide. On 58 minutes a header by Haaland from a cross by Foden is saved by Pope. 4 minutes later an effort by Foden is high and wide.
A minute later disaster struck. A shot by Barnes from outside the penalty area ended up in the City net. But we did not have to wait too long for a City goal. Following a corner and a bit of scrappy play a shot by Dias found the Newcastle net via a deflection and it was one all. It was his first goal
for many years.
Newcastle piled on the pressure and won several corners. Then came disaster squared!
Following a corner Barnes scored from close range but there were protests by City. Was there an offside possibility in the build-up. VAR had to dig deep and a players elbow saved the day for Newcastle.
Donnarumma got a yellow card for protesting about a possible foul at the corner. City then made a change bringing on Savinho for Doku and after an injury to Hall City made more changes - Bobb replaced Cherki - Reijnders replaced Benardo Silva
On 83 minutes an effort by Bobb is blocked and later following a corner a shot by Savinho City made one more sub bringing on Marmoush for Foden. The ref added 8 minutes of extra time.
On 92 minutes Marmoush had a shot blocked. Then Bobb got a yellow card for a bad foul.
Then at the other end Jolinton got a yellow card for a foul on Savinho.
Alas City failed to get an equalizer so another loss.
Not the best showing by City with a poor effort for once by Haaland who City rely on to score.
As normal City had 67% possession and 17 shots but only 4 on target!!!!

Pep made 10 changes for this game! The team was Trafford, Khusanov, Stones, Ake, Nouri: Lewis, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Bobb, Marmoush, Savinho. Almost a second team so a strange decision to drop so many good players to the bench.
City got an early corner thanks to an error by Maza and Lewis had a half chance but another corner was won. Ake had a good shot saved by the keeper at the corner following a pass from Bobb. On 11 minutes Poku had a shot blocked and from the corner Quansah had a header blocked. 6 minutes later Reijnders had an effort blocked
Then disaster struck - on 22 minutes a counter attack ended with Grimaldo scoring from the centre of the box after a cross by Kofane. Should City defenders have reacted quicker!!!!!
On 30 minutes Nico headed to Nouri but his shot went wide.
Just before half time Reijnders had a shot saved by the keeper and that ended a pretty poor first half with City being well below their best. Did Pep select the wrong players??????
For once there were no added minutes.
City then made three changes - Foden for Lewis - O'Reilly for Nouri - Doku for Bobb.
On 48 minutes Bayer won a corner and a shot by Maza went wide. 5 minutes later O'Reilly took a shot from outside the penalty area but it went straight to the keeper.
A couple of minutes later Bayer scored again. Maza crossed and Schick headed into the bottom corner. Oh dear it was not City's day!
On 56 minutes Stones passed to Savinho but his shot went wide. A minute or so later there was almost another disaster when Trafford came out of his goal but the incident ended with Grimaldo getting a yellow card for a foul on Savinho.
City won a couple of corners and on 63 minutes Haaland came on for Marmoush and Cherki replaced Khusanov.
On 65 minutes Haaland headed wide from a cross by Reijnders. 5 minutes later Foden passed to Haaland but his shot was saved. Then on 73 minutes Haaland took a cross from O'Reilly but his effort went miles high and wide.
After Ake had a shot blocked Doku was fouled by Kofane who got a yellow card. A couple of minutes later Ake had a header saved. Cherki had a couple of efforts saved but City just could not get the ball into the net so a pretty poor display ended with a loss - no stars tonight!
Bayer Leverkusen were easily the better side and deserved the win.

Leeds U 3-2 home Nov 29th

Pep as expected played a strong side - The team was Donnarumma: Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O 'Reilly: Benardo, Gonzalez, Foden, Reijnders, Doku, Haaland
After a foul by Nmecha in the first minute City had a free kick. Taken by Gvardiol the ball ended up in the net.
Nunes gave the ball to Foden who cracked it into the net to put City one up - great goal.
Leeds then won several free kicks and at the last of them a header by Struijk went wide.
On 10 minutes O'Reilly won a free kick but Nunes was caught offside. City got more free kicks but no efforts on goal.On 19 minutes O'Reilly attacked down the wing and he passed to Foden but alas the shot was blocked as was an effort by Nico and Gvardiol shot over.
A couple of minutes later Haaland headed a pass to Dias but his shot went wide.
On 23 minutes Foden had a shot saved for a corner. At the corner O'Reilly had a header saved by the keeper but the ball ran to Gvardiol who scored at close range. So City went two up - City 2 Leeds U 0 - are we in for a big score!!!!!
There was a VAR check for offside but thank goodness the goal stood.
Leeds came back with several attacks but City tried to add to the score before half time and Benardo, Nico and Reijnders had shots blocked and saved.
The ref added three minutes and in the last of the three O'Reilly had an effort from close range saved by Perri the keeper.
Leeds made 2 subs at half time and one of them Calvert-Lewin scored after just 48 minutes. A defensive error by the City defence gave him a chance and he took it. Game on - alas.
On 55 minutes Nunes got a yellow card for a foul on Lewin. Leeds were putting on pressure and Benardo got a yellow for dissent. Then Rodon got a yellow card for a foul on the City keeper.
Disaster struck on 66 minutes when Leeds won a penalty for a foul on Lewin.The foul was by Gvardiol who got a yellow card. Nimecha took the penalty which was saved by Donnarumma but but the ball came out and there was Nimecha to make up for his miss and it was two all.
Disaster now - two all - and City were not at their best.
City made a substitution bringing on Cherki for Reijnders.
Donnarumma got a yellow card for something he said. With 2 minutes to go Haaland had a header saved following a cross by Doku.
The City brought on Marmoush for Benardo.and a minute later Doku crossed to him and He had a header saved. Ten minutes were added and in the first minute of added time City scored. Cherki passed to Foden who moved to the left beating 2 defenders and cracked it into the net - great stuff.
Not the best performance by City with only Foden the star. What has happened to Haaland who was pretty poor today. Will he ever reach his 100 goals!!!
The defence needs sorting out too. The ball is given away too often.