Could Man City’s leaky defence dash Champions League hopes?

Matchday one at the Etihad stadium was a lively one, City ran out 6-3 winners as over RB Leipzig but it was not plan sailing for Cityzens. This was Pep Guardiola’s 300th game in charge, the win saw them become the quickest English side to reach 50 wins in the Champions League. City achieved this feat in just 91 matches, quicker than Barcelona and local rivals Manchester United.

As ever Manchester City produced a stunning attacking display at the Etihad stadium scoring six goals and creating numerous other chances that were missed, but it will be the defence that will cause concern for Pep especially with tougher tests to come over the coming weeks. Matchday two will see Pep Guardiola’s men travel to Paris to take on PSG while on matchday three City travel to the Jan Breydelstadion to take on Club Brugge, both games will be tough, and City’s defence will need to play better than they did versus Leipzig.

Last season's Bundesliga runners-up RB Leipzig looked dangerous throughout, former Paris St-Germain youth player Christopher Nkunku caused City problems with his direct running style and pace. Nkunku went onto complete his hat trick on the night and highlighted potential issues ahead for City, maybe not in the group but certainly in the latter stages of this seasons Champions League when they come across the top teams in the knockout rounds.  If you’re a blues fan and this rocky start to the campaign has made you hesitant to bet on them, then visit Platin Live Casino instead to get your gaming fix without risking Pep’s men coming unstuck!

Leipzig have endured a difficult summer losing star men Daylot Upamencano and Marcel Sabitzer to Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich, despite this they put up a fight at the Etihad in match day one and exposed the potential Achillies Heel for City which lies in defence.

Leipzig have recent pedigree in the competition having reached the semi-finals two years ago, last season they also qualified from a group of death at the expense of Manchester United. Although they were not considered a push over, I don’t think any pundit or experts predicted City would concede three on the night and that’s what gives other teams hope. City are the favourites to life the cup, but teams like Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Real Madrid will all fancy their chances this season in a wide-open competition.

City looked good going forward, they have now scored 17 goals in their last four outings – a figure that is sure to please Pep Guardiola given the fact they missed out on main target Harry Kane over the summer. City’s failed pursuit of the Tottenham striker means they are lacking a clear number nine type following the exit of Sergio Aguero but Pep will be keen for all his players to chip in and make sure that missing out on Kane doesn’t define their season. So far, with contributions coming from all over the pitch Pep has worked his magic again and City look a class act going forward.