City frustrated by Monaco penalty right at the end as Haaland scores a brace
Manchester City were back in action in Europe in Wednesday evening taking on AS Monaco away, looking to build on their strong start on matchday 1 against Napoli. Donnarumma started in goal. O’Reilly, Dias, Gvardiol, and Stones were in defence. Rodri, Reijnders, and Foden were in midfield with Doku, Bernardo, Haaland in attack.
City dominated possession throughout the game, but Monaco looked dangerous every time they hit back on the counter. The Blues scored their first goal in the 15th minute following a brilliant cross in from Gvardiol to Haaland, who dinked the ball over the goalkeeper with his first touch to give City the lead. Monaco hit back almost immediately however, following a long-distance finish from Teze to immediately bring the Ligue 1 side level. Following the equaliser, the game underwent a period of City possession, with the Blues ultimately having plenty of chances to go back in front – with a shot from Bernardo saved and Foden hitting the bar.
City’s efforts finally paid off on the stroke of half time with O’Reilly crossing the ball into Haaland who got his head on it into the net to give City the advantage going into halftime, 2-1.
City continued to dominate possession in the second half but not without Monaco’s chances – Balogun had the chance to bring his side back level early on but he couldn’t get on the end of the cross. Akliouche also looked dangerous in attack, getting a shot off that was well saved by Donnarumma. City themselves, were frustrated the most perhaps, with Dier clearing a cross in the 55th minute and having to face some stubborn defensive work by Monaco. In the 73rd minute, Foden flicked a header on to Savinho who charged forward and passed the ball through to Reijnders, whose shot hit the bar. Twice, City had been denied by the woodwork on the night. Haaland then attempted a long range shot which was saved.
Despite not being able to take a two-goal advantage, City looked comfortable for the whole of the second half. This was, until the 88th minute when a Monaco free kick in was followed by a collision between Gonzalez and Dier. Despite Gonzalez getting his foot to the ball, VAR referred the referee to check that the challenge was to be penalised for a penalty and after a close look, the referee awarded Monaco the penalty. Dier converted from the spot and the scores were level. City went on a late surge in attempt to find a winner, but it was all too late and the match finished two goals apiece.
It is yet more struggle away in Europe for the blues, who will feel they should’ve come away with three points but there were still plenty of encouraging signs for Guardiola’s side, who looked strong going forward but lacked that extra edge. City are now placed 8th in the table, with their next European fixture away at Villareal in three weeks time.