City's European woes continue
UEFA Champions League
Wednesday 05 November 2014, 19.45 KO
City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy, Fernando (Dzeko 64), Toure, Milner, Navas (Fernandinho 45), Jovetic (Nasri 45), Aguero
Unused: Caballero, Sagna, Boyata, Mangala
Goals: Toure (7)
Booked: Fernandinho, Aguero
Sent off: Fernandinho, Toure
Referee: Tasos Sidiropoulos
Man of the Match: Fernando
Manchester City's Champions League hopes are hanging by the thinnest of threads, as they succumbed to a home defeat at the hands of CSKA Moscow.
After Sunday's excellent performance in the Manchester derby, City seemed to slump back into the poor form which has hampered them all season. Passes were misplaced, movement was scarce and, alarmingly, there appeared to be a distinct lack of effort.
Manuel Pellegrini opted for the same line up that had defeated United, but his side quickly found themselves a goal down. Seydou Doumbia, who had won a controversial penalty in the reverse fixture, headed his side in front after some extremely poor marking from Yaya Toure.
Toure did redeem himself, albeit briefly, as he levelled the game with a superb free kick after eight minutes. City, however, failed to take the initiative and dropped deep, and were frequently second to the ball. Too many players performed below their usual standard, and it was no surprise to see CSKA restore their lead. Gael Clichy's weak clearance was seized upon by Natcho, who slid a perfectly weighted through ball to Doumbia, and the Moscow striker finished with aplomb.
As the two teams emerged for the second half, many were anticipating a reaction. Manuel Pellegrini opted to bring on Fernandinho and Samir Nasri for the largely ineffective Stevan Jovetic and Jesus Navas. Despite dominating possession, City soon found themselves down to ten men, as Fernandinho was sent off for two bookable offences.
City were already facing a near impossible task, which became all the more difficult as Yaya Toure was sent off for recklessly lashing out. Moscow comfortably held on and claimed an invaluable win.
Incredibly, City can still qualify for the next round if results go in their favour but on the basis of last night's performance it looks extremely unlikely.