The following are five key talking points from Manchester City’s Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund.
Manchester City left it late against Borussia Dortmund, as Pep Guardiola’s side fought back from 1-0 down to win 2-1.
The Blues won their second Champions League match this season thanks to second-half goals from John Stones and Erling Haaland. Their German opposition was stubborn, as they sat deep and didn’t allow the Premier League champions a single shot on target in the first half.
Things went from bad to worse for Guardiola’s side when Jude Bellingham headed home the opening goal of the night. Marco Reus’ cross picked out the Englishman as he deftly flicked the ball past Ederson to make it 1-0.
The momentum shifted in the second half, and City’s goal came from an unlikely source. Stones flew from the edge of the box as the ball sailed past Dortmund’s goalkeeper, who, despite the swerve on the ball, should have done better.
City’s second came from a far more familiar face, as Haaland acrobatically turned home the Blues’ second. As City scored twice in four minutes, Joao Cancelo found the 22-year-old with a sumptuous outside of the right foot cross.
Stones filled in admirably at right-back. He not only scored the vital goal to turn the game around but also held his own in an unfamiliar position.
Despite being solid in defense, City desperately missed the attacking outlet that Walker gives Guardiola’s side going forward. This was particularly evident in the first half, as Riyad Mahrez looked for support on the right wing.
Walker’s eventual return will be a welcome relief for a team that looks to width as one of their primary sources of goals.
Jack Grealish failed to take his chance
It was a frustrating hour of football from the former Aston Villa man before he was inevitably withdrawn.
The first half gave Grealish plenty of opportunity to make his mark on the match, yet City’s midfielder was off the boil. A combination of poor touches and misguided runs meant that his time on the pitch was cut short by Guardiola in the 58th minute.
The £100million price tag seems to be hanging heavy on his shoulders.
Haaland can’t stop scoring
The Norwegian showed exactly why he is never out of the game.
Many of Haaland’s goals this season have come from nowhere, as he suddenly bursts into life when teams least expect it. Dortmund had their guard up against the 22-year-old for 83 and a half minutes, before they switched off for a moment, and the damage was done.
His finish was Zlatan Ibrahimovic-Esque — as Rio Ferdinand later said on punditry — as Haaland somehow managed to flick the ball home in mid-air at the back post.
Guardiola’s substitutions make the difference
It simply wasn’t happening for City as the clock approached the hour mark.
For one reason or another, the Blues just could not break down the Black and Yellow defensive wall that stood in front of them. And once again, it was City’s squad depth that proved pivotal to the outcome of the match.
The introduction of Bernardo Silva, Julian Alvarez, and Phil Foden in the second half changed the momentum, as City put their Bundesliga opposition to the sword.
The Portuguese international got 10 assists for City last season in all competitions and against Dortmund, he proved yet again how important an attacking asset he is for Guardiola’s side.
It was an incredible cross that picked out Haaland at the back post, as Cancelo reminded everyone just how important a role he plays in this City side. City proved that goals can simply come from anywhere on the pitch, a terrifying prospect for opponents to get their heads around.
