A walk in the Vélodrome

It was a successful night for Manchester City last night as they sailed past Marseille administering a 3-0 victory over Andre Villas-Boas and his troops. 

The game was an epitome of Pep Guardiola's game management. The Blues went in at half-time a goal up and with 68% possession with Marseille looking relieved to be going in only a goal down at the break.

With constant pressing from City in the second half, it took just over half an hour for them to get a second which came through midfielder İlkay Gündoğan.

Straight after the German got his second goal in two Champions League games, he was substituted for Bernardo Silva. Gündoğan left the field with a great big smile on his face as his good form continues.

 John Stones was also put on, replacing Aymeric Laporte in the 78th minute, this gave Stones some vital minutes as he looks to prove his worth and reclaim his place in the starting XI.

It was Raheem Sterling who had the last laugh, putting the final nail in the coffin with only nine minutes remaining. It was a perfect night for Pep, keeping a clean sheet, scoring three great team goals and giving players minutes who were in need of them. 

Young Approach

It was a big night for Felix Nmecha, Tommy Doyle, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Adrian Bernabe who all made the journey across the channel in a night where even travelling with the squad would have been a valuable experience.

But it was a night to remember for Cole Palmer, having come on in the Citizens 3-0 away win over Burnley four weeks ago to make his debut for Man City, this was not only his second game for the club but his European debut none the less.

Having come under some criticism in the past Guardiola for not embracing youth he is taking advantage of the opportunity to put more players on the bench in European games, selecting four youngsters for the bench in both of City's Champions League games this season. 

With the next game being Olympiacos on Tuesday this could be a chance for a few of Pep's youngsters to get a substantial run out with the Greek side sitting second bottom in Group C.

 

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