And the press have had their say on the latest instalment of a historic season for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Let’s start with Paul Wilson, writing in the Guardian, who was impressed with the desire City showed in beating the Dutch champions.
“Manchester City were threatening to end their winning sequence at 16 until Raheem Sterling turned a humdrum evening into a celebration with a goal two minutes from time,” Wilson writes. “A 17th successive win in all competitions means City have won their group with a match to spare, though in fact that was already the case when Sterling played a give-and-go with Ilkay Gündogan and raced through to beat Brad Jones with an angled shot.
“Napoli’s goals against Shakhtar Donetsk had confirmed City’s untouchability at the top of Group F by that stage, and though this was far from one of their most memorable performances it could be excused on the grounds key players such as David Silva, Fernandinho and Leroy Sané were rested. And that City kept plugging away right until the end to achieve a win that hardly mattered. Pep Guardiola will have been pleased to see that, and so will the home supporters and compilers of records.”
Continuing on the same theme, the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski says the win highlights City’s strength in depth.
“Pep Guardiola was brought to Manchester City to take the club to the next level,” he writes. “When a slender win to confirm five wins out of five and top spot in a Champions League group feels underwhelming, you can safely say he is well on his way to meeting that challenge.
“With seven changes to the team from Leicester, there was, perhaps understandably, a lack of fluidity to the XI against an ordinary Feyenoord side and it was a step down from some of the soaring heights during the previous 16 games.
“But it was still a solid effort for a defence missing Vincent Kompany, John Stones and Benjamin Mendy, and an attack that left David Silva and Leroy Sane on the bench had enough firepower to clinch the victory.”
ESPN’s Simon Curtis praised match-winner Raheem Sterling, awarding him 8/10 for his display: “Sterling, 8 -- Increasingly influential cutting in from the left flank to cause considerable problems for the Feyenoord defence. Finally got the reward for a selfless night’s running, when he chipped coolly over the advancing Brad Jones to win the tie.”
And, finally, some transfer news.
Don Balon (via Mail Online) believe Guardiola wants Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez to join City in January.
“Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is eyeing a move for Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez in the January transfer window.
“The Algerian continues to be linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium after failing to secure one during the summer.
“And Spanish outlet Don Balon claim the Premier League leaders have their sights set on recruiting the 26-year-old, as they look to add depth to an already strong squad.”
That’s all for today, Blues. Stay with us throughout the day as we continue looking back at last night’s win.
