It being January, the post-match analysis is of course dovetailed with the ongoing transfer rumours which are customary at this time of year.
Last night is where we’ll begin, however, and on a night when City once again showed their spirit, the leadership qualities of stand-in captain Kevin De Bruyne caught the eye.
The superlatives come courtesy of the Manchester Evening News’ James Robson, who suggests the Belgian displayed all the qualities you want in a captain.
Writes Robson: “On a night when Manchester City’s Quadruple pursuit gathered pace Kevin de Bruyne produced the archetypal skipper’s contribution.
“Handed the role in the absence of Vincent Kompany, Fernandinho, David Silva and Sergio Aguero, the Belgian gave yet more weight to the argument that he is the most complete player in the Premier League.
“As well as his supreme technical ability, match-winning goals and game-changing assists, you can now add leadership to his ever-growing list of qualities.”
Meanwhile, after a performance which certainly caused City problems, the Robins’ boss, Lee Johnson, has revealed the positive words Pep Guardiola had for him at the final whistle.
The Independent carry his quotes: “Pep Guardiola said to me that we played better than most of the Premier League teams that come to Man City.
“We will take an awful lot from it and learn a lot. It is not over. It will be an interesting game at Ashton Gate.”
Switching our focus to January’s transfer rumour mill, Alexis Sanchez’ name is back on the media agenda, with former Blue, Craig Bellamy convinced he’ll become a City player.
He told Sky Sports: “I’m a huge fan of him. Even with the quality Manchester City have going forward, would he add to that? Yes he would.
“I can only see him being at Manchester City. And if it isn’t in this transfer window it will be for free in the summer.
“Arsenal don’t have to sell - they can say: ‘We’ve got this far, we’ll see it out’. But at the same time, would I take that risk? I’m not sure.”
Rumours coming out of Italy claim City could also move for Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini.
Richard Fay of the Manchester Evening News has the story on a player who has previously been linked with the Club.
He suggests: “Manchester City could be set to make a move for Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, according to a report.
“The Blues are keen to recruit a defender in the January transfer window with Chiellini being considered.
“The Juventus star has been plagued by injury in recent times and Pep Guardiola will only consider an approach if he fails to secure his main transfer targets.
“And according to the report in Turin based newspaper Tuttosport, a move will only happen if City fail to secure a deal for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti.”
That’s your lot for today, Blues, but we’ll be back with more from the back pages tomorrow.
