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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Matthew Hobkinson

Three Man City players made the difference vs Borussia Dortmund after Pep Guardiola decision

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 were 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.

ALSO READ: Man City vs Borussia Dortmund as it happened

In the second half the momentum turned, and City's way back into the game came from an unlikely goalscorer. Stones let fly from the edge of the box as the ball sailed past Dortmund's goalkeeper, who should have done better, despite the swerve on the ball.

City's second came from a far more familiar face, as Haaland flew through the air to the back post to acrobatically turn home the Blues' second. Joao Cancelo picked out the 22-year-old with a sumptuous outside of the right foot cross, as City scored twice in the space of four minutes.

Here are a few key things we spotted during the game:

City miss Kyle Walker

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 defence, 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It was a frustrating hour of football from the former Aston Villa man before he was inevitably withdrawn.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.

(2022 Lynne Cameron - Manchester City)

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.

Joao Cancelo's Creativity

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.

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