Manchester City took a step towards the next round of the Champions League on Wednesday with a 2-1 win at CSKA Moscow in Group D.
Zoran Tosic put the hosts ahead with 31 minutes on the clock before Sergio Aguero got City level almost instantly.
Aguero then made sure of the points for the visitors when he netted the decisive goal just before half time.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the teams at the Arena Khimki.
Match statistics:
CSKA:
Shots 9
On target 5
Possession 41%
Corners 3
Fouls 14
Man City:
Shots 20
On target 9
Possession 59%
Corners 7
Fouls 14
Was the result fair?
This was not vintage Manchester City by any means, but Manuel Pellegrini's side did enough to get what was ultimately a deserved win. They refused to let the poor pitch stop their gameplan and could have had a couple of more goals but for some wayward finishing. The hosts can take some positives from their display, though they looked woefully average for much of the match.
CSKA's performance
The Russians were frequently off the pace and relied on their opponents to make them look good. Despite appearing dangerous on the counter-attack, they failed to control the match or do any significant damage to their opponents. A win would have set them up nicely in the group, and they had a sniff of getting just that, but a lack of ideas and organisation cost them in the end.
Man City's performance
Manuel Pellegrini's side were their own worst enemies on the night, with individual errors almost costing them the three points. They were particularly ropey in defence with Javi Garcia struggling at centre-back. However, there was plenty to be pleased with in the final third as David Silva and Jesus Navas caused CSKA all kinds of trouble coming in off the flanks. As for City's strikers, Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo look like they are forming a very valuable bond thanks to another clinical display between them.
Sports Mole's man of the match
David Silva: The Spanish playmaker was a real handful for CSKA as he picked holes through their defence with glorious simplicity. He always looked to get involved and linked up well with his teammates throughout.
Biggest gaffe
Javi Garcia had a moment to forget in the build-up to CSKA's goal as he was out-jumped by the diminutive Keisuke Honda before Zoran Tosic put the ball in the net.
Referee performance
Ovidiu Hategan gave an impressively eagle-eyed performance in the middle, correctly disallowing two goals and booking Ahmed Musa for a pathetic dive. He was not afraid to get his cards out elsewhere either, keeping the game under control with cool authority.
What next?
CSKA: The Russians continue their league campaign on Sunday with a home tie against Krasnodar.
Man City: The Blues return to Premier League action on Sunday when they make the trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.
Jack Prescott
