City fans analyse home win over Napoli

Manchester City 2 - 0 Napoli

Erling Haaland set a new record by becoming the fastest player to reach 50 Champions League goals, scoring in Manchester City’s hard-fought win over Napoli. 

Author | Macca

Stadium | Etihad Stadium

Kevin de Bruyne’s much-anticipated return to the Etihad lasted only 26 minutes before he was withdrawn following Giovanni di Lorenzo’s red card.

Napoli goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic produced a string of outstanding saves in the first half to frustrate City’s attackers. Haaland finally broke the deadlock after the break before Jeremy Doku added a second to seal the victory.

The best reaction from those that were there

Saeed: A fine result and a warm welcome back for Kevin de Bruyne. Phil Foden is growing in influence and Jeremy Doku looks increasingly threatening. There are still some concerns at the back but the general direction feels positive. We may remain a step behind Liverpool, yet a return to the top four should be within reach.

Bryan: Erling Haaland and Foden seem to have rediscovered their understanding and that can only mean goals for City.

Moe: People will, rightfully, be heaping praise on the Norwegian robot, Erling Haaland, after he scored again. I thought the best player was Phil Foden. In this kind of form, he is simply captivating.

Peter: I struggle to see what Pep Guardiola sees in Rico Lewis. I may only be a grassroots coach, but he looks a liability to me. His inverted full-back role leaves the defence exposed. He drifts too far inside and contributes little either through midfield or in attack.

Jamie: That was a solid display against difficult opposition. I head into Sunday’s match with Arsenal feeling optimistic.

Nicholas: Playing against 10 men can be as tricky as facing 11, but City showed patience and composure. The win was well deserved and it was good to see Foden back to form.

Andrew: Dismiss us at your own risk. Come on City.