Middlesbrough made sure the euphoria of the taming Barcelona is forgotten in a hurry after City dropped 2 valuable points because of a last-gasp header by De Roon which ended the match 1-1. City had enough possession and enough chances to create but a combination of tiredness and resolute Middlesbrough defending made sure they never sealed the match. Sergio Aguero scored his 150th goal for the club was also guilty of missing an easy chance which would have made sure of the 3 points.
But credit to Boro, they held on and the tactical change in the 2nd half made sure that City did not enjoy the same amount of authority on the ball. City head into the international break with drooping shoulders and might see themselves further down the ladder in the rankings for the first time this season.
Let us take a brief look at the talking points from the game.
DOMINATION WITHOUT PENETRATION
As has been the case for City in the past, their failure to kill off the game after the 1st goal again cost them dear. For some inexplicable reason, they were repeatedly deciding against playing the final pass and were content in keeping possession, passing it sideways on the edge of the box. While possession does look good on the stats page, Boro and City have emerged equals from the match. City need to take risks from now on.
