Any hope of sustained attacking threat from the visitors was quashed when Giovanni Di Lorenzo brought Erling Haaland down with the Norwegian breaking towards the Napoli goal. Originally ruled a fair tackle on the pitch, an intervention by the VAR led to Antonio Conte’s captain being given his marching orders. Unfortunately, that brought Kevin De Bruyne’s homecoming to a premature end, as the Belgian was sacrificed for Mathias Oliveira in the 25th minute. The City legend was given a hero’s send-off by his adoring public at the Etihad.
Napoli sat further and further back, and the Sky Blues camped in the Italian champions half for the remainder of the first half. Milinkovic-Savic was called into action, making smart stops from a Nico O’Reilly header, a well-struck volley by Rodri and a glancing nod from Josko Gvardiol. City’s best chance fell to Tijjani Reijnders, whose shot from the edge of the box was almost turned into his own net by Matteo Politano. His block on the goal-line luckily cannoned into his keeper’s grasps.
Ten minutes into the second half, City found their breakthrough. Foden received the ball on the half turn, flicked a lofted pass into Haaland’s path, and the striker nodded home. The 50th Champions League goal of Haaland’s career, he is the quickest player to reach that milestone in the history of the competition. The lead was doubled not long after, as Doku brilliantly ghosted past four Napoli defenders before slotting past an onrushing Milinkovic-Savic.
Both managers rung the changes with 15 minutes left to play, signifying the contest was over. Pep Guardiola will be happy with his team’s performance, and thankful for a routine win ahead of their titanic clash with Arsenal at the weekend.
BALLGM rates City’s players from the Etihad Stadium…
Any hope of sustained attacking threat from the visitors was quashed when Giovanni Di Lorenzo brought Erling Haaland down with the Norwegian breaking towards the Napoli goal. Originally ruled a fair tackle on the pitch, an intervention by the VAR led to Antonio Conte’s captain being given his marching orders. Unfortunately, that brought Kevin De Bruyne’s homecoming to a premature end, as the Belgian was sacrificed for Mathias Oliveira in the 25th minute. The City legend was given a hero’s send-off by his adoring public at the Etihad.
Napoli sat further and further back, and the Sky Blues camped in the Italian champions half for the remainder of the first half. Milinkovic-Savic was called into action, making smart stops from a Nico O’Reilly header, a well-struck volley by Rodri and a glancing nod from Josko Gvardiol. City’s best chance fell to Tijjani Reijnders, whose shot from the edge of the box was almost turned into his own net by Matteo Politano. His block on the goal-line luckily cannoned into his keeper’s grasps.
Ten minutes into the second half, City found their breakthrough. Foden received the ball on the half turn, flicked a lofted pass into Haaland’s path, and the striker nodded home. The 50th Champions League goal of Haaland’s career, he is the quickest player to reach that milestone in the history of the competition. The lead was doubled not long after, as Doku brilliantly ghosted past four Napoli defenders before slotting past an onrushing Milinkovic-Savic.
Both managers rung the changes with 15 minutes left to play, signifying the contest was over. Pep Guardiola will be happy with his team’s performance, and thankful for a routine win ahead of their titanic clash with Arsenal at the weekend.
BALLGM rates City’s players from the Etihad Stadium…
Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):
A quiet evening for the towering Italian. Dealt with Napoli’s one shot on target with typical aplomb.
Abdukodir Khusanov (6/10):
Convincing when called upon in defence, provided an outlet in attack. A solid performance.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
Had very little defending to do after the red card. Popped up with some enticing crosses from an inside right position.
Josko Gvardiol (7/10):
Denied a goal when his powerful header was brilliantly saved by Milenkovic-Savic. Remains an attacking threat despite sliding back into the centre of defence.
Nico O’Reilly (6/10):
Comfortable overlapping or stepping into midfield. Has all the makings of a prototypical Guardiola full-back.
Rodri (6/10):
A rasping volley was again stopped by the resolute Milenkovic-Savic. A solid if unspectacular hour as he gets his sea legs back under him.
Tijjani Reijnders (7/10):
The red card allowed him the freedom to make darting runs from midfield. Almost forced Politano to turn the ball into his own net.
Phil Foden (8/10):
A beautiful turn and lofted pass to set up Haaland’s goal. Went looking for work throughout. Signs he could be returning to his brilliant best.
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Some classy touches and clever passes. Could not find that one incisive ball in the first half. Other stars provided the telling contributions.
Jeremy Doku (8/10):
A frightening proposition to defend one-on-one. Danced past four Napoli defenders to take his goal.
Erling Haaland (7/10):
Drew the red card challenge as he broke towards Napoli’s goal. Nodded the breakthrough goal instinctively.
Nico Gonzalez (5/10):
Back in his role as Rodri’s understudy. Kept thing ticking over after the hour mark.
Savinho (6/10):
A like-for-like replacement for Doku. Looked threatening in one-on-one situations.
Nathan Ake (N/A):
Came on with the game already decided. Little to do.
Rico Lewis (N/A):
Nothing to report.
Oscar Bobb (N/A):
Late second-half substitute. Had little time, or need, to affect the game.
Pep Guardiola (7/10):
The breakthrough came at the perfect time to stave off any nerves. He will be thankful that he had the chance to rest key players in the second half ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Arsenal.
