In Hart, City Trusts

Judging by the statistics, Wednesday's Champions League match at the Etihad Stadium should have been pretty straight forward.

Manchester City had only lost one of 34 European fixtures on home soil, and was unbeaten in their last 32 games domestically at Eastlands. It was never going to be a walk in the park, especially against a young and tightly-knit squad that has been crowned champions of the Bundesliga under manager Jurgen Klopp for the last two seasons.

However, the German side was winless on their road travels last year in the competition, losers of five straight, and their run was made even worse by their poor record on English soil, coming away with zero points in their last three visits to England.

Prior to kickoff, Roberto Mancini criticized his team for their defensive frailties, practically reciting Joe Hart's comments to reporters in a post-match interview following the loss in the competition's curtain raiser in Madrid two weeks ago.

The goalkeeper was publically called out by his manager for having a go at his teammates soon after. Good or bad, what Hart said was the truth -- City's backline was not providing enough protection and playing too deep in the box, suffocating their shot-stopper and allowing opponents the space and time needed to cause serious problems.


To read the rest of my analysis for Tuesday's Champions League match between Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund, click on the link below...

http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/champions_league/2012/10/03/uefa_champions_league_manchester_city_borussia_dortmund/