Talking points : Manchester City win vs Swansea

Manchester City recorded a 2-1 victory in their encounter versus Swansea at the Etihad in what was a nervy performance from the hosts. The Citizens were nowhere near their best and needed a whole lot of luck to clinch all three points. Swansea were excellent in creating chances from open play and played their first game since the sacking of Gary Monk without an out-and-out striker.

A first-half goal from the former Swansea man Wilfried Bony proved to be the winner but the match saw many chances being created and beautiful link up play from the visitors. So how exactly did the two sides fare? Let’s take a look..

5. City low on confidence

Its been a somewhat difficult season for City on the consistency front as they look like the title favourites in one match and a vulnerable and lackluster side in the next. Although they don’t take long to get back up from upsets but since that 5-1 win versus Bournemouth almost 2 months ago, City haven’t looked like a side capable of killing easy  games off as title favourites should. Then again, there are no easy fixtures in the Premier League. A couple of heavy defeats this season has dealt a huge blow to their confidence, especially the 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool.

If they are to get back to where they belong they have to play how they are tipped to and this win could be the start of it.

4. Swansea finally getting back to their best

A year ago no one would have thought that sacking Gary Monk would be the answer to a relegation battle that they now face but it was certainly a much needed change that compelled a leaky Swansea side to react and deliver a performance worthy of three points. A fantastic performance from the attacking midfield kept City on their toes. Swansea started the match without a recognised striker as Gylfi Sigurdsson led Swansea’s attack for much of the match but it was a striker in Bafetimbi Gomis who clinched the equalizer in the dying moments of the match.

But two lapses in defence saw two goals conceded by Swansea and the stoppage time winner by Yaya Toure was heartbreaking. Nonetheless, it was an excellent performance from the visitors and should give them confidence to churn some results from their upcoming fixtures.

3. Creating chances a big concern for City

City are blessed with an excellent strike force capable of dislodging any European side in their prime. One of the most free scoring sides in Europe, they also possess world-class midfielders constantly keeping their opposition on their toes by creating chances time and time again. But they are now enduring a dry spell from their most crucial players. David Silva was seemingly out of touch and is going through a campaign maligned by injuries along with Sergio Aguero who missed yet another game this season. Not starting Kevin De Bruyne could have cost Manuel Pellegrini the match.

Ahead of a crucial run of fixtures in Christmas period they have to rekindle their scoring touch or risk being off-loaded from the title race.

2. Change in tactics helped tremendously

A brilliant performance from the Welsh club was down to the sacking of Gary Monk. Believe it or not Alan Curtis tinkered heavily with the squad and there was a visible change in tactics. Starting without a striker and creating an impression of wanting to park the bus was a big risk against a side who score for fun. But a perfectly well worked  attacking gameplan almost won them the match.
If it weren’t for a few lapses in defence and City’s luck they would have gone home with atleast a much needed point in the bag. They should still take big positives from the match and can easily come out of the relegation battle with more performances like this one.

1. Title challenge still jittery

Three points was their objective for this match which they did achieve but City are no where near as consistent and confident as they should be especially ahead of a crucial run of fixtures starting with Arsenal next week. The Arsenal game will more or less be a top of the table clash and a huge constraint in their title charge. But with performances like these it’s hard to see City getting three points at the Emirates. And then its a trip to Leicester as they wind up 2015 hopefully with three points in another crunch clash.

Its very much possible that the return of Sergio Aguero would galvanize the Citizens ahead of these fixtures and finish the year on a high. Needless to say a lot of improvement is needed.