Match Reflection: CSKA Moscow 1 - 2 Manchester City

Crucial victory in Moscow as Agüero stars yet again for gutsy City

By Jack Mumford

City battled to a 2-1 victory over a struggling CSKA Moscow side thanks to another two goals from Sergio Agüero on Wednesday evening. CSKA weren’t City’s only obstacle to the three points as the Arena Khimki pitch certainly didn’t lend itself to the passing brand of football City currently play. 

However Agüero, who is going through a purple patch of eight goals in his last six games, replied to CSKA’s opener quickly to guide City to a victory that is the perfect response to their recent crushing defeat against Bayern Munich.

Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

Manuel Pellegrini chose to keep the same 4-4-2 formation that worked so well at West Ham on Saturday but rotated his fullbacks as Pablo Zabaleta and Aleksandar Kolarov came in for Micah Richards and Pablo Zabaleta respectively. The only other change to the line-up was Samir Nasri dropping to the bench as Jesús Navas filled his right sided midfielder role.

Pellegrini speaks to the media

Gaffer 'not concerned' about title pressure

By Aaron Leggott

After speaking to the English media for the first time, new boss Manuel Pellegrini has insisted he feels no pressure to win the Premier League with the Blues.

But whilst he is confident in his ability, the Chilean knows that immediate success is the aim, whilst also producing an academy capable of rivaling that of FC Barcelona.

Official MCFC Facebook

He said: "I'm not only here to win trophies, I'm here to work with young players.

"As a coach, we want immediate success. I'm trying to have a strong squad that can bring us trophies."