In a match marred by VAR controversy, Manchester City managed to take a point from their visit to Copenhagen.
City thought that they had taken the lead when Rodri struck a beautiful half volley into the roof of the Copenhagen net, only for the goal to be ruled out, as replays revealed it had brushed the outstretched arm of Riyad Mahrez in the build-up.
The Algerian was at the centre of the next key event in the match, when a penalty went Manchester City’s way for another handball, this time in the host’s box from Boilesen.
Riyad Mahrez stepped up, but saw his kick saved by Kamil Grabara.
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Finally, and perhaps most importantly in the match, Sergio Gómez was adjudged to have committed a red card offence when he yanked back at Haraldsson as the last man.
While the on-field referee Artur Dias initially missed it, the Portuguese official was advised by VAR that the Spaniard should walk.
The second half wasn’t exactly one for the neutrals, with Manchester City largely controlling proceedings and not allowing Copenhagen to exercise their one-man advantage.
A few chances for either side came and went, with the visitors eventually securing the point they probably would have taken had you offered it to them at half time.
Here’s how we rated the players for Manchester City’s eventful draw with Copenhagen!
Starting XI
Ederson - 7
Despite Manchester City playing with ten men for over a half, their goalkeeper was rarely tested. Ederson did kick well throughout the match though.
João Cancelo - 7.5
Full of so much running both at right back and at left back, with the Portuguese practically playing as a winger in the second period.
Manuel Akanji - 8 (MOTM)
Speaking of playing as a winger - Akanji was extremely solid this evening, essentially covering the whole right flank when Gómez went off.
Aymeric Laporte - 8
Any time Copenhagen played a ball in behind, Laporte dealt with it extremely calmly, settling the backline as well as playing the ball well.
Sergio Gómez - 2
A shame for young Gómez, but unfortunately his rash play cost him a spot in the game and potentially cost City a win.
Rodri - 7
Very unlucky to see his belting goal ruled out, and had a fairly good game beyond that, often dropping in to help the defence.
Ilkay Gündogan - 6.5
Did some decent work in tight areas, although gave away more balls than he usually would.
Kevin de Bruyne - 7
Put in a lot of work in the middle, and showed some nice touches.
Riyad Mahrez - 3
He was the unlucky man sacrificed by Pep Guardiola following the red card, and his only big contributions prior to that were the freak handball on Rodri’s goal and the missed penalty.
Julián Álvarez - 6.5
Difficult circumstances as he had to chase a lot of lost causes, with mixed level of link-up play.
Jack Grealish - 7
Won a lot of fouls with good ball carrying.
Substitutes:
Rúben Dias - 7
Some key interventions in defensive zones.
Bernardo Silva - 6.5
Dropped into good areas to help keep possession.
Phil Foden - 6
Like with Álvarez, couldn’t do a lot with the hopeful attacking play.
Nathan Aké - N/A
No time to mark.
Topics: Manchester City, Champions League, Premier League, Football, Denmark
Hamish MacRae