Manchester City scrapped to a 4-2 victory at home to Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League last night – here are five things that we learned from the clash.
1) Dzeko doesn’t know the meaning of rusty
Although The Bosnian is firmly behind Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Aguero in the frontline this season, but he was on target at the Etihad last night to drag his tally up to six this season. He had six shots at goal, won 3/4 of his headed duels and even made a clearance.
2) City can grind out results
By no means was it an impressive performance from Pellegrini’s men but they dug in and saw the game out. They made 19 tackles, 17 interceptions and 26 clearances throughout the 90 minutes.
3) Hart is still a top keeper
Hart pulled a number of fine saves out last night to keep the scoring to just two. It will be interesting to see if he is handed his place between the sticks back in the league at the weekend.
4) Milner away from home works
Milner provides a defensive option on the wing and is ideal for their away trips – something that has hindered them this season so far. Both of his crosses were successful and he made two interceptions.
5) Horava should be a Premier League target
The midfielder covered so much ground in the tie and definitely deserved his goal. He looked very much a player who could cut it in the English top tier.