manchester city remained unbeaten in the Champions League as they edged past Napoli at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night, according to the Guardian. Man City gained the lead in the ninth minute when Raheem Sterling powered a volley from a distance before Gabriel Jesus doubled the lead four minutes later. However, Napoli were able to gain reasonable control of the ball, and had several chances up front as well. Napoli suddenly found the back of the net through Amadou Diawara's clinical spot kick in the 73rd minute, but they couldn't add to the tally as the home team firmly held onto the goal difference at full-time.
The victory means Manchester City is atop of Group F with 9 points. Napoli is third with 3 points. Here's a recap of the match.
Manchester City outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Ederson (7.63). Defender - Kyle Walker (6.23), Nicolás Otamendi (6.88), John Stones (7.37), Fabian Delph (6.19). Midfielder - Kevin De Bruyne (7.69), Fernandinho (six points), David Silva (6.62). Forward - Raheem Sterling (7.72), Gabriel Jesus (7.42), Leroy Sané (6.78). Used substitutes - Danilo (5.93), Ilkay Gündogan (6.42), Bernardo Silva (6.40).
Team's strength and weakness: Man City created chances through set pieces, through balls and counter attacks. Also, they were good at finishing but were aggressive in their tackles and gave way free-kicks within their box.
Style of play: Pep Guardiola's men attacked through both flanks, and largely favored counter attacks.
Napoli outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - José Reina (6.93). Defender - Elseid Hysaj (6.83), Kalidou Koulibaly (7.21), Raúl Albiol (6.62), Faouzi Ghoulam (6.88). Midfielder - Amadou Diawara (7.49), Piotr Zielinski (six points), Marek Hamsik (5.83).
Forward - José Callejón (6.64), Dries Mertens (6.21),
Lorenzo Insigne (6.44). Used substitutes - Allan (6.42), Adam Ounas (6.53), Christian Maggio (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Maurizio's side created goal scoring opportunities through counter attacks and long shots. However, they committed several individual stumbles and lost possession often.
Style of play: Napoli operated through the midfield, favored through balls and long-range strikes.
Man of the Match
Raheem Sterling played absolutely well for City. Sterling scored a goal and completed 44 touches in the encounter. Furthermore, He was found everywhere in the field, setting up opportunities in the attack.
Both teams' next clash
In their second leg tie, Napoli will welcome Manchester City to Naples on Wednesday 1 November.
