City cruise to victory in West Yorkshire

In a rather tame first half of football, in which predictably Manchester City enjoyed control over the lion’s share of possession, it was to be a piece of good fortune that would open the scoring. In spite of dominating the ball, the visitors rarely carved out a clear cut chance across the first half. It was not for the want of trying, but more for the diligent defensive organisation displayed by their hosts Huddersfield.

Having parted company with manager David Wagner during the week, the ‘Terriers’ were being guided by caretaker coach Mark Hudson for the clash. However it was clear that the interim boss was in no mood to introduce wholesale changes to the side, even in light of their increasingly worrying league form. This showed in their solid defensive display during the opening 45 minutes of the match, as they managed to contain the pace of the reigning Premier League champions, from the safety of the perimeter of their penalty area.

Yet even a great defensive showing can do nothing to prevent a piece of misfortune. As was the case in this clash. With the visitors retaining possession on the edge of the Huddersfield box, the ball was played wide to full back Danilo, who then decided to try his luck from long range. The Brazilian’s drive took a nick off the head of defender Christopher Schindler on its way towards goal, completely wrong footing his keeper, who was helpless to stop it hitting the back of the net.  

The second half of this match began in a complete opposite fashion to the first. Huddersfield came flying out of the traps, clearly keen to get themselves level on the score line. However, it was City that would land the next significant blow in the clash.

A typical free flowing, fast passing move from the reigning champions, tore through their hosts’ defence to further increase the arrears on the afternoon. Leroy Sané’s burst down the wing, and wicked cross, was met with a firm header by Raheem Sterling, from point blank range. The home stopper was helpless to prevent the ball from flying into the bottom corner of the net.

The remainder of the half saw end to end action, with City welcoming Huddersfield attacks by means of hoping to exploit them on the counter attack. In fairness, the hosts did manage to carve out a variety of good goal scoring chances, mainly from set pieces. Yet, as has been the case for the side across the majority of the season so far; Huddersfield lacked the necessary firepower to convert the chances, and really push City for the three points.

All in all, a comfortable win for the reigning champions in West Yorkshire; a moment of good fortune, coupled with two moments of top quality, saw them record a vital three points in the race to retain their Premier League crown. In contrast, another defeat for Huddersfield, although perhaps expected against such calibre of opposition, leaves them in an increasingly desperate position at the foot of the table.