City left frustrated in goalless draw in Copenhagen

After a gripping first half which was dominated by the VAR, Copenhagen manage to hold on for the point at home to Manchester City. City only have themselves to blame for losing the points after Mahrez's first half missed penalty cost them. Rodri did manage to find the back of the net, but Mahrez was adjudged to have handled the ball in the build-up. The second half did not offer as many opportunities for the Sky Blues, and it became evident they were missing Gomez, who was sent off in the first half.

Coming straight out the blocks, Pep Guardiola's men started pressuring the Copenhagen goal immediately. Very early on, the stadium was left in awe as Rodri belted a shot in from outside of the box in to the top corner, leaving Grabara stunned. Moments later, Mahrez was found to have handled the ball in the build-up, therefore leaving the referee with no choice but to cancel Rodri's effort. The action did not stop there, just over the halfway mark, City were awarded a penalty thanks to VAR after the Copenhagen defender was found to have used his arm.

The eventful first half was not finished there, as Mahrez stepped up and missed the resulting penalty. A few minutes later, VAR once again intervened to send off Gomez, who was deemed to have unlawfully pulled down the Copenhagen striker who was in on goal.

The second half offered few opportunities as Manchester City tried to adjust to their 10 men. Copenhagen had a few chances but nothing to write home about and never really offered a real threat to the Ederson goal. The Sky Blues were feeeling Haaland's absence, who needed a goal threat to kill off the game, but Pep Guardiola chose not to introduce him and City were unable to find a winner despite a wave of late pressure. 

This result leaves Manchester City needing Dortmund to slip up against Sevilla in order to qualify for the knock-out stages, and Copenhagen remain in 4th spot.

 

October 11, 2022