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Manchester City got off to a slow start in the Champions League as they played out a 0-0 draw with Inter at home on Wednesday. City had plenty of the ball and searched for a way through the Inter backline but the Serie A champions stayed strong.
In-form Erling Haaland had a rough 90 minutes, despite showing early promise when he was found in a dangerous position by a Savinho cross, but the striker’s header was comfortably saved. The home team stepped up the pace from then, pressing high up and circulating the ball in Inter’s half. City had a tough time cutting through the tight backline, though, and were mostly limited to efforts from the edge of the box.
They eventually managed to work into a great position in the 70th minute when the ball was squared to Phil Foden, but his shot was saved by Yann Sommer. It was Inter who next came close when Henrikh Mkhitaryan got on the end of a dangerous delivery, only to send it sailing over the bar.
City continued to push for the breakthrough but Inter were able to keep them at bay before Ilkay Gundogan saw two late headed chances pass him by as the game ended goalless.
GOAL rates Man City’s players from Etihad Stadium…
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AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (7/10):
Pulled off some strong saves to deny Inter’s few chances.
Ruben Dias (7/10):
Made some excellent interventions as Inter threatened with counter attacks.
Manuel Akanji (6/10):
Strong on the ball, pushed up to offer support as City looked to cut through a strong defence.
Josko Gvardiol (8/10):
An excellent display. Made a big clearance and read the game well to make sure nothing got by him.
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Getty Images SportMidfield
Rico Lewis (6/10):
Had to cover a lot of ground as he charged up and down the field and stayed sensible in his passing.
Rodri (5/10):
Too slow on the ball. Hindered City’s attacks and gave Inter an opening.
Bernardo Silva (5/10):
Had a quiet first half in a more central role and didn’t fare much better on the right.
Kevin De Bruyne (6/10):
Had some dangerous moments but was subbed at half-time with an injury.
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AFPAttack
Jack Grealish (7/10):
Made some incisive passes and helped create a huge chance for Foden.
Erling Haaland (4/10):
Had a couple of decent chances but hardly touched the ball. A rare off night for the goal machine.
Savinho (6/10):
Had a lively first half and set up Haaland with a good cross but was taken off at the break.
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AFPSubs & Manager
Phil Foden (6/10):
Had a great chance midway through the second half.
Ilkay Gundogan (5/10):
Tried to get into lift City’s attacks but and got on the end of two dangerous balls, but couldn’t find the net.
Jeremy Doku (6/10):
Made a lively impression in the last 10 minutes.
Pep Guardiola (5/10):
His team were set up well to dominate possession but they failed to break through and his substitutes didn’t do enough to alter their style.
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