Manchester City left frustrated in draw against Inter as Kevin De Bruyne goes off injured

Manchester City’s Underwhelming Start to the Champions League

Manchester City’s highly anticipated Champions League opener against Inter Milan ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland, in particular, was frustrated as he was made to wait for his 100th City goal. The Norwegian striker looked bored and frustrated on the pitch, which typified the mood around the game.

Credit must be given to Inter Milan, who came into the game with a well-defined game plan. They sat tight with their back five, frustrated Manchester City, and tried to hit them with physical counter-attacks. Despite City’s dominance, Inter Milan nearly stole the game and can probably come away feeling frustrated that they didn’t get anything out of it.

This was the first time Manchester City failed to score a goal in a Champions League group stage game at home. However, it’s worth noting that this is the launch of the new Champions League format, and it may take some time to get used to. The extra games in the new format have added to the demands on players, and it’s clear that Manchester City are still adjusting.

The Injury Concerns

One major concern for Manchester City is the potential absence of Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian midfielder came off at halftime and seemed to have tweaked something. This could be a big blow for City, especially given their massive game against Arsenal this weekend.

City’s Chief Football Correspondent, Jason Burt, reported that De Bruyne’s injury could be more of a concern for the Premier League than the Champions League. This is because City have a lot of games to play in the Premier League, and De Bruyne’s absence could be a significant blow.

The Kit Debacle

Charlotte Rley couldn’t help but comment on Manchester City’s kit, which was a tribute to the band Oasis. The kit was a disaster, and the headline "Pep’s team are far from Super Sonic in Oasis kit" summed up the mood.

The Significance of De Bruyne’s Absence

De Bruyne’s potential absence would be a massive blow for Manchester City. The midfielder is a key player for the team, and his absence would be felt. City have shown in the past that they can find a way to win even when De Bruyne is missing, but it’s clear that he is a vital part of the team.

Conclusion

Manchester City’s Champions League opener was an underwhelming experience, but it’s not the end of the world. They have seven more games to play in the group stage, and it’s clear that they are still adjusting to the new format. The injury concerns surrounding De Bruyne are a major worry, but City have shown in the past that they can adapt to setbacks.