Two Late Goals Stun City In Poland

Only three weeks ago Manchester City were second in the Premiership, top of their respective European league and looking the side everyone feared. Tonight, as Mancini and his players departed a bouncing Stadion Miejski they are left facing mounting critics.

The previous fixture between the sides ended in one of the most comfortable victories City have had all season as they dispatched Poznan 3-1, second time around it was Lech Poznan who were celebrating a 3-1 victory, goals from Injac, Arboleda and Mozdzen propelled them ahead of City and into first place.

The nature of the two late goals stunned the Blues after Emmanuel Adebayor had earlier equalised. Despite City`s chances and star quality available it was the host`s tenacity and intensity, as well as two beautifully struck goals, that ensured victory and added more fuel to the growing concerns around City.

With City entering a hectic fixture period, Roberto Mancini decided to rest several key players for the Group A Clash. Even with the depleted side, City had the best of the first half chances.

Adam Johnson was at his best and created several openings. The winger witnessed his cross fall perfectly for Boyata who looked certain to open the scoring. With his miss-cued header as well as Adebayor`s failure to send home a Vieira cross, City were left frustrated.

Despite our dominance, Lech Poznan took the lead when Injac drove home superbly. After City failed to deal with two crosses the ball landed in the path of Injac who made no mistake.

Nevertheless, City continued to play more expansive football than the Polish side and thoroughly deserved their equaliser, Adebayor slammed home from close range after his header was earlier saved by the Poznan goalkeeper.

City now had the momentum and ability to take a threshold in the game, but could only produce a disappointing display. We clearly possessed stronger players, but the defensive, monotonous performance was raising more eyebrows.

As the game progressed the draw looked the most likely outcome. However, the most bizarre goal from Arboleda gave Poznan an unlikely match winner. The goal will be greatly remembered though for Boyata`s misfortune as his defensive header looked to thwart the danger, but somehow cannoned of Arboleda`s head.

David Silva had a great chance to spare City`s blushes, but after he was put through from a dazzling Johnson run, the Spanish midfielder lifted his shot over.

The game still had one more goal to showcase and as Mozdzen smashed home his long range shot, City were deflated and nursing another defeat.

Finally got his game and was left picking the ball out on 3 occasions when he could do very little. Strong performance. Again was left with more misfortune. Will grow as a player from these setbacks. Scored a wonder goal which was ruled out, but other than that a quiet performance. Was good going forward, but looked the weak link in defence. Strong first half, but lost his way in the second. Allowed opponents too much space. City's brightest attacking threat. Was unfortunate not to score or assist. Weak performance. Is quickly losing everything he had. Sad to see such a club icon perform so poorly again. Scored one and had chances for others. Sometimes looked a bit lazy, but with Johnson he was the brightest starter. He was needed for his creativity. Should have equalised late on. Looks rusty. Felt he was fouled, strange substitution.

Use your social login to comment on front page articles. Login using you Facebook, Twitter, Google or LinkedIn accounts and have your say!