Derby win is perfect tonic after Euro loss

SOME people were labelling Manchester City the greatest team we have ever seen in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola and his players were enjoying that high praise but suddenly, after losing 3-0 to Liverpool in Europe, it is now a case of getting that confidence back. Guardiola has become renowned for his artistic football and that is what he will ask of his side at the Etihad Stadium. The sort of football that City play is all about confidence, arrogance, expression, creativity. You do not lose all of that overnight or just because of one heavy loss in the Champions League but they will certainly want to restore pride. They have practically got the Premier League title in the bag anyway but this is about getting that momentum back. When they beat Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford in December, Jose Mourinho was not happy with City’s overzealous celebrations in the changing room after. City will have every right to celebrate if they win the Premier League this evening but the bigger picture of their season now is about the Champions League second leg against Liverpool at the Etihad on Tuesday. City can use today to build towards what they are hoping will be their greatest ever night in Europe.