2 ....................... CITY Sterling’s lucky winner
But as Pep Guardiola’s side continued their audition for the footballing equivalent of the Harlem Globetrotters, the question had to be whether Town had the mettle to continue to successfully frustrate their more illustrious rivals?
It looked as if the answer was going to be not too long when Aguero strolled into the box, put through by David Silva, only for a heroic last-ditch tackle from Schindler thwarted the Spaniard.
The German centre-back was then influential at the other end – nearly helping Town to a shock lead, flicking on a dangerous Mooy cross for Mathias ‘Zanka’ Jorgensen header to go inches wide.
It typified Town’s dogged determination to keep plugging away and their excellent tactical masterclass gained the rewards it deserved at the end of the first half.
Once again Schindler at the centre of the action – his near-post flick on from an Ince corner ricocheting off Otamendi to leave Ederson stranded in the City goal.
Cue pandemonium in this small part of West Yorkshire and an expectant backlash from the Premier League leaders in the second half.
But any thoughts of 45 minutes of brave rearguard action from Town were quickly obliterated in the opening two minutes of the second period – Scott Malone pulling down Sterling in the box with Aguero stepping up to coolly slot home the resultant penalty.
City continued to dominate the possession, with a stunning freekick from Sane striking the top of the bar and Aguero forcing a good save from Jonas Lossl.
However, Town were more than holding their own.
The game then descended into something of a scrappy affair – with Malone, Hogg and Fernandinho all cautioned in the process.
It suited Town, though, and in an act of frustration Guardiola threw on forward Gabriel Jesus for defender Vincent Kompany.
However, it was more a stroke of fortune that finally broke Town hearts than any tactical genius from the Spaniard.
Sterling sealed the win for City as he bundled home a rebounded effort from the substitute Jesus.
The spirit among Wagner’s men kept City honest for the remaining minutes, with many believing Aaron Mooy had salvaged a muchdeserved draw with a wicked freekick.
It was only side-netting though and Guardiola’s men hung on for the win. They may have got the three points but Town will have won the hearts and minds of many watching neutrals across the globe. 7 mins - City’s Vincent Kompany’s header from the centre of the box misses to the right following a corner. 24 mins - City striker Sergio Aguero has a right-footed shot from the left side of the box but misses to the left. 46 mins - GOAL Aguero equalises from the penalty spot after Raheem Sterling was brought down by Scott Malone 1-1. 84 mins - GOAL Lossl denies Gabriel Jesus inside the area but the rebound hits Sterling and bounces over the line 2-1. 90+6 mins - Tensions boil over seconds before the final whistle and Van La Parra sees red for an altercation with Sane, who is booked.