Look at the stats behind the scores

Manchester CIty’s roving reporter writes every week for Chron sport

I THINK some of the opinions and criticisms aimed at City in the aftermath of the Champions League defeat by CSKA Moscow were a bit over the top.

It’s as though at the moment, everything revolves around the results. But look at the statistics and it doesn’t seem the players are doing a lot wrong.

Granted, they’re not firing on all cylinders, but possession, chances and shots on goal against Moscow far outweighed those of the opponents. Moscow created two chances and scored two goals.

City aren’t playing brilliantly, but there’s too much doom and gloom around. The so-called expert pundits have been slaughtering us.

I think some of the coverage has been out of order: the level of expectance is so much higher these days, and maybe that’s playing on the minds of one or two players.

I don’t know what’s going on in anyone’s mind, but it does seem strange City can’t seem to get good results in the Champions League.

It isn’t quite over yet, but certainly City are right up against it in the two remaining games against Roma and Bayern.

As far as the Premier League is concerned, Chelsea are flying right now and they are going to be difficult to catch. They’re a useful outfit, but there’s stlll plenty of points left to play for..