Manchester City are having a tough time breaking down a stubborn Middlesbrough defence at the Riverside.
Pep Guardiola’s side are in dire need of three points today in order to cement their place in the top four. Manchester rivals United were held to a 1-1 draw by Swansea City earlier this afternoon, and with Arsenal facing in-form Tottenham later today – today provides a great opportunity for City to get into the driving seat in the race for top four.
However, Boro have ambitions of their own. If they are to remain in the Premier League, and avoid joining Sunderland in being relegated to the Championship, they need a result today. They are playing for their top-division status, and City are struggling against their resolve.
The City faithful are growing frustrated, with Jesus Navas and Gael Clichy feeling the full wrath of their supporters on Twitter. Here’s how City fans have reacted to a frustrating first-half at the Riverside:
WE CANT PLAY WITH CLICHY AND NAVAS AS WINGBACKS
— Nazem Traboulsi (@Nazdormi) April 30, 2017
@slbsn Such a weak point to our game. Clichy too safe and passes it back and Navas just swings a foot with no precision which 9/10 hits first man
— Ben McKean (@cityBen_) April 30, 2017
I think the only attributes that Navas & Clichy actually have that you’d want from wing-backs is that they’re both slightly pacy. That’s it.
— Steven (@EsteemedKompany) April 30, 2017
25 minutes gone and City’s chances haven’t been great, with 0 on target. Pep may look to alter his system soon if things don’t improve.
— City Watch (@City_Watch) April 30, 2017
@ManCity We can’t break through defences,been the story of our season really.
— Shine Innocent (@shine_st10) April 30, 2017
It’s 2017, we’ve got Pep Guardiola as manager and we still have Kolarov taking 30 yard long shots
— Sayed (@FutbolAguero) April 30, 2017
Navas and Clichy shocking performance
— ? (@GuardiolaFlair) April 30, 2017
I love seeing Aguero sprint back to his own end to win the ball back. Pep effect
— Mark (@ElitoNolito) April 30, 2017