Monday Gossip

by MCFC Editorial

Praise for 'sensational' Toure after Wembley loss

It was all eyes on Wembley on Sunday and it’s therefore no surprise that reaction to Manchester City’s semi-final defeat is top of the news agenda for the nation’s journalists this morning.

Ultimately it proved to be a disappointing day for the Blues, but there were positives to be taken, with several of Pep Guardiola’s men singled out for praise in the media.

We begin with BBC Sport’s post-match analysis – provided by former Premier League midfielder, Jermaine Jenas – who was particularly impressed by the performance of Yaya Toure.

The ex-Spurs and England man writes: “Probably the biggest positive for Guardiola was Yaya Toure, because I thought he was absolutely sensational - the best player on the pitch.

“Toure did everything he could to pick City up and drag them into the final on his own.

“It wasn't enough but if he can maintain that kind of form, then he could make the difference to City's top-four prospects."

Over at Shoot magazine it was Sergio Aguero who caught the eye.

The self-styled ‘voice of football’ describe the Argentine’s goal scoring show as ‘on the money’, as they reflect on his all-round game.

The report reads: “Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero netted his 30th goal of the season at Wembley on Sunday, although wasn’t able to inspire his side to victory as Arsenal hit back.

“But it’s not just his goals which were impressive on Sunday though, his overall work-rate and desire off the ball was noticeable and very well received by the City supporters in the west end of Wembley.

“His goal was outstanding, a brilliant dink over the hesitant Petr Cech after a swift counter-attack, and further evidence that he is one of the best forwards to grace English football."

Meanwhile, for the Manchester Evening News, Nicolas Otamendi was one of the Blues' star men in north west London.

Stuart Brennan awarded the centre-half a high scoring eight for his Wembley showing, with his aerial attributes earning positive reviews from the MEN’s City reporter.

“Three crucial tackles in his own penalty area were every bit as important as Aguero's goal - and he timed all to perfection," writes Brennan.

“The fact that he also seemed to get his head on just about every cross into the City box made him a key man."

That's it for today, but we'll be back again at the same time tomorrow for more media musings.