Manuel Pellegrini’s side was unable to break down a stubborn Norwich defense, creating few clear chances in what it would have to be considered a must-win game if they are to challenge for the title.
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City are playing catch-up in the league after an inconsistent season and sit fourth, 10 points behind leaders Leicester, albeit with a game in hand, ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
“Here at the club they are great with me, they always told me that they were open if the chance of a transfer arises”.
“I’m returning in 2018”, Aguero said. Myself and John Ruddy could have had the afternoon off today.
On the clean sheet, Neil added: “To be honest, I’d take a 2-1”.
The Scot’s substitutions have also come under scrutiny during the club’s winless run which now stretches back to beating Southampton 1-0 in early January at Carrow Road.
Gary O’Neil (Norwich City).
O’Neil was a nuisance throughout.
The Chilean boss had claimed his side had to win at least nine of their last 10 matches to have a chance, so this is one down with nine straight victories to go.
Still Aguero was City’s most threatening player, yet his efforts were not matched by team-mates.
Aguero tried his best though. “Clean sheet v City real achievement and stops rot, shows players up for fight”.
Pellegrini expressed satisfaction with the performance, but, with the exception of Sergio Aguero, his team were disappointing.
Joe Hart could only watch as on loan Chelsea striker Bamford’s sweetly struck volley hit the bar.
Norwich’s next two home games are against Newcastle and Sunderland. Subs: Sterling 6, Iheanacho 6.
Host Norwich remains in the relegation zone on goal difference in 18th place but manager Alex Neil had to be pleased with his side’s defensive display.
Manchester City have scored just eight goals in their past 12 Premier League away matches.
“Looking at the table, they seem to be the three teams involved in it now”, he said.
“After that we have to play against Manchester United on Sunday and try to win again the three points”.
“It’s a hard tournament but we’ve got to believe we can win it or there’s no point in turning up”, Hart said. We needed more invention, more brilliance and that wasn’t available.
“I hope that we will do that but we must start thinking just about Norwich”.
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“You’ve got to give credit to Norwich, they defended with numbers and changed the team a little bit today”. What we normally do in an easy way, today we couldn’t do it. We normally create space and score goals. We weren’t good enough to win the game.
