Manchester City vs. Swansea City: Final score 2-1, Citizens come back to record nervy victory

Swansea may have kicked off the scoring, but it was Manchester City that walked away with the 2-1 win. Goals from Stevan Jovetić and Yaya Touré mean City stay third in the Premier League table, still eight points back of Chelsea thanks to the Blues’ win over West Brom.

The first half of the match finished all square, but the game was marked more by feistiness amongst the players than a plethora of chances. It was the hosts that got things started, exposing Manchester City’s rather fragile defense. Nathan Dyer held off the City players with ease before flicking over to Wilfried Bony, who was completely unmarked. The Ivorian, perhaps eager to celebrate his new contract, chested the ball down before firing past Joe Hart.

City, likely aware a loss could mean the end of their title hopes, even this early in the season, didn’t waste much time before equalizing. Touré did well in the build-up, easing past the Swans defense before sending over to Jesús Navas. A pinpoint cross to Jovetić, lurking inside the area, and City were level.

Swans, who didn’t get another look after their goal, came out of the break fired up. Jefferson Montero sped down the pitch, slipping behind the City defense to meet a pass from Bony. But Montero didn’t get a great touch, giving Hart time to save.

But it was the visitors who had the skill to find the second. Tom Carroll sloppily gave away the ball, and Navas pounced, taking it back down the pitch. Fernandinho was able to hold off the Swans defenders before backheeling through to Touré, who sliced it through into the back of the net.

City did their best to add an extra late in the match, with Navas trying his luck out wide. The shot looked destined for goal, but Łukasz Fabiański was able to block with his foot. Moments later, he was called upon to deny Sergio Agüero.

Swans, too, had an excellent chance in the dying minutes of the game. Hart came out to block, but substitute Bafétimbi Gomis got the better of him. However, the forward put his shot well wide. Then, in added time, fellow substitute Jonjo Shelvey put his free kick just barely wide of the far post.

Goals: Jovetic 19’, Touré 62’

Goals: Bony 9’