Jesus saves point for Man City at Boro

by John WARDLE

City twice had to come from behind against a Boro side who could be demoted to the second-tier after the next round of Premier League fixtures.

But the way the northeast club rattled Pep Guardiola’s men showed they were not prepared to give up their top-flight status without a fight.

Former City striker Alvaro Negredo put Boro ahead seven minutes before half-time at the Riverside, only for Sergio Aguero to convert a controversial penalty with 21 minutes remaining when Leroy Sane hit the ground after a challenge from Marten de Roon.

But Middlesbrough rallied and restored the lead when Calum Chambers, on loan from Arsenal, grabbed his first goal for the club in the 77th minute

However, there was still time for Jesus to earn City a draw that kept them in the fourth and final Champions League place on offer to English clubs, a point clear of local rivals Manchester United, who remained fifth after a 1-1 draw at home to Swansea earlier on Sunday.

Both Manchester clubs have four league games left to play this season.

Even though Middlesbrough boast an impressive home record against Manchester City at the top level, it was always going to be difficult given their respective positions in the Premier League.

City’s only league win in 40 years on Teesside was 10 years ago, but they must have fancied their chances more given Middlesbrough’s descent towards the Championship in 2017.

Steve Agnew, the Middlesbrough head coach, left out Gaston Ramirez, who wanted away in January and has frustrated ever since, completely, while Guardiola sprang a surprise by including both Jesus and Aguero up front

The attacking pair came within inches of combining to score an opener inside 70 seconds too.

Aguero got to the byline and drilled a low cross through the six-yard area where Jesus was unable to turn beyond goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Middlesbrough, buoyed by the midweek victory over relegated local rivals Sunderland, showed a desire to attack their more illustrious opponents.

Negredo dragged a half-volley across goal from an unmarked position when Fabio da Silva’s cross found its way to him, while de Roon saw a long-range shot shave the side netting.

– Annoyed Guardiola –

City controlled most of the possession but rarely tested Guzan and were made to pay by Boro in the 38th minute.

A City attack broke down when George Friend intercepted a pass bound for Aguero. The left-back passed to De Roon, who then rolled in Stewart Downing down the left.

The former England winger had loads of space and his pass found Negredo, whose first-time shot hit the inside of Willy Caballero’s right-hand post before crossing the line.

City manager Guardiola was clearly annoyed and within five minutes of the restart Raheem Sterling and Sane were introduced.

And with the exception of a low Adam Clayton drive that was held by Caballero, City spent almost the entire half probing the home defence, looking for an equaliser.

That eventually arrived with 21 minutes remaining, even if it needed the assistance of referee Kevin Friend.

He deemed that it was a penalty when Sane went to ground under a challenge from de Roon. After the protests had died down, Aguero converted.

An incensed Middlesbrough, hadn’t finished, though. After Adama Traore was tripped as he charged towards the box, Downing was given a chance from the dead ball.

His free-kick was initially saved, only for the ball to bounce around the area where Chambers had remained to lift over the ball over Caballero and put second-bottom Boro 2-1 up.

But Jesus deflated the Riverside five minutes from time with City’s second equaliser. From a quick free-kick, Aguero chipped into the area and the unattended Jesus headed beyond Guzan.