Fabian Delph scored the only goal of the game as Manchester City cruised to the group stage of the Champions League with minimum fuss, beating Steaua Bucuresti 1-0 in the second leg of the playoff on Wednesday. City won the tie 6-0 on aggregate. Bucuresti were already beaten 0-5 in the away leg and the Sky Blues looked every inch a Pep Guardiola team, dominating possession and creating a gamut of chances. However, the central theme of the match was goalkeeper Joe Hart, who was given the captain's armband amidst widespread speculation that he is on his way out of the club.
City enjoyed 62% and conjured up six shots on target. Sergio Aguero and David Silva were rested for the game. Yaya Toure and Kelechi Iheanacho exchanged passes down the right channel. The Nigerian forward set Jesus Navas up with a slick backheel and a pin-point cross was floated to the far post by the Spanish winger and Delph, who was unmarked, headed the ball home. Iheanacho was later stretchered off the field after suffering a knock.
Guardiola had so far given the England No. 1, Hart, the cold shoulder. The 29-year-old has been the subject of widespread transfer speculation over the summer. Willy Caballero has stood between the sticks in all the three games that City had played before this game. The City faithful stood behind Hart, holding banners, and also singing his praises throughout the game. Hart's every touch was met with a warm applause.
Hart made a couple of crucial saves too, watchfully pushing out a dangerous looking Nicolae Stanciu free-kick and an Alexandru Tudorie shot. At the end of the game, Hart strolled to every corner of the ground to thank the fans. Barcelona 'keeper Claudio Bravo has reportedly touched down in Manchester to complete his medical. Was this Hart's last game?
