Aguero’s last gasp penalty earns win for City at Gladbach

City were on level terms in the 65th minutes when a Demichelis strike was cleared only as far as Nicolas Otamendi, who drilled home the equaliser, even though his teammate’s initial effort appeared to have crossed the line. Nicolas Otamendi levelled in contentious circumstances and Sergio Aguero secured the win with a late penalty of his own.

Three thoughts on Man City’s late 2-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach, a result that could prove crucial in their Champions League group.

Manchester City snatched victory – after looking less than convincing for much of this contest.

Only a few heroics from the bloodied Swiss goalkeeper at Aguero’s feet in the dying minutes saved City from leaving Germany with a bigger win as Sommer finished with a suspected broken nose. His lack of tactical variety is a leading reason for City’s season juddering to a halt since losing to Juventus a fortnight ago.

But it took until stoppage time for Sergio Aguero to produce the match-winning moment. They were repeatedly befuddled by Gladbach’s fast-breaking football. But Borussia played very, very well also. The defending was often as chaotic as it had been during City’s 4-1 loss to Tottenham on Saturday.

Hart – restored to the team after back trouble – was in top form and rushedout to block Raffael’s shot from Julian Korb’s defence-splitting pass. Martin Demichelis fired the ball goalwards from a Fernandinho header and his effort was blocked on – or perhaps just behind – the line.

Here the rescue could begin.

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However, from that moment onward City looked a different side. For Pellegrini, the return of captain Vincent Kompany from injury can not come soon enough.

Borussia Mönchengladbach were awarded a penalty at the Etihad after a foul by expensive new boy Otamendi on Raffael.

City were living dangerously and Raffael nipped through on the left, only to be thwarted by Hart.

It was a thrilling, if cavalier, start to the contest and City should have taken a fifth-minute lead when Raheem Sterling cut a low ball across from the left and Sommer denied Aguero from point-blank range.

This was the first Gladbach home game in the European Cup since 1978. His team were inspired by a stadium full of noise and a veritable sea of green. It prefaced the danger that the Brazilian attacking midfielder caused City for the first hour. Sevilla and City both have three, while ‘Gladbach remains bottom with none.

He was alert to keep out the rampant Raffael again before and after the break. But he, and City, kept plugging away and were rewarded for their perseverance.