Gündogan and Foden cash in for City before McAtee makes his mark

There were hints here of how Manchester City might struggle in Rodri's absence as they struggled to administer the control their No 6 often brings. Yet Pep Guardiola's men still sailed to a 4-0 victory, James McAtee's 73rdminute strike the last of these, which was a first in club colours and sealed City's opening win of this 36-side league phase.

- Jamie Jackson

Guardiola chose Ilkay Gündogan and Matheus Nunes in central midfield to fill the Rodri void but City could cede possession cheaply around Slovan Bratislava's area and be open to the attack: two issues the Spaniard's presence often stymies.

The arch-strategist Guardiola could be seen noting this and is sure to find remedies. But, for now, he will be delighted at a victory that came at a venue teeming emotion due to its first hosting of a Champions League game at this stage.

After an extended light show featuring an impressive baritone singing a club anthem that had Slovan flags raised amid raucous applause, the real stuff began with a Slovan counter, the classic way to break City open.

Jérémy Doku claimed a corner, which Gündogan swung in from the right. Vladimir Weiss's side defended and as Phil Foden tracked the manager's son, also Vladimir Weiss, he received the ball. Watching from the sideline, Guardiola winced as Weiss beat City's No 10 and steered the ball across to Marko Tolic, who missed.