Crisis averted then for Manchester City. Or perhaps that should read crisis postponed? The champions of England escaped the league phase and through a certain prism, there is a case to be made that Pep Guardiola's side are well into the post-nadir period of their season.

Pep Guardiola kicked out at a drinks cooler in a moment of relief as Manchester City avoided an early exit from the Champions League.

Pep Guardiola has said he doesn't think Manchester City can win the Champions League this season after they scraped into the play-off round to book a tie against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.