Manuel Pellegrini nailed an issue when pointing out that Manchester City aren’t averse to a foul or 13 despite their reputation and ability to play classic football.
And it was evident throughout the game that the Hammers – with the same eye on pure football – were snubbing a side of the game given they recorded just six.
City new boy Rodri was regularly to the fore in the ful making department although the pundits seemed to take a much kinder view of City’s indiscretions than ours.
There was a clear lack of balance in the way City’s fouls and our own were treated by the BT Sport commentary team notably via former Liverpool star Steve Mcmanaman.
His contradictory comments were picked up by ClaretandHugh Facebook Group member Neil Tidd who said at https://www.facebook.com/groups/363174467150521/:
Rodri goes through the back of Wilshere: Mcmanaman: “There’s nothing wrong with that, there.”
Balbuena clips Jesus: Mcmanaman: “That’s always a yellow card” Good job, @btsport
The big club syndrome appears to be alive and well among the broadcasters.