When Will City Begin to be a Force in Europe?

I remain unconvinced by Manchester City as a European soccer superpower in spite of their 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich, probably the world's best club side, last night.

Let us remember that Bayern were already through to the knockout stages as the top team in their Champiions League group. Let us remember too that within twenty minutes of the game they ere down to 10 men. In spite of both these factors, it took two late goals from City to establish their supremacy.

It is difficult to credit that some sportsbooks were offering 13/5 on a City victory at their own ground. This is a team which has benefited from some £1 billion of investment. That such crazy prices were on offer is perhaps indicative of the lack of confidence that soccer pundits have in them on the European stage.

All this aside it would be foolhardy to write the Blues off as contenders for the Champions League title. Any side with the talent and the firepower that Manchester City have must surely be in with a shout.

But City really need to start proving themselves at this level, because their contribution to this tournament thus far has fallen woefully short of expectations.