In a pulsating Champions League encounter at Stade Louis II, Manchester City dropped points in a 2-2 draw against AS Monaco on Wednesday night, thanks to a controversial late penalty from Eric Dier. Erling Haaland, in his typical predatory form, struck twice for the visitors, but it wasn't enough to secure a vital away win. The Norwegian's goals came early, first a towering header in the 12th minute from a Phil Foden cross, then a clinical finish just before halftime after latching onto a through ball. Indeed, Haaland's efficiency was staggering—he managed both strikes from just seven touches in the first half alone.
Monaco, however, refused to buckle. They leveled through a deflected effort from Maghnes Akliouche midway through the second half, exposing some defensive lapses in City's backline. The home side, depleted by injuries yet resilient, pushed forward relentlessly. Then, in the 90th minute, chaos ensued: Nico González's clumsy challenge on a Monaco forward inside the box prompted referee Daniele Orsato to point to the spot. Dier, the former Tottenham man now thriving at Monaco, stepped up coolly and slotted home past Ederson. However, the decision drew immediate fury from the City bench—Pep Guardiola's visible frustration said it all, as replays suggested the contact was minimal at best.
City had dominated possession, hovering around 65 percent, and created numerous chances, but their finishing beyond Haaland felt profligate. Foden and Julián Álvarez both spurned golden opportunities, while Monaco's back three, led by Thilo Kehrer, stood firm under pressure. This result marks City's second dropped points in the league phase already, highlighting ongoing away-day woes that have plagued them since last season. Moreover, Haaland's post-match comments cut deep: he admitted the team "wasn't good enough" to see it out, a rare moment of self-criticism from the talismanic forward.
Guardiola, in his presser, defended his side's intensity but lamented the "soft" penalty, insisting his players deserved more. For Monaco, the point feels like a triumph, boosting their survival hopes in the competition. Yet, as these early fixtures unfold, one wonders if City's title defense can withstand such slippery starts on the road.