Man City's reliance on Fernandinho almost achieved mythical status as the Cityzens inexplicably lost three matches in Decemeber in the Brazilian's absence.
In tonight's match against City and Liverpool, the 32-year-old midfielder showed the world just why he is so pivotal to City's title charge with a dominant and assured performance in the City midfield as goals from Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane saw them prevail 2-1 at the Etihad.
Fernandinho's performance was all the more impressive given the workmanlike opposition he was up against in Gini Wijnaldum, James Milner and Jordan Henderson.
The midfield destroyer was never outfought, despite having to more attacking midfielders in his trench in David and Bernardo Silva.
Appreciation for the Brazilian's performance was widespread online:
Cracking football, this time from @ManCity and a super finish from Sane. Stating the bleeding obvious, but Fernandinho has been bloody brilliant.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 3, 2019
You can see why Fernandinho is so important for City. He's almost the only one making any tackles for them and nearly winnig all of them.
— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) January 3, 2019
You can see why Fernandinho is so important for City. He's almost the only one making any tackles for them and nearly winnig all of them.
— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) January 3, 2019
Fernandinho - one of the great underrated footballers.
— Sam (@samuelJayC) January 3, 2019
Don't know who City get to replace Fernandinho in the next 6-18 months but he's got a serious job ahead of him replacing him in this City team. He's currently indispensable in this team.
— Socanalysis (@SocanalysisHQ) January 3, 2019
How many Fernandinho’s are there out there!? He’s everywhere.
— Simon Clancy (@SiClancy) January 3, 2019
How many Fernandinho’s are there out there!? He’s everywhere.
— Simon Clancy (@SiClancy) January 3, 2019
Absorbing game of football. That starting Liverpool midfield is so ordinary but their front three was quiet. Fernandinho indispensable for City. Fitting the deluded Lovren, so vocal about Liverpool possibly going unbeaten, was somewhat culpable for both goals.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) January 3, 2019
If you watched that game carefully then you’ll know Fernandinho was man of the match.
Without him, the City team doesn’t work.
Period.— Nubaid (@RamboFYI) January 3, 2019
City's win sees them close the gap on Liverpool to four points, and you feel Fernandinho's fitness over the second half of the season will be a key factor in whether Pep Guardiola will secure back to back Premier League titles.
