Manchester City returned to UEFA Champions League action last night as they welcomed Inter Milan to the Etihad. The game also gave Pep Guardiola's men the chance to show off their brand new 'Definitely City' Oasis-themed 4th kit.
Despite Noel Gallagher approving of the design, and a lot of hype around the kit on Man City's socials, the rest of the internet has seemingly not taken quite so well to the look of this new kit.
City were viciously memed and laughed at across X, formerly known as Twitter, with many users making unflattering comparisons between the kit and various household items.
This new release is unlikely to do well in terms of sales among casual fans, with hardcore City fans likely the only ones to be taking the club up on this new offer.
The performance on the pitch also left a lot to be desired as City limped to a 0-0 draw in front of a typically flat Etihad crowd.
Phil Foden, introduced as a second-half substitute, took a few decent long-range shots, but target man Erling Haaland was largely kept quiet as Inter Milan perfected their defensive gameplan to secure an away point.
Inter boss Simone Inzaghi was apoplectic on the sidelines as full-back Matteo Darmian spurned a good opportunity for the visitors, but aside from that the Italians focused mainly on containing their opponents.
The atmosphere at the Etihad is often mocked online and by pundits and this occasion proved no different.
Doing punditry for CBS Sports, former Man City and Man United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel remarked:
“This was a terrible game and the atmosphere was non-existent. Celtic game looked amazing. The next round you’re gonna send me to Dortmund and I’ll be in the green end!"
This opinion was widely echoed on social media.
City will be relatively pleased to have come away from the game without suffering defeat but the response to their kit, their stadium atmosphere and their performance will leave Guardiola and the executives at the club no doubt scratching their heads and looking for solutions.
Pep Guardiola's team return to Premier League action this weekend as the biggest threat to their crown Arsenal, at home. They will be desperate for a better atmosphere from the stands. If they are to overcome Mikel Arteta's side, they will need much more vocal support from their fans, and should probably ditch the new kit for that game.
