Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden replaced Kevin De Bruyne and Savinho at half-time during Manchester City’s 0-0 draw against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
Judging by the gilt-edged opportunities that presented themselves in front of Gundogan, he seemed destined to score the winner.
However, the Manchester City maestro had a game to forget on Wednesday night.
The German missed two headers from close range that he would likely score on another night.
Usually, Gundogan tends to be quite merciless in front of goal.
But that was not the case against Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium.
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Man City player rues his mistakes after 0-0 draw against Inter Milan
The 33-year-old will be disappointed by his showing.
Gundogan has started one games since returning to Manchester City and against Inter Milan, he could have cemented his place in the starting line-up for his side.
Whether Pep Guardiola decides to bench the five-time Premier League winner against Arsenal next will be interesting to see.
Against Mikel Arteta’s side, none of the City players can afford to be as profligate in terms of their finishing as the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder was.
However, the decorated technician did not shy away from acknowledging his mishaps.
Instead, Gundogan took to X to admit that his finishing was far from its best after Manchester City shared the spoils with Inter Milan.
“A draw against a very strong team. Too bad that I could not convert at least one of my two headers. But we move… See you on Sunday for another big game – we will be ready again!”
Ilkay Gundogan shows the leader he is after Inter Milan draw
With the credit Gundogan has in the bank from his first spell at Manchester City, the supporters would have chalked up his poor finishing off to a rare off night.
But the ex-Barcelona stalwart chose to open up to his mistakes, which is the sign of a true leader.
Gundogan is a top player with high standards and from his admission, it is easy to tell that he is gutted he could not convert either of his chances.
It would be best for the City hero to move forward and right his wrongs.
The way Gundogan could start by doing so is working his socks off in training.
It is evident that the veteran’s mentality remains of the level required to continue playing amongst the best of the best.
