Uefa strikes blow to maintain status quo

In these confusing times, R&B crooner Ne-Yo most likely thinks of Manchester City whenever he delivers the line: "How can something that feels so right be so wrong?"

After some initial resistance, many accept this City is a splendid creation; a vital safety valve protecting us from the tyranny of Manchester United, the malevolence of Mourinho and now the over-bearing hubris of Liverpool.

Sure, steered by the early shapings of Garry Cook, City looked certain to become obscene enough to reflect the wealth lavished on it.