The expectation is that he will prove a pivotal player, even if the excellence of Silva, De Bruyne and Fernandinho prompts the question of where. Gundogan debuted as a straight swap for Silva in the inside-left channel, even if there are reasons to believe his manager envisages him as the pivot at the base of the midfield. Yet Gundogan possesses the attributes to operate anywhere in the central triangle; that he materialised in the 18-yard area was a reminder that he possesses the skills to operate as a box-to-box midfielder. His qualities as a passer enable him to dictate play and a footballer who can use the ball with such accuracy in advanced areas of the pitch could be invaluable. It was no wonder he received a loud ovation when he was replaced after 81 encouraging minutes.
3. Gladbach fans do their club proud
It was imaginative, though probably not legally binding. Borussia's sporting director, Max Eberl, had written an absence note to employers asking them to excuse those supporters who had remained in England for a further 24 hours for what he termed "the important duty to support Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League." Each away fan found a copy on his or her seat.
There were perhaps 600 of them, an impressive number considering most had been expecting to be back in Germany at some stage on Wednesday. They had responded to Tuesday's postponement defiantly, bouncing and chanting, bare-chested in the rain. The fans who returned the following day were admirably vocal, especially as their team was outclassed. At least the weather was more accommodating; After the Manchester monsoon, the Etihad Stadium was bathed in sunshine when they arrived.
Truth be told, they had little to cheer bar a few bright breaks from Oscar Wendt on the left flank and a shot from Lars Stindl that Claudio Bravo parried. The World Cup winner Kramer was removed before half-time. Guardiola admires Schubert's attacking football, but Borussia's high defensive line amounted to an open invitation to City. Playing wing-backs is a questionable ploy against a team whose wingers operate as close to the touchline as Jesus Navas and Raheem Sterling and Barcelona should also fancy their chances of piercing a defence with pronounced holes in it.