Exactly this. The Ethihad is fine with 45-47,000 in it, but when the gate is markedly down on that, the atmosphere is going to suffer.Because it's an athletics stadium masquerading as a football ground.
Of course to suggest the City team aren't flair is pure nonsense. Yesterday is case in point. Negredo is hauled off having scored twice, and replaced by Sergio Aguero returning from long term injury. Who promptly scores 15 seconds later.
FLAIR.