Manchester City: Carabao comeback
After the game Lee Johnson, the Bristol City manager, said he was proud of his side. For the Manchester City boss, it was also a positive night, and he told his counterpart all about it. We have seen Peps passion for how he feels the game should be played, and by his final whistle reaction, Bristol City gets his seal of approval.
While its true Manchester City had some key players resting, there was still enough in that starting eleven to easily roll over the Championship opponents. And, had the Robins sat back as most Premier League opponents have, it could have been that whitewash. We all know the Bristol boys came away with glowing reports, but how did our boys rate.
Bravo – 7.
It is hard not to give Claudio a good mark for this game. Yes he conceded a goal, but was so close to saving the penalty. A total of three shots on target, including that penalty means he didn’t really have too much to do. He did distribute the ball well though, including down the middle to KDB which would result in the levelled.
Danilo – 6.
Solidified himself as a decent back up to Kyle Walker in the last couple of games. Both performances from the summer signing was okay, but nothing spectacular.
Stones – 6.
I had said, after the previous Cup game, that John Stones was showing signs of last seasons player. That is not a good thing, and hopefully is just down to rust. Pep will certainly hope it is rust, and that the guy will be back to pre-injury form sooner rather than later.
Mangala – 5.
A liability at center back. He was on the field in place of Otamendi for last nights game, and played the role of ‘previous seasons Nico’ to perfection. Crazy give away which resulted in Stones diving in and giving away the penalty.
Zinchenko – 7.
Much improved in this game from the previous. I did have my doubts on this guy, given the previous game, and thought he’d be better further forward. This game though was the complete opposite, with Zink arguably the best of our back four while not really posing a threat further forward.
Toure – 5.
We’ve known for some time that this guys days are numbered. Neither the player we have known or loved going forward or back right now. He’s like the player version of Arsene Wenger! Did a lot early on but not for a little bit, and may taint the legacy if he stays too much longer.
Gundogan – 7.
Very persistent player. Had a few shots himself but kept going and going, eventually involved in the Sergio Aguero winner. Getting back to full fitness and, combined with his performance Saturday, should prove to be a good acquisition.
DeBruyne – 8.
Fantastic performance in the game, and certainly our man of the match. Bristol City had targeted him as the danger man and marked tightly, but he still pulled the strings. Scored the goal to pull us level and was still able to create for others.
Bernardo – 6.
Looked good going forward but, yet again, his finishing was a little off. He did have an assist for the winning goal, but his shot taking needs work. Too many times he either shoots with little power or he tries to get it onto his right foot and the chance goes.
Sane – 6.
Still not quite up to the pace we remember from the early part of the season. I do have the feeling that the next game, away to Liverpool, could be his chance to shine once more.
Sterling – 7.
False number nine and playing centrally, which isn’t his favoured position. Even still he was unlucky not to have scored with a cheeky dink over the keeper, only for it to be cleared off the line. Pulled back the ball for the KDB goal and did well.
Next: City: Predicted Lineup For The Carabao
Aguero (sub on 70) – 8.
Came on for the last twenty and only had a handful of touches of the ball. One of the smallest players on the pitch, he found space to head City into the lead late on.
Walker (sub on 79) – 6.
Not too much time to really rate the guy to be fair. He did introduce pace down that right and did get behind that back line a couple of times. Would it have been different if he’d been on from the start? Maybe.