Manchester City: Carabao ratings
It was never going to be an easy task, against a very confident Bristol City side, but City made it. Through to the first Cup Final of the Guardiola era, Manchester City made it more nervy than it had to be.
When Sergio Aguero struck four minutes into the second half it put City 2-0 up on the night, 4-1 up on aggregate. Two goals from Bristol City, albeit second one late on, made it heart in mouth stuff for Pep. Although a draw on the night, in front of their own fans would have been no less than the Robins deserved, it wouldn’t be.
Up stepped Kevin DeBruyne to finish the game, the tie and send Manchester City to Wembley. But how did the players do?
Bravo – 6.
Wasn’t really much he could do for either Bristol City goal. Has also shown improvement with his distribution, which was good tonight.
Walker – 7.
Caused problems to the Bristol City left with his constant running. Was substituted with five minutes left of normal time after putting in a shift.
Stones – 6.
I thought he looked a lot better against Newcastle, after those mistakes from previous games. Tonight, though, again he reverted back to that nervy looking defender. Hopefully it is a blip as I think he is a fantastic defender when he is on his game.
Otamendi – 6.
The General was once again solid in the defence, although maybe there could be questions raised on his positioning for the Bristol City goal. Other than that, he once again had a good game.
Zinchenko – 6.
The kid has done well in the last few games he’s played. Although, in this game, and after starting well, he kind of drifted off the pace a little. Maybe that’s a lack of mental fitness, actual fitness or because we were 2-0 up. Either way, it’s a part of his game that needs work. He has time though.
Fernandinho – 7.
Like Zinchenko, he had a good first half. Although he was constantly fouling and was booked early on, which meant he had to tread carefully. He needs some rest time I’m sure.
DeBruyne – 8.
The guy celebrated signing his new contract by having a fantastic performance. Pulling the strings in midfield and scored the winning goal on the night.
Silva – 7.
Fantastic to see the Spaniard back. With his family issues taking priority, and rightly so, it was good to see him play consecutive games. His shooting was not that great though, he needs to get his eye back in I think.
Bernardo – 7.
Liking the guy, even though I think he is only a hat short of looking like a pixie! Was instrumental in the opening goal. He harried and harassed until the ball fell to Leroy Sane, who finished.
Sane – 8.
Scored the opening goal, and continued where he left off at the weekend. The scary thing is, he will only get better as his game matures.
Aguero – 7.
It really was a case of same again for Aguero. Hardly had a touch all game, but got on the score sheet. That’s not to say he couldn’t have scored earlier though. Had he been just a fraction taller he could have turned in from six yards from a Luke Steele parry.
Next: Bristol City Could Get Our Youth
Gundogan (sub on 82) – 6.
Not a great deal of time to do anything, defensively or attacking. Came on to see the game out.
Danilo (sub on 85) – 6.
Good to get a few minutes under his belt, even though it wasn’t long. Was always second to Walker and Mendy, fell behind Delph and now is behind Zinchenko you would think.