Manchester City in the Carabao: Second leg talking points

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BRISTOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 23: Bristol City player Aden Flint (l) scores the second City goal during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final: Second Leg match between Bristol City and Manchester City at Ashton Gate on January 23, 2018 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

Good Experience In Focus:

If Manchester City were expecting an easy ride, that was soon dispelled after the first leg. A late Sergio Aguero goal was the only reason we would head into last nights game with a lead. After all, we were to go to the same ground, and play the same side, who defeated the mighty Zlatan and co only a month before.

Again, at Ashton Gate, it was a tough night with Leroy Sane finally breaking the deadlock just before the half. Sergio Aguero made it comfortable just after the restart, and that’s where the issues begin.

I am not sure if the players thought the tie was done and dusted at that point. It certainly seemed that way as the foot seemed to be eased off the pedal. The Robins would eventually pull the tie back level on the night as the home crowd were given belief they could take the tie to extra time.

As it was, Manchester City would score the next goal. That made it 5-3 and game done, for good. The danger is that with less than a half an hour to go the Premier League side had the game where they wanted.

Pep had said after the game that it was a good lesson for his side, and could remind them that a game isn’t over until it’s over. Certainly the lesson, if learned, is better to come in the Carabao rather than the Champions League.

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