FA Cup Round 4: Manchester City player ratings
The quadruple is still on, after what was a comfortable but dirty fixture in Wales. Again, the Cityzens wasted numerous chances in the opposition half to keep the game closer than it should have been.
Kevin DeBruyne opened the scoring after eight minutes with a cheeky free-kick before Bernardo Silva had his goal disallowed for a debatable offside call. A nervy moment for Bravo at the other end almost saw the Bluebirds back in the game, before Raheem Sterling doubled the lead with a headed goal.
Now, Pep Guardiola awaits the draw on Monday to see who City could face next. In the meantime, here are my player ratings:
Bravo – 7.
Had a good game at the back, although he wasn’t really tested. There was that one nervy moment in the first half. He nearly let the ball in the back of the net after failing to hold on which would have put Cardiff back level. Distribution and footwork was good though, and showed confidence and skill late on to calmly dribble the ball away from two Cardiff players in his own box.
Walker – 6.
Was agin reasonably productive up and down that right, Linked up well with Bernardo Silva, but really wasn’t at his best for me. I’ve seen better Kyle Walker attacking performances, and there was nothing going on at the back really for him to deal with either.
Kompany – 7.
Good to see the Captain back. Full of shouting and a few good tackles, although really wasn’t called upon a great deal. Possibly the best game for him to come back for.
Otamendi – 7.
Was solid at the back although, again, wasn’t really called upon too much. Will probably, like most of the City players, have a few bruises from a frustrated Cardiff side on Monday morning.
Danilo – 7.
Much improved on that left hand side I thought. Although he was guilty of trying to ‘place’ a shot late on, he had a good game.
Fernandinho – 6.
Not at his best today and also got himself a needless booking. When these games deteriorate to the level some do with City dominating the opposition, you have to keep your head. One of their players was eventually sent off and he should have gone earlier.
DeBruyne – 8.
Cheeky little free-kick under a jumping Cardiff wall gave City the lead. Kev was instrumental in the middle of the park with his little through balls to forward players, although chances were squandered on the day.
Gundogan – 7.
Enjoyed his performance today. Won the free kick which KDB dispatched, he looked good. Nice little one-twos and creativity for others. Also had good movement in, and around, the box.
Bernardo – 7.
Scored one of the best legitimate goals that never was. Maybe that’s a stretch, but it was a beauty and was harsh not to have stood. The Portuguese man did then miss a couple of good opportunities to get on the score-sheet. Did get an assist though on the left with the ball across to Raheem.
Sterling – 7.
Scored the second goal, and like many other City players, could have scored more. Wasted chances could be written of all the forward line. He did get on the score sheet though, and that will please him, but he could have had three in fairness.
Sane – 6.
Replaced at half time and I’m not sure if it was because of his performance, or the horror tackle he suffered. Either way I hope he’s okay because, although he wasn’t at his best today, he is a fantastic cog in the City wheel.
Next: Predicted FA Cup line up: Round 4
Aguero (sub on HT) – 6.
Came on for the start of the second half. Strong running and out muscling opponents he looked good outside the box. It was all set for Sergio to score a few, but he didn’t even test the Cardiff keeper in the 45 minutes he was on. Only shot from the Argentinian was off target and so, not a great performance.
Diaz (sub on 89) – Not enough time to rate.
Lively, full of running and was brought down to reduce Cardiff to ten men. Even still there wasn’t too much time to rate the youngster, but we all know he is an exciting prospect.