Oxford 1 Manchester City 3 : City are Through to the Semi Finals

This was as expected, a much changed Manchester City team from the side which coasted to a deserved victory over Arsenal at the weekend.

Pep Guardiola shuffled his squad to give the players on the fringes a deserved start and the only real surprise was he put his faith in the young centre back pairing of Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

This was set up to be a classic cup tie – it had all the key ingredients. A weakened team from the Champions, an earnest lower division team and some glorious English wintry weather, replete with swirling wind and driving rain.

In the opening exchanges City struggled to impose any rhythm upon the game. The ball bobbled, players pushed and passes went curiously astray. It became clear that City would need to dig a little deeper in order to exert the necessary control.

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Gradually City began to string passes together and slowly looked more threatening. The first real chance saw an opportunity cleared from the goal line following a Riyad Mahrez whipped cross. Mahrez had the ball at his feet again in the penalty but his cross was again cleared. From the corner it was not a surprise that the chance dissipated.

Oxford came into the game on a good run of form. Unbeaten in 14 games and boasting the most clean sheets in League 1. From set pieces they lurked dangerously and City knew they had to limit those opportunities.

City took the lead in the 21st minute with a blistering counter attack, as their passing opened up the Oxford midfield, leaving Joao Cancelo moving through on goal. His shot careered off the boot of the Oxford defender and looped over the keeper.

Following the goal, City invited a bit of pressure with a few more misplaced passes. Another goal would be needed before City were in control.

City had an excellent chance to score a second after a lovely through ball released Raheem Sterling in behind the defence, he hit his shot first time, narrowly missing the target.In many ways, the carelessness of City’s passing threatened to undermine their lead as the first half finished.

Within seconds of the restart, Oxford were deservedly level, exploiting a quickly taken free kick to capitalise on the defensive dithering. This was now a big moment for City. To stay with the same players and hope for an improvement or bring on some of the big guns to try and put the game to bed. City fans were worried this was going to turn into another Wigan experience.

But Sterling responded with a simple goal on 50 minutes to allay those fears. Sterling moved between the two central defenders and Angelino found him with a precision pass, leaving him with a straightforward tap in.

Rodri departed for Ilkay Gundogan and Angelino made way for Gabriel Jesus, but the passing still was off target, as though the sonar was being disrupted. This allowed Oxford to counter at pace and threaten periodically from set pieces.

The third goal came from another counter attack. Gabriel Jesus squared the ball for Sterling who again was left with a simple tap in. Oxford dropped their heads a little and City cantered.

Cancelo crashed a shot against the post, sensing a second goal could be on the cards, and then misplaced a pass when through on goal.With fifteen minutes still to go, Adrian Bernabe was introduced for Raheem Sterling and some of the impetus went out of the game.

Oxford chased for a goal to close the gap and City laboured to defend the chances as they arose. For a side who are usually so well drilled it all descended into a haphazard mess, playing into the hands of Oxford who are more used to such an approach.

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A good save from Claudio Bravo kept Oxford at bay and allowed City a few crucial moments to put their foot on the ball and gather their thoughts. City saw the game out and overall deserved their victory. The important thing is that the holders are through, but a more challenging draw awaits in the Semi Final.

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