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Three Takeaways: Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth

By J.C. Gonzalez

Manchester City's English midfielder Phil Foden (C) vies with Bournemouth's Nigerian midfielder Nnamdi Ofoborh (L) and Bournemouth's English defender Adam Smith (R) during the English League Cup third round football match between Manchester City and Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north-west of England, on September 24, 2020. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City's English midfielder Phil Foden (C) vies with Bournemouth's Nigerian midfielder Nnamdi Ofoborh (L) and Bournemouth's English defender Adam Smith (R) during the English League Cup third round football match between Manchester City and Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north-west of England, on September 24, 2020. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Manchester City fielded seven academy players as they advanced 2-1 in the Carabao Cup over Bournemouth.

Given Manchester City’s recent struggles with injuries and COVID-19 cases, fielding an academy team in midweek for the Carabao Cup was always going to be the right decision. Nevertheless, against a recently-relegated Bournemouth team, City faced elimination from the competition for the first time since 2016 but managed to win 2-1.

1. Foden Running the Show

For the second straight game, Phil Foden was excellent and found his way onto the scoresheet. In the first half, he played a ball Kevin De Bruyne would have been proud of to slide in Liam Delap for a goal on debut before finishing a rebound to secure the win. Foden’s incredible goalscoring record is now becoming truly something to behold, and on current form he should be starting every match for Pep Guardiola’s team.

2. Delap Has Arrived

After finding his way onto the bench for City’s Premier League opener against Wolves, the 17-year old was handed a highly-anticipated first team debut in a big match and absolutely delivered. His first-time finish on Foden’s pass into the top corner across his body was absolutely exquisite. City have been crying out for a clinical finisher and a taller, more true number 9, and at 6’1 with his poaching ability, City may just have found their man. With Sergio Agüero injured for an extended period, Delap should be on the bench every week as the foil for Gabriel Jesus, and could even get starting opportunities should the Brazilian struggle.

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3. City Should Keep Academy Faith

Manchester City have won the Carabao Cup in three straight seasons under Pep Guardiola. That is a remarkable record and I am sure he would love to add a fourth to the cabinet, tying the all-time English record. City’s success in the competition is attributable to their immense first-team depth and burning hunger from Guardiola to win every game. Nevertheless, City have nothing left to prove in this competition and should prioritize the Premier League this season, and in turn continue to play their academy players for the rest of the competition. This is a huge opportunity for the likes of Delap, Tommy Doyle, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and Jayden Braaf (who missed today due to injury) to prove themselves, and would prove even more rewarding for supporters and the club should the team make a deep run on the backs of their young talent.