Another late goal helped Manchester City take a lead against Bristol City in the first leg of the semi final. Sergio Agüero came off the bench and helped himself on to the scoresheet in the 92nd minute. The Robins looked well on course to bag a crucial point in the first leg before the Argentine headed home the winner. The home side dominated in terms of possession, chances created and number of passes completed but were uncharacteristically wasteful in picking their final pass. Some of the players looked rusty and it took a while for them to get going. They gave away a penalty and a few awful back passes that got the away side clear on goal. Fielding was in red hot form as he smothered away a couple of De Bruyne shots and was saving almost everything. This lead is very vital for City, if not a healthy one.
Manchester City Player Ratings
Claudio Bravo: 7.5/10
His body language didn’t suggest confidence but that pass which initiated De Bruyne’s goal for the equaliser was effective. Otherwise, he made two good stops in the first half.
Danilo: 7/10
Wasn’t kept too busy but stuck to his job and brushed aside any danger from this side.
Eliaquim Mangala: 5/10
He used his strength to good effect, like he always does. But his back pass was what made him the guilty party for the penalty.
John Stones: 5/10
Very poor challenge to give away the spot kick. His chemistry with Mangala too, wasn’t good enough.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 8/10
Zinchenko looked confident, defended without any fuss and kept everything neat and tidy. Going forward, he wasn’t at his best, maybe because his attacking style doesn’t suit the left-back role.
Kevin De Bruyne: 9/10
Treat to the eye when his passing range is at the topmost level. He stepped up yet again when things looked rather slow and boring for Manchester City, with a composed finish from 15 yards out.
Yaya Toure: 7/10
Nowhere close to the Yaya we all know in terms of running and dynamism, but was defensively solid as he lunged into tackles.
Ilkay Gundogan: 6/10
Wasn’t anywhere close to his weekend performance as he didn’t get to easier passing positions. Gundogan wasn’t too innovative or inventive either and was too safe in possession.
Bernardo Silva: 4/10
His passing in the final third, attempts to lay it off for his teammates and crosses were all wasteful. He looked worn out at times, to be honest.
Leroy Sané: 6/10
A frustrating night for him as he couldn’t quite penetrate through the defence which accepted no nonsense. At times, he found the extra yard of space but couldn’t capitalise.
Raheem Sterling: 5.5/10
This is surely not his position as he was absent for long periods. Didn’t offer what a number nine should but when he shifted to the right again, he played like his usual self.
Substitutes
Sergio Agüero: 8.5/10
Attacked the ball to win the header, buried it home and provided a focal point effect to the game.
Kyle Walker: N/A
Came on in the 79th minute. Didn’t play enough.
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