Full Time: West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Manchester City
Manchester City survived a late scare to come out 2-1 victors over West Bromwich Albion, in the third round of the Carabao Cup, at the Hawthorns, on Wednesday night.
It took just three minutes for City to breach the Baggies backline as Leroy Sane hit home the rebound, after Bernardo Silva had forced a save from Ben Foster. With less than 20 minutes left to play, West Brom found the equaliser, as Claudio Yacob converted from a corner-kick to make it 1-1.
The parity lasted for only five minutes though, as Sane added his second goal of the game, with a sumptuous left-footed strike to hand the advantage back to the Citizens. There was late drama in the game, as Baggies’ forward Hal Robson-Kanu headed wide in the closing stages, before striking the outside of the post in the stoppage time, with City hanging on to their slender lead to progress to the next round.
Here’s how Pep Guardiola’s players performed on the night:
Manchester City Player Ratings
Claudio Bravo – 6/10
Did not have a lot to do until the late onslaught by the Baggies. A decent enough display, although maybe he could have done better for the goal.
Danilo – 7/10
Always eager to join the attacks, getting forward with great regularity. Showed good defensive awareness as well. Booked late on.
John Stones – 7/10
Continued his resurgence in the new season with another strong showing. There was a nervy moment here and there, but overall a steady game for him.
Eliaquim Mangala – 7/10
Starting a game after a very long, the Frenchman was involved in the build-up to the goal and put in a strong display at the back. Had a headed effort saved as well.
Fabian Delph – 6/10
Was asked to play at left-back, and with City dominating the game, he looked comfortable. Booked for a reckless foul on Allan Nyom. With the home side hitting back after half-time, he found things hard and would have been relieved to move into midfield after Ilkay Gundogan’s substitution.
Yaya Toure – 7/10
His first appearance of the season – his 300th for the club. Sat back and controlled things well. But he seemed like a passenger at times after the break, when West Brom hit back strongly.
Ilkay Gundogan – 8/10
Showed that he hasn’t lost it, after the lengthy injury layoff, putting on a fine display, before a tackle from Yacob brought his game to an early end in the second half. City fans will be hoping it’s not another serious injury.
Raheem Sterling – 8/10
Great cross into the box in the lead up to the first goal. Forced a great save from Foster close to half-time. Worked hard down the flank and was a serious threat all game long. Could have had a couple of goals himself. Booked.
Bernardo Silva – 8/10
Forced a save from the Baggies goalie, which led to the opening goal. Then set up the eventual winner from a counter. Oozed class and showed his full abilities.
Leroy Sane – 9/10
Reacted well to capitalise on the rebound for the first goal. Scored the winner with another world-class curling effort. No doubt that he is a special talent. Booked.
Gabriel Jesus – 8/10
Led the line well for the Citizens, going toe to toe with the Baggies defenders who tried to rough him up a bit. Found Silva in the box, leading to the first goal.
Substitutes
Kyle Walker – 7/10
On for Gundogan at the hour-mark. Kept things tight at the back.
Fernandinho – N/A
Replaced Sane soon after the second goal as Guardiola looked to protect the lead.