Manchester City ran out 4-1 winners against Southampton to book themselves a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Manchester City and Southampton had gone into half-time level 1-1. Raheem Sterling opened the scoring for the Cityzens at St. Mary’s before an Aymeric Laporte own goal gave the Saints a route back into the game.
But Manchester City were much more clinical in the second half, scoring thrice through Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez. Foden and Mahrez’s introduction at the hour mark turned the match in the visitors’ favour, who could have scored even more through Mahrez and Sterling, but the forward duo spurred glorious chances at the fag end of the encounter.
The Cityzens will have now set up a tasty semi-final encounter against rivals Liverpool, who defeated Nottingham Forest in their fixture on Sunday. Here’s how the Manchester City players fared in the Southampton game.
Zack Steffen: 7/10
Steffen made a crucial save in the 73rd minute to deny Che Adams to deny Southampton the chance to equalise the scores at 2-2. He could not have done much to stop Aymeric Laporte’s own goal, but staying back could have been a better call for the USA shot-stopper there.
Crucial save from @USMNT's @zacksteffen_ ?#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/PuCTlQFJT5
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 20, 2022
Kyle Walker: 7/10
Walker was his usual composed self at the right-back spot, cutting down multiple Southampton attacks. He made two clearances, blocked one shot, made one interception and four successful tackles. Perhaps he deserved a clean sheet for his performance.
John Stones: 7/10
Stones was especially impressive on the ball, completing 90% of his passes. The England international made nine clearances and was easily the better of the two City centre-backs in the match.
Aymeric Laporte: 6/10
Laporte was unlucky with the own goal in the first half, but perhaps that affected his concentration as he lost possession quite a few times in the game. He will want to shake off the sub-par outing and be prepared for the upcoming matches as City continue their quest for a treble.
A cruel deflection off of @Laporte sees the ball end up in his own goal.#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/6aVSbIsEGq
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 20, 2022
Joao Cancelo: 6/10
Cancelo was quite lethal going forward but was not as effective defensively. He did create a big chance in the game and actively participated in City’s attacks but was guilty of losing possession far too often (19).
Kevin De Bruyne: 8/10
The Belgian playmaker continues to lead City’s charge for a treble. De Bruyne was effective all around, pressing with intensity while being creative with his passing. He made three key passes in the match. The 30-year-old was his usual calm self while converting from the spot in the 62nd minute to send City ahead.
? @DeBruyneKev creeps his penalty in!#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/6eXh8A04ba
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 20, 2022
Rodri: 7/10
Rodri cut down several Southampton attacks by consistently dropping back to shield his defence. Once the game was in City’s hands, the Spaniard took no prisoners, clearing the Saints’ forays without taking much of a risk. He took a more than decent long-range shot, but it whistled past the post.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7/10
Gundogan came excruciatingly close to scoring in the first half, turning a Joao Cancelo cross on to the post from just about five yards out. He was a constant threat for the Southampton defence, popping up in attacking positions at will. He assisted Mahrez’s goal, squaring the ball into the Algerian’s path after receiving a cross from Cancelo.
Gabriel Jesus: 7/10
Gabriel Jesus was fairly busy throughout his stay on the pitch. He assisted Sterling for the Englishman’s goal and won the penalty which De Bruyne converted. He didn’t shy away from tracking back as well.
Jack Grealish: 6/10
Pep Guardiola employed Grealish as a false-nine, but he did not quite shine in the position. He had moments of brilliance and made one key pass but was taken for Mahrez in the 64th minute.
Raheem Sterling: 8/10
Right place. Right time.@sterling7 is ????????@ManCity #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/zCtyf9XnNM
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 20, 2022
Sterling gave a good account of himself, consistently getting into good goalscoring positions. He took four shots in total, two each on and off-target. The England international also scored the opening goal for the Cityzens after Jesus capitalised on a defensive error and squared the ball to him. Sterling had a glorious opportunity to double his account late in the match, but he failed to score.
SUBSTITUTES
Phil Foden: 8/10
??????????? ????????: Top ?@PhilFoden scores a beauty!@ManCity #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/qHeIDcHoZk
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 20, 2022
Foden’s introduction propelled City to greater heights, and they did not look back after. His goal came from a clean left-footed strike from the edge of the box.
Riyad Mahrez: 8/10
Mahrez added to his incredible goal-tally for the season, capping off another great game for the Cityzens with a 78th minute strike. It was one of his trademark left-footed finishes in the near corner.
Magical Mahrez ?
The top scorer remaining in the competition delivers again!@Mahrez22 @ManCity #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/kEyPru2CPP
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 20, 2022
Oleksandr Zinchenko: N/A
Zinchenko came on in the 82nd minute for Cancelo after City had the game in their pocket.
Nathan Ake: N/A
Guardiola brought on Ake in the 83rd minute for Laporte. He didn’t have much to do but looked confident on the ball.
Fernandinho: N/A
The Brazilian came on for Rodri in the 83rd minute and made just six touches.
