Here we have with us the Manchester City player ratings as they defeat Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals. The score was tied at 1-1 until half-time before City leveled up their game. City scored three goals in 16 minutes to finish the game comfortably. Southampton did all they could to stop City but it was just not enough.
Manchester City opened the scoring in the 12th minute with the help of Raheem Sterling. Kevin de Bruyne’s initial cross was poorly cleared by Stephens. However, Gabriel Jesus was quick to pounce on it and get a touch to find Sterling who finished the chance with loads of time. Southampton equalized just before half-time as Elyounoussi’s cross was deflected in by Laporte for an own goal just before half-time.
Gabriel Jesus was brought down in the penalty area with a slight nudge by Salisu and the referee pointed on the spot. Kevin de Bruyne stepped to take the penalty and finished in the bottom left corner. The keeper guessed it right but the penalty was well taken. In the 75th minute, De Bruyne tried playing a chipped ball inside the box but was blocked by Salisu following a tika taka play between City players.
The block directly came out to Foden who took one touch before striking the ball from out of the box into the back of the net. City killed the game when Mahrez received the ball from Gundogan and tricked the opposition as they thought he would go for the far post but actually finished at the near post.
Manchester City player ratings vs Southampton
Zack Steffen – 7/10
Made a crucial save against Che Adams, did well to handle crosses, and was also calm with the ball at his feet.
Kyle Walker – 7/10
Walker once again used his strength and pace well to keep the Southampton attack at bay.
John Stones – 7/10
Stones was very calm and composed on the ball. He is now contending for a place in the regular playing XI.
Aymeric Laporte – 6/10
Scored an unfortunate goal in his own net and did not look sharp with passing and decisions.
Joao Cancelo – 7/10
Enjoyed the offensive part of the game a little too well which compensated for the defensive unreliability.
Rodri – 7/10
He slowly and gradually grew into the game. Rodri took charge of the midfield using his strength and effective passing.
Ilkay Gundogan – 8/10
Does an excellent job of linking the attack and defense of City and did that here too. Registered a great assist to Mahrez for the fourth goal.
Kevin de Bruyne – 8/10
He was at his usual self with crisp forward passes and chance creation. Stepped up to take the penalty and finished with great quality.
Gabriel Jesus – 7/10
Jesus’s urgency helped City get the first goal. Moreover, his switch to a central role also awarded City a penalty in the second half.
Raheem Sterling – 7/10
Opened the scoring for City with a fine finish at the near post. However, he should have scored more with the chances he had and this has been a complaint about Sterling on many occasions.
Jack Grealish – 5/10
He was a threat to handle for the Saints in the first half but got vanished later into the game. Moreover, he also failed to take a shot when he had the best opportunity.
Substitutes
Riyad Mahrez – 7/10
Brought some energy into the attack and also scored the fourth goal for City which finished the game.
Phil Foden – 7/10
Freshened things up and was more involved. Scored an absolute belter to provide assurance to City.
Nathan Ake – N/A
Did not have enough time to make an impact.
Fernandhino – N/A
Did not have enough time to make an impact.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – N/A
Did not have enough time to make an impact.
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