Manchester City secured their place in the fourth round of FA Cup with a comfortable 4-1 win over EFL League Two side Swindon Town on Friday.
Manchester City were without manager Pep Guardiola and many first-team players due to a Covid-19 outbreak at the club just before the FA Cup clash. Acadamy prospect Cole Palmer started the game in a lineup full of established international stars.
Bernardo Silva scored the opener of the game in the 14th minute as he tapped home following an outstanding cross from Palmer. Swindon gifted Gabriel Jesus the second goal of the game after unnecessary giving the ball away.
City went three up from a brilliant free-kick from Ilkay Gundogan in the 59th minute. Right after the restart from the goal City were awarded a penalty. But Lewis Ward saved the penalty from Gabriel Jesus to keep the scoreline at 3-0. The hosts kept fighting and got the reward with a composed finish from Harry McKirdy past Zack Steffen in the 78th minute.
Acadamy prospect Cole Palmer added the 4th goal for City with a superb effort which arrowed into the top corner. Rodri came close to adding the 5th for City but his long-range strike was brilliantly saved by Ward. With the win, Manchester City roll into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Manchester City player ratings
Zack Steffen – 6
Steffan made some good step-ups from his goal line but should have done better with Swindon goal.
Kyle Walker – 7
Walker’s first start after the injury setback. He made some key interceptions to deny Swindon forward runs.
Ruben Dias – 6
Did not have much to do in the whole game and he was slightly lucky not to be punished for what looked like a possible penalty.
Nathan Ake – 7
Again, just like Dias did not have much to do but looked rock solid whenever called upon.
Joao Cancelo – 8
Yet another brilliant display by the Portuguese international and nearly scored an outrageous goal at the end of the first half.
Rodri – 7
Kept things ticking in the middle of the pitch and kept recycling possession. Unlucky to not score with his late long-range effort.
Ilkay Gundogan – 7
Looked solid in the middle of the park and scored a wonderful free-kick to secure the victory.
Kevin De Bruyne – 7
Assisted Jesus for the City second goal and could have had another could of assist if his set-piece deliveries were converted from.
Cole Palmer – 9
A brilliant display from the young academy prospect. He recorded and goal and an assist in the game and was brilliant all game.
Bernardo Silva – 8
Scored the opener of the game but could have had a hattrick on another day. Drifted into space in the attacking third and caused massive problems for the Swindon backline.
Gabriel Jesus – 6
Jesus scored one but also missed the penalty to add to City’s lead.
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