Premier League leaders Manchester City secured their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup as they beat Championship side Peterborough.
Manchester City were clear favorites to win the tie. But the Premier League outfit could not find the breakthrough in the first half. Peterborough had a very good chance to open proceedings by Jeando Fuchs’ shot. But he saw his shot saved by the Manchester City goalkeeper. The citizens had plenty of possession but could not find the final pass in the first half.
Ilkay Gundogan had a shot saved by Peterborough goalkeeper Steven-Andreas Benda. While Gabriel Jesus had a brilliant chance to score the opener at the stroke of halftime but could not convert the opportunity. The citizens did break the deadlock in the second half. Mahrez scored in the 60th minute to break the deadlock. Club record signing Jack Grealish doubled the visiting side’s lead in the 67th minute.
Grealish was close to scoring his second of the game late on, but could only manage a save from Benda. The game ended 2-0 and Pep Guardiola’s side secure a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Pep Guardiola’s side now faces their rivals Manchester United in the Premier League next time around.
Manchester City player ratings
Ederson 7/10
Ederson made a brilliant save early on to deny Fuchs and later denied Szmodics to keep the clean sheet intact.
Joao Cancelo 7/10
He made plenty of forward runs and showed plenty of excellent skills and looked dangerous.
Ruben Dias 6/10
He looked pretty solid until he was taken off in the 45th minute.
Nathan Ake 5/10
Just like Dias, he was also subbed off at halftime. But he looked shaky and was caught in possession by Fuchs for Peterborough’s early opportunity.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 7/10
Zinchenko looked rock solid and made plenty of ball recoveries. He also was a key ingredient in the City build-up play down the left.
Fernandinho 8/10
Made a lot of interceptions and ball recoveries. Shielded the back four brilliantly.
Ilkay Gundogan 7/10
He tried to make things happen in the middle of the park. But he should have grabbed at least one goal in the first half.
Phil Foden 8/10
Foden grabbed two assists in the second half to hand Manchester City the qualification into the next round.
Riyad Mahrez 7/10
Showed some good touches and skills in the final third. Also grabbed the opener of the game.
Jack Grealish 7/10
Grealish looked really sharp and registered five key passes on the day. Also capped off his good display with a goal.
Gabriel Jesus 4/10
Started as the striker for the first time in a long while. But a really frustrating display.
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