Manchester City defeated their neighbours Manchester United 2-0 in the Semi-Final of the Carabao Cup in a comfortable manner. With the win, City now has the chance to win the trophy for the 4th year in a row. Whereas for United, they have now exited their 4th Semi-Final in a row.
Exactly 1-year ago, City had defeated United at the same stage of the same tournament. And now, they dump them again. Manchester City were the deserving winners as they dominated the game throughout.
It was classic possession vs counter-attack match, with the prior getting the result. Despite having 2 days less rest time, City didn’t show any signs of fatigue. They were too good for United to handle, who, despite having the advantage of 2 days, failed to utilize it.
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This performance was another proof by the visitors of their resurgent display. Their sudden boost in performance against Chelsea should have been a warning for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to be prepared.
Manchester City was looking for an early goal with frequent attacks. Kevin De Bruyne came the closest when his shot ricocheted off the post. United had their fair chances in the match but their incapability to find the final finish cost them dearly. There were 3 goals in the first half which were adjusted offside.
The deadlock was broken in the second have when John Stones tapped in a free-kick, thanks to some poor defending. Fernandinho put the final nail in the coffin when he volleyed from outside the box in the 81st minute.
MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYER RATINGS VS MANCHESTER CITY:
DEAN HENDERSON – 6/10
Was solid at the back. Cannot be blamed for conceding the goals as he could do nothing about it. Made some crucial saves to keep the scoreline decent for the hosts.
AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 5.5/10
Didn’t do anything much to make an impact. He was trying his best to attack. Played his part in keeping Phil Phoden at bay, but not as good as he used to keep Raheem Sterling.
VICTOR LIDELOF – 5.5/10
He returned after missing a couple of games. Was not at his best and is partly to be blamed for City’s opener as he failed to stop Stones.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 5.5/10
Was solid in the first half. But was the other half to be blamed along with Lindelof for the opening goal. Failed to influence the team as a Captain.
LUKE SHAW – 6/10
He was making crucial runs but in vain. Was keeping pace with Sterling. He denied Sterling on various times from scoring.
SCOTT MCTOMINAY – 6/10
He was doing his bit as a defensive player. Made few defensive blocks and was involved in a chance that could have been a goal.
FRED – 6/10
The Brazilian was good but the lack of attacking display from the team made his run back to a defensive position to help the team.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 4.5/10
Every player has an off-day. But the timing for Bruno’s off-day came at the wrong fixture. He had his fair chance to score goals. He missed an easy chance inside the box trying to place it in the top corner.
PAUL POGBA – 6/10
Paul Pogba continued with his developing display. He was all over the pitch trying to recover the ball from the opposition. Had a few misplaced passes but was overall satisfactory.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 7/10
The only proper player on the pitch for United. He was threatening on the wing with his pace and agility. However, he made a few runs which if timed correctly would have given them the lead. But they ended offside.
ANTHONY MARTIAL – 4.5/10
Other than providing a could have been assist to Rashford, there was no contribution made by him. He was missing on the pitch. The importance of Edinson Cavani was felt here.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
MASON GREENWOOD – 6/10
The wonder-kid was substituted late in the game hoping to provide a boost in their attack. He made the best use of his time and created some threats, but not enough to give them the goal.
DONNY VAN DE BEEK – N/A
Firstly, why does Ole not trust Donny? Secondly, what was Ole expecting from him when he brought him in the final 2 minutes of the game after the game had already been lost? He only had a few touches and nothing else to do.
MANCHESTER CITY PLAYER RATINGS VS MANCHESTER UNITED:
ZACK STEFFEN – 7/10
A brilliant day for him as the team advances into the final along with keeping a clean sheet. He made a fine save to deny Bruno.
JOAO CANCELO – 7/10
Made some unnecessary tackles resulting in conceding a yellow card. But his defensive display was radiant. The team is having brilliant defensive displays more often.
JOHN STONES – 9/10 (MOTM)
The wall at the back and the saviour upfront. He would have been the victim to a hilarious own goal but was saved by the offside flag. Meanwhile, on the other side, he took advantage of the defensive error displayed by united to score the first goal.
RUBEN DIAS – 8/10
Dias along with Stones have completely changed the face of City’s defence. He was completely alert and didn’t make any mistakes that would cost the team.
OLEXANDR ZINCHENKO – 7/10
He would be pleased to put up a fighting display after his return. Was unbalanced, mostly because he was not able to keep up with Rashford.
IIKAY GUNDOGAN – 7.5/10
He was having an effortless display along with Fernandinho and De Bruyne in the midfield. He had an early goal ruled out for offside. His experience helped the team a lot.
FERNANDINHO – 9/10
Played a real skipper’s knock. He scored a beautiful volley just outside the box into the bottom of the net to ensure that their dominant performance is rewarded. Henderson could only watch as the ball went in.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE – 7.5/10
Before the match started, it was Fernandes vs De Bruyne. One of them thrived, whereas the other stumbled. He had the perfect strike, only to see it hit the post and return back into play.
RAHEEM STERLING – 6/10
Waiting for Raheem Sterling to score against United is like waiting for City to win the Champions League. It is now 17 games for him without scoring against their rivals. He had some chances, but Luke Shaw had the better of him all the time.
RIYAD MAHREZ – 6.5/10
Was playing the role of a centre forward in the absence of Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus. Fair to say he struggled a lot. He had a shot on target which was saved by Henderson.
PHIL PHODEN – 8/10
Looks like Pep Guardiola finally understood the potential in the kid. He has been brilliant in all the games he played. Against United, he bested his international teammate, Wan-Bissaka on many occasions. He also scored a goal that was adjusted offside.
SUBSTITUTION:
RODRI – 6/10
Came in for Mahrez to help the team defensively.
So it will be Pep Guardiola vs Jose Mourinho in the final of the EFL Cup that will be held on April 25th at Wembley. We are definitely in for a treat.
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