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Moving on
The dream of a fourth consecutive Carabao Cup for Man City is still alive after Thursday 2-1 win over Bournemouth.
Liam Delap opened the scoring for the Blues in the 18th minute.
Bournemouth responded with an equalizer from Sam Surridge four minutes later.
Phil Foden finally broke the deadlock in the 75th minute helping City advance to the fourth round of the tournament.
Strong debuts
Pep Guardiola made eight changes from the squad’s game earlier this week against Wolves.
On Thursday Man City’s youngsters had their chance to make an impact.
17-year-old Liam Delap made his first start for the Citizens and was picked out brilliantly by Phil Foden to net home his team’s first goal early on.
“We see in training how good a finisher he is,” says Guardiola about Delap.
He added, “We are delighted with his performance – he played really well.”
American Zack Steffen was solid and calm in goal for City and could do little about the equalizer by Surridge.
“He was calm. He was safe. He gave a good performance,” Guardiola said of his keeper.
Tommy Doyle and Taylor Hardwood-Bellis showed poise and creativity in the midfield and were pushing the pace all game long.
Ferran Torres made his debut as well since moving from Valencia looking threatening through most of the encounter.
Scary Sights
Unfortunately, it was not a memorable game for all the city youngsters.
19-year-old Adrian Bernabe had to be stretchered off in the 36th minute after taking what looked like a serious knock.
There was an equally frightening moment for City fans when Kevin De Bruyne went down from a blow to the head in the second half.
Luckily, he was able to continue and finish the game.
Man of the Match
Phil Foden was easily the best player on the pitch Thursday.
The English midfielder was the catalyst for much of City’s best sequences in this one, unlocking the cherries defense with an assist on the opener and then putting home the winner in the 75th minute.
His incisive passing, speed, and vision were evident throughout the 90 minutes.
Who’s next
Manchester City will now focus their attention on the EPL where they face league leaders Leicester City who are a perfect 2-0 on the season.
When it comes to the Carabao Cup City’s next opponent will be Burnley. (JSL)
