Phil Foden runs the show as Man City seal spot in FA Cup quarter-finals
Manchester City booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the 2022/23 FA Cup as thanks to a 3-0 win over Bristol City.
It took just seven minutes for Man City to take the lead through Phil Foden and for some time that looked to be the winner as Bristol City frustrated their Premier League opponents.
But two goals in the final 20 minutes made things a bit more comfortable for Man City, who have now reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the fifth consecutive season.
Here’s how the players rated at Ashton Gate:
Bristol City
Max O’Leary – 6 – Couldn’t do anything about any of the goals but proved a good save to deny Dias’ header in the first half and was equal to everything else thrown at him.
George Tanner – 4 – Ran ragged by Foden in the first half and was completely unaware of the Englishman’s run at the back post for Man City’s early goal. Hooked at half-time.
Zak Vyner – 4 – Another Bristol City defender to struggle, Vyner got caught out a couple of times in the first half and had his roles in Man City’s final two goals. First he directed Foden’s effort into his own net and then he didn’t do enough to put pressure on De Bruyne for the third.
Tomas Kalas – 8 – Unlike his centre-back partner, Kalas was simply fantastic. Even as part of a defence which conceded three goals, Kalas dealt with everything put in his path and kept Alvarez very quiet.
Cameron Pring – 7 – A solid defensive performance up against Mahrez though the opening goal did come down his flank. Produced a great block on Dias’ shot in the first half.
Matty James – 6 – Not too bad in the middle of the pitch for Bristol City though he was overshadowed by the other players.
Alex Scott – 7 – Compared to Jack Grealish by Roy Keane at half-time, Alex Scott was the main threat for Bristol City in the first half, showing good feet and neat passes. Drifted out to the left at times and pulled the strings, but he was quiet after half-time.
Joe Williams – 6 – Like James, wasn’t too bad but didn’t set the world alight.
Mark Sykes – 6 – Had a chance in the first half to test Ortega but, under pressure from Lewis, opted to go down looking for a penalty which would have been a bit soft. Dropped back to right-back in the second half to deal with Foden and didn’t do too badly.
Sam Bell – 5 – Passed up an opportunity to square the ball to his teammate inside the box after capitalising on a slip from Akanji. Didn’t track Mahrez’s run in the build up to Man City’s first goal, and didn’t make enough of the space he got down the left.
Nahki Wells – 5 – Really couldn’t get into the game, though that wasn’t completely his fault.
Substitutes:
Andreas Weimann (for Tanner 45) – 7 – Caused a lot of problems after coming on at half-time, enforcing a tactical switch.
Jay Dasilva (for Pring 78) – 6 – Didn’t change the game too much but the contest was already over.
Marlee Francois (for Wells 82) – N/A – A late sub.
Omar Taylor-Clarke (for Williams 89) – N/A – A late sub.
Andy King (for James 89) – N/A – A late sub.
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Manchester City
Stefan Ortega – 6 – Had very little to do and looked to have suffered a hand injury in the first half, taken off at the break.
Manuel Akanji – 6 – In the first half he was overworked down the left with no cover, and Bristol City had most of their fun down his flank. Tightened up after half-time.
Ruben Dias – 7 – Was busier in the Bristol City box than his own, testing the home defence with a couple of efforts.
Nathan Ake – 8 – Simply class. Both in defence and attack, Ake is seriously staking a claim to be Man City’s best defender. Sure, he’ll have tougher games against better opponents, but Ake will take the acclaim. Played his part in Man City’s second with a good run and cut back.
Rico Lewis – 5 – Playing in his more central role, Lewis was a bit too focused in being a midfielder than helping out Akanji which led to Man City being overrun on their left flank. It will have more to do with Guardiola’s tactics, but he just wasn’t playing in the right role.
Kalvin Phillips – 5 – Hit the crossbar with an effort inside the first minute but that was about it for his game. Still making his slow comeback from injury.
Riyad Mahrez – 7 – Didn’t have as much fun as his attacking teammate on the other wing but Mahrez had his part to play in Man City taking the lead, putting a brilliant ball across the box to set up Foden’s goal. Good when he had the ball but Man City focused their attacks down the opposite flank.
Kevin De Bruyne – 8 – Outshone by another Man City player but he had his role in all three goals. Produced two excellent passes in the build up to Man City’s first two goals which should not go without credit, though he will not get assists for them. And then rounded off the win with a lovely finish from outside the box.
Bernardo Silva – 5 – Didn’t really get into the game, perhaps struggling with being played in varying roles every other game.
Phil Foden – 9 – The star man of the night, Foden toyed with the Bristol City defence and Tanner will probably be seeing him in his nightmares. Gave Man City the lead with a good run at the back post and then saw his shot deflected in for the second. Different gravy.
Phil Foden's game by numbers vs Bristol City:
89% passing accuracy
6 ball recoveries
6 duels won
4 chances created
4 dribbles complete
2 shots
2 goals
0.67 xGFour goal involvements in his last two games. 👏#FACup pic.twitter.com/ZOgpxNcIHL
— Squawka (@Squawka) February 28, 2023
Julian Alvarez – 6 – Wasn’t really in the game but will get the assist for Foden’s second goal if it doesn’t go down as an own goal from Vyner.
Substitutes:
Ederson (for Ortega 45) – 5 – Came on for the injured Ortega at half-time and actually looked shakier than his deputy. Doesn’t seem to bring confidence to the Man City defence.
Jack Grealish (for Mahrez 71) – 7 – Switched flanks with Foden after coming on and set up De Bruyne with a good run and pass.
Cole Palmer (for Foden 83) – N/A – A late sub.
Sergio Gomez (for Ake 83) – N/A – A late sub.
Maximo Perrone (for Silva 88) – N/A – A late sub.
