Manchester City strolled into the 5th round of the FA Cup with a comfortable and domineering win over Crystal Palace and the clean sheet and an assured display will give them much needed momentum ahead of an away clash against West Ham United in midweek.
Raheem Sterling opened the scoring with a cool finish in the 43rd minute after he was put through by new signing Gabriel Jesus. Leroy Sane sealed the victory with City’s second in the 71st minute after he was played in on goal by David Silva. Toure’s near-perfect free-kick right into the top corner from about 25 yards made it 3-0 as City got back to winning ways after losing to Everton and drawing against Spurs.
Let us take a look at how the Sky Blues performed
CABALLERO- 7/10
Not called upon a lot but was solid whenever required. Kept the all-important clean sheet, though.
SAGNA- 7.5/10
Was a significant figure in the City attack as they dominated the first half. Put in a few delicious crosses as well and covered well for both Sane and Sterling. Matured display.
KOMPANY- 8/10
Put in a solid shift of composed defending, solid tackling and the knack of winning unlikely balls and still using it well. Will play an important part if he manages to stay fit.
KOLAROV- 7/10
Looked calm and composed beside Kompany. Misplaced a few passes early on but was solid thereon in.
CLICHY- 6.5/10
A couple of errors in the first half but was not given anything to worry about by the Palace attack. Ventured into opposition territory frequently.
DELPH- 7/10
Competent comeback. Was nimble footed and brought in much-needed energy in the midfield. Can be an able alternative to Fernandinho.
TOURE- 8/10
Excellent first half display. Picked out teammates with delightful passes and capped it off with a sublime free-kick.
SANE- 7.5/10
Great run to finish and get his 3rd goal in his last 3 games. Looks to be settling well now. Untouchable when he turns on the engine.
SILVA- 8/10
Top notch display. While his finishing deficiency still hinders his stats, his replacement, when the time comes, will be next to impossible to find for City. Joy to watch.
STERLING- 7/10
Good finish to open the proceedings but he was not the most clinical thereafter. Wasted a few good opportunities.
JESUS- 7/10
Highly energetic and sprightly display from the youngster on his full debut. Did not get the goal but a delightful through ball for Sterling got him his first assist.
SUBSTITUTES
NAVAS- 7/10
Good display.
FERNANDO- NA/10
NOLITO- NA/10
