Newly promoted Middlesbrough had a bright start to their Premier League campaign. However, ten games without a win have pushed them back in the relegation fight and it was a challenge for Aitor Karanka and his men to put their league misery behind and script a comeback at Riverside Stadium against Manchester City in a crucial FA Cup quarterfinal fixture. City, on the other hand, have upturned their campaign since their defeat to Everton in mid-January and are favourites to finish in top four as well as proceed further in UEFA Champions League.
The Emirates FA Cup, however, is the only realistic possibility for Pep Guardiola to lift a silverware in his maiden campaign in English football and he fielded a strong team against Boro that snatched a 0-2 victory to help them proceed further to the semis of the competition.
The Best And Worst Manchester City Players Rated From Their Win Vs Middlesbrough
Claudio Bravo: 6
The Chilean has lost his position to Willy Caballero after a series of dismal outcomes. His cup start was not a smooth one either as he fumbled early into the game and was lucky not to concede. Was impressive with his outings.
Pablo Zabaleta: 7
The Argentine fullback was good going forward and played a key part in City’s opener. His overlap runs and crosses from the right-hand flank often created goal-bound opportunities for his attackers. Was a little nervy defensively but improved his performance with time. Made a goal-line clearance early into the game.
John Stones: 8
The young Englishman is slowly getting back to his best as he delivered another stellar performance with crucial blocks, interceptions as well as tackles. Was a little uncomfortable in the air against the likes of Gestede and Negredo. Made a smart goal-oriented clearance towards the end to earn another clean sheet.
Nicolas Otamendi: 7
Partnered well with John Stones to contain the likes of Gestede, Adama Traore and Negredo who were threats with their physicality, pace and power.
Gael Clichy: 6.5
Clichy had a tough ask to deal with the pace and power of Adama Traore that did not allow him much to offer offensive contributions. He did well defensively to contain the Boro winger in most cases.
Yaya Toure: 6.5
The veteran was off-paced and beaten by the pacy Traore down the right. However, his tireless box to box runs kept City midfield fluid as he often drilled past Boro defence and whipped in crosses for the attackers.
Kevin De Bruyne: 7.5
The Belgian was a tireless runner In City midfield and despite a sloppy backpass earlier, he controlled the game from the middle as he kept on changing his position and used the width of the pitch via wingers.
David Silva: 8
Silva had an excellent outing who combined well with the attacking trio throughout the game. Scored within five minutes of kick – off and kept on creating plenty of opportunities to extend the lead.
Raheem Sterling: 7. 5
The pacy winger kept the Boro backline on toes with his speed, power and dribbling through the defence. Was denied a goal due to offside which indeed looked an extremely close call.
Leroy Sane: 8
The German winger terrorised the Boro defence with his speed, dribbling and directness. He skipped past the defence with ease for a number of occasions. His cross led Aguero to double the lead and seal the game for City.
Sergio Aguero: 7.5
He came close repeatedly prior to his second-half goal from Sane’s cross. Could have scored more if there was no Brad Guzan in Boro’s goal.
Substitutes
Nolito: 6
Nolito came for last twenty minutes in place of Sane. Linked up well with his fellow attackers.
Fernando: NA
Was a late inclusion in place of Yaya Toure. Did too little to warrant a rating.
Kelechi Iheanacho: NA
Was a late inclusion in place of Sergio Aguero. Did too little to warrant a rating.
