Despite an enthralling inception in his maiden Premier League campaign, Pep Guardiola struggled to show consistency with his Manchester City outfit as they are knocked off from title challenge and also eliminated from UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
However, the Sky Blues were favourites against Arsenal and earned a lead via Sergio Aguero at one stage of the game. But the Gunners made a dramatic comeback to beat Man City 2-1 ( AFT) to seal a final showdown against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.
A Premier League ‘top-four’ finish remains the only objective of Pep Guardiola’s maiden Premier League season.
Below are the Manchester City players rated from the game.
Claudio Bravo: 6.5
Bravo, once again, looked at ease with the ball at his feet. But the Chilean could have done little to deny either of Arsenal’s goals.
Jesus Navas: 5.5
Could have done better to deal with Chamberlain’s cross in Arsenal’s equaliser. Was kept on his toes by Nacho Monreal, but made a few decent link ups and whipped in a few good crosses to script a comeback for his side.
Vincent Kompany: 6
Was solid on most occasions. Looked fatigued in extra time and fouled Welbeck near the byline. City failed to clear the resulting free-kick properly and Alexis Sanchez eventually scored the winner.
Nicolas Otamendi: 5.5
Otamendi posed physical and aerial threats in both ends of the pitch. Was clumsy while tackling and made a few unnecessary fouls that could have been avoided.
Gael Clichy: 6
Worked hard down the left-hand flank and combined well with Leroy Sane. Could have done a lot better defensively while conceding their second of the evening.
Fernandino: 6.5
Started the game brightly in a combative midfield role as he snatched possession and formed a number of attacks for his side. Was unlucky as his thunderous header struck the crossbar in the closing minutes of the regulation time. Was taken off in extra time to be replaced by Fernando.
Yaya Toure: 7
Worked tirelessly in the middle of the park and impressed with his box to box runs. Set up Aguero’s goal with a great forward run and an even better-lofted pass for the Argentine goal machine. Was unlucky not to score as his strike from 25 yards out was pulled off by Petr Cech with a fingertip save to push the effort onto the woodwork.
Kevin De Bruyne: 7
Switched his position repeatedly and came close to find a late equaliser. Almost all his efforts went off target. Linked up well with Delph, Iheanacho, Navas and Sterling in a number of occasions.
David Silva: 6.5
Started the game brightly and came close to break the deadlock early into the game only to be denied by Petr Cech. Was forced off to be replaced by Raheem Sterling at around 23 rd minute mark following a collision with Gabriel.
Leroy Sane: 6.5
The young German winger made a number of impressive runs and impressed with his skills and dribbling. But his efforts lacked end product.
Sergio Aguero: 7
Continued his great scoring streak as he broke the deadlock early in second half with a delightful chip over Petr Cech. Was taken off to be replaced by Fabian Delph in extra time.
Substitutes
Raheem Sterling: 6
Was introduced in place of injured David Silva in the first half. Failed to make any noteworthy contribution as his efforts remained off-target. Was taken off to be replaced by Kelechi Iheanacho after Sanchez’s extra time goal.
Fernando: 5
Failed to bring similar impact like Fernandinho into the game.
Kelechi Iheanacho: 5
Was brought in to find an equaliser in place of Sterling. Linked up well with De Bruyne and Sane a few times, but failed to make any notable contribution for his side.
Fabian Delph: 5.5
Brought in place of Aguero. Had a late opportunity to make it all square, but his shot was blocked by Hector Bellerin at the vital moment.
