Reigning English champions Manchester City travelled to the Deepdale Stadium to begin the defence of their Carabao Cup title against Preston. The away team brushed aside Championship outfit without much fuss as they registered a comfortable 3-0 win.
Sterling opened the scoring in the 19th minute as he picked the ball on the halfway line and made a run for goal. His deflected effort went in. Preston though didn’t panic and tried to play their football. However, the gulf in quality was clearly visible, and City doubled their lead as Sterling provided Jesus for the second goal. City wrapped up the tie just before half time as Silva did some excellent work down the left which ended in an own goal.
Preston continued their spirited display as they hit the post in the second half through Josh Harrop. Phil Foden came close to scoring, but he too was denied the by the post. City had some decent chances to add more to their tally, but they were unable to take them. Nevertheless, they registered a reasonably routine win to move to the 4th round. Find out the Manchester City players rated in comfortable win Vs Preston.
Manchester City Players Rated In Comfortable Win Vs Preston
Claudio Bravo 6.5
His handling was safe and secure. Dealt with whatever came his way comfortably.
Eric García 7
The young defender had a decent game as his positioning and reading of the game was on point more often than not.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis 8
Won a few aerial duels and his defensive display was more or less faultless. The 17-year-old played with confidence and made some brilliant touches. Definitely one to watch out for.
Angelino 7
His pace caught the eye, and the fullback did provide some impressive attacking outlet down the left.
Joao Cancelo 6.5
Got his first start in City colours and put in a steady performance. Maybe some fans would have wanted some more attacking output from him. Unspectacular but a decent game.
Ilkay Gundogan 6
Played a steady game in the middle. Was sloppy on occasions as City were almost cruising.
Phil Foden 6
His energy was lacking on occasion and the youngster never really dominated the game as he could have. Managed to hit the post in the second half.
David Silva 6.5
Never really turned on the heat as we know he could. Played a part in the third goal. Not too great, but not too terrible.
Raheem Sterling 8
Was rested at the weekend and looked fresh and raring to go in this tie. Got a goal and an assist to his name. Drove forward with intensity and picked out some neat passes as well.
Bernardo Silva 7
The Portuguese, like many of the other players, didn’t play at the top of his abilities. Made some incisive passes and his movements was impressive.
Gabriel Jesus 6
Scored one but would be disappointed that he didn’t get more as he could have had a hattrick. Had a patchy game as he had some good moments along with some sloppy ones.
Substitutes
Benjamin Mendy 7
Made a positive impact after coming on and played with energy down the left.
Adrian Bernabe 6
Moved the ball well in the middle.
Riyad Mahrez N/A
Wasn’t able to get on the ball much after coming on.
