Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City retained their Carabao Cup title by beating Dean Smith’s Aston Villa side by a 2-1 scoreline in the final at Wembley tonight. The Citizens took a two goal lead in the first half thanks to strikes from Sergio Aguero and Rodri. The Villans came back into the tie with a Mbwana Samatta goal but were unable to break the City defence down to find another one. A late Bjorn Engels header that hit the post is as near as Villa came to equalising, and Pep Guardiola added his first major trophy for the season to the cabinet.
Manchester City Players Rated In Win Vs Aston Villa
Claudio Bravo – 6.5
The veteran shot-stopper wasn’t called into action on too many occasions on the night but could have done nothing about the Samatta goal. Looked confident with the ball at his feet as well.
Kyle Walker – 6.5
The Englishman had a rather productive first-half where he was allowed a lot of room to run into. Found things much harder in the second after Villa began to defend deep.
John Stones – 5.5
The Englishman had a horror moment tonight where he slipped on the lead up to the Samatta goal. Didn’t look overly comfortable at any point during the tie after that.
Fernandinho – 7.5
The Brazilian veteran showcased his quality yet again by putting an absolutely stunning display in defence. Worked hard from set-pieces and maintained his composure all through the ninety.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7
The full-back had a decent first-half where he got forward whenever possible and toiled hard in defence too. Had a frustrating second period as he wasn’t afforded as much joy.
Rodri – 7.5
The Spaniard rose well in the first half to head home what would turn out to be an important goal. Held his position whenever Villa tried to counter and broke up play when possible.
Ilkay Gundogan – 6.5
The German international midfielder didn’t have his usual influence in the middle of the park owing largely to the fact that Villa weren’t allowing him spaces between the lines to play the ball into.
Phil Foden – 8
The youngster was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch tonight as he seemed to be at the heart of everything positive that this City team created. Popped up in a couple of different positions as well.
David Silva – 6.5
The Spaniard wasn’t able to have his usual influence from the middle of the park, in what could’ve well been his last ever appearance at the Wembley stadium. Taken off in the late stages.
Raheem Sterling – 6.5
The speedster couldn’t have the impact he might’ve been hoping for, despite looking fairly dangerous for phases in the first half. Was watched well by Guilbert in the second period though.
Sergio Aguero – 7
The one player who looked like he could get a goal, despite not being at his clinical best in the final third. Popped up with the vital opener that put Manchester City on their way.
Substitutes
Kevin De Bruyne – 6.5
The Belgian’s impact in the midfield area was immediate, and the quality that he possesses was apparent to see after he came on. Played some sharp balls into space and made good forward runs too.
Bernardo Silva – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Gabriel Jesus – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
