Phil Foden’s brace fired Manchester City to a 3-0 triumph at Ashton Gate
Pep Guardiola apologised for ending Bristol City’s 12-match unbeaten run as the Manchester City manager admitted his side struggled at times to deal with the Robins attacking transitions, before late goals from Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne secured what appeared a comfortable 3-0 victory in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Guardiola stuck to his word by selecting a “serious team” at Ashton Gate and as Foden opened the scoring after seven minutes, they threatened to kill the tie off before it had really begun. But the resilient Robins struck back, seizing the momentum at times with Mark Sykes denied a good penalty shout and Sam Bell twice going close either side of half-time.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola at Ashton Gate (Will Cooper/JMP)
Guardiola showed his displeasure by changing his goalkeeper at half-time, and evidenced his need for his team to claim a second by introducing Jack Grealish into the contest, with Foden and then De Bruyne responding to quell any hopes of a comeback from the hosts.
Guardiola namechecked Matty James, Alex Scott and Sam Bell in his praise of City, and also curiously said he expected Anis Mehmeti to line up for the Robins even though the forward was cup tied having played for Wycombe Wanderers earlier in the competition.
“Twelve games unbeaten, I’m sorry…” said Guardiola. “Honestly, joking aside, a solid team, so aggressive. James is a really good player, the young lad Scott is young, young talent. Bell and the wingers are so, so fast.
“I know how difficult the Championship is; one million games until the end of the season. Nigel has a lot of experience and it is a pleasure to see him. He has invited me for a glass of wine, which of course I will accept and that is why I have to leave.”
Bristol City fans savour the occasion at Ashton Gate (Robbie Stephenson/JMP)
It was Guardiola’s second visit to Ashton Gate, with Manchester City having won the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final in 2018 and the atmosphere was once again befitting of the occasion with a noisy and passionate sold-out crowd throughout.
“The incredible fans of Bristol,” Guardiola said on ITV. “I remember five years ago when we came here for the semi-final for our first title, our first Carabao Cup. We came here for the semi-final and the environment was amazing, I remember it perfectly.
“A good result. The FA Cup is so nice and away, wherever you play is difficult and we behaved like we are.
“We started the game really well but after we scored we could not control the transitions, we felt how dangerous they are in the transitions,” Guardiola added in his press conference. “Scott is a really good player and the wingers as well.
“The second half was much better, from minute one. At 1-0 the game is always open but we scored the second and the third and the game was over so we’re happy.”
Manchester City ready to offer new contract to Kyle Walker?
Manchester City are reportedly keen to extend Kyle Walker‘s stay at the Etihad Stadium.
The right-back has enjoyed a hugely-successful stint at City, making 235 appearances since moving to the club in 2017.
However, with the England international turning 33 years of age in May, there was a perception that the Premier League champions may be open to a sale.
Walker, who has 16 months remaining on his existing terms, has also indicated in the past that he wants to return to Sheffield United before the end of his playing days.
Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, City have ambitions to keep Walker at the club past the end of next season.
The report suggests that Walker remains happy with life at City, despite finding increasing competition for places from Rico Lewis.
That said, ahead of City’s FA Cup tie with Bristol City on Tuesday night, Walker has completed the 90 minutes on five occasions during February.
In total, Walker has made 17 starts and three substitute outings this campaign, despite missing a large chunk of the fixtures ahead of the World Cup through injury.
Walker is currently the second oldest outfield player in Pep Guardiola‘s squad, only behind Riyad Mahrez by a matter of months.
While Ilkay Gundogan is also 32 years of age, the German is out of contract at the end of the campaign and may depart for a new challenge.
If contract talks are to progress with Walker, it is claimed that formal discussions will not be held until the summer.
The alleged development comes at a time when City are also said to be keen to hand renewals to Nathan Ake and Julian Alvarez.
Although the pair have deals in place until at least 2025, club officials are said to have made their move with regards to handing the duo fresh terms.
Source: bristolpost.co.uk; sportsmole.co.uk
