Manchester City 2 – 1 Watford

First-half objectives from Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes helped Metropolis seal their place within the final 16 of the Carabao Cup, regardless of a late 2-1 win over Watford.

Manchester Metropolis are on the verge of victory on the Etihad Stadium in a sport that’s wanting increasingly like a routine affair. Doku scored inside 5 minutes and all indicators pointed to a typical Manchester Metropolis assault, however Tom Cleverley’s Watford had different concepts.

After Doku’s opener, the Hornets adopted a barely extra aggressive strategy and nearly tied the rating shortly afterwards, however referee David Webb deemed Quadwo Bach’s deal with on 16-year-old rookie Caden Braceway The particular collision is a foul. Metropolis regained management of the sport and Nunez doubled their lead with a long-range shot for his first Metropolis objective.

Earlier than half-time, Wakoun Issouf Bayo practically scored via Wakoun Issouf Bayo, who would relive the missed alternative. Yasser Larouch delivered a tempting cross however the Ivory Coast striker headed vast.

Metropolis continued to dominate possession after the break, however Watford’s substitutions ensured the sport turned extra open. Savinho changed Doku at half-time however was denied a goal-scoring alternative as Si headed house.

Ince responded by curling a shot previous Stefan Ortega with 5 minutes remaining, however the hope the striker gave them was short-lived as Metropolis The remaining minutes had been spent racing.

Guardiola says ‘particular’ Nunez will likely be extra concerned

Manchester Metropolis boss Guardiola say sky sports activities:

“[Nunes] Positively going to be concerned, he is a particular participant. He has a particular high quality that we don’t have. he may have scored extra [he was] Actually good.

On Manchester Metropolis’s general efficiency:

“One shot on objective and we conceded, so we performed rather well. The group was very deep defensively.

“It is simply two days away from the Arsenal sport and it wasn’t straightforward however all of them performed rather well. I am pleased with what they did.

“Rico Lewis can play wherever and anytime and he is actually good. Kyle [Walker] Actually good efficiency at middle again immediately with John [Stones]. that younger man [Kaden Braithwaite]I am 16 years outdated and I am actually completely happy that I am taking part in so severely.

Nunez is spectacular, however not the reply to fill Rodri’s void

Evaluation from Sky Sports activities’ William Bitterbilli:

“When Guardiola needed to change Rodri attributable to a knee harm towards Arsenal, he selected Mateo Kovacic as a substitute of Matheus Nunes and it spoke volumes.

“We’re but to see any actual return on Metropolis’s £53m funding within the former Wolves midfielder. He has made 34 appearances and his objectives doubled Metropolis’s lead and he’s sporting a First objective for the sky blue jersey.

“With Rodri going through a long-term harm, there was a variety of discuss whether or not Nunes can change him, however the place he crammed towards Watford was excess of ‘Rodri’. It is ‘Nunez’.

“Nunez’s efficiency was extra about making an attempt to construct his Metropolis profession than auditioning for Rodri’s vacant spot. If Metropolis followers are on the lookout for Rodri’s substitute, Nunes does not appear to be the person, however that does not imply That means he cannot make an affect in Guardiola’s facet. “

Cleverley ‘proud’ of Watford’s response regardless of defeat

waterford boss Tom Cleverley say sky sports activities:

“I am actually proud that though it was an enormous enterprise, we confirmed nice software after the weekend. [defeat at Norwich]. We’re onerous to beat, so it was a extremely good response.

“It is a totally different sport plan to the Metropolis sport, it’s important to respect what they’ve and if you happen to get out of your construction too many instances you are going to get injured.

“It’s important to keep as late as potential to take dangers and gamble. I believed we confirmed a very good efficiency of our personal and will have misplaced one thing ultimately.”