Manchester City might have struggled to get going initially, but they comfortably saw off Championship challengers Huddersfield to progress to the quarterfinal of the FA Cup. A 20-minute spell at the end of the first half did the damage, and a couple of goals after the break added gloss to the 5-1 scoreline.

Positives

Although the focus has been on Sergio Aguero in recent weeks, the Argentina star proved once again that he can fit into Pep Guardiola's idea of a centre-forward. He, along with Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling, was a devastating part of why the home side blew their opponents away.

Negatives

The headlines about the goalkeeper just won't go away. Claudio Bravo didn't cover himself in glory for Huddersfield's goal early in the game, which allowed the shot to go right through him. Ironic cheers from sections of the home fans when he made a save later in the match mark a new low for the No. 1.

Manager rating

7 (out of 10) -- Credit where it's due. Guardiola picked a strong lineup for the FA Cup replay, and it paid off, as his side strolled to victory in the end.

Player ratings (1-10, with 10 the best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Claudio Bravo, 5 -- He did nothing to convince supporters that he's up to the task of keeping the ball out of the net, though he did complete several good passes out from the back under pressure. That isn't enough to inspire confidence, though, as he was troubled by yet another shot on target.

DF Pablo Zabaleta, 6 -- He put in a performance going forward that was like rolling back the years. He did well to support Sterling on the right flank and cut inside intelligently to make space. He was "Johnny-on-the-Spot" for his goal, which sealed the tie. However, defensively, he was under pressure and committed himself -- and was beaten -- on a couple occasions.

DF John Stones, 7 -- He was comfortable under pressure when closed down by Huddersfield forwards, and he looked confident every time the ball was played into his feet.

DF Nicolas Otamendi, 6 -- Otamendi is, on occasion, something to marvel at. He was dominant in the air, loose with his passing and seemed desperate to dive in to challenges on the halfway line -- only to restrain himself at the final moment -- throughout the tie with Huddersfield.

DF Gael Clichy, 6 -- Clichy did not have a spectacular performance by any stretch of the imagination, but he was comfortable enough with his defensive duties. On the front foot, he was always willing to lend a hand.

MF Aleix Garcia, 7 -- He looked assured on the ball, though he should trust his own ability a little more than he seemed to early on. Once he settled into the game, he popped up across the midfield and put in several good sliding challenges.

MF Fernandinho, 6 -- He was quieter than normal, but this was by no means a poor performance. Fernandinho was solid, if not spectacular, as he helped pull the strings from deep.

MF Kevin De Bruyne, 6 -- He was consistently on the ball and tried to make things happen, but he found that whatever he tried seemed to fail. He managed a couple free kicks on target, but overall, his final ball never quite worked out.

MF Raheem Sterling, 8 -- Another match, another example of why the winger is integral to Guardiola's attack. He was excellent in driving at the Huddersfield defence, who couldn't live with his movement, pace and deliveries into his teammates.

MF Leroy Sane, 7 -- He had a quieter night than he has in recent weeks but was still linking up well with the other attackers in the side. It was an excellent run for the equalising goal, which Sterling put on a plate for him.

FW Sergio Aguero, 8 -- Aguero was once again all over the pitch, tackling back and proving lethal in the box. His penalty was confidently dispatched, his second was pure opportunism, he was unlucky to hit the post, and he produced a superb assist for Zabaleta. The surge in his performance since he scored his first goal in the 5-3 win over Monaco has been excellent.

Substitutes

MF Fabian Delph, N/R -- He replaced De Bruyne after 75 minutes and kept things ticking over in a game that was already won.

FW Kelechi Iheanacho, N/R -- He was lively when he came off the bench for Aguero for the final 10 minutes and in the right place at the right time to get on the scoresheet in stoppage time.

MF Jesus Navas, N/R -- He put a couple of dangerous crosses into the box after replacing Sane on 81 minutes.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by DAVID MOONEY

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