Manchester City’s EFL Cup defence continues after they eased into the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over fellow Premier League side Fulham, Brahim Diaz getting both goals.
Pep Guardiola included the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane in his starting XI, but teenagers Phil Foden and Diaz were the ones to really catch the eye in a straightforward outing at the Etihad Stadium.
City made light work of Fulham in the first half and were unlucky to not add further goals to Diaz’s early opener, as they wasted numerous opportunities.
Diaz doubled his tally just after the hour and City subsequently eased to victory, but De Bruyne’s late withdrawal may give Guardiola some cause for concern.
Fulham struggled to get out of their half in the first period and Diaz put City ahead 18 minutes in, his close-range effort deflecting past Sergio Rico.
Danilo then went close, clattering a shot against the right-hand post from a tight angle in the box.
Sane should have done better just after the half-hour mark, blasting a half-volley well over from a decent position after an intricate move involving De Bruyne and Foden.
Jesus also failed to find the net on the stroke of half-time, Rico tipping his 18-yard effort wide.
City’s dominance showed no sign of abating after the break and Jesus nodded just wide early on from a rare accurate Sane cross.
Jesus went even closer in the 65th minute when Rico nudged his effort on to the post, but Diaz was there to slam home his second of the day.
City suffered the blow of losing De Bruyne to an apparent knee injury late on after a tangle with Timothy Fosu-Mensah, but the Belgian walked off unaided and the hosts booked their passage regardless, with Leicester City or Southampton their next opponent.
What does it mean? City’s youngsters make a statement
Any doubts about whether or not Foden and Diaz are ready for Premier League football were surely dispelled by their respective performances on Thursday, as they played vital roles, and stylishly so.
Foden shows his class again
It is all well and good appearing a talent against a League One side – as he did in the last round. Doing so against Premier League opposition is a much tougher ask, but Foden took that challenge in his stride, looking the part in City’s midfield.
Sane struggles to deliver
He was lively enough on the left flank, but Sane was wasteful. His final pass rarely found its mark and he spurned a fine chance towards the end of the first half.
What’s next?
City will be hoping to claim a third successive Premier League win when they host Southampton on Sunday, while Fulham travel to Huddersfield Town the following day.
