Player Ratings: Bristol City 0-3 Manchester City (FA Cup Fifth Round)

Manchester City advanced to the quarter-finals of the Emirates FA Cup this evening after beating Championship side Bristol City 3-0 at Ashton Gate.

The Blues opened the scoring just seven minutes into the game, as Kevin De Bruyne slipped Riyad Mahrez through the Robbins’ defence. The Algerian squared the ball across the face of the area towards Phil Foden who tapped into an empty net from close range.

Pep Guardiola’s side then grabbed a second, through Foden again – although the goal could be ruled as a own-goal.

De Bruyne slipped through what was a wonderful ball to Nathan Ake, he then squared the ball Julian Alvarez. The Argentine played the ball over one more time to Foden, who took the opportunity to wrap his foot around the ball and slot it into the bottom corner.

As the final whistle loomed, De Bruyne joined in on the action.

The Belgian, who recently found himself in the FIFA PRO XI, grabbed the ball around 25 yards out from goal and let leash a curling effort past Bristol City goalkeeper, Max O’Leary, into the bottom right corner.

Here’s how we rated each player’s performance in tonight’s 3-0 victory:

Stefan Ortega: 6

In just his eighth appearance in a Manchester City shirt, Ortega looked as if he’d injured his hand and could only carry on until half-time, when he was replaced by Ederson. Whilst on, Ortega had nothing to do.

Rico Lewis: 6.5

Perhaps lucky not to give away a penalty shortly after City’s first goal, Lewis was solid for the most part of tonight. Good on the ball, Lewis once again stepped into midfield and looked comfortable alongside City’s array of world-class talent.

Manuel Akanji: 6

One of the more active players this evening, Akanji wasn’t a standout for either good or bad reasons. The Swiss defender did his job.

Ruben Dias: 7

Whenever City came under threat from the hosts, Dias rallied City’s defence impressively. His distribution was top-notch this evening and he more than earned the clean sheet.

Nathan Ake: 6.5

With most attacks by Nigel Pearson’s side flowing down Ake’s flank, the Dutchman proved solid all evening.

Bristol attacked better than most thought they would prior to the game, but were limited in actual chances, with Ake playing his part in that. Sergio Gomez replaced the Dutchman following De Bruyne’s goal.

Kalvin Phillips: 5

Following his first-minute strike that hit the bar, the Englishman was okay.

His performance won’t have Rodri worried for his spot, at all, but with the injury-hit season Phillips has had, any minutes are good minutes – especially from the start.

Kevin De Bruyne: 7

In what began as a hush night by De Bruyne’s standards, the Belgian struggled early on but did play a crucial role in City’s opening goal.

With regards to the second half, De Bruyne inevitably improved and played a delicious line-breaking pass in the build-up to the second goal.

Finally, De Bruyne grabbed himself a wonderful curling goal in the 81st minute, to top off an impressive second 45.

Bernardo Silva: 6

Similar to Akanji, Bernado wasn’t anything spectacular tonight but got the job done. Maximo Perrone was brought on for the former Monaco midfielder in the final moments of the game.

Riyad Mahrez: 6

Excluding his inch-perfect assist to Foden, Mahrez was strangely quiet all evening. Considering his form recently, one would have expected more from City’s No.26 tonight.

Julian Alvarez: 6

Similar to most of City’s attack tonight, La Arana was lacklustre at Ashton Gate tonight. Alvarez did grab an assist, however, for Foden’s second goal.

Phil Foden: 9 (MOTM)

Scorer of both of City’s goals, Foden was electric all evening. Both on and off the ball, City’s top academy graduate was everywhere constantly beating his man, picking the loose balls and got his reward through the two goals. A top night for the Stockport Iniesta!

Phil Foden vs Bristol City:

2 Goals
76 Touches
51 Accurate Passes
89.5% Pass Accuracy
6 Ground Duels Won
4 Key Passes
4 Successful Dribbles
2 Shots On Target
2 Accurate Long Balls
1 Tackle
1 Interception
1 Accurate Cross
1 Aerial Duel Won pic.twitter.com/zfi5vs1UuW

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) February 28, 2023

Substitutes:

Ederson: 6

Coming on for Ortega at half-time, the Brazillian stopper had little, if anything, to do.

Jack Grealish: N/A

Cole Palmer: N/A

Sergio Gomez: N/A

Maximo Perrone: N/A