Manchester City defeated Premier League opponent Chelsea with goals from Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez to advance to the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Both teams had opportunities in an open and even the first half of the game. Jack Grealish fizzed a wide shot, and Chelsea’s Stefan Ortega stopped 18-year-old midfielder, Lewis Hall.
But early in the second half, Mahrez scored from a free kick.
Soon after, Alvarez scored from close range to secure the victory.
PL champions preserved their record of never losing in the third round under Pep Guardiola with a well-deserved victory.
On the other hand, Chelsea will regret their wasted opportunities in the first half. Ortega twice denied Christian Pulisic, and Hall, who had worked hard to create space for himself, could have performed better with his close-range shot.
Hall was unfortunate in the second half when the great Ortega brilliantly saved his ferocious first-time attempt.
Midway through the second half, Raheem Sterling entered the game, making his first appearance versus City since leaving them in the summer.
However, he could not spark a comeback as the home team extended their victory streak at Etihad Stadium to 16 games overall.
As a result of the outcome, Chelsea has now lost two of their past seven games overall. Graham Potter’s team will not have it any easier on Saturday when they travel to third-place Newcastle.
FULL-TIME | GET IN! ??
? 2-0 ? #ManCity pic.twitter.com/JT45D3unFn
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 9, 2022
Pep Guardiola happy with Man City display
After Manchester City defeated Chelsea 2-0 on Wednesday to advance to the Carabao Cup fourth round, Pep Guardiola proclaimed himself “more than thrilled.”
“Knowing the opponent and their calibre,” manager Guardiola declared: “I am overjoyed.”
“I am pleased with all of the guys’ efforts. They are so excellent because we endured. We cannot defend them when they acquire the ball and drive 40 metres.”
“I’m thrilled to be in the next round despite what transpired with their most recent results; they are a terrific team.”
Due to various physical difficulties, Phillips, who joined City from Leeds in the summer, had only played 14 minutes of football this season before his procedure.
“Kalvin made a good 40 minutes,” stated Guardiola. “He didn’t play for a while, but when he did, he had an amazing personality.”
“We need him in the second half of the season since Rodri can’t do it alone. Of course, he has to get certain stuff.”
Pep Guardiola talking about Graham Potter. pic.twitter.com/OG418tw7fT
— Frank Khalid (@FrankKhalidUK) November 9, 2022
Grealish catches the eye as Phillips makes a comeback
Gareth Southgate announces the England team on Thursday. While any performances from the games on Wednesday night are unlikely to have an impact at this late stage, he will have been pleased to see Kalvin Phillips back on the field and a strong showing from Grealish.
Since moving to City from Leeds in the summer, Phillips has struggled with injuries; this second-half substitution was only his fourth appearance this season and his first since September.
He did not have much chance to make an impact, but it would have benefited him and possibly England to receive some playing time.
When asked about the World Cup roster announcement on Thursday by Sky Sports, Phillips responded, “Anything may happen. Despite my optimism, I am aware there will always be room for scepticism, given how little game time I’ve had.”
“My shoulder has kept me from playing to my full potential due to my injuries. Now that it’s resolved, I may resume my previous state. It will help me out.”
On the other hand, Grealish is most likely to make the Qatar squad. However, he hasn’t always been able to deliver club performances that make up for the £100 million City spent Aston Villa for him in August of last year.
But for Pep Guardiola’s team, this was unquestionably one of his best performances. He was resourceful, energetic, and always looking for the ball. Unfortunately, his efforts could have resulted in at least a goal.
