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The two Manchester sides battled it out in the semi-final of the EFL Cup for the second year in succession. The constraints caused due to the pandemic however meant that this time, it would only be a one-legged affair.
The teams both came in with 4 wins out of 5, making the prospect of a match up all the more enticing. The game started frantically, as VAR intervened to deny both sides (rightfully) a goal within the first 6 minutes. Both sides' stars, Fernandes and De Bruyne came close to the opener. They were denied by a spectacular save and the framework of the goal respectively. The first half showed warning signs for United, but the game went in level at half-time.
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The second half began with both sides coming out unchanged, and Manchester City picked up right where they left off, showing more impetus and taking it upon themselves to open the scoring. John Stones was the man who did so, as he managed to get the ball across the line with his thigh after Mahrez couldn't get on the end of Phil Foden's cross. Manchester City got the second of the night through Fernandinho, who volleyed home a poor Wan-Bissaka clearance late in the game to kill the contest.
Manchester City vs Manchester United: 5 Talking Points
#5 An Enthralling Showdown decided:
Pep Guardiola got the better of Manchester United last night, setting up a mouth-watering final fixture against Jose Mourinho to decide who takes the honors.
Guardiola will now have to navigate past the Portuguese tactician to get his hands on the EFL Cup again, and will no doubt be looking forward to the opportunity to get one over him. Mourinho will share that sentiment with him as he hopes to have his squad fit and firing during the business end of this season, unlike last year.
Fans will no doubt be licking their lips at the prospect of these sides facing off at full strength, and Manchester United's stutter before the finish line means that they have now fallen at the semi-final stage 2 years in a row
Also read: Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City: 5 Hits and flops
#4 Unlikely scorers help Manchester City advance:
Manchester City had two of the most unexpected goalscorers helping them advance past their neighbors tonight. John Stones scored his first goal in over 3 years as City took the lead in the 50th minute. He put in one of his best performances defensively in a long time as well to go along with the goal.
Along with him, Fernandinho scored his first goal in 2 years, hammering a volley past a motionless Manchester United goalkeeper, Dean Henderson. The Englishman was a mere onlooker as Wan Bissaka's clearance fell straight into the path of the Brazilian, who made no mistake drilling in the corner to make it 2-0 and job done.
The writer would also like to give a special mention to Ruben Dias, who was absolutely immense at the back today along with Stones, letting nothing go past him and dealing with everything Manchester United threw at him last night.
Also read: Manchester United vs Manchester City: Player ratings as Guardiola's men reach final
#3 Manchester City are flying once again
Having looked shaky for parts of the season and certainly not up to the levels of seasons past, Manchester City's fans have had doubts about any silverware coming through the Ethiad this season. Rightfully so, with Manchesterr City clearly lacking the attacking verve this season that has become an integral part of their playing style under Pep.
Their problems have also been compounded by the fact that they've missed several key players out due to injuries, as well as the Coronavirus. They seemed to have finally turned the corner on that against Chelsea when they blitzed 3 past them in the first 30 minutes. Tonight they continued on their run of solid displays with another dominant performance in their rivals' backyard.
Controlling possession from start to end with brief spells of cooling off and letting the play come to them to conserve energy, Manchester City never looked uncomfortable barring a brief moment of two. They created the better chances, had more possession, made the better passes, and deservedly advanced to the final.
#2 Solskjaer's Manchester United managerial credentials:
Before you say it, NO, this is not just a reaction to tonight's result. Well sort of, but not entirely. Tonight was Ole's 4th time in charge of Manchester United in the semi-final of the competition, and all 4 times have ended with an eerily similar result. His side crashing out after putting in the hard yards to get so close. Silverware has been in his sights, and he has faltered at each time of asking.
Tonight he left it too late to make the necessary changes to push on in search for an equalizer and fielded a back 4 that hadn't played together in quite a few games. Sure he may have missed a few players for several reasons, but he had a lot available at hand that he made little to no use of tonight.
Yet another semi-final drubbing at the hands of Manchester City was another rude awakening if Manchester United fans needed one. A manager with tactical nous is required to win competitions, and Ole just may not have it at the very top level. There have been quite a few opportunities now afforded to him and if this side is unable to take any silverware this season, a decision will have to be made on whether to retain his services for next season.
#1 Manchester United's defense a concern again:
Manchester United has had a torrid time with their defense this season through patches. There have been games where they have looked a completely different side at the back, but they've come far less often than they would've preferred. The defense looked okay in the first half, with a few danger signs but nothing too alarming.
With the pairing of Lindelof and Maguire starting tonight for Manchester United, there was a hint of doubt in several supporters' minds after seeing Eric Bailly be a much more effective partner to Maguire in recent fixtures.
The second half started, and Manchester City pushed on in search of the first goal and won a corner, which led to the goal in the picture above. Both the center halves looked on hoping the other one would take charge of the situation, and both lacked the self-assurance to do it themselves. Manchester United will need to start winning these big matches if they are to get back to their exalted status once again
