A City Fan’s Perspective: A huge replay win!

After a tough 0-0 draw against Huddersfield Town two weeks ago, Manchester City finished off the Championship club’s chances at the FA Cup title after eliminating them with a 5-1 win in the fifth round replay at the Etihad.

City had the first big chance of the game in the fifth minute, and Leroy Sané pushed his finish onto the post from close range. But Huddersfield took some of the pressure from City and put it into their own attack.

The Terriers came down the pitch and scored just seven minutes into the match, when Phillip Billing assisted Harry Bunn’s goal. While it was a fantastic play from the visitors, Bunn’s shot went straight through Claudio Bravo’s legs, and it proved exactly why the Chilean is now the City backup goalkeeper.

City regained their early attacking pressure, and two massive penalty appeals for handballs in the Huddersfield box were ignored by the referee. A few more chances finally led to a City goal, when Raheem Sterling sent the ball across the box to Leroy Sané to tie up the match.

Soon they would crack the match wide open, as City finally won a penalty thanks to Nicolas Otamendi being sent to the ground in the box. Sergio Agüero stepped up to take the penalty and slotted it home to give the Citizens a 2-1 lead.

Only three minutes later Agüero assisted Pablo Zabaleta for the third City goal. Going into the half, City dominated the game on both sides of the pitch, and Huddersfield looked defeated.

After the half, City kept control of the game, and another goal came in the 73rd minute when Sterling assisted Agüero for his second goal of the match. Kelechi Iheanacho finished off the game in the 90th minute to make the final scoreline 5-1.

Here’s a look at the match from a City fan’s perspective.

Defense

While City did not hold a clean sheet, the defense was pretty solid, mostly thanks to a strong City attack that pressured Huddersfield most of the match and gave the Sky Blues defense an easier game. But there was a sad note in a positive defensive showing from City.

Claudio Bravo, in a game where he could finally prove himself and earn back his starting spot at goalkeeper, couldn’t stop Harry Bunn’s shot on target. The ball went through his legs, and the Chilean should have made the save.

It's sad to see him struggle, but he just can’t find his feet in Manchester.

Midfield

There are no words to describe how good this City midfield is. Even when a reserve like Aleix García starts, the chemistry across the midfield is mesmerizing.

Kevin De Bruyne is developing a similar role to Real Madrid's Toni Kroos in the City team: he is sitting deeper in midfield to create chances rather than trying to score them. He still manages to penetrate the box and pressure the opposing defense, though, showing all of his best skills as a complete midfielder.

Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sané were also fantastic, getting in the scoresheet with goals and assists. Their play on the wing is insane for their age, and they are proving to critics that they are world class players, not just mere prospects with potential.

Attack

After Gabriel Jesus broke his foot earlier in February, City needed a reinvigorated Sergio Agüero to lead the team. After a few games to build up confidence, City's star man is back, and he isn’t only scoring goals.

While he scored a brace against Huddersfield, he also contributed across the pitch. Agüero made efforts to track back with the defense, completed seven dribbles, and also assisted Zabaleta’s goal.

No matter what he does, his presence on the pitch is felt by the rest of the City squad, and it is clear from Wednesday's performance that Agüero is back as City’s main man for the rest of the season.