Manchester City vs Watford Player Ratings as Doku and Nunes score to help secure a simple 2-1 win

Manchester City hosted EFL Championship side Watford at the Etihad Stadium in Round 3 of the EFL Cup on Tuesday, September 24.

The Cityzens entered this game on the back of a fortunate last-gasp 2-2 draw against closest rivals Arsenal in the Premier League, while Watford were humbled 4-1 by Norwich City in their last match. Both sides were eager to make a good start to the game but the hosts looked sharper.

Having won the ball high up the pitch, Manchester City threatened to score early on and Jack Grealish set up Jeremy Doku to do just that after five minutes. City dominated possession of the ball in the first period and barely allowed Watford a sniff of their goal. They maintained pressure and possession in the final third and did not allow the Hornets even a single shot.

Manchester City’s perseverance paid off as Matheus Nunes scored a lovely goal after 38 minutes to double his team’s lead after a lovely passing move with Rico Lewis. Pep Guardiola’s men led 2-0 at the break.

The second half saw the hosts content to hold onto the ball and knock it around as they kept possession for extended spells. They barely allowed Watford any space in their own half but the Hornets showed resilience and kept fighting until the end. Thomas Ince pulled a goal back in the 86^th minute following an assist from Giorgi Chakvetadze to set up a thrilling finish.

However, Manchester City held their nerve and also held onto their lead to secure a 2-1 win and advance to the next round. That said, let’s take a look at the player ratings.

Manchester City Player Ratings vs Watford:

Goalkeeper

Stefan Ortega – 6/10

Ortega did not have much to do and failed to make a single save.

Defenders

Kyle Walker – 7.5/10

Walker was solid in defence as he won three duels and made four clearances. He also played one key pass.

John Stones – 7/10

Stones won three duels, making one clearance and one block. He also played four long balls.

Kaden Braithwaite – 7/10

Braithwaite played a good game but was subbed off in the second half with an injury.

Midfielders

Rico Lewis – 8/10

Lewis had a great game as he played six key passes and also won four duels. He also provided one assist and made one interception.

Nico O’Reilly – 7/10

He passed the ball with 90% accuracy and also won eight duels in a good performance.

Jeremy Doku – 8/10

Doku scored the opener just five minutes into the game. He also won three duels, played two crosses and one key pass and was subbed off at half-time.

James McAtee – 7.5/10

McAtee passed the ball with 90% accuracy, including two key passes. He also won three duels and made one clearance.

Matheus Nunes – 8/10

Nunes played a great game and even scored Manchester City’s second goal.

Jack Grealish – 8/10

Grealish provided an assist and also played three other key passes. He completed six dribbles and also won 10 duels.

Forward

Phil Foden – 7/10

Foden attempted six shots but just one of those was on target. He also played two key passes and won two duels.

Substitutes

Savinho – 7.5/10

Savinho came on for the second half and completed three dribbles and even hit the woodwork. He also won four duels.

Jacob Wright – 6.5/10

Wright passed the ball with 95% accuracy and also won one duel.

Josko Gvardiol – 6.5/10

Gvardiol came on for the injured Braithwaite and put in a decent shift.

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Watford Player Ratings vs Manchester City:

Goalkeeper

Jonathan Bond – 7.5/10

Bond made five saves throughout the game but ended up on the losing side.

Defenders

Festy Ebosele – 6.5/10

Ebosele won seven duels, making one tackle and one interception.

Ryan Porteous – 6.5/10

Porteous won seven duels, making seven clearances, two interceptions, and two blocks.

Angelo Ogbonna – 6.5/10

Ogbonna won two duels and made two clearances and three blocked shots.

James Morris – 6/10

Morris won just one duel and lost the ball 14 times in an important game as this.

Yasser Larouci – 6.5/10

Larouci won three of five duels and also played one key pass.

Midfielders

Thomas Ince – 7.5/10

Ince attempted just one shot on target and scored from it. He also completed 18 passes with perfect accuracy.

Imran Louza – 7/10

Louza passed the ball with 88% accuracy and played one key pass. He also won five duels.

Ken Sema – 6.5/10

Sema had just 32 touches despite playing from the start. He also won three duels.

Forwards

Kwadwo Baah – 6/10

Baah failed to attempt a single shot on target and won just three of his 12 duels.

Vakoun Issouf Bayo – 6/10

Bayo, too, had a dull game as Wigan Athletic crashed out of the EFL Cup.

Substitutes

Giorgi Chakvetadze – 7/10

He came on for the second half and provided late assistance for Ince.

Tom Dele-Bashiru – 6.5/10

He replaced Larouci late in the game and performed decently.

Matthew Pollock – 6.5/10

Pollock replaced Ebosele and put in a good shift.

Rocco Vata – 6.5/10

Vata played for 15 minutes and had just five touches of the ball.

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