Manchester City managed to avoid a shock upset to book their spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup against Leyton Orient on Saturday.
The League One side took the lead against the Premier League champions in the 16th minute when Jamie Donley latched onto a loose pass and looped a strike from distance over the head of Stefan Ortega. The shot hit the bar before ricocheting into the back of Ortega and into the back of the net.
City then equalised equally as fortunately after half-time when Rico Lewis’ strike deflected off of Abdukodir Khusanov to wrongfoot Josh Keeley. Kevin de Bruyne then came off of the bench to turn the tie on its head, poking a cool finish beyond the onrushing goalkeeper after being picked out by Jack Grealish.
Express Sport takes you through how each City star performed…
Man City player ratings vs Leyton Orient (4-2-3-1)
Stefan Ortega: 4
Made a good save in the first-half to deny Charlie Kelman before being caught off his line for Orient’s opener. Although unfortunate, the German was caught in no man’s land by Donley.
Rico Lewis: 4
He has looked vulnerable in right-back this season and, despite the lesser opposition, it was the same old story for the England international. Caught out by several balls over the top, with Orient appearing to target the 20-year-old, and struggled to deal with Diallang Jaiyesimi. His speculative effort did earn him an assist though.
Vitor Reis: 6 (Khusanov, 45)
Encouraging debut from the Brazilian. Did look vulnerable at times when holding a high line and being tasked with some hard-hitting duels but made up for it with his confidence in possession.
Ruben Dias: 6 (Stones, 45)
Not too many questions were asked of the Portugal international in the first half, with chances largely coming down the right. Withdrawn to keep him fresh to face Real Madrid.
Nico O’Reilly: 5 (De Bruyne, 72)
Never looked truly comfortable in left-back. Lost possession needlessly on several occasions and was reluctant to overlap, allowing Orient to double up on Grealish.
Nico Gonzalez (Silva, 22): 5
In another disaster for City, the Rodri replacement lasted just 22 minutes on Saturday. The midfielder appeared to suffer a back injury when being brushed off of the ball before Donley’s opener in what was a costly error. Showed promise prior.
Ilkay Gundogan: 5
Poor miss in the first half and never truly recovered from that, failing to inject any pace or energy into City’s buildup. Another subpar display from the German.
Savinho: 7
Bright performance from the winger, with his direct style and pace causing plenty of issues. His impact fizzled out in the second half but he was the pick of the City attackers.
James McAtee: 4 (Foden, 72)
A very quiet afternoon for the playmaker. Never truly looked like leaving his mark on the game, striking the post with a cute finish in the second half after the ball fell his way. Booked for a clumsy foul after 43 minutes.
Jack Grealish: 7
Lacked support from his fullback but crafted four big chances for his teammates, drawing two fouls with his quick feet too. Did have opportunities to deliver a handful more crosses which he passed up on. Provided an excellent assist for De Bruyne’s goal.
Omar Marmoush: 6
Glimpses of promise and should have equalised in the first half if not for a brilliant save from Keeley. Certainly looked more comfortable when playing as a No. 10 behind Erling Haaland though rather than as a sole striker.
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Bernardo Silva: 6
Saw his shot blocked on the line just after 30 minutes and was the likeliest candidate to carve open chances centrally.
John Stones: 6
Managed to keep Orient at bay as well and recycled possession well.
Kevin De Bruyne: 6
After losing possession twice in quick succession after coming on, the playmaker showed his class with a great run and finish.
Phil Foden: 6
Few bright moments after coming on.
Abdukodir Khusanov: 6
Opened his City account in fortunate fashion. Settling into his new surroundings well, though his erratic nature is something that Guardiola will be keen to iron out.