Player Ratings: Manchester City vs. Tottenham in Carabao Cup

In a disappointing Carabao Cup fourth-round match, Manchester City suffered a 2-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, marking an early exit from a competition they have historically dominated. Pep Guardiola fielded a mix of youth and experience, but his team fell short as Spurs showcased their resurgence.

Match Overview

• Final Score: Tottenham Hotspur 2, Manchester City 1
• Goals:
  • Tottenham: Timo Werner, Pape Matar Sarr
  • Manchester City: Matheus Nunes
• Key Moment: Savinho’s injury overshadowed City's efforts as he was stretchered off after an impactful performance.

Player Ratings

Goalkeeper & Defence

• Stefan Ortega (6/10): Had a mixed performance; although he was criticized for allowing Sarr’s powerful strike to beat him at the near post, he made several crucial saves in the second half to keep City in the game.

• Rico Lewis (4/10): Struggled against the pace of Tottenham’s attacks, particularly from Timo Werner. He was frequently exposed and had a tough time coping with Spurs' pressure.

• John Stones (5/10): Demonstrated composure when playing out from the back but was challenged by Spurs’ swift counter-attacks, which tested his defensive capabilities.

• Ruben Dias (6/10): Solid in the first half and looked to be City’s best defender before being substituted at halftime for tactical reasons.

• Nathan Ake (5/10): Found himself out of position leading up to Tottenham’s opening goal and shifted roles in the second half but was ultimately ineffective.

Midfield

• Ilkay Gundogan (5/10): Struggled to control the midfield from a deeper role, losing track of runners frequently and was replaced by Kovacic for the second half.

• James McAtee (5/10): Showed flashes of skill but often crowded the same areas as his teammates, limiting his effectiveness.

• Nico O'Reilly (6/10): The standout in midfield for City, taking on defenders and pushing the ball forward, though he could have been more assertive in attacking opportunities.

Attack

• Savinho (7/10): Made an impact before his injury, growing into the match and creating chances. His exit was a significant blow for City.

• Phil Foden (4/10): Failed to make a meaningful contribution as a striker; his performance lacked cohesion with the wingers, leading to his substitution early in the second half.

• Matheus Nunes (7/10): Took advantage of his opportunities and scored City’s only goal, showcasing his potential as a vital player in the attack.

Substitutes & Manager

• Mateo Kovacic (6/10): Brought more mobility to midfield but struggled to contain Tottenham’s counter-attacks.

• Josko Gvardiol (5/10): Provided fresh legs but found it challenging to keep up with Tottenham’s pace.

• Bernardo Silva (6/10): The most lively of the substitutes, he offered some creativity but was unable to turn the game around.

• Jacob Wright (6/10): Made a notable impact with a shot on goal shortly after coming on but couldn’t change the outcome.

• Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (6/10): Made his senior debut late in the game, showing promise in his brief appearance.

• Pep Guardiola (5/10): Faced criticism for his squad selection and tactics, as City failed to meet the expectations set for a competition they historically excel in.

Manchester City's early exit from the Carabao Cup raises questions about their depth and readiness, particularly as they relied on a mix of youth and fringe players. With key injuries and performances falling flat, Guardiola will need to reassess his approach as the team looks ahead to the league fixtures.