Pep Guardiola’s celebrated his 200th victory in charge of Manchester City with a resounding victory to claim a place in the quarter finals of the FA Cup after their 3-1 victory away to Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium. This was their 15th successive victory across all competitions-being the longest ever run by a top flight side in English football.
They have also been unbeaten in 22 games across all competitions since their last defeat in November to Tottenham Hotspur 2-0.
Such is the magnitude, attitude and flair with which Manchester City are progressing this season that they seem to have no need to change their plans as per opponent. Top of the English Premier League table with a game in hand, a place secured in Quarter finals of FA Cup coupled with a Carabao Cup final to be played in April 2021 and the UEFA Champions League on the rise. Everything seems to be going smoothly for Manchester City.
This was visible in their performance vs Swansea City where they were utterly dominant and creating chances. They were working like a well-oiled machine with Pep Guardiola marshalling his troops with finesse.
MATCH REPORT
Kyle Walker with a slightly fortuitous goal broke the deadlock within 30 minutes when his low, driven ball from outside the box evaded everyone and rolled into the back of the net.
Swansea had their chance to equalize with Jay Fulton who headed just wide of the goal, but Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus finished off the tie within 5 minutes of the second half which left Swansea no way back into the contest. Sterling with a calm finish and Jesus with sumptuous control from Bernardo Silva’s cross to slot home.
Whittaker scored for Swansea in the 77th minute with a very well controlled take and finish but was merely a consolation goal for them. Pep Guardiola could not have asked for a better 200th victory with every aspect of the game being looked after with utmost ease.
Swagger is the right term for the way the Blue half of Manchester is playing this season. It was as resounding a victory as gets.
Manchester City will not want to hold their horses and would look to go for more as they are in pursuit of a Quadruple this season. They play Borrusia Mönchengladbach in their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie and will want to assert their status as one of the elites of Europe.
There is only a way up from here for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola. The juggernaut does not seem to stop. A fascinating climax is in store this season.
