What happened...
City have moved top of the Premier League 2 table after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Liverpool at the Academy Stadium.
After his brace at Southampton earlier this week, Paolo Fernandes was yet again the match winner as his first half strike proved the difference between two excellent technical sides.
City have now gone six matches unbeaten in the Premier League 2 and are take Everton’s place at the summit.
City dominated the early possession as Tosin Adarabioyo and Cameron Humphreys searched for a route through the Liverpool midfield.
The relentless pressure told in the 23rd minute as the ball was worked to Javairo Dilrosun who crossed for Brahim Diaz.
City’s striker shrugged off French defender Mamadou Sakho and laid off for his compatriot Paolo Fernandes to fire home for his third goal this week.
Excellent strikes from Dilrosun and Rodney Kongolo later in the first period were saved well in the Liverpool goal by Caoimhin Kelleher. So much so, City may have felt aggrieved to only be one goal to the good at the break.
City had to survive a scare early in the first half but Angus Gunn demonstrated all the quality that has seen him move to the first team squad by diving on the loose ball after a scramble.
In truth, there was much more defending for the Blues to do in the second half but the experienced back line of academy graduates held firm.
City rode out the early storm and ended the match back in the ascendancy with just the fine goalkeeping of Kelleher denying Brahim Diaz on several occasions.
WANT TO KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST EDS AND ACADEMY NEWS? Follow the new official Twitter account, @ManCityAcademy.
What it means...
City have six wins and sit top of the Premier League 2 after nine matches.
City face Barcelona at the Academy Stadium on the 1 November. Visit the ticket office for information on how you can support our future.
Key moment...
Although Brahim Diaz, a diminutive Spanish youngster, up against Mamadou Sakho, the physical international centre-back, may have appeared a mismatch at kick-off, Diaz disproved that almost immediately as he beat the Frenchman to a header.
That gave City’s striker the confidence to hold off Sakho throughout the evening, especially in the process of setting up the first goal.
Man of the match...
Brahim Diaz - Although he may have been on the periphery of City’s dazzling form since his move upfront, Diaz was back to his beguiling best on Friday evening.
The 17-year-old linked up with his midfielders and wingers excellently and more than held his own against the international defence of Tiago Ilori and Mamadou Sakho.
How they lined up...
Making his first appearance at any level this season after a promotion to the first team squad, Angus Gunn took his place between the posts.
James Horsfield, Cameron Humphreys, Tosin Adarabioyo and Angelino were the experienced defence protecting Gunn’s goal.
Sadou Diallo sat at the base of the midfield behind captain for the night Rodney Kongolo and Paolo Fernandes while Javairo Dilrosun and Luke Bolton, fresh from an assist on his Premier League 2 debut on Monday, flanked Brahim Diaz.
Substitutes: O’Brien, Francis, Smith, Patching, Hardy
Confused about the format and rules of Premier League 2? Here’s a handy guide to explain all the competitions our youngsters will be taking part in this season.
