What happened...
Manchester City moved to within three points of Premier League 2 leaders Everton with a 3-0 victory at the Academy Stadium.
Substitute Thierry Ambrose and attackers Brahim Diaz and Jadon Sancho netted for the Blues in the second half to keep their title hopes alive.
Diaz was the first to get the crowd off the seat of their pants when he wriggled inside and curled an effort, only to see it diverted wide by Mateusz Hewelt’s big toe.
The Spaniard appeared to be City’s biggest threat throughout the first half but his hustling bore little fruit against a compact Everton defence.
In fact, much of the first half was defined by the different set-ups of both sides. Everton pressed City high, forcing them to play the ball longer than usual but once through, City would often be in a dangerous position.
Goalless at half-time, City came out determined in the second period to lessen the gap at the top of the table. However, early chances for Tosin Adarabioyo and Sancho came to nothing and City were still searching for the opener as the hour mark approached.
Ambrose‘s introduction gave Simon Davies’ side a focal point and allowed Diaz to move into a more creative midfield role. It paid dividends almost immediately as the striker collected the ball inside the box, shifted into a yard of space and drilled an effort inside the near post.
Diaz doubled City’s lead just six minutes later following a long period of City pressure. Everton blocked the efforts of both Ambrose and Paolo Fernandes before Diaz’s shot found its way through. City weren’t done there though.
High pressing from Rodney Kongolo won the ball back for City and Aaron Nemane’s cross was collected by Sancho who turned in to seal the three points.
Want to keep up with the latest EDS and academy news? Follow the official Twitter account, @ManCityAcademy.
What it means...
City’s Premier League 2 side will travel to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on Monday 13 March. Head to the ticket office for more information on how you can support our future.
Key moment...
A close match largely played out in the middle third opened up as soon as Ambrose was introduced. The French striker’s impact was proven by his early goal that had all the hallmarks of a classic Ambrose strike.
Man of the match...
Matt Smith – Switching between full-back and defensive midfield takes a highly intelligent footballer - there are only a few in world football that have mastered the skill – but Smith played the role excellently.
Coming inside from a conventional left-back position to orchestrate play in the middle of the park, Smith continues to adapt to the needs of the team.
How they lined up...
Angus Gunn was given the opportunity to star in City’s goal.
Joel Latibeaudiere, Cameron Humphreys, Tosin Adarabioyo and Matt Smith were the defence protecting Gunn’s goal.
Rodney Kongolo sat at the base of the midfield behind Paolo Fernandes and Denzeil Boadu while Aaron Nemane and Jadon Sancho flanked central striker Brahim Diaz.
