1 Bernardo shows his class
He promised there was much more to come and he was true to his word.
Bernardo Silva was superb against Cardiff, a constant threat and was lively and inventive throughout.
On another day, he would have had a couple of goals to celebrate, but instead was denied a blistering first-half strike by a questionable assistant referee’s flag that proved to be a poor decision.
Bernardo is adjusting to the English game at a rate of knots, was always one step ahead of his opponent and his cross for Raheem Sterling’s goal was perfection.
The Portugal star is set to become a huge crowd favourite at the Etihad.
2 Leroy loss
Losing Leroy Sane for any amount of time is a major blow for the Blues.
His speed, athleticism and trickery are a major threat to any side City are playing, but he looks likely to miss some games after a crude tackle by Cardiff’s Joe Bennett who somehow escaped a straight red card.
The youngster has been creating and scoring goals all season and we can only wish him a speedy recovery and hope that he is dashing down the left flank again before we know it.
3 Blues still on track for the impossible dream
Whichever way you look at it, City are still in with a sniff of four major trophies this season.
Pep says it’s impossible and history tells us he will probably be proven right.
But having already booked a place in the Carabao Cup final, a Round of 16 Champions League berth and a 12-point gap at the top of the Premier League, City are now in the last 16 of the FA Cup and two wins away from another trip to Wembley (semi-finals).
As the loss of Sane, Fabian Delph and Gabriel Jesus has proved, injuries and suspensions can change a lot and there were one or two nervous moments as Sergio Aguero lay on the turf in pain against Cardiff.
But the fact is, the Blues are still well-placed in all four competitions and considering the team’s continued excellence this campaign, that is some achievement.
4 Pep’s warning
The City boss believes players – not just his – are being protected by officials, and on Sunday’s evidence, with some justification.
We’ve already witness terrible challenges on Kevin De Bruyne (numerous), Sterling and Sane in recent games and it is a minor miracle none of them have had their seasons ended.
The Blues’ boss is not claiming players can’t be tackled, but he is asking that just punishments are handed out when tackles can break legs and ankles.
The referees have a tough job and it’s likely VAR will eventually be used at every game in the top flight – in all cases our players escaped serious injury, the challenges should have resulted in a straight red card.
5 Away day Blues?
Should City be drawn away in the FA Cup 5th round, the Blues will have four games on the bounce on the road in the space of a fortnight.
Fortunately, with 16 wins out of 19 away from the Etihad already this season, City are recording one of the best campaigns ever for a travelling team and enjoy away days more than most.
