Manchester City enjoyed a 4-0 win over Chelsea to seal their place in the FA Cup fourth round, but the manner of the victory isn’t even the best part of Sunday’s result.
Pep Guardiola being able to give some of the outcasts a run out while resting a lot of key players and still winning the game comfortably was a major achievement. City have three games in six days, so the squad will need their minutes managed.
Ederson was an unused substitute while Stefan Ortega kept a clean sheet. Sergio Gomez started at left-back while Joao Cancelo and Nathan Ake sat on the bench. John Stones was an unused substitute while Manuel Akanji helped keep Chelsea at bay.
Kalvin Phillips came on in the second half, allowing Rodri to get a much-needed rest. Kevin De Bruyne was an unused substitute, allowing Phil Foden to play in midfield.
Cole Palmer was given a rare start so Jack Grealish could be rested. And then Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland were also unused substitutes, so they’ve been protected by Guardiola.
City face Southampton on Wednesday and are likely to ring the changes again, but Pep will be glad he can keep his regulars fresh and still win big games in the cup.
In other news, Pep Guardiola should consider Adrien Rabiot if Ilkay Gundogan leaves next summer
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