Pep Guardiola apologised for ending Bristol City’s 12-match unbeaten run as the Manchester City manager admitted his side struggled at times to deal with the Robins attacking transitions, before late goals from Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne secured what appeared a comfortable 3-0 victory in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Guardiola stuck to his word by selecting a “serious team” at Ashton Gate and as Foden opened the scoring after seven minutes, they threatened to kill the tie off before it had really begun. But the resilient Robins struck back, seizing the momentum at times with Mark Sykes denied a good penalty shout and Sam Bell twice going close either side of half-time.
Guardiola evidenced his need for his team to claim a second by introducing Jack Grealish into the contest in the second half, with Foden and then De Bruyne responding to quell any hopes of a comeback from the hosts.
