Manchester City recorded a 9-0 victory over League One Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday night at the Etihad Stadium. They may have been playing third-tier opposition, but City produced an incredible attacking display.
Pep Guardiola showed his intent on winning the game by fielding a strong team. Star striker Sergio Aguero missed the game due to illness, but apart from that, most of City’s stars appeared against the lower league visitors.
The Premier League champions showed no mercy to chalk up a near cricket score. The Citizens could have taken their foot off the gas at four or five-nil. However, Guardiola’s team wanted to continue the momentum they have built by winning their previous three matches in all competitions.
The victory will add to the confidence in the City squad that they can still recover their season after a festive blip.
City are back to close to full strength, with Aguero expected to return to fitness in time for the Citizens home game against Wolves on Monday night.
Manchester City showed their quality last season by dominating the Premier League. They are capable of going on long winning runs and that is what they need to do to retain their Premier League crown, with Liverpool looking strong despite consecutive defeats.
Big victories against the likes of lower league teams such as Rotherham and Burton in cup competitions may not seem that significant. However, they are the sort wins that increase belief in the players after their belief was shaken against Crystal Palace and Leicester in the last month.
The Citizens are well on their way to retaining the Carabao Cup and if they can continue their recent rich vein of form, then Guardiola’s team cannot be written off in the fight for the Premier League title.