Manchester City 7 Rotherham United 0: Sterling sharp in FA Cup procession

Championship struggler Rotherham United was thoroughly outclassed in the FA Cup third round, losing 7-0 at Manchester City on Sunday.

Published : Jan 06, 2019 22:16 IST

Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling
Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling
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Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling starred as Manchester City blitzed Championship side Rotherham United 7-0 at home in the third round of the FA Cup.

City named a strong team despite the exertions in ending Liverpool's unbeaten Premier League run last time out, was always in control at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Sterling gave City an early lead and was 3-0 up at the half-time interval with Phil Foden and a Semi Ajayi own goal adding to its advantage.

An out-of-form Gabriel Jesus extended City's cushion further after the break, Riyad Mahrez finished off a stunning team move and Nicolas Otamendi powered in a header before Leroy Sane wrapped up the scoring.

Read: Real Madrid-bound Brahim Diaz left out of City squad

Jesus missed two great early chances but City led in the 12th minute, Sterling swapping passes neatly with Kevin De Bruyne and darting into the box to finish well.

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Nicolas Otamendi celebrates after scoring his first goal of the season for Manchester City.
 

After Jesus wasted yet another close-range opportunity from De Bruyne's cutback, Rotherham grew into the game with Clark Robertson and Michael Smith missing headers, but City went into the break 3-0 up.

Foden recorded his first Etihad goal in fortunate fashion as he miscontrolled Ilkay Gundogan's cross, the ball bouncing in off his standing leg, before Ajayi turned a Kyle Walker cross into his own net.

Also Read: Fernandinho irreplaceable among Guardiola's winning addicts at Man City

Jesus finally got his goal in the 53rd minute, on hand to tap home Sterling's cross, with Pep Guardiola then handing a club debut to Philippe Sandler.

City had not needed to get out of second gear but showed its class with a fine goal, Mahrez slotting in Gundogan's pass after Rotherham were sliced open again.

Otamendi rose highest to thump home his first goal of the season from a Gundogan corner and the rout was completed with five minutes to go when Sane's 20-yard drive deflected past helpless goalkeeper Marek Rodak.


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A mismatch always appeared likely, with a repeat of City's shock exit at the hands of Wigan Athletic last year never on the cards. Rotherham produced some decent football at times, but also played itself into trouble on too many occasions.


Sterling shines against outclassed opponent

England international Sterling was City's brightest light with the forward's pace and direct running causing Paul Warne's side problems throughout. A goal and an assist were just rewards for a sharp display and he earned his rest, being replaced early in the second half.

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Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez also got on the scoresheet in a 7-0 rout.
 

Struggling Jesus' form a problem

Given a start with Sergio Aguero among those rested, Jesus did not take his chance to impress. The striker should have had a first-half hat-trick and, even though he did eventually get his name on the scoresheet after the break, his confidence levels look to be at rock bottom.


What's next?

City has another cup tie on Wednesday, hosting Burton Albion in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final, with Wolves visiting the Etihad five days later in the Premier League. Rotherham has a Championship six-pointer at fellow strugglers Ipswich Town on Saturday.

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