English giant, Manchester City came up with a strong performance to tame cross-city rival, Manchester United, 2-0, in the semi-final of the 2020-21 Carabao Cup, at Old Trafford, on Wednesday. With this win, City has sailed into its fourth consecutive final of the tournament, having won it on past three occasions, while United has been knocked out at the stage in two successive seasons.
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The match was off to a composed start from both, with United coming up with the game's opening attack in the ninth minute from Bruno Fernandes, which was saved by City goalkeeper, Zack Steffen. Ten minutes later, Kevin de Bruyne came close to hand City the lead, only for his shot to hit the post.
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In the 25th minute, United came up with another promising attack, only for Marcus Rashford's mighty effort to be blocked by Rúben Dias. Despite some encouraging attempts, the deadlock stayed at the half-time.
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Five minutes into the second half, City earned the lead, thanks to John Stones, who managed to tap the ball into the bottom-right, with his body, following a setpiece assist from Phil Foden. City nearly doubled it just seven minutes later, as Raheem Sterling's attempt was denied by United goalkeeper, Dean Henderson.
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In 62nd minute, Riyad Mahrez had another chance for City's double, only to be denied again by Henderson. Meanwhile, ten minutes later, it was Fernandes again, who attempted one with a curling effort with his right foot, following an assist from Paul Pogba, only to shoot it wide.
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Nonetheless, it was in the 83rd minute, when Fernandinho fired into the bottom-left from outside the box, following a failed attempt to clear by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, as Henderson failed to budge from his spot. It turned out to be the final attack and the winner, as City booked its place in the final, where it faces Tottenham Hotspur.
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