Kevin De Bruyne came off of the bench to bag the winner for City (Image: Getty)
managed to avoid a shock upset to book their spot in the fifth round of the against Leyton Orient on Saturday.
The League One side took the lead against the champions in the 16th minute when Jamie Donley latched onto a loose pass and looped a strike from distance over the head of Stefan Ortega. The shot hit the bar before ricocheting into the back of Ortega and into the back of the net.
City then equalised – equally as fortunately – after half-time when Rico Lewis’ strike deflected off of Abdukodir Khusanov to wrongfoot Josh Keeley. then came off of the bench to turn the tie on its head, poking a cool finish beyond the onrushing goalkeeper after being picked out by .
Express Sport takes you through how each City star performed…
Man City player ratings vs Leyton Orient (4-2-3-1)
Stefan Ortega: 4
Made a good save in the first-half to deny Charlie Kelman before being caught off his line for Orient’s opener. Although unfortunate, the German was caught in no man’s land by Donley.
Rico Lewis: 4
He has looked vulnerable in right-back this season and, despite the lesser opposition, it was the same old story for the England international. Caught out by several balls over the top, with Orient appearing to target the 20-year-old, and struggled to deal with Diallang Jaiyesimi. His speculative effort did earn him an assist though.
Vitor Reis: 6 (Khusanov, 45)
Encouraging debut from the Brazilian. Did look vulnerable at times when holding a high line and being tasked with some hard-hitting duels but made up for it with his confidence in possession.
Jamie Donley’s impressive strike helped his side into the lead (Image: Getty)
Ruben Dias: 6 (Stones, 45)
Not too many questions were asked of the Portugal international in the first half, with chances largely coming down the right. Withdrawn to keep him fresh to face Real Madrid.
Nico O’Reilly: 5 (De Bruyne, 72)
Never looked truly comfortable in left-back. Lost possession needlessly on several occasions and was reluctant to overlap, allowing Orient to double up on Grealish.
Nico Gonzalez: 5 (Silva, 22)
In another injury disaster for City, the Rodri replacement lasted just 22 minutes on Saturday. The midfielder appeared to suffer a back injury when being brushed off of the ball before Donley’s opener in what was a costly error. Showed promise prior.
Ilkay Gundogan: 5
Poor miss in the first half and never truly recovered from that, failing to inject any pace or energy into City’s buildup. Another subpar display from the German.
Savinho: 7
Bright performance from the winger, with his direct style and pace causing plenty of issues. His impact fizzled out in the second half but he was the pick of the City attackers.
James McAtee: 4 (Foden, 72)
A very quiet afternoon for the playmaker. Never truly looked like leaving his mark on the game, striking the post with a cute finish in the second half after the ball fell his way. Booked for a clumsy foul after 43 minutes.
Jack Grealish: 7
Lacked support from his fullback but crafted five big chances for his teammates, drawing two fouls with his quick feet too. Did have opportunities to deliver a handful more crosses which he passed up on. Provided an excellent assist for De Bruyne’s goal to showcase what he is capable of when at his very best.
Omar Marmoush: 6
Showed glimpses of promise and should have equalised in the first half if not for a brilliant save from Keeley. Certainly looked more comfortable previously when playing as a No. 10 behind though rather than as a lone striker.
Rico Lewis’ strike deflected off of Abdukodir Khusanov to equalise for City (Image: Getty)
SUBS
Bernardo Silva: 6
Saw his shot blocked on the line after 30 minutes and was the likeliest candidate to carve open chances centrally.
John Stones: 6
Managed to keep Orient at bay as well and recycled possession well.
: 6
After losing possession twice in quick succession after coming on, the playmaker showed his class with a great run and finish. His impact served as a big reminder of what he is still capable of at the Etihad Stadium.
Phil Foden: 6
Few bright moments after coming on, linking up play well in his favoured No. 10 role.
Abdukodir Khusanov: 6
Opened his City account in fortunate fashion. Seems to be settling into his new surroundings well, though his erratic nature is something that will be keen to iron out, charging into challenges needlessly – which drew some angry reactions from his manager.