The one thing that is guaranteed is that Man City will be glad to be leaving Rodney Parade without having to go to extra-time.
The first half was one that the country may not have expected after Man City have put 17 goals past the last two lower league teams they have played this season. However, as a City fan and a fan that still believes in the magic of the cup I anticipated a nervous first 45 minutes for City, which is what they were!
Credit to Newport, I think they defended exceptionally well and had Ederson not made the world class save to deny Jamille Matt, the hosts would have gone in front. Man City still looked threatening and Leroy Sané should have scored when he was put through on goal after a clever one-two with David Silva.
Man City started the second-half with the intent that they needed to score first in order to reduce the nerves from the game, that would inevitably build without the away side scoring. This happened with a powerful shot from Sané, I personally think Day should have done better. Phil Foden grew into the game after the goal went in and he showed his exciting talent with a wonderful run from his own half and a clever finish, which again Day probably should have done better!
Padraig Amond capitalised on a Laporte mistake, to which Foden responded by going down the other end with a bit of magic and made the game 3-1! Mahrez killed off the game with a fantastic finish and sadly Newport’s cup run was ended by the English champions.
Here is how we rated the City players…
