BRISTOL BATTLERS RIP UP SCRIPT TO SHOCK PEP’S MEN
IF ANYONE thought Bristol City were going to be run over by the Manchester City juggernaut in the Carabao Cup, they know better now.
The Robins had already dispatched four Premier League sides – including holders Manchester United – to reach the last four, but some experts felt they were going to be demolished in Tuesday night’s semi-final first leg at the Etihad.
However, Lee Johnson’s boldas-brass troops attempted to take the game to the Premier League’s runaway leaders – and enjoyed no little success.
Indeed, their pressing game paid dividends just before the break as Josh Brownhill dispossessed dithering defender Eliaquim Mangala and cleverly played in Bobby Reid.
The Robins’ top scorer was brought down by England man John Stones and coolly dispatched the penalty to send almost 8,000 travelling fans wild.
Robins’ centre-back Aden Flint produced a miraculous goal-line clearance to stop Raheem Sterling levelling in first half stoppage time, heading the ball over the crossbar at full stretch. Kevin de Bruyne eventually pulled City level on 55 minutes after a rapid move the length of the pitch.
The Championship side kept Pep Guardiola’s men at bay until, cruelly, substitute Sergio Aguero headed home in stoppage time to give his side a 2-1 lead going into the second leg at Ashton Gate on Tuesday week.
But a proud Johnson reckons his side still have still the chance to earn a Wembley final against Chelsea or Arsenal, who played out a goalless draw in their first leg at Stamford Bridge.
“Our pressing was amazing and the boys can’t be disappointed because we are still in the tie,” he said. “They showed the world we have good footballers.
“It’s not over, particularly at Ashton Gate, where we won’t have 8,000 fans, but 26 or 27,000.”
Former Barcelona boss Guardiola isn’t expecting a walk in the park. “They are a fantastic team,” he said. “They will be tough in Bristol.”