Nigerian born striker, Kelechi Iheanacho were among the
goalscorers as Manchester City eased into the Capital One
Cup quarterfinals with a 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.
With Sergio Aguero still injured, the spotlight remains on
City’s other forwards and Bony set them on the way to a
comfortable win at the Etihad Stadium with a fine header.
The lively 19-year-old Iheanacho then got in on the act
after Kevin De Bruyne had maintained his recent scoring
streak with City’s second.
Yaya Toure added a fourth from the penalty spot and
substitute Manu Garcia rounded off a good night’s work
with a fifth in stoppage time after a Damien Delaney
consolation.
Their opening goal came in the 22nd minute as Bony met
a De Bruyne corner with a firm header that Wayne
Hennessey could not keep out.
It was a fine finish and seemingly just the confidence
boost the Ivorian needed as he continues to lead the line
with Aguero out, but he could not follow it up.
With his next chance he sliced high and wide, and he
could then only shoot tamely at Hennessey. There was an
even poorer effort after the break as he completely
miskicked in front of goal.
City doubled the lead just before the interval as
Iheanacho raced onto a Fernando pass and pulled the ball
back for De Bruyne to tuck in from close range.
Palace should have pulled one back immediately but
Ledley blasted over after a cross squirmed out of
Caballero’s grasp.
City upped the tempo to claim a third just before the
hour. De Bruyne, who had himself tested Hennessey just
moments earlier, squared for Iheanacho to bury a low
shot.
Palace’s misfortune continued as Zaha slipped when in on
goal and Patrick Bamford could not beat Caballero. They
then needlessly conceded a penalty as Damien Delaney
bundled over Mangala at a corner. Toure confidently
converted from the spot.
Delaney pulled one back with a superb header with 89
minutes on the clock but 17-year-old Garcia, having been
introduced as a late substitute, showed fine composure to
claim City’s fifth.
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