Man City 2-1 Watford (24 September 2024) Match Analysis

Matheus Nunes scored his first goal for Manchester City in his 34th game as the hosts secured a comfortable 2-1 win over second division Watford on Tuesday to reach the fourth round of the League Cup.

Jeremy Doku opened the scoring for City after five minutes and Nunes finished calmly in the 38th minute to give Pep Guardiola's team control at the Etihad.

Watford have suffered some horrific defeats against City in the Premier League over the last few seasons, but the team refused to surrender and Tom Ince rescued the team with a curling shot in the 86th minute.

Eight-time winners City did not have to resort to a penalty shootout despite late pressure from Watford.

Just over 48 hours after their fateful Premier League clash with Arsenal, City were back in action and Guardiola rotated his squad, resting several regulars and giving 16-year-old Kaden Braithwaite his first start.

Nunes has struggled to establish himself at City since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £53 million ($71 million) just over a year ago, but he has seized his opportunity to make an impression.

His low shot from just outside the box was superb and he could have scored a hat-trick had it not been for Watford goalkeeper Jonathan Bond's fine saves in the second half.

“He has special qualities that only a few players have. Unique. The freedom he has in transition is incredible,” said Guardiola.

“I'm happy for him and the goal. Still, he has a lot to read and it's not easy to adapt. I'm really happy for him, he's a nice guy and nice guys always deserve good things.”

Watford got off to a bad start with a weak back pass from Ryan Porteous being intercepted by James McAtee before Jack Grealish crossed to Doku, who turned and finished with a fine finish.

The visitors had conceded 26 goals in their last five meetings with City, including an 8-0 defeat in the Premier League in 2019, but were more resilient this time.

They had a first-half goal disallowed when Kwadwo Baah ran over Braithwaite and fired past Stefan Ortega, but were rewarded later when Ince finished off a fine move with a left-foot shot.

The fourth round draw follows Wednesday's matches, which include Liverpool's home game against West Ham United.