In a thrilling encounter at The Etihad, Manchester City overcame a spirited Watford side with a 2-1 victory in the English Carabao Cup, advancing to the fourth round. This match marked a significant moment for Matheus Nunes, who scored his first goal for City in his 34th appearance, solidifying his place in Pep Guardiola’s plans.
Man city vs watford Head to Head Record
Historically, Manchester City has dominated their encounters with Watford. In their last five meetings, City has emerged victorious each time, including a staggering 8-0 win in 2019. The prior matchups set a daunting tone for the Hornets, who were eager to improve upon their recent performances.
Last Five Matches:
- April 23, 2022: Manchester City 5 – 1 Watford
- December 4, 2021: Watford 1 – 3 Manchester City
- July 21, 2020: Watford 0 – 4 Manchester City
- September 21, 2019: Manchester City 8 – 0 Watford
- May 18, 2019: Manchester City 6 – 0 Watford
Man city vs watford Lineups
Manchester City (3-2-4-1)
- Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega
- Defenders: John Stones, Kaden Braithwaite, Kyle Walker
- Midfielders: Nico O’Reilly, Rico Lewis, Jack Grealish, Matheus Nunes, James McAtee, Jérémy Doku
- Forward: Phil Foden
Watford (5-3-2)
- Goalkeeper: Jonathan Bond
- Defenders: Ryan Porteous, Angelo Ogbonna, Yasser Larouci, Festy Ebosele, Tom Dele-Bashiru
- Midfielders: Imrân Louza, Ken Sema, Pierre Dwomoh
- Forwards: Tom Ince, Vakoun Bayo
Man city vs watford First Half
The match kicked off with City quickly asserting their dominance. Just five minutes in, a mistake from Ryan Porteous led to James McAtee intercepting a poor back pass. He found Jack Grealish, who squared the ball to Jérémy Doku, who calmly slotted it into the bottom left corner, giving City a 1-0 lead.
City continued to press, dominating possession and creating chances. In the 38th minute, Matheus Nunes scored his first goal for the club with a brilliant low shot from just outside the area, making it 2-0. The Etihad erupted in applause as the Brazilian showcased his potential.
At halftime, City looked in complete control with a 2-0 lead, having registered eight shots on target compared to Watford’s solitary attempt.
Man city vs watford Second Half
The second half saw a more determined Watford emerge. City made several substitutions to manage their lead, including the introduction of Savinho for Doku. Despite City’s changes, Watford began to find their rhythm and had a goal disallowed earlier in the match for a foul in the buildup.
In the 86th minute, Tom Ince ignited hope for the visitors with a stunning curler from outside the box, narrowing the gap to 2-1. Watford pushed for an equalizer, but City held firm, managing the final minutes expertly despite some late pressure from the Hornets.
As the match drew to a close, Manchester City secured a 2-1 victory over Watford, ensuring they progressed in the English Carabao Cup.
Man city vs watford Stats
| Statistic | Manchester City | Watford |
| Possession | 72.4% | 27.6% |
| Shots on Goal | 8 | 1 |
| Total Shots | 24 | 5 |
| Fouls | 5 | 6 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Corner Kicks | 10 | 1 |
| Saves | 0 | 5 |
Man city vs watford Timeline
Kick-off
The referee blows the whistle, and the match is underway!
5′ – Goal!
Manchester City 1 – 0 Watford
An early blunder from Ryan Porteous! James McAtee intercepts a poor back pass and finds Jack Grealish, who squares it for Jérémy Doku. Doku spins and slots it home from close range, putting City ahead.
12′ – Attempt Saved
Matheus Nunes tries his luck from outside the box, but Watford keeper Jonathan Bond makes a good save.
16′ – Blocked
Nunes gets another shot off, this time from the left side of the box, but it’s blocked by the Watford defense.
38′ – Goal!
Manchester City 2 – 0 Watford
What a strike from Matheus Nunes! He curls a low shot from just outside the penalty area into the bottom left corner. The Etihad erupts as Nunes celebrates his first goal for City.
45′ – Half-time
The referee signals the end of the first half. Manchester City leads 2-0, having dominated possession and chances.
Second Half Begins
The teams are back on the pitch, and the second half kicks off.
47′ – Substitution
Savinho comes on for Doku as City looks to maintain their lead.
55′ – Missed Chance
Phil Foden makes a good run but his shot is blocked as Watford defends resolutely.
67′ – Attempt Missed
Kwadwo Baah for Watford has a chance from the center of the box but misses to the left.
79′ – Good Save
Nunes gets another shot on target, but Bond is there again to deny him with a strong save.
86′ – Goal!
Manchester City 2 – 1 Watford
Tom Ince brings Watford back into the game with a beautiful curled shot from outside the box that finds the bottom left corner. The Hornets are alive!
90′ – Added Time
The fourth official has indicated four minutes of added time.
90+5′ – Full-time
The referee blows the final whistle. Manchester City wins 2-1 against Watford.
City progresses in the English Carabao Cup, with Nunes and Doku shining in a comfortable victory, while Watford showed resilience and determination to fight back late in the match.
