Swindon Town 1-4 Manchester City: player ratings & Man of the Match as City progress to fourth round

Manchester City secured their place in the FA Cup fourth round after a comfortable 4-1 win over Swindon Town on Friday night.

Despite Pep Guardiola and seven first-team player isolating at home, the Premier League champions still put out a strong side to face the League Two high flyers.

The goalscorers demonstrate that, with Bernardo Silva getting the ball rolling on 14 minutes, followed by a ruthless City pouncing on some poor play out from the back by Swindon, when Gabriel Jesus slotted past Lewis Ward.

The visitors dominated proceedings throughout the night, and Ilkay Gundogan made it three in the second period with a well-placed free-kick, just before Jesus saw his penalty saved by Ward.

Swindon did have one major moment to celebrate with striker Harry McKirdy converted a breakaway chance, although minutes later Cole Palmer netted again for City with a powerful strike inside the box.

Manchester City player ratings

Zack Steffen- 6

The keeper had little to do at the County Ground, but was forced into a first-half save to deny McKirdy after his misplaced pass. In general, the American looked comfortable with the ball at his feet, but he could have done better to prevent Swindon’s goal.

Kyle Walker- 6

Returning to the team after a recent spell on the sidelines, Walker made an important clearance on 39 minutes to prevent a Swindon chance. The defender spent most of the night in the opposition half and often occupied a more central position when in possession.

Ruben Dias- 6

The centre-back saw plenty of the ball and put in a solid display. He dealt well with the rare home attacks, without pushing himself to play at his very best.

Nathan Ake- 7 (off 86)

Similar to Dias, Ake was good in possession and drove forward with a few dribbles. The former Bournemouth man also headed behind a dangerous cross in the second period.

Joao Cancelo- 6

The Portugal international enjoyed himself in the first half at Swindon with more time than usual on the ball. He rocketed a shot just wide at the end of the first period and linked well with Gabriel Jesus. However, Cancelo’s poor pass and positing led to McKirdy’s goal.

Rodri- 7

On the rare occasion Swindon got on the ball, the midfielder was adept at dispossessing them. He was booked for a blatant push on Kaine Kesler Hayden, to deny a breakaway chance. Rodri also enjoyed plenty of touches of the ball and rarely wasted a pass, without getting out of second gear. The Spaniard hit the bar with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box in the latter stages.

Ilkay Gundogan- 8 (off 83)

Impressed despite playing at a slightly more leisurely pace than we’re used to. Gundogan did most things in one or two touches and his curling free-kick in the second half removed any minor doubt of an upset.

Kevin De Bruyne- 7 (off 66)

Provided the assist for Jesus’s goal and won the foul from which Gundogan scored. The No.17 sprayed passes across the pitch during the game and was one of City’s best performers.

Cole Palmer- 8 (off 86)

The youngster started for the first time since the November win over Everton and was superb for the visitors. Drifting in from the right, Palmer moved the ball quickly and connected well with his team-mates. The England Under-21 international twice smashed efforts over in the second half, and his dribble and pass set up Silva’s opener. Palmer’s status as Man of the Match was secured when he smashed in a fantastic strike on 82 minutes.

Bernardo Silva- 8

At his usually phenomenal best, Silva drifted deep from a centre-forward position and linked the play. He couldn’t have asked for an easier finish for his goal, although the movement was brilliant in the build-up.

Gabriel Jesus- 7

The attacker played from the left flank on Friday and, despite having a good game, his influence waned as it continued. Jesus took his goal well, passing it beyond Ward, although the Swindon keeper did save his second-half spot-kick.

James McAtee- 6 (on 66)

Occupied a role as a central striker when he came on and went close with an effort from the edge of the box on 74 minutes.

Romeo Lavia (on 83), Luke Mbete (on 86), Kayky (on 86).