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8/1/2023 | 08:15pm
Manchester Metropolis secured their development into the FA Cup fourth spherical with a cushty 4-0 win over Chelsea on the Etihad, with Aymeric Laporte spectacular.
Riyad Mahrez set Pep Guardiola’s aspect on their method with an excellent free-kick over the wall, earlier than Julian Alvarez made it 2-0 from the penalty spot after Kai Havertz’s handball.
Phil Foden added a 3rd earlier than half-time after a gorgeous passing transfer and Metropolis’s whole domination was emphasised farther from one other penalty within the second 45, with Mahrez ending his poor run from 12 yards by smashing within the fourth.
Whereas the Algerian winger was undoubtedly spectacular in opposition to Graham Potter’s aspect it was arguably Laporte who was the star performer on the Etihad.
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As per Sofascore, the Spain worldwide would earn a formidable 8.2/10 ranking for his efficiency, which was the second-highest of any participant to function within the sport behind Mahrez (8.8).
In the course of the 90 minutes, the previous Atletico Bilbao man would get pleasure from 117 touches of the ball, which was essentially the most of any participant within the sport.
He would additionally full 104/108 passes with an outstanding cross success price of 96%, which included one key cross. Contemplating he has averaged simply 61.3 passes per sport within the Premier League with a hit price of 91%, it’s clear that he raised his sport to a different stage in opposition to the Blues on Sunday.
Laporte was additionally in a position to full 11/13 lengthy balls within the sport, serving to to create an enormous likelihood, so he actually emphasised his capability on the ball in what was his first look of the brand new 12 months.
Whereas Metropolis didn’t have an excessive amount of defending to do in opposition to the lacklustre guests, the 28-year-old would nonetheless handle to finish 4 tackles within the sport, which once more was a big improve on the 0.5 tackles he has averaged within the prime flight this season.
It was no shock that Guardiola labelled Laporte “distinctive” after just some months on the Etihad and he has continued to dwell as much as that reward over the previous couple of years, along with his return from damage undoubtedly an enormous enhance for the Spanish supervisor forward of the second half of the season.