It was a merciless display from the Capital One Cup holders, and an imposing demonstration of their strength in depth. Frank Lampard (2), Edin Džeko (2), Jesus Navas, Yaya Touré and debutant Jose Angel Pozo all found the back of the net in Manchester City's 7-0 slaughtering of Sheffield Wednesday to set up a fourth round home tie against Newcastle United.
Jesus Navas and Frank Lampard shone
Jesus Navas is one of Manchester City's more under-appreciated members. The Spaniard is City's only natural winger, and although speed is his most acclaimed attribute, the 28-year-old is also an accomplished play-maker.
Navas was by no means a regular starter last term, but in his 30 league appearances for the blues (the majority coming from off the bench), he created a total of 56 chances and registered 7 assists. Only Samir Nasri (91) and David Silva (84) created more.
(Navas' pace may receive applause, but his ability to create chances is equally as important to Manuel Pellegrini - via@Squawka)
On Wednesday evening, the winger exhibited his creativity in sublime style, assisting two of City's seven goals and even netting one himself. It was an energetic and refreshingly unselfish performance.
And his new teammate Frank Lampard definitely isn't here just to fill a spot in City's homegrown quota. The 36-year-old's arrival at the Etihad Stadium attracted criticism from City's rivals, but Lampard is a proven goalscorer, and he offers both experience and composure in the heart of Manuel Pellegrini's midfield. The Chelsea legend bagged a brace on Wednesday night to take his tally to three goals in three appearances for the Premier League champions, and his maturity helped the blues control the flow of the play in their 7-0 victory.
Edin Džeko's goals should never be taken for granted
Edin Džeko is known for his typically mute performances, but the Bosnian can always be relied upon to score a goal.
(The Bosnian failed to convert 80.7% of his shots last term - via @Squawka)
Džeko has a poor shot accuracy record (just 46% last season), but one in five of those efforts is likely to hit the back of the net. The 28-year-old contributed two incisive finishes to City's victory on Wednesday night, without doing much else, to record his 68th goal in 113 appearances for the blues, and although he'll continue to frustrate, he'll also continue to score.
Aleksandar Kolarov's delivery is unrivaled in England
Not a particularly special performance from the Serbian, but as always, his delivery into the box was sublime. Kolarov has an unmatched ability to control his whipped crosses with both power and precision - a defender's nightmare, and a striker's dream.
(Kolarov's delivery into the box rarely fails to find a sky blue shirt)
Gaël Clichy is definitely the better defender, but Kolarov has more influence in the final third and he proved that again on Wednesday night with two perfect assists.
Player Ratings
Caballero 6 - An uneventful evening for the Argentine, little chance to impress.
Sagna 6 - Influence of Navas and Milner on the right flank prevented him from bombing forward, but he looked assured defensively.
Mangala 7 - A quiet evening for the defender who continues to familiarise himself with Manuel Pellegrini's defensive tactics. Strong and composed on the ball.
Demichelis 6 - A straightforward evening for the 33-year-old. Mangala's pace made things very easy for him.
Kolarov 7 - Solid at the back and provided two delicious assists.
Navas 9 - A creator as well as a speedster. Set up two goals and netted a scorcher for himself. Top display.
Lampard 8 - Earned a penalty and raised his City tally to three. Knows how to score goals, knows how to control a midfield and continues to impress at his new club.
Fernandinho 7 - Allowed Navas and Lampard to work their magic in front of him. Solid.
Milner 7 - More involved in the second half and could have scored.
Yaya Touré 6 - Happy to sit back. Did nothing wrong, but there's always an aura of complacency surrounding him against sides in lower leagues. Scored a penalty.
Edin Džeko 6 - Poor first half, but he scored two goals. Can't argue with that.
Substitutes
Pozo 6 - Bright and energetic when he came on. Scored a tap in.
Boyata 6 - Little to do.
Sinclair 6 - Game was already won.
