West Brom 1 Manchester City 2: Leroy Sane double puts Pep Guardiola’s men in the Carabao Cup fourth round but Ilkay Gundogan is taken off injured on his comeback
LEROY SANE’S match-winning double was overshadowed by Manchester City’s fears over their fellow German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
Sane struck early and late to defy West Brom’s storming second-half comeback, which peaked with Claudio Yacob’s equaliser.
Leroy Sane takes the applause after completing his double for Man City with a superb late Cup winner at West BromAFP or licensorsLeroy Sane drills home to clinch victory – just when WBA were looking strongRex Features
But Gundogan was taken off injured after Yacob’s controversial challenge.
City’s instant superiority saw Sane smash home a third-minute rebound for a team with eight changes after Gundogan’s shot was spilled.
Baggies keeper Ben Foster brilliantly thwarted Eliaquim Mangala’s header following Sane’s cross as City continued to dictate before the interval.
Gundogan, though, caused alarm for City when he went down in agony following Yacob’s lunge from behind.
It was the midfielder’s first start after his long-running injury woe and he was replaced soon after – but at least was able to walk off unaided.
Raheem Sterling soon went close for City but the Baggies increasingly got back into the contest after the hour mark.
Leroy Sane takes the applause after his second City goal at the HawthornsAFP or licensorsLeroy Sane completes his double to ruin the West Brom fightbackRex Features
And Yacob smashed home a low volleyed equaliser when City defended poorly from a Kieran Gibbs’ corner
It was only Yacob’s second goal in 160 games – and on his first appearance of the season.
And Hal Robson-Kanu nearly put the Baggies in front from Matty Phillips’ cross.
But Sane brilliantly restored City’s lead on 77 minutes.
And they held on despite Robson-Kanu hitting the post in stoppage time.
Leroy Sane cracks Man City in front after only three minutesRex FeaturesLeroy Sane hails his early opener for City against Prem rivals WBA in the EFL CupAFP or licensorsIlkay Gundogan fires wide for Manchester City at the HawthornsAFP or licensorsBernardo Silva powers in an effort watched by West Brom duo Claudio Yacob and James Morrison as Man City dominate the first halfRex FeaturesWest Brom keeper Ben Foster is out to quickly foil Leroy Sane as the Man City midfielder eyes a second goal – which he later producedAFP or licensorsWest Brom star Gareth McAuley clambers above Brazilian striker Gabriel JesusRex FeaturesGabriel Jesus squeezes in a cross as Man City take the game to West BromAFP or licensorsMan City ace Yaya Toure gestures to West Brom midfielder Claudio YacobAFP or licensorsHal Robson-Kanu is sandwiched by City’s Yaya Toure and Ilkay GundoganPA:Press AssociationIlkay Gundogan tries to block out West Brom frontman Hal Robson-KanuReutersYaya Toure objects to being penalised by referee Mike Jones at the HawthornsAFP or licensorsJay Rodriguez tries to fend off Man City’s veteran midfielder Yaya TourePA:Press AssociationClaudio Yacob checks on the condition of Ilkay Gundogan after his costly foulAFP or licensorsWest Brom celebrate as Claudio Yacob pounces for a close-range levellerReutersThe Baggies enjoy their temporary equaliser at home to Man CityReuters
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