Iheanacho on target as Manchester City advance into League Cup semi-finals

Manchester City have reached the semi-finals of the League Cup courtesy of a 4-1 victory at home to Hull City at the Etihad Stadium tonight.

Hull breathed a sigh of relief after five minutes as Eldin Jakupovic wasn’t penalised despite appearing to handle the ball outside his area.

However, they went behind in the 12th minute as Wilfried Bony reacted fastest to sweep home from close range after Kevin de Bruyne’s shot cannoned back off the post. Fabian Delph then fired narrowly wide after being released by David Silva as the hosts penned Hull inside their own half.

Man City continued to come forward and Bony pounced on a poor pass by Jake Livermore before advancing towards goal, but the Ivorian sent a weak effort into the hands of Jakupovic from outside the area.

Hull’s best opportunity of the first period fell to Chuba Akpom in the 44th minute, but the Arsenal loannee scuffed his effort, leaving Willy Caballero to make a comfortable save.

De Bruyne let fly with a powerful attempt 11 minutes into the second half which was pushed away by Jakupovic. Jesus Navas then brushed the outside of the post before De Bruyne forced yet another save from Jakupovic as Silva went close twice.

The second goal finally arrived with 10 minutes left as substitutes Raheem Sterling and Kelechi Iheanacho linked up, with the latter tapping home from inside the area.

De Bruyne made it 3-0 a few minutes later as he pounced on a poor header by Andrew Robertson to roll the ball past a helpless Jakupovic and the Belgian winger added his second in the 88th minute with a precise free kick from 20 yards.

Robertson scored a consolation for the Tigers in injury time, but it’s Manuel Pellegrini’s side who have earned a spot in the semi-finals.