Man City boss Pep Guardiola names the two Bristol City players that impressed him

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Pep Guardiola looked to two Bristol City players in particular for praise

Pep Guardiola has apologised to Bristol City after Manchester City ended their 12-game unbeaten run with a 3-0 win at Ashton Gate in the Emirates FA Cup.

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The Citizens inflicted a 3-0 defeat on the Robins in the fifth round of football’s oldest cup competition with Phil Foden twice on target along with Kevin De Bruyne. The Robins did well and had a penalty appeal turned down, along with chances for Alex Scott and Sam Bell.

Bell was one of the home side’s best performers and caused numerous problems for England youth international Rico Lewis. His goals against Swansea City and West Brom earned them this tie, and the academy graduate can take pride in his performance, which was recognised by the opposition manager.

“12 games unbeaten, I am sorry that we break that record,” said Guardiola when asked what he made of the performance of Bristol City, and if anyone had impressed him.

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Guardiola opted to pick out the experienced Matty James who was tasked with the unenviable task of coming up against Kevin De Bruyne and England international Kalvin Phillips. James was one of the few players on the home side that had the experience of playing in the Premier League before tonight’s clash.

He also chose Scott, who had much hype surrounding him heading into the match. Scott had obvious comparisons to Jack Grealish after his nickname, and there has been speculation about a dozen teams in the English top flight being interested in him.

“They’re a solid team and they are so aggressive," said Pep who was happy to praise the opposition. "They win their duels. James (Matty) is a really good player, the young Alex Scott is apparently a young talented player as well."

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“I was expecting Mehmeti (Anis) I didn’t know he didn’t play. The wingers are so fast, Bell (Sam). All of them, they made a really good impression.”

Up next for Bristol City is the all-important matter of a Severnside Derby in South Wales, which they will have Anis Mehmeti available for as well as Harry Cornick. Man City have an FA Cup quarter-final draw to look forward to and a home match against Newcastle United at Saturday lunch-time.

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