Kyle Walker says Manchester City could afford to ease off in the second half of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie with Manchester United such was their control over the game.
City led 3-0 at half-time at Old Trafford in the first leg of the contest thanks to strikes from Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez as well as a own goal from United midfielder Andreas Pereira.
Marcus Rashford pulled one back for United in the second period but the hosts were well-beaten by Pep Guardiola's side, .
But according to Walker, the chase for goals was restrained in the second half as City were able to ease through the game.
“We knew they would come out differently (for the second half) so we knew what to expect,” Walker told Sky Sports.
“We wanted to control the game as much as possible, we’ve had a lot of games over the festive period, so save the legs and if there’s a goal to be had go and get it.”
City boss Guardiola was also full of praise for his team.
“The first minutes were tight but then we had an outstanding goal and we played really good,” he told reporters.
“We played a really good game with a lot of passes from behind.
“In the second half they changed their shape with the diamond, and we struggled to keep the ball a bit more, but it is a good result.
“We knew it was difficult to control Rashford as they are so fast and that was our target today. In the last game we could not control when we lost the ball and tonight we did it better.
“In general, it was an incredible performance and just a fantastic result for us. Tonight we can be more than satisfied to come here to Old Trafford and win.”
