Dias shines as City’s defensive prowess secures their place in yet another Carabao Cup final

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias proved his worth as the Citizens beat local rivals Manchester United 2-0 at Old Trafford to progress to the final of the Carabao Cup.

 Goals from John Stones and Fernandinho were enough to book City’s place at Wembley, where they will face a strong Spurs side to try and secure their fourth consecutive League Cup triumph.

Pep Guardiola dedicated the important win to former Manchester City and England legend Colin Bell who sadly passed away earlier in the week. They commemorated Bell by holding a minute’s silence prior to kick-off, as well as wearing black armbands.

Stones struck shortly after the interval, as he bundled the ball home following a pin-point free-kick by his fellow countryman Phil Foden. However, United fans will feel aggrieved as Harry Maguire failed to clear before the ball reached the Englishman, who could not miss.

After a few half-chances that the Red Devils couldn’t convert, City settled the contest. Aaron Wan Bissaka’s tame headed clearance fell straight into the path of Fernandinho, who volleyed into the bottom right corner, leaving Dean Henderson rooted to the spot.

The result means that Guardiola’s men will face Tottenham at Wembley on April 25th. The final has been pushed back from its usual February date in the hope that fans will be able to return.

Whereas, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has now lost all four of his semi-final appearances since his appointment as Manchester United manager in March 2019. The Norwegian is still yet to win silverware with the Red Devils.

With the plaudits usually going to attacking players, it was City’s resolute defence that carried them to victory last night. It was Portuguese centre-half Dias who particularly stood out, with his excellent defensive qualities showing what a great asset he is.

The 23-year-old was very impressive, with his numbers showing that his qualities exceed most defenders of his age. Dias made a total of five tackles and interceptions, which was the joint-most on the pitch alongside Wan Bissaka and in-form full-back Joao Cancelo.

Furthermore, he made more clearances than any other player, with six, as well as making two essential blocks- only Harry Maguire made more.

Guardiola paid Benfica just over £61 million for the promising defender’s services in the summer. The deal is already proving to be an astute acquisition, especially when compared to the business done by some of their competitors.

Last night’s result marked City’s 14th clean sheet this season, which is almost double the amount that they had at this point in the previous campaign. This further emphasises the drastic effect that first-team regular Dias has had on his side’s defensive stability.