Gabriel Jesus scores as Manchester City move to brink of Champions League spot
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 16/05/2017 at 21:35 GMT
Premier League, Ethiad Stadium – Manchester City 3 (Jesus 27, De Bruyne 29, Toure 57) West Bromwich Albion 1 (Robson-Kanu 87)
Manchester City's Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus
Image credit: Getty Images
Gabriel Jesus, Kevin De Bruyne and Yaya Toure netted as Manchester City enjoyed a 3-1 win over West Brom to leave themselves one win away from finishing third.
Victory at Watford in their final match of the season on Sunday will see them finish above Liverpool and Arsenal in third place, and qualify for the Champions League group stage alongside champions Chelsea and second place Tottenham.
As expected, City dominated the opening stages but it was not until the 27th minute that Jesus tapped home de Bruyne’s cross. The Baggies barely had time to regroup before provider turned finisher, the Belgian assist-master placing home a pinpoint finish before the excellent Toure made sure of the points.
Hal Robson-Kanu scored a late consolation for the visiting side, but it could not detract from a dominant home win.
City have 75 points from 37 games with Liverpool on 73 and Arsenal a point further back after a 2-0 win over Sunderland.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2017/05/16/2084606-43687330-2560-1440.jpg)
Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion at Etihad Stadium on May 16, 2017 in Manchester, England.
Image credit: Eurosport
TALKING POINT
A fond farewell. There were tears in Pablo Zabaleta’s eyes when he received the captain’s armband from Vincent Kompany and he admitted to struggling through the last half hour. A great servant over nine years. Received a season ticket for life after an emotional post-match send off.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Yaya Toure (Man City): Another commanding performance and life in the old dog yet. Shielded the back four and strode forward with purpose. Capped a fine performance with a goal and shaded the always brilliant De Bruyne.
PLAYER RATINGS
Man City: Caballero 6, Fernandinho 6, Kompany 7, Otamendi 7, Kolarov 6, Yaya Toure 8, De Bruyne 7, Silva 6, Sane 7, Aguero 6, Gabriel Jesus 7. Subs: Zabaleta 7, Stones 6, Fernando 6.
West Brom: Foster 7; Nyom 7, Dawson 7, Evans 6, M Wilson 6; Livermore 6, Yacob 6, Fletcher 7, Brunt 6, Chadli 6; Rondon 6. Subs: McClean 6, Morrison 6, Robson-Kanu 7.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2017/05/16/2084679-43688790-2560-1440.jpg)
City fans salute Pablo Zabaleta
Image credit: Getty Images
KEY MOMENTS
16’ – SANE CLOSE! Aguero feeds Sane and perhaps he should score instead of firing wide with his left foot.
27’ – GOAL! City 1-0 West Brom. De Bruyne nips down the channel on the left and he crosses for Jesus to tap home. Simple. Lovely flick from Aguero.
29’ – GOAL! City 2-0 West Brom. This time it’s De Bruyne who slams it home after Aguero lays it off and it comes off Jesus and into his path. Lovely finish.
57’ – GOAL! City 3-0 West Brom. And Yaya Toure does it again against West Brom! His fifth goal in five appearances against the Baggies! Lovely flick from Aguero.
68’ – FOSTER SAVE! Jesus slips clear and forces a good save from Foster to palm it over the bar with one hand!
83’ – FOSTER SAVE! Great keeping from Foster again to keep Jesus out at the near post.
87’ – GOAL! City 3-1 West Brom. Nyom crosses for Robson-Kanu and he slides home a consolation.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2017/05/16/2084684-43688890-2560-1440.jpg)
Manchester City celebrate
Image credit: Getty Images
KEY STATS
Manchester City have won each of their last 11 Premier League fixtures against West Bromwich Albion, their second longest winning run against an opponent (12 v Newcastle, 2009-2015).
Gabriel Jesus has been directly involved in eight goals in six Premier League starts (scoring five and assisting two).
Scan me
Share this article