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James Crawley writes

Posted Monday, February 26th 2018 @CrawleyJames92

Carabao Cup praise for City trio

Monday, February 26th 2018

City head coach Lee Johnson is the Carabao Cup manager of the tournament, with Joe Bryan and Aden Flint named in the overall best XI.

Johnson guided the club to five wins, four of those coming against Premier League opposition including the famous night in BS3 in the 2-1 victory against Manchester United.

He gave Pep Guardiola's Manchester City a stern test in the semi-final too, but City ultimately lost to the eventual tournament winners.

Flint proved to be as solid as ever at the back, as he helped City to two clean sheets as part of their cup run, produced an heroic goal-line clearance at the Etihad Stadium and scored against City to keep up the pressure late in the second leg of the semi-final.

And Joe Bryan played a pivotal role in City's cup run, scoring screamers against Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Ashton Gate.

WHAT THE EFL SAID:

Johnson watches his City side take on Manchester United

The EFL on Lee Johnson:

Lee Johnson - "Johnson was the mastermind as Sky Bet Championship side Bristol City became the story of this season’s Carabao Cup. Four Premier League sides – Watford, Stoke City, Crystal Palace and Manchester United – were dispatched, before the Robins pushed Manchester City all the way in the two-legged semi-final."

The EFL on Aden Flint:

"This Robin excelled at both ends of the pitch, but it was at the heart of the defence where Flint really stood out; a rock at the back as they progressed to the last four. He helped keep a clean sheet against Stoke City, while a superb goal-line clearance, and a goal of his own, kept their hopes alive in the semi-final."

The moment Flint asked Pep for his Stone Island jacket...

Bryan's strike put City 1-0 up against Manchester United

The EFL on Joe Bryan:

"Bryan caught the eye bursting down the left-hand side for Bristol City during their run to the semi-finals, while the wing-back performed his defensive duties just as ably. It was going forward where he really made his mark though, and in some style – winning the Goal of the Round in consecutive ties, against Crystal Palace and Manchester United."

Manchester City went on to lift this year's Carabao Cup trophy at Wembley after a 3-0 win over Arsene Wenger's Arsenal.

Football returns to Ashton Gate this weekend with Sheffield Wednesday making the trip south as the Robins look to keep pace in the play-offs of the Sky Bet Championship.

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