Town man is Premier class
EXAMINER Football Writer Rory Benson looks at five things we learned about Town from their FA Cup trip to Manchester City:
Pep Guardiola put out a full-strength City side worth upwards of £280m to take on a Town XI put together for a fraction of the cost.
With so many world-class talents on the pitch, Town were always facing an uphill battle.
But David Wagner’s second-string side should hold their heads up high after giving it their all.
The ex-Man City man buzzed around the pitch and sprung into life in the seventh minute to put Town ahead.
Although he did not get on the ball too often after that, the 24-year-old put in a good shift and summed up the boss’ gegenpressing philosophy.
Head coach Wagner rested all of his key first-team players at the Etihad, showing how much importance he has placed on the Newcastle match this weekend.
Not only that, but he gave Jonathan Hogg a 25-minute run out in an attempt to give him some game time before tomorrow’s crunch clash.
Despite being knocked out of the FA Cup, the fans were given their best Cup run since 2013, and most would take a 5-1 defeat to City if it means a better shot at victory over the Geordies.
The 20-year-old had another exceptional match in the centre of midfield, looking calm and composed on the ball despite being pressured by some of Europe’s finest players.
Billing has grown in confidence this season and is looking more and more assured on the ball with every minute of football he plays.
His delicate touch set up Bunn for Town’s goal and he was the main thorn in City’s side in the opening 20 minutes.
If Town do go up, the Dane would not look out of place in the Premier League.
With Town now out of the FA Cup - and with only 13 Championship fixtures to go - Wagner is unlikely to make sweeping changes from week to week.
The head coach made nine changes to the side that took on Barnsley at Oakwell, with the boss placing more importance on the Newcastle match.
Town’s Cup side have played themselves into contention for a starting berth, but the boss will likely opt for the tried and tested for the remaining 13 matches.