Preston North End 0-3 Manchester City: 3 reasons why the Cityzens won | Carabao Cup

#2 Manchester City were clinical and creative in the final third

Preston North End v Manchester City - Carabao Cup Third Round

While the Preston attack flustered and tried to find one or two chances in the entire game, the Cityzens' attack remained assured and had their eyes on the prize.

Raheem Sterling was arguably the best player on the field, and his style of play aided his team's cause. He was hard for Preston's defense to decipher: Running down the middle to score a solo goal, and then laying the ball out for Gabriel Jesus to score.

The rest of the attack seemed to rally around Sterling, with every single attacker and midfielder - apart from Gundogan - making a minimum of one key pass during the game. In fact, the only City player that seemed to have a quiet game was Bernardo Silva, and he managed two key passes during the game.

That's just how creative this City side were.

#1 The young City defense showcased solid defending

Preston North End v Manchester City - Carabao Cup Third Round

City's defense has a strong penchant from turning defense into attack in an instant, and creating the required momentum for the midfield to carry. City didn't field their first team defenders, the younger lads who replaced them certainly put on a good performance.

Eric Garcia made 6 clearances during the game, and also unwittingly gave Raheem Sterling the pass that led to the first goal. Left-back Angelino managed a key pass and two interceptions. 17-year-old center-back Harwood-Bellis blocked a shot, and made two clearances. Key players like Ilkay Gundogan were also on ground to help the defense by making three tackles during the game.

A dream come true for @bellis_taylor 💙⚪️ 0-3 🔵 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/HeW0N7n7rX

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 24, 2019