Micah Richards identified what he believed to be Man City’s difference-maker in their 2-1 win at Leyton Orient in the FA Cup fourth round.
Pep Guardiola’s side faced an early scare after Stefan Ortega’s own goal gave the hosts the lead in the 16th minute.
However, a pair of goals in the second half from Abdukodir Khusanov and Kevin de Bruyne earned City a hard-fought win and booked their spot in the fifth round.
For the better part of an hour, City could not break through a stubborn Orient side, who were opportunistic on the counter-attack, and mustered up 13 shots against the champions.
However, when Guardiola looked to his bench to bring on his stronger players, Richards noted that Orient faced a tall task, as he identified De Bruyne as the ‘difference’ in the game.
‘City had to be patient. Orient defended really well,’ he said.
‘When you bring on someone like De Bruyne, I always worry for them [Orient]. He was the difference. Pep wasn’t happy at all, going forward they need to be better than that.
‘De Bruyne can make the difference. He added that little bit of calmness, that little bit of quality.’
Despite letting a lead slip in front of their home fans, Orient boss Richie Wellins was proud of his side’s performance, and praised their character to create chances against such a strong team.
‘I’m proud because we created chances,’ he said.
‘The goals are so obvious for us, the runs and rotations that they make. It took the big boys to come on and beat us.’
He went on to note that City were forced to bring out the heavy artillery to beat Orient, who lie seventh in League One.
The champions brought De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Khusanov, John Stones and Bernardo Silva off the bench to get the job done at the Gaughan Group Stadium.
Wellins added: ‘I’m disappointed we didn’t have forward players available – look at their subs, all of our subs. All these lads are 21, 22. I’m pleased with the development, the game management.
‘I’m disappointed with the first goal. At least we made quite a few chances. Brilliant atmosphere, brilliant for our supporters. They’re just a brilliant outfit aren’t they?’
